Cytiva AKTAprime Plus Compact Protein Purification System

Overview

The Cytiva AKTAprime Plus is a compact, benchtop liquid chromatography system engineered for rapid, reproducible, and user-directed protein purification at laboratory scale. Built upon Cytiva’s legacy of chromatographic precision—originally developed under GE Healthcare and now maintained under Cytiva’s rigorous quality framework—the system implements low-pressure gradient HPLC principles with integrated peristaltic pumping, UV/visible absorbance detection (280 nm and 254 nm), and real-time conductivity/pH monitoring (with optional modules). Its architecture supports standard column formats—including HiTrap™, HiPrep™, and custom-packed columns up to 2.6 cm ID—and operates within flow rate ranges of 0.01–20 mL/min and pressure limits up to 10 MPa (1450 psi), enabling robust performance across affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, and desalting applications. Designed for GLP-compliant environments, the system meets fundamental requirements for traceable method execution and data integrity in academic, biotech, and early-stage process development labs.

Key Features

• Intuitive touch-screen interface with graphical method editor and on-device method library navigation
• Preset application templates for common purification strategies: His-tag affinity (Ni-NTA), Protein A/G, ion exchange (Q, SP), hydrophobic interaction (Phenyl, Butyl), and buffer exchange (desalting)
• Onboard method storage for up to 40 user-defined or preconfigured methods, each supporting multi-step gradients, fraction collection triggers, and conditional logic
• Dual-wavelength UV detection (254 nm & 280 nm) with baseline correction and peak integration algorithms compliant with ASTM E260 and ISO 17025 data handling expectations
• Integrated fraction collector with programmable tube positioning, volume-based or UV-triggered collection, and customizable rack support (e.g., 96-well plates, microcentrifuge tubes)
• Modular expansion capability: optional pH/conductivity flow cells, autosampler (AKTAprime Autosampler Module), and UNICORN-compatible firmware upgrade path

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AKTAprime Plus accommodates clarified lysates, cell culture supernatants, and partially purified fractions with viscosities ≤ 10 cP and particulate loadings < 5 µm. It is validated for use with Cytiva’s full suite of prepacked chromatography media—including HisTrap™ HP, HiTrap™ Q FF, Capto™ Core 700, and PD-10 desalting columns—as well as user-packed columns packed with resins such as Sepharose™, Sephadex™, and SOURCE™ media. The system complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety and supports audit-ready operation when paired with UNICORN software under FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant configurations (electronic signatures, change control logs, and secure user access levels). All hardware components meet RoHS and REACH directives; fluidic paths are constructed from PEEK, stainless steel, and chemically resistant elastomers suitable for 0.1–1.0 M NaOH cleaning-in-place (CIP) protocols.

Software & Data Management

Method creation and execution occur via the embedded AKTAprime Control Software, which provides a simplified subset of UNICORN functionality—ideal for routine workflows requiring minimal training. All chromatograms, method parameters, and event logs are stored in native .akta binary format and exportable as CSV, PDF, or XML for LIMS integration. Data files include timestamps, operator IDs, instrument serial numbers, and checksums to ensure ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) compliance. When upgraded to UNICORN 7.x or later, the system supports electronic batch records (EBR), automated report generation, and secure network deployment in regulated QC/QA environments aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and USP .

Applications

• Routine purification of recombinant proteins (e.g., His-tagged, GST-fused, or antibody fragments) from E. coli, yeast, or mammalian expression systems
• Buffer exchange and desalting prior to analytical characterization (SEC-MALS, DLS, CD spectroscopy)
• Process intermediate purification during upstream/downstream bioprocess development
• Antibody fragment isolation (Fab, scFv) using Protein A or ion-exchange capture
• Quality control testing of column performance (e.g., asymmetry factor, resolution, plate count) per USP
• Teaching chromatography fundamentals in undergraduate and graduate biochemistry laboratories

FAQ

Does the AKTAprime Plus support pH and conductivity monitoring?
Yes—when equipped with optional flow-through pH and conductivity sensors, the system enables real-time monitoring and method-triggered events (e.g., fraction collection upon conductivity threshold crossing).
Can I upgrade to UNICORN software post-purchase?
Yes—hardware is fully compatible with UNICORN 6.3 and later versions; license activation requires Cytiva support and validation documentation.
What is the maximum column bed height supported?
The system supports columns up to 30 cm bed height when using recommended flow rates and resin types; optimal performance is achieved with standard prepacked columns (e.g., HiTrap™: 1–5 mL, HiPrep™: 16–26 mL).
Is the system suitable for GMP environments?
While the AKTAprime Plus itself is not GMP-certified, it may be deployed in GMP-aligned workflows when operated under validated SOPs, with UNICORN 7.x Part 11 configuration, and integrated into a documented quality management system.
How many fractions can be collected automatically?
The built-in fraction collector supports up to 96 positions (standard 15-mL tubes); additional racks and plate adapters are available for high-throughput screening configurations.