Raykol Fotector Plus High-Throughput Automated Solid Phase Extraction System

Overview

The Raykol Fotector Plus is a high-throughput, fully automated solid phase extraction (SPE) system engineered for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance in modern analytical laboratories. It implements programmable, pressure- and gravity-assisted fluid handling to execute all SPE steps—conditioning, loading, washing, and elution—without manual intervention. Built upon a modular robotic architecture with dual-arm liquid handling and independent solvent delivery manifolds, the Fotector Plus operates on the fundamental principle of selective analyte retention and elution using functionalized sorbent cartridges. Its design targets high-volume sample preparation workflows common in food safety (e.g., pesticide and veterinary drug residue analysis per ISO 17025-accredited methods), environmental monitoring (e.g., PAHs, PCBs, and pharmaceuticals in water per EPA Method 502.2/525.3), and forensic toxicology (e.g., drug screening in biological matrices per SWGTOX guidelines). The system eliminates operator-dependent variability and minimizes exposure to hazardous solvents through enclosed operation—making it suitable for integration into fume hoods without spatial compromise.

Key Features

• Fully automated SPE workflow: All steps—including cartridge conditioning, sample loading, solvent washing, and target analyte elution—are executed under pre-defined method protocols with no manual transfer or timing adjustments.
• Multi-channel parallel processing: Simultaneous treatment of up to 6 samples per cycle ensures throughput scalability while maintaining inter-sample consistency.
• Precision flow control: Programmable syringe-pump-driven fluid delivery enables accurate flow rate regulation from 0 to 100 mL/min across all solvents and steps—critical for optimizing retention efficiency and minimizing breakthrough in reversed-phase, ion-exchange, or mixed-mode SPE.
• Eight-solvent flexibility: Independent solvent selection from eight dedicated reservoirs supports complex multi-step elution schemes required for co-eluting analytes or matrix-rich samples (e.g., plasma, sludge digests).
• Chemically inert fluid path: Wetted components consist exclusively of 316L stainless steel, PTFE, and PEEK—ensuring compatibility with aggressive organic solvents (e.g., DCM, acetonitrile, methanol), acidic/basic modifiers, and high-salt buffers without leaching or degradation.
• Unattended batch operation: Integrated sample rack indexing and carousel-based cartridge handling enable continuous processing of up to 48 samples—ideal for overnight runs aligned with LC-MS/MS or GC-MS instrument schedules.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Fotector Plus accommodates standard 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, and 12 mL SPE cartridges from major vendors (e.g., Waters, Agilent, Thermo Fisher), as well as custom-packed columns. It supports diverse sample matrices including aqueous extracts (drinking water, wastewater), acidified biological fluids (urine, serum), homogenized food composites (meat, fruit, grain), and soil/sediment leachates. The system complies with key international method frameworks: EPA Methods 502.2, 525.3, and 8270; ISO 17025 clause 7.2.2 (method validation); and EU Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 for MRL enforcement. Its mechanical repeatability (<2% RSD for recovery across replicate runs) satisfies GLP/GMP data integrity expectations for regulated labs.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Raykol’s proprietary SPEStudio™ software, the Fotector Plus provides intuitive method building with step-wise parameter definition (flow rate, dwell time, vacuum level, fraction collection logic). Audit trails record all user actions, method changes, and run logs with timestamps—fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with electronic signatures and role-based access control. Raw run data (including pressure profiles, valve actuation logs, and solvent consumption metrics) are exportable in CSV and XML formats for LIMS integration or statistical process control (SPC) analysis.

Applications

• Food safety labs: Multi-residue analysis of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and beta-agonists in milk, honey, and cereals prior to LC-MS/MS quantification.
• Environmental testing: Pre-concentration and cleanup of endocrine-disrupting compounds (e.g., bisphenol A, alkylphenols) from surface water at sub-ng/L levels.
• Clinical toxicology: Isolation of opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants from whole blood and urine—reducing ion suppression in ESI-MS detection.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Removal of excipients and degradation products from tablet dissolution media prior to HPLC-UV assay.

FAQ

Does the Fotector Plus support method validation documentation?
Yes—SPEStudio™ generates IQ/OQ documentation templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM D8294-20, including calibration reports for flow rate accuracy and cross-contamination verification protocols.
Can it interface with third-party autosamplers or LC systems?
It features RS-232, Ethernet, and optional OPC UA connectivity for synchronized start/stop triggering with HPLC or GC autosamplers—enabling true walk-away sample-to-report workflows.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Scheduled maintenance includes quarterly valve seal inspection, biannual pump calibration, and annual firmware updates—each tracked automatically within the software’s service log module.