Azenta 4titude XPeel Fully Automated Plate Sealing Film Remover

Overview

The Azenta 4titude XPeel is a fully automated, benchtop plate sealing film remover engineered for precision, reproducibility, and contamination control in high-throughput life science laboratories. It operates on a proprietary adhesive tape-based removal principle—eliminating reliance on mechanical peeling arms, vacuum grippers, or thermal delamination mechanisms that introduce variability, seal damage, or cross-contamination risk. Instead, the XPeel applies a calibrated, low-tack proprietary removal tape across the entire seal surface under controlled tension and dwell time, then lifts it away in a single, consistent motion. This non-contact, pressure-stabilized process ensures uniform force distribution across all 96-, 384-, and 1536-well microplates—regardless of skirt configuration (full-skirted, semi-skirted, or non-skirted), well geometry (PCR, low-profile, deep-well up to 2 mL), or seal type (thermal, adhesive, foil, or hybrid laminates). Designed to support Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-aligned workflows, the XPeel enables “seal-and-store” sample integrity protocols—where plates remain hermetically sealed until the precise moment of downstream processing—minimizing evaporation, oxidation, and ambient particulate ingress.

Key Features

• Proprietary adhesive tape removal technology eliminates mechanical wear, jamming, and inconsistent peel forces inherent in blade- or roller-based systems
• Universal compatibility with all standard microplate formats: ANSI/SLAS-compliant 96-, 384-, and 1536-well plates—including full-skirted PCR plates, low-profile plates, and deep-well plates (up to 2 mL volume)
• Supports diverse seal types: heat-sealed polyolefin films, pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesives, aluminum foil seals, and multi-layer laminates
• Integrated plate clamping mechanism prevents lateral movement during removal, eliminating shear-induced well deformation or seal residue transfer
• On-device seal removal verification via optical sensor feedback confirms complete, residue-free delamination prior to plate egress
• Throughput of up to 200 plates per hour (dependent on seal type and plate format), with cycle time < 15 seconds per plate
• RS232 serial interface enables bidirectional communication with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), robotic arms, and liquid handlers for unattended integration into end-to-end automated workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XPeel maintains sample integrity across sensitive applications including qPCR, NGS library preparation, ELISA, and cell-based assays where seal integrity directly impacts assay sensitivity and reproducibility. Its operation conforms to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for equipment validation, and its deterministic removal process supports audit-ready documentation for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with compliant LIMS or electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems. All consumables—including removal tape rolls—are manufactured under ISO 13485-certified conditions and supplied with lot-specific traceability documentation. The system requires no external compressed air, vacuum, or heating elements—reducing facility infrastructure dependencies and safety validation overhead.

Software & Data Management

The XPeel operates in standalone mode via intuitive front-panel controls or integrates seamlessly into automated environments using ASCII-based RS232 command protocol (no proprietary drivers required). Each removal event logs timestamp, plate barcode (if scanned externally), seal type, and verification status to internal memory (10,000-event capacity). Logs are exportable via USB-C as CSV files for traceability and QC reporting. While the device itself does not host embedded software, its deterministic behavior and hardware-level verification ensure alignment with ALCOA+ data integrity principles—particularly Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, and Accurate record generation when interfaced with validated upstream/downstream systems.

Applications

• High-throughput qPCR and digital PCR plate unsealing prior to thermal cycling
• NGS library normalization and pooling workflows requiring strict avoidance of aerosol carryover
• Automated ELISA and immunoassay platforms where seal residue compromises antigen binding kinetics
• Biobanking and clinical sample repositories implementing “seal-until-use” cold-chain integrity protocols
• QC/QA release testing labs validating seal removal efficacy across batch-manufactured diagnostic kits
• CRISPR screening pipelines integrating plate unsealing with automated dispensing and imaging steps

FAQ

Does the XPeel require calibration or routine maintenance?**
No scheduled calibration is required. The system uses factory-trimmed mechanical tolerances and optical verification—only periodic cleaning of the tape path and plate clamp surfaces is recommended per manufacturer guidelines.
Can the XPeel remove partial or damaged seals?**
It is designed for intact, uniformly applied seals. Severely creased, punctured, or incompletely fused seals may trigger verification failure and halt processing to prevent compromised plates from entering downstream workflows.
Is tape consumption tracked or monitored?**
Yes—each tape roll is rated for up to 400 removal cycles; the device counts usage and alerts users at 90% depletion via front-panel LED indicator.
What safety certifications does the XPeel hold?**
CE marked per IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and RoHS 2 compliant.
Can the XPeel be validated for GMP environments?**
Yes—its deterministic, non-variable removal mechanism, audit-trail-capable logging, and adherence to ANSI/SLAS microplate standards make it suitable for IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols aligned with ASTM E2500 and EU Annex 15 guidance.