Freedom EVO 200 High-Throughput CTAB-Based Nucleic Acid Extraction Automation System
| Brand | TECAN |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | Freedom EVO 200 |
| Plate Positions | 44 |
| Pipetting Range | 0.5–5000 µL |
| Sample Throughput | 384 samples per run |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 870 mm × 2050 mm × 780 mm |
Overview
The Freedom EVO 200 High-Throughput CTAB-Based Nucleic Acid Extraction Automation System is a fully integrated liquid handling workstation engineered for reproducible, scalable isolation of genomic DNA from plant, fungal, and bacterial tissues using the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method. Unlike generic pipetting platforms, this system is specifically configured with optimized deck layouts, thermal modules, magnetic bead handling capabilities (via optional MagSprint or integrated magnetic separation units), and protocol-specific firmware to execute multi-step CTAB workflows—including tissue lysis under elevated temperature, chloroform:isoamyl alcohol phase separation, RNAse treatment, isopropanol precipitation, and ethanol washes—without manual intervention. Its architecture adheres to modular automation principles defined in ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories and supports traceable execution required under GLP-compliant nucleic acid preparation protocols.
Key Features
- Configurable 44-position deck layout accommodating deep-well plates (96- and 384-well), centrifuge rotors, heating/cooling blocks (4–95 °C), UV decontamination modules, and barcode readers for full sample tracking.
- Precision air-displacement pipetting with dual-channel (0.5–200 µL) and 8-channel (5–5000 µL) arms, calibrated per ISO 8655-6 with volumetric accuracy ≤±1.5% at 100 µL and ≤±0.8% at 1000 µL.
- Integrated liquid level sensing, foam detection, and tip collision avoidance algorithms ensuring robust operation across viscous lysates and high-particulate CTAB extracts.
- Pre-validated CTAB extraction protocols available via TE-CAN’s FluentControl software, including plant leaf, soil-derived microbial, and woody tissue templates—with documented recovery yields ≥85% relative to manual benchmark methods (ASTM D7216-18 reference).
- Modular expandability supporting integration of third-party devices such as thermocyclers, plate sealers, and spectrophotometers via RS232/USB/Ethernet interfaces compliant with ANSI SLAS standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The system processes diverse biological matrices including fresh/frozen plant leaves, root tissues, fungal mycelia, Gram-positive bacteria pellets, and environmental soil suspensions—provided samples are pre-homogenized and suspended in CTAB lysis buffer. It complies with ISO 20387:2018 (biobanking requirements), supports audit trails aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records, and enables user role-based access control (RBAC) for SOP enforcement. All liquid handling steps meet ISO 15195 calibration traceability requirements when operated with certified TECAN calibration kits and documented maintenance logs.
Software & Data Management
FluentControl v5.2 provides graphical workflow design, real-time run monitoring, and automated generation of electronic lab notebook (ELN)-compatible reports including pipette calibration certificates, run logs, error codes, and sample mapping files (CSV/Excel). Audit trail functionality captures operator ID, timestamp, parameter changes, and instrument status transitions—retained for ≥10 years per internal data retention policy. Raw log files export in .xml format compatible with LIMS systems (e.g., LabVantage, STARLIMS) and support automated QC flagging based on volume deviation thresholds or step duration outliers.
Applications
- High-volume genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) library prep requiring consistent gDNA integrity (A260/A280 ≥1.8, A260/A230 ≥2.0) across 384-sample batches.
- Population-scale phylogenetic studies involving tropical plant species with polysaccharide- and polyphenol-rich tissues.
- Environmental microbiome screening where co-extraction of inhibitor-resistant DNA is critical for downstream qPCR sensitivity.
- Reference material production for ISO/IEC 17043 proficiency testing schemes in molecular diagnostics laboratories.
- Method transfer validation between research and QC labs under ICH Q5A guidelines for biopharmaceutical raw material testing.
FAQ
Does the Freedom EVO 200 support fully closed-tube CTAB extraction to minimize contamination risk?
Yes—when equipped with a plate sealer module and laminar flow hood integration, the system executes all steps from lysis to final resuspension within sealed 96-well PCR plates, eliminating open-tube transfers.
Can the system be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—TECAN provides IQ/OQ documentation packages, and the platform supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through digital signatures, encrypted audit trails, and configurable electronic approval workflows.
Is method development assistance included with purchase?
TECAN Application Specialists provide on-site or remote protocol optimization services, including CTAB buffer compatibility testing, carryover assessment (per CLSI EP26-A), and throughput benchmarking against customer-defined acceptance criteria.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained CTAB workflow performance?
Daily tip waste inspection, weekly pipette calibration verification, and quarterly full-system performance qualification (PQ) using NIST-traceable standards are advised per TECAN Service Bulletin SB-FE200-CTAB-2023.
