Concentration is performed at user defined temperature, agitation and vacuum levels enabling highly flexible operation with mild temperature conditions and limited analyte loss. Concentration in the mVAP can be combined with a wide variety of sample preparation and clean-up techniques such as SPE, dispersive SPE (DPX), liquid/liquid extraction or filtration with the significant benefit of automated injection of the concentrated sample into a GC/MS or LC/MS system. Every step is controlled by mouse-click using the MAESTRO PrepBuilder. Just one method and one sequence table is needed for the entire process including GC/MS or LC/MS analysis.

mVAP Features and Benefits:

• Efficient concentration of extracts and solutions under controlled conditions
• Improved limits of detection
• Solvent exchange for GC/MS or LC/MS analysis

Concentration in combination with all sample preparation techniques

• SPE and dispersive SPE (DPX)
• Liquid-liquid extraction and membrane extraction (MASE)
• Centrifugation and Filtration

Maximum efficiency

• Concentration directly from elution/sample vials
• No need for cumbersome manual liquid transfer
• Automated loading of 2 mL, 4 mL and 10 mL vials into mVAP
• Parallel evaporative concentration of up to six samples
• Controlled evaporation through user defined temperature, vacuum and agitation levels
• Efficient PrepAhead overlapping of sample preparation and analysis
• Optimal utilization of the complete analysis system, best possible ROI

Intuitive control by mouse-click using MAESTRO Software

• Integrated control of complete process including all sample preparation steps and GC/MS or LC/MS analysis
• Only one sequence table required
• MAESTRO integration provides single method control
• Interfaces with major chromatography vendors’ software packages

Easily replaceable rotors for 2 mL, 4 mL, 10 mL, or 20 mL vials are available. In combination with centrifugation, the GERSTEL MPS performs sample preparation and sample introduction. The MAESTRO PrepAhead functionality ensures Just-In-Time sample preparation followed directly by sample introduction to the LC/MS or GC/MS for best possible productivity and throughput.

Enhanced Sample Preparation Possibilities

• Reliable and quick phase separation for liquid/liquid extraction (LLE)
• Accelerated sedimentation of particles and solids

High flexibility due to quick and easy rotor exchange

• 6 position rotor for 2 mL vials
• 6 position rotor for 4 mL or 10 mL vials
• 2 position rotor for 20 mL vials (force limited to 1500 g)

The GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) cleans up to 196 samples in a single automated sequence using a wide range of standard syringe filters. Filtration is performed in a simple and highly efficient manner as integral part of the automated sample preparation, for example combined with sample preparation steps such as dilution, derivatization, addition of standards and of course introduction of the cleaned and prepared sample to the LC/MS- or GC/MS system.

MAESTRO software operates all GERSTEL modules and system solutions in a simple, intuitive and efficient manner. All steps in the sample preparation method are set up by mouse-click. Sample preparation and analysis are performed in parallel thanks to the MAESTRO PrepAhead function for best possible productivity and system utilization.

Benefits of the MPS Filter Option

• Filtration performed as part of the overall automated sample preparation process
• Time saving through elimination of tedious and error-prone manual steps
• Laboratory staff is less exposed to potentially toxic solvents, improved work environment
• Rugged operation, reliable and reproducible results, identical treatment of all samples
• High sample throughput and best possible utilization of the analysis system through PrepAhead productivity: Filtration is performed during the ongoing analysis of the preceding sample

All common syringe filter types can be used

• Best possible results: For every application, the right filter type can be used
• Manual methods can be transferred directly and automated

Flexible operation, easily adapting to changing requirement

• One or more 98-position trays for 4 mm syringe filters can be mounted onto the MPS, enabling high throughput operation overnight and during the weekend – even when analysis runs are short
• The 12-position MPS Filtration Tray enables automated filtration using different size syringe filters for maximum flexibility since any suitable standard syringe filter type can be used
• Filtration can be performed using open or sealed vials as per the user requirements

Filtration and GC/MS sample introduction

• Reliable results without risk of injection needle blockage
• Longer life expectancy of inlet liner and GC column since particulate matter is not introduced into the analysis system
• Cost savings through a reduction in maintenance work and improved system up-time

Filtration and LC/MS sample introduction

• Reliable results through protection of the LC column
• Cost savings due to longer column life expectancy, a reduction in maintenance work and improved system up-time
• Optimized system utilization using fast filtration to prepare the next sample during the ongoing LC/MS analysis

The SPE system is completely integrated into the LC-MS/MS system between the GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) and the HPLC system. Online SPE can be combined with sample preparation steps performed by the MPS, including addition of standards, dilution, derivatization, and more. Following the MPS sample preparation steps, the sampel is introduced to the SPEXOS system. At the end of the SPE process, analytes are eluted by the HPLC mobile phase and transferred directly to the LC column for maximum recovery.

