Saprete GS-8N Solid Phase Extraction and Nitrogen Evaporation Concentration System

Overview

The Saprete GS-8N is a semi-automated, 8-channel solid phase extraction (SPE) and integrated nitrogen evaporation concentration system engineered for reproducible sample preparation in regulated and high-throughput laboratory environments. It operates on a positive-pressure elution principle—using precisely regulated nitrogen or oil-free compressed air—to drive solvent flow through SPE cartridges, eliminating the variability associated with traditional vacuum-based systems. Unlike passive vacuum manifolds, the GS-8N delivers consistent, programmable flow rates across all eight channels, enabling uniform breakthrough control, reduced channel-to-channel variance (<3% RSD), and improved method robustness. Its integrated nitrogen blow-down module activates automatically post-elution, allowing seamless transition from SPE purification to solvent removal without manual intervention or sample transfer. This architecture minimizes analyte loss, oxidation, or cross-contamination risks while supporting GLP-compliant workflows where trace-level recovery and inter-batch consistency are critical.

Key Features

• Independent per-channel flow control with digital mass-flow regulation (6–60 mL/min), ensuring precise elution kinetics across heterogeneous sample matrices.
• Programmable multi-step SPE protocols—including conditioning, loading, washing, and elution—with up to 10 user-defined methods stored in non-volatile memory.
• Motorized, position-synchronized nitrogen needle descent mechanism that lowers blow-down tips to optimal distance above each vial (±0.5 mm repeatability) during evaporation.
• Push-pull dual-valve manifold for automatic switching between eluate collection and waste routing—eliminating manual tubing reconfiguration.
• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation, real-time flow monitoring, and event logging (start/stop time, pressure alerts, error codes).
• Chemically resistant fluid path constructed entirely of fluorocarbon elastomer (FKM), certified for compatibility with acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane, hexane, and dilute acidic/basic aqueous solutions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GS-8N accommodates standard SPE cartridge formats (1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, and 10 mL volumes) and supports both reversed-phase (C18, C8), ion-exchange (SCX, SAX), and mixed-mode sorbents. Its positive-pressure design ensures reliable handling of viscous or particulate-laden samples—including serum, plasma, homogenized tissue extracts, wastewater slurry filtrates, and fortified food digests—without clogging or channel imbalance. The system meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and carries CE marking for laboratory equipment. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–validated out-of-the-box, its audit trail functionality (timestamped method execution logs, operator ID tagging, and parameter change history) provides foundational support for GxP-aligned validation protocols. It is routinely deployed in laboratories adhering to ASTM D5907 (suspended solids), ISO 17025 (testing competence), and USP chromatographic method preparation guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware supports method export/import via USB flash drive in .csv format, enabling centralized method library management across instrument fleets. All operational events—including flow deviations >±5%, pressure excursions beyond 120 psi, and timeout failures—are timestamped and archived locally for ≥30 days. Optional RS-232 or Ethernet connectivity (via external converter) allows integration into LIMS environments using Modbus RTU or TCP protocols. No proprietary cloud platform is required; raw log files are human-readable and compatible with common data analysis tools (e.g., Python pandas, LabArchives, Empower). Audit trails comply with ALCOA+ principles when combined with institutional SOPs governing electronic record retention.

Applications

• Environmental Monitoring: Pre-concentration of PFAS, PAHs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides from surface water, groundwater, and municipal effluent prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis.
• Food & Beverage Safety: Cleanup of melamine, dioxins, mycotoxins, and pesticide residues in dairy products, fruit juices, infant formula, and grain extracts.
• Clinical & Forensic Toxicology: Isolation of benzodiazepines, opioids, and stimulants from serum, urine, and oral fluid matrices under CLIA-waived or CAP-accredited workflows.
• Pharmaceutical Development: Desalting and buffer exchange of herbal extract fractions during natural product isolation and QC release testing.
• Agricultural Residue Testing: High-volume processing of apple, rice, and spinach homogenates per EU SANTE/11312/2021 multi-residue methods.

FAQ

Does the GS-8N support method validation per ICH Q2(R2)?
Yes—its programmable flow precision, channel independence, and event logging enable documentation of specificity, accuracy, precision, and robustness parameters required for analytical procedure validation.
Can it be used with 96-well plate SPE formats?
No—the GS-8N is designed exclusively for individual cartridge-based SPE; plate-based systems require dedicated manifold platforms.
Is calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Flow sensors are factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable reference meters; users may perform periodic verification using gravimetric flow checks per ASTM D3243.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
FKM seals should be inspected every 6 months or after 500 cycles; nitrogen filters require replacement quarterly under continuous operation.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Local network access is enabled via optional Ethernet adapter; full remote control requires integration with third-party SCADA or lab automation middleware.