Tecan Freedom EVO Positive Pressure Solid Phase Extraction Workstation

Overview

The Tecan Freedom EVO Positive Pressure Solid Phase Extraction (ppSPE) Workstation is an integrated, fully automated solution engineered for high-throughput, reproducible sample preparation prior to HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, or other analytical detection platforms. Built on Tecan’s modular Freedom EVO® liquid handling platform, this system implements positive-pressure-driven elution across standardized SPE cartridges—eliminating vacuum manifold variability and enabling precise, programmable flow control during activation, loading, washing, and elution steps. Unlike gravity- or vacuum-based manual SPE, the ppSPE architecture ensures consistent bed compression and uniform solvent front progression through the sorbent bed, directly translating into improved analyte recovery, reduced matrix interference, and enhanced inter-run precision. The workstation is purpose-built for regulated environments in food safety testing, forensic toxicology, pharmaceutical quality control, and clinical research laboratories where method robustness, traceability, and compliance with analytical method validation guidelines (e.g., ICH Q2(R2), FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation) are mandatory.

Key Features

• Modular integration with the Freedom EVO® platform—enabling seamless coupling with upstream sample dilution, derivatization, or downstream analysis-ready plate formatting.
• Eight-channel pipetting arm with adjustable tip spacing and independent vertical positioning—supporting parallel processing of up to eight 1 mL, 3 mL, or 6 mL SPE cartridges simultaneously.
• Positive pressure fluid delivery via integrated pressure-controlled gas manifold—delivering stable, pulse-free flow rates across all SPE steps without reliance on external vacuum pumps or compressors.
• Dedicated SPE cartridge carrier with thermal stabilization options—compatible with standard polypropylene and glass-fritted SPE columns from major suppliers (e.g., Waters, Agilent, Thermo Fisher).
• On-deck reagent storage with refrigerated and ambient zones—allowing full walk-away operation for multi-solvent protocols including conditioning, wash, and elution solvents.
• Real-time pressure monitoring and automatic fault detection—halting execution and logging deviations if column clogging or seal failure is detected.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Freedom EVO ppSPE workstation accommodates a broad range of biological, environmental, and food matrices—including plasma, urine, tissue homogenates, milk, fruit juice, soil extracts, and wastewater. It supports reversed-phase (C18, C8), ion-exchange (SCX, SAX), mixed-mode, and specialized sorbents (e.g., molecularly imprinted polymers). All wetted components—including tubing, seals, and syringe barrels—are chemically resistant to common organic solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane) and aqueous buffers. The system is engineered to meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for testing laboratories and includes built-in functionality for GLP/GMP alignment: electronic signatures, role-based user permissions, full audit trail (including parameter changes, error logs, and run history), and secure data export in CSV and PDF formats compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Tecan’s FluentControl™ software, the workstation provides intuitive graphical protocol building with drag-and-drop step sequencing, real-time status visualization, and customizable SOP templates. Each run generates a timestamped digital log containing instrument configuration, executed commands, pressure profiles, and hardware event timestamps. Data integrity is enforced through encrypted local storage and optional network backup. FluentControl™ supports IQ/OQ documentation packages and integrates with LIMS systems via ASTM E1384 or HL7 interfaces. All software modules undergo periodic security patching and version-controlled release management in accordance with IEC 62304 medical device software standards.

Applications

• Routine quantification of veterinary drug residues (e.g., fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides) in animal-derived foods per EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC.
• Extraction and cleanup of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A) from cereals and nuts prior to HPLC-FLD or LC-MS/MS analysis.
• Isolation of illicit drugs and metabolites (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines) from human urine and blood in forensic toxicology workflows.
• Purification of peptide digests for bottom-up proteomics—removing detergents, salts, and unreacted reagents prior to nanoLC-MS.
• High-volume environmental screening of PFAS compounds in drinking water using mixed-mode anion exchange SPE.

FAQ

What types of SPE cartridges are supported?
The system accepts standard 1 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL polypropylene cartridges with frit diameters between 10–13 mm. Custom adapters are available for alternative formats.
Can the system be validated for regulated use?
Yes—Tecan provides IQ/OQ documentation kits, and the FluentControl™ software supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance with electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure user authentication.
Is method transfer from manual SPE possible?
Absolutely—the positive pressure flow profile and column geometry matching allow direct translation of optimized manual methods with minimal revalidation.
How is carryover minimized between runs?
The 8-channel arm features integrated tip washing stations with configurable solvent sequences, and all fluidic paths undergo programmable purge cycles before and after each step.
Does the system support unattended overnight operation?
Yes—full walk-away capability is enabled by onboard reagent cooling, collision detection, pressure fault recovery, and email/SNMP alerting upon completion or error.