The complete system including MPS and SPEXOS is intuitively controlled by mouse click through the GERSTEL MAESTRO Software, integrted with the LC-MS/MS sequence table or independently in stand alone operation. The PrepAhead function enables multi-sample overlapping of sample preparation and LC-MS/MS analysis, ensuring optimal system utilization and best possible Return on Investment (ROI).

Benefits of GERSTEL SPEXOS

User Selectable Cartridge Exchange

• Reliable results through elimination of sample to sample carry-over since cartridges are replaced at regular intervals
• Cost savings though multiple use of cartridges when analyzing relatively clean samples

Sealed Extraction System

• No evaporation of solvents or ingress of impurities from laboratory air
• Improved laboratory air, less solvent needed, reliable results

Cartridge inserted into the LC mobile phase for elution

• Best possibl analyte transfer to the analysis system, highest analyte recovery

100% Analyte transfer to the LC-MS/MS

• Simplified laboraotry logistics, less sample and less solvent needed
• Reliable results even when less sample is available
• Lowest limits of detection, no further concentration steps needed

Small cartridges/small sorbent volume

• Best possible LC separation based on small elution volume
• High sensitivity and high concentration factor even when samll sample volumes are used

Easily adapted for multiple analysis methods

• Flexible and simple adaptation through simple valve switching
• Flexible sample preparation in combination with MPS Sample Preparation Technologies
• Time savings and elimination of manual steps through comprehensive automation
• Highly flexible operation since all standard SPE sorbents are available

Control through GERSTEL MAESTRO Software

• Error elimination through uniform and intuitive user interface for the complete sample preparation process
• Best possible system utilization with PrepAhead synchronization of Sample Prep and analysis

The Disposable Pipette Extraction (DPX) technique was developed by Professor William E. Brewer, Ph. D. from the University of Southern Carolina. Professor Brewer is the Owner-President of DPX Labs. The DPX technique has been automated by GERSTEL using the MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS).

Automated Disposable Pipette Extraction (DPX) offers:

• Fast Extraction: Equilibration and elution occur in seconds
• Low detection limits: Less than 250 µL liquid sample like blood or urine required to reach very low detection limits when combined with large volume injection
• Excellent reproducibility and accuracy
• Complete automation including added sample preparation steps and GC/MS or LC/MS analysis

DPX for LC (LC/MS) and GC (GC/MS). DPX coupled to your chromatographic system.

DPX methods are readily automated using the GERSTEL MPS, which can introduce the extract into a GC/MS or LC/MS system. Additional sample preparation steps can be performed, including derivatization or adding an internal standard. The analyst only needs to place the samples in the MPS autosampler and activate the sequence table from the MAESTRO software. Everything else is performed automatically including GC/MS and LC/MS analysis.

Automated DPX solution for GC and GC/MS

• For coupling DPX to a GC (GC/MS) system the DualRail variant of the MultiPurpose Sampler is needed, thus enabling to use two diferent syringes, one for the DPX process, another one for GC (GC/MS) introduction. Lowest detection limits and highest throughput can be obtained when using large volume injection with the GERSTEL Cooled Injection System (CIS). In this case no additional concentration step is needed.

Automated DPX solution for LC and LC/MS

• For coupling DPX to an LC (LC/MS) system a two tower variant of the MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) is used enabling to use one syringe for the DPX process and one for LC (LC/MS) introduction.

GERSTEL MAESTRO PrepAhead provides automated overlapping of sample preparation and analysis for highest throughput and system utilization.

The GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) with Automated SPE Option for standard cartridges provides several benefits compared with manual Solid Phase Extraction:

• Improved recovery, precision and reproducibility
• Maximized sample throughput by performing SPE during GC or LC analysis of the preceding sample
• More than 50 percent time saving for overall analysis, compared to manual processing

Following the SPE clean-up steps, the MPS can introduce the sample extract directly to an LC/MS or GC/MS system for analysis. As an alternative, the MPS WorkStation is used as stand-alone sample preparation robot, preparing samples for multiple LC/MS or GC/MS systems in your laboratory.

