Cytiva ÄKTA go Protein Purification System

Overview

The Cytiva ÄKTA go Protein Purification System is a compact, benchtop fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) platform engineered for reproducible, scalable, and method-driven purification of proteins in academic and industrial research laboratories. Built upon Cytiva’s decades of chromatographic expertise, the system employs high-precision dual-piston metering pumps to deliver stable, pulse-free flow across its operational range of 0.01–25 mL/min, supporting standard analytical to semi-preparative column formats. It operates at pressures up to 5 MPa (50 bar), enabling robust performance with common resins used in affinity, size exclusion (SEC/gel filtration), and ion exchange (IEX) chromatography. The integrated UV absorbance detector (fixed 280 nm wavelength) and conductivity sensor (0.01–999.99 mS/cm) provide real-time, quantitative monitoring of elution profiles, while optional pH monitoring (0–14) expands capability for pH-sensitive separations. Its footprint—just 335 × 464 mm—allows seamless integration into refrigerated cabinets or crowded lab benches without compromising accessibility or serviceability.

Key Features

• Compact modular architecture: Designed for space-constrained environments including cold rooms and shared core facilities.
• F9-T fraction collector: Compatible with deep-well plates (96- and 384-well), microtiter plates, and Eppendorf-style tubes; configurable placement adjacent to or beneath the main unit via an integrated tunnel design.
• Intuitive UNICORN software control: Preconfigured purification methods for common workflows—including one-step antibody purification, two-step antibody refinement, His-tagged protein capture, and native protein isolation—reduce method development time and operator dependency.
• High-fidelity fluidic path: 0.5 mm internal diameter PEEK tubing, low-dead-volume fittings, and a 2 mm (optional 5 mm) flow cell ensure minimal band broadening and high signal-to-noise ratio in UV and conductivity detection.
• Energy-efficient operation: Typical power draw of 100 W; <20 W in standby mode—aligned with institutional sustainability benchmarks and continuous-run laboratory requirements.
• Regulatory-ready configuration: Supports audit trail logging, user access levels, and electronic signature compliance when used with UNICORN 7.0 or later under validated IT infrastructure per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 guidelines.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ÄKTA go accommodates a wide range of sample types—from clarified lysates and hybridoma supernatants to recombinant expression harvests—without requiring dilution or pre-filtration beyond standard 0.22 µm filtration. It is compatible with all major chromatographic media, including Cytiva’s pre-packed columns (e.g., HiTrap, Tricorn, XK series) and third-party packed columns meeting standard 10/10 or 16/10 dimension specifications. The system complies with essential European directives: Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC, and Radio Equipment Directive 1999/5/EC. When operated within manufacturer-specified environmental and procedural conditions—as outlined in the official user manual—the instrument meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment. Routine maintenance intervals and calibration protocols are documented in accordance with GLP principles for non-clinical laboratory studies.

Software & Data Management

Controlled exclusively via Cytiva’s UNICORN software (v6.4+ recommended), the ÄKTA go enables full method definition, real-time visualization, automated fraction triggering, and post-run analysis. All chromatograms, system logs, and event timestamps are stored in a structured, searchable database. UNICORN supports export to CSV, PDF, and XML formats for integration with LIMS or ELN systems. Audit trails record user actions, parameter changes, and run completions with immutable timestamps—critical for quality assurance in regulated environments. Optional UNICORN Connect enables remote monitoring and basic troubleshooting via secure HTTPS connection, subject to local network security policies.

Applications

• Single-step purification of monoclonal antibodies from CHO or HEK293 supernatants using Protein A affinity chromatography.
• Removal of aggregates and fragments from therapeutic protein candidates via size exclusion chromatography (SEC) under native or denaturing conditions.
• Polishing of His-tagged recombinant enzymes using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), followed by buffer exchange or desalting.
• Isolation of native, tag-free proteins from bacterial or insect cell lysates using ion exchange or hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC).
• Method scouting and optimization for multi-step purification schemes prior to scale-up on ÄKTA pure or ÄKTA avant platforms.

FAQ

What column formats are supported by the ÄKTA go system?
The system is compatible with standard prepacked columns up to 16 mm internal diameter and 20 cm length, including HiTrap, Tricorn, and XK series. Custom-packed columns with appropriate end-fittings and pressure ratings may also be used.
Can the ÄKTA go be used for GMP-compliant purification?
While the ÄKTA go itself is not a GMP-dedicated system, it can support early-stage process development under GMP-aligned practices when paired with validated UNICORN software, documented SOPs, and qualified reagents and consumables.
Is pH monitoring included as standard?
No—pH sensing is an optional add-on module requiring separate installation and calibration. The base configuration includes UV and conductivity detection only.
How does the F9-T fraction collector integrate with cold room workflows?
The F9-T can be mounted directly beneath the ÄKTA go unit using the supplied tunnel bracket, allowing full operation inside refrigerated cabinets (4–8 °C) without obstructing front-panel access or fluidic connections.
What level of data integrity does UNICORN provide for regulatory submissions?
UNICORN 7.0 and later versions support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant features—including electronic signatures, role-based access control, and permanent audit trails—when deployed on validated Windows OS environments with appropriate IT governance.