Supelco Visiprep DL 12-Port Solid Phase Extraction Manifold

Overview

The Supelco Visiprep DL 12-Port Solid Phase Extraction Manifold is a precision-engineered vacuum manifold system designed for high-throughput, reproducible solid-phase extraction (SPE) of liquid and semi-solid samples. Based on the fundamental principles of adsorption chromatography—leveraging physicochemical interactions including hydrophobicity, polarity, ion exchange, and hydrogen bonding—the system enables selective retention, washing, and elution of target analytes from complex matrices. Unlike traditional liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), SPE significantly reduces solvent consumption (typically by >80%), minimizes emulsion formation, improves analyte recovery, and enhances method robustness for subsequent analysis by HPLC, GC, LC-MS, or ICP-MS. The Visiprep DL platform supports standardized SPE workflows compliant with EPA Methods 502.2, 525.3, 8081B, 8270D, and ISO 17993, making it suitable for regulated environmental, food safety, clinical toxicology, and pharmaceutical quality control laboratories.

Key Features

• Vacuum manifold architecture with 12 independently controllable sample ports—each equipped with a chemically resistant PTFE-coated stainless steel valve and leak-tight O-ring seal to prevent cross-contamination and ensure consistent flow control across all channels.
• Integrated anti-fogging vacuum chamber design with transparent polycarbonate lid and calibrated vacuum gauge (0–760 torr), enabling real-time pressure monitoring and optimization of loading/washing/elution steps.
• PTFE-constructed fluid path components—including valve bodies, tubing connectors, and column adapters—providing exceptional resistance to organic solvents (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile, dichloromethane), acids, and bases across pH 1–14.
• Modular compatibility with standard 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, and 12 mL SPE cartridges (including Supelco ENVI™, Discovery®, and Ascentis® lines) as well as custom-packed columns with 0.2–20 mL bed volumes.
• Optional accessories support full workflow automation: large-volume sampling modules (for direct transfer of low-viscosity aqueous/organic extracts), nitrogen purge manifolds for solvent evaporation, and buffer bottle assemblies to stabilize vacuum during sequential batch processing.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Visiprep DL manifold processes diverse sample types including biological fluids (serum, plasma, urine, saliva), food extracts (juices, dairy, wine, beer), environmental waters (drinking water, wastewater, groundwater), soil leachates, plant tissue homogenates, and pharmaceutical formulations. It accommodates both aqueous and organic-rich matrices without channel clogging, thanks to its wide-bore PTFE frits and optimized flow dynamics. The system meets GLP and GMP documentation requirements when paired with audit-trail-capable laboratory information management systems (LIMS). All wetted parts comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and are free of detectable heavy metals per ASTM F2533. Device configuration and operation align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity guidelines when used with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and instrument control software.

Software & Data Management

While the Visiprep DL is a hardware-only vacuum manifold (no embedded microcontroller or firmware), it integrates seamlessly into digital lab ecosystems via SOP-driven protocols in third-party platforms such as Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS, LabWare LIMS, or Agilent OpenLab ECM. Users can assign unique identifiers to each SPE run, log column lot numbers, record vacuum setpoints and dwell times per step, and attach QC checklists for analyst sign-off. Traceability is maintained through timestamped PDF reports generated upon completion of multi-step extraction sequences. Optional barcode scanning of SPE cartridge labels ensures full chain-of-custody tracking from sample receipt to final extract vial.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Extraction and cleanup of PAHs, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides (e.g., DDT, endosulfan), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from surface water and sediment extracts.
• Clinical and forensic toxicology: Isolation of drugs of abuse (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants), antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, macrolides), and endogenous metabolites from serum and urine prior to LC-MS/MS quantification.
• Food and beverage safety: Removal of matrix interferences during residue analysis of neonicotinoid insecticides in fruits/vegetables and mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A) in cereals and nuts.
• Pharmaceutical development: Desalting and buffer exchange of peptide synthesis crude products; purification of small-molecule APIs from reaction mixtures.
• Research applications: Fractionation of natural product extracts (e.g., terpenoids from essential oils, polyphenols from green tea) using mixed-mode SPE sorbents.

FAQ

What vacuum pressure range is recommended for optimal SPE performance?
A stable vacuum between 10–20 kPa (75–150 torr) is typically ideal for controlled flow rates during conditioning, loading, and washing steps; higher pressures (>30 kPa) may cause channeling or premature breakthrough.
Can this manifold be used with 24-well plate-format SPE cartridges?
No—the Visiprep DL 12-Port is mechanically configured for individual cylindrical SPE cartridges only; for 24-well formats, consider the Supelco Visiprep DL 24-Port manifold (Model SBAB-57265).
Is PTFE tubing included with the base unit?
Standard delivery includes PTFE column adapters and vacuum hose fittings; PTFE transfer tubing (SBAB-57059) and large-volume sampling manifolds (SBAB-57275/SBAB-57272) are optional accessories sold separately.
How often should the vacuum gauge be calibrated?
Annual calibration against a NIST-traceable reference standard is recommended; verification checks should be performed before each analytical batch using a certified digital manometer.
Does the system support automated fraction collection?
Not natively—the Visiprep DL is a passive vacuum manifold; integration with fraction collectors requires external pneumatic or solenoid valve controllers synchronized via TTL or RS-232 signals.