Cytiva ÄKTA™ start Chromatography System

Overview

The Cytiva ÄKTA™ start Chromatography System is a compact, benchtop preparative liquid chromatography platform engineered for rapid, reproducible protein purification at laboratory scale. Based on proven low-pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC) architecture, it implements affinity chromatography (AC) as its primary separation mode—optimized for capture steps such as His-tag, GST-tag, or antibody-based purification. The system operates under controlled linear gradient elution profiles, delivering consistent flow dynamics across its 0.5–5 mL/min range while maintaining pressure integrity up to 0.5 MPa. Its core detection suite includes a solid-state LED-based UV monitor fixed at 280 nm—ideal for real-time tracking of aromatic amino acid absorbance—and a calibrated conductivity sensor spanning 0–300 mS/cm, enabling simultaneous monitoring of buffer composition and elution salt fronts. Designed for integration into GLP-compliant workflows, the ÄKTA™ start supports audit-ready operation when paired with UNICORN™ start software, which records full method parameters, run logs, and detector outputs with timestamped metadata.

Key Features

• Intuitive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with front-facing control panel and visible fluidic path layout for rapid visual verification of system status
• Preconfigured “Quick Start” methods and editable method templates for common affinity purification protocols (e.g., Ni-NTA, Protein A, Glutathione Sepharose)
• Integrated dual-pump peristaltic architecture with validated flow accuracy (±10–15% depending on flow rate) and compatibility with standard silicone or fluoropolymer pump tubing
• Real-time UV absorbance and conductivity overlay display during runs, supporting immediate decision-making for fraction collection triggers
• Robust chemical resistance: validated for daily in-place cleaning (CIP) with 1 mol/L NaOH and 2 mol/L NaCl solutions over ≥3-hour exposure cycles
• Modular expansion capability via optional Frac30 fraction collector, supporting four tube formats (1.5 mL, 2 mL, 5 mL, 15 mL) with position-synchronized triggering

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ÄKTA™ start accommodates a broad range of biomolecular samples—including recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, and fusion tags—when used with commercially available prepacked columns (e.g., HisTrap, GSTrap, MabSelect). Its low-pressure design (<0.5 MPa) ensures compatibility with soft agarose- and silica-based resins commonly employed in lab-scale affinity and ion-exchange applications. From a regulatory perspective, the system aligns with foundational requirements for analytical traceability in academic, biotech, and early-stage process development environments. When operated with UNICORN™ start software under configured user access levels and enabled electronic signatures, it supports adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles—including secure audit trails, data immutability, and role-based permissions—making it suitable for GMP-adjacent documentation practices.

Software & Data Management

UNICORN™ start software serves as the central control and analysis environment for the ÄKTA™ start system. Installed on Windows-based PCs, it provides method creation, execution scheduling, real-time chromatogram visualization, and post-run evaluation tools—including peak integration, baseline correction, and export of ASCII- or CSV-formatted datasets. All method files (.mth), run logs (.log), and chromatographic data (.chr) are stored with embedded timestamps and operator identifiers. Software updates follow Cytiva’s documented release cycle, with version history and validation reports available upon request. Data backups can be scheduled automatically to network drives or external storage media, satisfying institutional data retention policies.

Applications

• Routine purification of His-tagged proteins from bacterial lysates using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC)
• Single-step capture of monoclonal antibodies from mammalian cell culture supernatants via Protein A resin
• Small-scale screening of binding conditions and elution gradients during assay development
• Buffer exchange and desalting steps integrated into multi-step purification workflows
• Training platform for undergraduate and graduate students learning chromatographic principles and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) fundamentals

FAQ

What column formats are compatible with the ÄKTA™ start system?

The system accepts standard prepacked columns with Luer-lock or female Luer-lock fittings, including 1 mL, 5 mL, and 10 mL formats from Cytiva’s HisTrap, GSTrap, and MabSelect product lines.
Can the ÄKTA™ start be used for size-exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography?

Yes—while optimized for affinity purification, it supports isocratic and linear gradient elution modes required for SEC and IEX when paired with appropriate resins and method parameters.
Is UNICORN™ start software included with the system purchase?

Yes—UNICORN™ start is supplied as part of the standard delivery package, with perpetual license and basic technical support included.
How often should pump tubing be replaced?

Under typical usage (≤4 hrs/day), replacement is recommended every 3–6 months; frequency increases with aggressive solvents or high-conductivity buffers.
Does the system meet ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements?

While the ÄKTA™ start is not certified to ISO/IEC 17025, its flow and detection modules undergo factory calibration with documented uncertainty budgets; users may perform in-house verification using NIST-traceable standards.