Tongxintianbo MASTER-III Fully Automated Liquid Sample Processing Platform

Overview

The Tongxintianbo MASTER-III Fully Automated Liquid Sample Processing Platform is an integrated benchtop system engineered for high-throughput, reproducible liquid handling tasks in analytical, quality control, and research laboratories. Built upon a modular robotic architecture with precision stepper-motor-driven XYZ motion control and multi-channel positive-displacement pipetting, the MASTER-III executes complex sample preparation workflows—including dilution series, standard curve generation, spike recovery, reagent addition, plate replication, and serial transfers—without manual intervention. Its design adheres to core principles of traceability, consistency, and minimal carryover, making it suitable for applications requiring strict adherence to GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) frameworks. The platform operates on volumetric liquid handling principles, utilizing calibrated air-displacement or positive-displacement pipette tips compatible with common ANSI/SLAS microplate formats (96-well, 384-well), ensuring compatibility with downstream instrumentation such as HPLC, LC-MS, ELISA readers, and automated analyzers.

Key Features

• Modular automation architecture supporting up to 8 independent pipetting channels with adjustable tip spacing for flexible plate layout adaptation
• Integrated barcode scanning module for unambiguous sample tube and plate identification, enabling full chain-of-custody tracking
• Onboard refrigerated reagent storage compartment (4–10 °C) with temperature monitoring and logging capability
• Waste management system with level-sensing liquid waste container and aerosol-resistant tip ejection mechanism
• Auto-calibration routine for pipette volume verification using gravimetric or photometric methods (user-configurable)
• Touchscreen HMI with intuitive workflow builder interface; supports drag-and-drop protocol creation and real-time run monitoring
• Emergency stop circuitry, tip collision detection, and lid-sensor interlocks compliant with IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MASTER-III accommodates a broad range of liquid sample matrices including aqueous buffers, organic solvents (up to 100% acetonitrile or methanol), serum, plasma, urine, cell lysates, and environmental water extracts. It supports consumables from major global suppliers (e.g., Eppendorf, Thermo Fisher, Greiner Bio-One) meeting ISO 8655-6 (volumetric performance of piston-operated volumetric apparatus) specifications. All operational logs—including user actions, protocol execution timestamps, error events, and calibration records—are stored locally with optional network backup. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with validated software configuration and electronic signature modules. System validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ templates) is provided to support laboratory qualification under ISO/IEC 17025 and CLIA guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The embedded MASTER Control Suite v3.2 provides protocol development, execution scheduling, and instrument diagnostics via a secure web-based interface accessible from Windows/macOS/Linux clients. Protocols are saved in XML-based format with version control and user-defined metadata tagging. Raw log files export in CSV and PDF formats; integration with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is supported via HL7 and RESTful API endpoints. Data integrity safeguards include write-once file locking, SHA-256 hash verification of archived logs, and configurable retention policies aligned with institutional data governance policies. Software updates are delivered through digitally signed firmware packages verified at boot time.

Applications

• Pre-analytical standardization of clinical specimens prior to immunoassay or molecular testing
• Automated preparation of calibration standards and QC samples for regulated bioanalysis (e.g., PK/PD studies)
• High-volume sample normalization in omics workflows (proteomics, metabolomics)
• Environmental lab compliance testing per EPA Method 525.3 (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for pesticides)
• QC release testing in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments per USP Analytical Instrument Qualification
• Academic core facility deployment for shared-resource automation with multi-user access control and usage reporting

FAQ

What types of pipette tips are compatible with the MASTER-III?
Standard conical polypropylene tips (10–1000 µL) conforming to ANSI/SBS footprint specifications; positive-displacement tips available for viscous or volatile liquids.
Can the MASTER-III be integrated into an existing LIMS environment?
Yes—via configurable HL7 message routing or REST API calls for sample registration, result ingestion, and status synchronization.
Is remote monitoring and troubleshooting supported?
Yes—through TLS-secured web interface with role-based access; diagnostic telemetry requires explicit user consent per ISO/IEC 27001 data privacy controls.
What validation documentation is included?
Factory-issued IQ/OQ protocols, calibration certificates traceable to NIM (China National Institute of Metrology), and software verification reports per GAMP 5 classification.
Does the system meet electrical safety requirements for international use?
Certified to GB 4793.1-2019 (equivalent to IEC 61010-1:2010) for laboratory equipment safety; CE marking available upon request for EU deployment.