TECAN Resolvex® A100 Automated Positive-Pressure Solid Phase Extraction System
| Brand | TECAN |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model No. | 253-0014 |
| Channel Count | Multi-channel |
| Extraction Format | Cartridge-based SPE |
| Flow Rate Control | 0.1–100 mL/min |
| Solvent Selection | Up to 11 independent solvent lines |
| Sample Capacity | 48 samples per run |
| Sample Loading Volume | ≤80 mL per sample |
| Wetted Materials | PTFE, Polypropylene (PP), Stainless Steel (316) |
Overview
The TECAN Resolvex® A100 is a benchtop automated solid phase extraction (SPE) system engineered for reproducible, high-throughput sample preparation under positive-pressure delivery. Unlike vacuum-driven SPE workstations, the A100 employs a precision-controlled pneumatic manifold to apply regulated positive pressure across SPE cartridges—enabling consistent flow kinetics, reduced channel-to-channel variability, and improved method robustness across diverse matrix types. Its modular architecture supports method standardization in regulated environments, including clinical laboratories operating under CLIA or ISO 15189 frameworks, and analytical labs performing routine environmental or food safety testing aligned with EPA Method 500/600 series or EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 2021/2074.
Key Features
- Positive-pressure fluidic control ensures uniform flow rates across all channels—critical for retention time consistency and analyte recovery reproducibility in multi-cartridge workflows.
- Integrated 11-solvent selection manifold enables fully automated gradient elution, sequential conditioning, washing, and elution without manual solvent switching or system reconfiguration.
- Intuitive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with preloaded method templates and drag-and-drop protocol builder—no scripting or external software required for routine operation.
- Support for standard SPE cartridge formats (1 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL volumes) with auto-detecting cartridge height sensing and adaptive seal pressure optimization.
- Modular rack system accommodates multiple collection plate configurations (e.g., 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 12 × 75 mm culture tubes, 96-well deep-well plates) via interchangeable carrier inserts.
- Large-capacity waste reservoir (≥4 L) with level sensor and overflow protection minimizes operator intervention during unattended overnight runs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The A100 handles complex biological, environmental, and food matrices—including plasma, urine, wastewater, soil extracts, and homogenized produce—without clogging or pressure spikes. All fluid-contact components are constructed from chemically inert materials: PTFE-lined tubing, polypropylene manifolds, and electropolished 316 stainless steel pressure regulators and valves—ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, dichloromethane, concentrated acids/bases) and compliance with USP <661.1> extractables and leachables requirements. The system supports audit-ready operation through optional electronic logbook integration and meets essential design criteria for GLP-compliant laboratories (OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice, Annex III).
Software & Data Management
Method protocols are stored locally on the embedded Linux-based controller with timestamped execution logs, pressure trace archives, and solvent usage records. Optional connectivity to TECAN’s FluentControl™ Suite enables centralized method deployment, remote monitoring via secure HTTPS, and export of structured CSV/Excel reports compatible with LIMS ingestion. For regulated environments, the system supports user role-based access control (RBAC), electronic signatures (per 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11), and immutable audit trails covering all parameter changes, run starts/stops, and error events.
Applications
- Clinical toxicology: Automated cleanup of plasma/urine prior to LC-MS/MS analysis for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and forensic screening (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants).
- Environmental analysis: High-volume processing of surface water, drinking water, and sediment extracts per EPA Methods 525.3, 549.2, and 8270.
- Food safety: Multi-residue pesticide extraction from fruits, vegetables, and dairy products according to EN 15662:2018 and AOAC Official Method 2007.01.
- Pharmaceutical R&D: Parallel SPE of stability-indicating assay samples for forced degradation studies and impurity profiling.
- Academic research: Reproducible isolation of metabolites, lipids, or nucleotides from cell lysates and tissue homogenates.
FAQ
Does the A100 support method validation per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines?
Yes—the system’s deterministic pressure control, traceable flow calibration, and full parameter logging enable documentation of accuracy, precision, and robustness during method transfer and validation.
Can it be integrated with robotic liquid handlers or HPLC autosamplers?
Via digital I/O and RS-232/Modbus TCP interfaces, the A100 supports hardware-level synchronization with third-party platforms for end-to-end automated workflows.
Is maintenance limited to consumables, or does it require periodic service calibration?
Annual verification of pressure transducers and flow sensors is recommended; no field calibration tools are required—certified service engineers perform traceable adjustments using NIST-traceable standards.
What safety certifications does the instrument carry?
CE marked per IEC 61010-1:2010, UL 61010-1 certified, and compliant with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS 2011/65/EU.
