Pribolab® EQ-MPS 2400 Automated Magnetic Bead Purification System

Overview

The Pribolab® EQ-MPS 2400 Automated Magnetic Bead Purification System is a benchtop sample preparation workstation engineered for high-throughput, reproducible isolation and cleanup of mycotoxins from complex biological and agricultural matrices. It operates on the principle of magnetic bead-based affinity purification—leveraging superparamagnetic particles functionalized with specific ligands (e.g., antibodies, aptamers, or chelating groups) that selectively bind target analytes under controlled buffer conditions. The system employs a precision-driven magnetic rod array coupled with disposable magnetic rod sleeves to immobilize, transfer, wash, and elute magnetic beads without cross-contamination. Unlike manual or vacuum-based methods, this architecture eliminates pipetting variability and minimizes operator intervention, ensuring consistent binding kinetics and recovery efficiency across 1–24 samples per run. Designed for routine use in food safety laboratories, QC facilities, and regulatory testing centers, the EQ-MPS 2400 supports standardized workflows aligned with AOAC Official Method® and EU Commission Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006 requirements for mycotoxin analysis.

Key Features

• Intuitive dual-language touchscreen interface (English/Chinese) with programmable protocol templates and real-time status monitoring
• Dedicated UV-C germicidal irradiation module (254 nm) integrated into the instrument chamber, activated automatically during idle cycles to suppress microbial contamination on internal surfaces and consumables
• Low-vibration stepper motor drive system ensures stable magnetic rod positioning and precise sleeve engagement—critical for high bead retention and minimal carryover
• Modular consumable architecture: uses only single-use, pre-sterilized magnetic rod sleeves and deep-well plates compliant with ANSI/SLAS standards (96-well footprint)
• Embedded Ethernet port and optional Wi-Fi module enable remote operation, firmware updates, and audit-log synchronization via secure HTTPS
• Onboard memory stores ≥500 user-defined protocols with version timestamps; supports USB export of method files for lab-wide standardization

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EQ-MPS 2400 accommodates liquid-phase extracts derived from solid samples including cereals (wheat, maize, barley), oilseeds, dairy powders, pet food, and animal feed. It is validated for use with Pribolab’s certified mycotoxin-specific magnetic bead kits targeting aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2/HT-2 toxins, and fumonisins. All purification steps—including binding, three-stage washing (low-ionic-strength buffer, ethanol rinse, air-dry), and organic solvent elution—are fully automated and thermally stabilized (±0.5 °C). The system meets GLP-compliant data integrity requirements: full electronic audit trail (user ID, timestamp, parameter changes), password-protected method editing, and 21 CFR Part 11–ready configuration options (digital signatures, role-based access control).

Software & Data Management

The proprietary Pribolab Control Suite (v3.2+) provides desktop and mobile (iOS/Android) interfaces for method development, run scheduling, and QC review. Each run generates a structured CSV log containing cycle time, temperature profiles, magnetic field dwell durations, and error codes. Raw logs are cryptographically hashed and archived locally or pushed to networked NAS storage. Software supports IQ/OQ documentation packages, including calibration verification reports for magnetic field strength (measured in gauss at rod tip) and thermal uniformity mapping across the plate heater zone. Integration with LIMS is enabled via HL7 and ASTM E1384-compliant API endpoints.

Applications

• Routine quantification of regulated mycotoxins in grain shipments prior to milling or export
• Multi-analyte screening in accredited food testing laboratories performing ISO/IEC 17025:2017–accredited methods
• Method development for novel toxin conjugates (e.g., glucuronide metabolites) requiring gentle elution conditions
• High-sensitivity LC-MS/MS sample prep where matrix suppression must be minimized through stringent cleanup
• Reference material certification studies requiring inter-laboratory reproducibility (RSD ≤ 5% across n=6 replicates)

FAQ

What types of magnetic bead kits are compatible with the EQ-MPS 2400?

Pribolab’s proprietary mycotoxin-specific kits are validated; third-party 1–2 µm carboxylated or streptavidin-coated beads may be used if their hydrodynamic diameter and magnetophoretic mobility fall within the system’s operational envelope (tested range: 0.5–5 µm).
Does the system support gradient elution or multi-step washing protocols?

Yes—up to 5 discrete wash/elution steps can be programmed with independent volume, dwell time, agitation speed, and temperature settings per step.
How is carryover between runs prevented?

Automated sleeve ejection after each run, combined with UV irradiation and an integrated HEPA-filtered laminar airflow path over the processing deck, reduces residual contamination to <0.01 pg carryover (verified using aflatoxin B1 spike-recovery tests).
Can the instrument be integrated into a robotic sample-to-report workflow?

Yes—RS-232 and Modbus TCP interfaces allow handshake communication with upstream autosamplers and downstream HPLC systems for unattended 24/7 operation.
Is service and calibration support available outside China?

Pribolab maintains authorized service partners in EU, North America, and Southeast Asia; annual performance qualification (PQ) services include magnetic field mapping, thermal validation, and pipetting accuracy verification per ISO 8655-6.