The GERSTEL SPE enables automated sample preparation and analysis even for complex samples. Samples are prepared in a simple and safe manner combining accurate results with high throughput.

Automation – made easy!

GERSTEL automated SPE based on the MPS autosampler provides integrated method for SPE and GC/MS or LC/MS analysis for simple and error-free control of the complete system.

The MPS is a fully automated sample preparation and sample introduction robot for GC/MS and LC/MS. The complete system is easily and efficiently controlled from the Agilent ChemStation software or from the GERSTEL MAESTRO software.

Sample preparation steps are selected by mouse-click from a simple pull-down menu and can easily be combined with automated SPE:

• Dilution and standard addition
• Automated weighing, centrifugation and sonication
• Derivatization before or after solid phase extraction
• Heated or cooled conditioning and mixing

One method and one sequence table control the complete system including sample preparation and GC/MS or LC/MS analysis.

Easy transfer or your established manual methods

• Ther GERSTEL SPE is based on standard 1 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL SPE cartridges fitted with transport adapters. Standard cartridges pre-mounted with transport adapters are readily available from several leading suppliers. Manual SPE methods can be directly transferred to the MPS and automated.

High throughput

• Analysis of up to 98 samples including sample preparation using standard SPE cartridges.

Efficient

• All sample preparation steps are performed during GC/MS or LC/MS analysis of the preceding sample for highest productivity system utilization.

Optimized timing for each and every sample

• All samples receive identical treatment for best reproducibility. Sample introduction to the GC/MS or LC/MS system follows immediately after sample preparation.

Highly controlled analysis conditions

• Defined volumes and constant flow rates provide highly reproducible conditions and optimal results independent of variations in sample matrix.

Internal Standard Addition

• Automated liquid standard additional provides improved Quality Assurance.

Contamination free

• Transfer of eluent from the SPE cartridge to the sealed sample vial is performed using a disposable syringe needle, eliminating the risk of carry over.

Simple concept, highly rugged and efficient

• Conditioning, extraction and elution of the cartridge is performed in one dedicated module with minimal movement of the cartrdige ensuring highest efficiency and ruggedness.

Evoprative concentration in the GERSTEL SPE

• After removing unwanted sample material and transferring the clean extract to the collection vial during the SPE process, the GERSTEL SPE can further perform an evaporative concentration step if needed.

The eluate can be concentrated inside the collection vial while in the SPE station. A controlled flow of inert gas is allowed to purge the vial while keeping it at a user-defined temperature for best possible results. The vial can be agitated at a user-defined rate to speed up the evaporation process. A keeper solvent can be added automatically before, during or after evaporation in order to minimize loss of analytes or in order to change over to an LC- or GC-compatible solvent for the ensuring analysis. This enables complete automation of sample preparation and sample introduction even if the SPE eluent is not compatible with the LC- or GC column or analysis conditions.

Your benefits:

• Lower detection limits are achieved by adding an automated concentration step
• Accurate quantification ensured by applying highly controlled conditions
• Simple change-over between eluent and GC- or LC-compatible solvent enables the use of optimal SPE conditions without compromising the quality of separation and analyte detection.
• Best possible throughput and system utilization through full automation.

Numerous standard sample preparation procedures for chromatographic methods, according to accepted laboratory procedures, are based on liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), even though this technique is marred by several disadvantages: many steps are difficult to automate and relatively large volumes of, sometime toxic, organic solvent are involved.

The extract must sometimes be cleaned up in several stages, concentrated and evaporated, in order to achieve adequate detection limits. Membrane Assisted Solvent Extraction MASE is an alternative to LLE: It is based on small-scale LLE with a low density polyethylene (LDPE) membrane separating the aqueous sample from the organic solvent. MASE can be performed fully automated by the MultiPurpose Sampler MPS and embedded into sample preperation procedures. Extracts can be directly injected into GC or GC/MS systems by Large Volume Injection LVI.

The process was developed by UFZ Leipzig-Hallel GmbH in close cooperation with GERSTEL.

Twister Back Extraction (TBE) offers:

• Extraction, enrichment and analysis of high boiling or thermally labile compounds
• Combination of Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) and LC or LC/MS