Acquire Automated Fraction Collector by Flownamics

Overview

The Acquire Automated Fraction Collector is a precision-engineered, benchtop-scale liquid handling system designed for automated, sterile sampling in bioprocess development and manufacturing environments. Built on a modular architecture, it integrates seamlessly with upstream bioreactors—including glass vessel, stainless-steel, and single-use systems—enabling unattended, time-synchronized collection of process samples across up to eight independent fluid streams. Unlike conventional fraction collectors limited to post-chromatography applications, the Acquire operates under controlled thermal conditions (–10 °C to 20 °C) using either Peltier-based thermoelectric cooling or external cryogenic coolant circulation, ensuring sample integrity during transient storage prior to downstream analysis (e.g., HPLC, qPCR, metabolite profiling). Its core functionality centers on programmable, low-shear fluid transfer with validated aseptic probe interfaces, making it suitable for both clarified supernatants and intact cell suspensions without compromising viability or introducing cross-contamination.

Key Features

• Multi-stream compatibility: Supports simultaneous sampling from up to eight independent bioreactor vessels or process lines via individually addressable peristaltic or diaphragm-driven fluid paths.
• Sterile sampling architecture: Equipped with autoclavable or gamma-sterilizable sampling probes, including Luer-lock, clamp-style, and integrated septum-piercing variants compatible with standard bioreactor ports (e.g., 1/4″–28 UNF, ISO-KF).
• Thermally regulated sample storage: Integrated temperature-controlled chamber maintains setpoint stability ±0.5 °C across the full operating range (–10 °C to 20 °C), supporting short-term stabilization of labile biomolecules and live-cell suspensions.
• Flexible vessel support: Accepts standard microplates (96-well and 384-well formats), conical tubes (15 mL and 50 mL), and custom vial racks; plate positioning is motorized and auto-calibrated via optical homing.
• Self-cleaning fluid path: Programmable rinse cycles utilize configurable wash solvents (e.g., PBS, 70% ethanol, deionized water) with pressure-verified flush validation and waste volume monitoring.
• OPC UA integration: Native support for industrial communication protocols enables bidirectional data exchange with SCADA, MES, and DCS platforms—facilitating audit-ready event logging, remote parameter adjustment, and real-time status reporting.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Acquire system accommodates a broad spectrum of bioprocess fluids, including mammalian and microbial cell cultures, lysates, clarified harvests, and purified protein fractions. Its wetted materials comply with USP Class VI and FDA CFR 21 Part 11 requirements for contact surfaces (e.g., silicone-free fluoropolymer tubing, 316L stainless steel fittings, medical-grade polycarbonate housing). All sampling sequences are timestamped and logged with operator ID, protocol name, and environmental metadata (temperature, pressure, elapsed time), supporting GLP/GMP documentation workflows. The system meets IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 for electromagnetic compatibility and carries CE marking for laboratory use within the European Economic Area.

Software & Data Management

Control is managed via the Acquire Control Suite—a Windows-based application offering intuitive graphical workflow programming, drag-and-drop scheduling, and real-time visualization of sample positions, temperatures, and valve states. Each run generates an encrypted .acq binary file containing raw actuator logs, thermal profiles, and user annotations, exportable in CSV or XML for LIMS integration. Audit trail functionality records all configuration changes, login events, and manual overrides with immutable timestamps and digital signatures. Optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance packages include electronic signature enforcement, role-based access control, and periodic integrity verification of archived datasets.

Applications

• Bioreactor process monitoring: Automated hourly sampling during fed-batch CHO cell culture for offline titer, viability, and metabolite analysis.
• Fermentation optimization: Time-resolved collection from parallel E. coli fermenters to map acetate accumulation and plasmid stability.
• Purification process development: Fractionated elution collection during Protein A chromatography with synchronized UV absorbance triggering.
• Single-use system qualification: Sterile sampling validation across multiple disposable bioreactor vendors under identical thermal and flow conditions.
• Scale-down model correlation: Reproducible sampling from 2-L and 20-L bioreactors to establish kinetic equivalence for QbD-based process characterization.

FAQ

Can the Acquire collect samples directly from pressurized bioreactors?
Yes—when configured with pressure-rated sampling manifolds and isolation valves, it supports sampling at up to 1.5 bar(g) without compromising sterility or flow accuracy.
Is validation support provided for GMP environments?
Flownamics supplies IQ/OQ documentation templates, traceable calibration certificates for temperature sensors and flow meters, and on-site installation qualification services upon request.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Peristaltic tubing should be replaced every 500 hours of operation; Peltier modules undergo annual thermal performance verification; firmware updates are released quarterly and distributed via secure customer portal.
Does the system support integration with third-party analytical instruments?
Yes—through TTL trigger outputs and ASCII command sets, it synchronizes with HPLC autosamplers, plate readers, and mass spectrometers for closed-loop analytical workflows.
How is cross-contamination prevented between sequential samples?
Each fluid path includes dedicated rinse reservoirs, programmable multi-stage washing (pre-rinse, main wash, post-rinse), and air-gap separation between samples—validated per ASTM E2656 for carryover ≤ 0.001%.