Supelco Visiprep DL Solid Phase Extraction Manifold (12-Port and 24-Port Models)

Overview

The Supelco Visiprep DL Solid Phase Extraction Manifold is a precision-engineered, semi-automatic vacuum manifold system designed for high-throughput, reproducible solid-phase extraction (SPE) in regulated and research laboratories. Based on the fundamental principle of selective adsorption and elution using packed sorbent cartridges, this system enables efficient sample cleanup, analyte enrichment, and matrix removal prior to downstream analysis—including LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, ELISA, and spectrophotometric methods. Manufactured in the United States by Supelco (a Merck KGaA company), the Visiprep DL series features a disposable liner design (DL) that eliminates cross-contamination between runs—a critical requirement for trace-level analysis in environmental, clinical, pharmaceutical, and food safety applications. Its robust borosilicate glass construction ensures chemical inertness across a broad solvent spectrum, while the modular architecture supports seamless integration with large-volume sampling accessories, nitrogen-assisted drying modules, and automated fraction collectors.

Key Features

• Disposable liner (DL) design prevents carryover and cross-contamination between samples—validated for GLP-compliant workflows requiring strict auditability.
• Patented spiral-flow control valves provide independent, fine-tuned flow regulation per port, enabling simultaneous optimization of conditioning, loading, washing, and elution steps across all 12 or 24 channels.
• Borosilicate glass vacuum chamber resists solvent-induced clouding, etching, or discoloration—even during prolonged exposure to chlorinated, polar aprotic, or acidic eluents.
• Ergonomic lid with integrated support feet allows stable, hands-free placement on the bench when removed—reducing accidental spills and improving workflow continuity.
• Vacuum gauge and master shut-off valve compatible with standard 6.4 mm (1/4″) vacuum tubing; rated for continuous operation under ≤–80 kPa vacuum pressure.
• Polypropylene collection rack accommodates multiple vessel formats: 1–10 mL volumetric flasks, 10–16 mm test tubes, autosampler vials, and scintillation vials—eliminating need for tube transfer.
• PTFE-lined fluid pathways ensure compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., DCM, THF, acetonitrile, methanol, and 0.1% TFA aqueous solutions) without leaching or swelling.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Visiprep DL manifold processes diverse sample matrices without modification, including biological fluids (serum, plasma, urine), environmental waters (groundwater, wastewater, surface water), food extracts (juices, dairy, alcoholic beverages), plant tissues (grapes, fruits, cereals), and solid-phase digests (soil, sediment, tissue homogenates). It supports all commercially available SPE cartridges (1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, 12 mL, 20 mL, and 60 mL formats) via standardized frit adapters (e.g., Supelco Part No. 51105). The system conforms to method requirements outlined in EPA Methods 500, 525, and 8270; ASTM D7277; ISO 17923; and USP . When used with validated SOPs and traceable calibration records, it meets data integrity expectations under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures—particularly when paired with compliant LIMS or chromatography data systems.

Software & Data Management

As a hardware-only vacuum manifold, the Visiprep DL does not include embedded firmware or proprietary software. However, its mechanical repeatability and standardized port geometry enable full traceability within laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN). Each run may be documented with metadata including lot numbers of SPE cartridges, solvent batches, operator ID, date/time stamps, vacuum pressure logs (when interfaced with external digital gauges), and collection vessel identifiers. For GMP environments, users routinely integrate the manifold into controlled workflows governed by change-controlled SOPs, preventive maintenance logs, and annual performance qualification (PQ) protocols verifying flow consistency, vacuum stability, and leak integrity per ICH Q7 Annex 19.

Applications

• Isolation and quantification of polyphenols from grape extracts prior to LC-MS/MS analysis—leveraging C18 or mixed-mode sorbents for selective retention.
• Pre-concentration and cleanup of estrogenic compounds (e.g., estrone) from aqueous environmental samples for SPE-ELISA detection at sub-ng/L levels.
• Removal of phospholipids and proteins from serum and plasma prior to small-molecule bioanalysis—critical for reducing ion suppression in LC-MS assays.
• Extraction of mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A) from cereal grains and animal feed using immunoaffinity or multifunctional carbon-based cartridges.
• Simultaneous processing of 24 drinking water samples for PFAS analysis per EPA Method 537.1—paired with weak anion exchange (WAX) cartridges and methanol/acetonitrile elution.
• Recovery of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from soil leachates using styrene-divinylbenzene (SDB) sorbents, followed by thermal desorption-GC/MS.

FAQ

What is the primary advantage of the disposable liner (DL) design?
The DL system replaces traditional reusable gaskets and seals with single-use PTFE liners per run—ensuring zero carryover between samples and eliminating cleaning validation burdens.
Can the manifold accommodate both 1 mL and 60 mL SPE cartridges simultaneously?
Yes—via optional adapter sleeves (e.g., Supelco Part No. 51105) and height-adjustable collection racks; no reconfiguration of vacuum ports is required.
Is an external vacuum pump required?
Yes—a dry, oil-free diaphragm pump (e.g., Supelco Part No. 501-2001, 25 L/min) is mandatory for optimal flow control and to prevent solvent backstreaming into pump internals.
How is cross-contamination prevented during multi-sample processing?
Each port features independent valve actuation and sealed PTFE tubing; the DL liner isolates vacuum paths, and the glass chamber lacks internal crevices where residue could accumulate.
What materials come into direct contact with solvents and samples?
Borosilicate glass (manifold body), PTFE (valve seats, liners, transfer lines), and polypropylene (collection rack)—all certified extractables-free per USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5.