LCTech DEXTech Plus

Significance of Topic

The reliable determination of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls in food, environmental and biological matrices is critical for health safety and regulatory compliance. Automated sample preparation systems reduce manual workload, minimize solvent use and waste, enhance reproducibility and lower per-sample cost, thus addressing the growing demand for high throughput and greener analytical workflows.

Objectives and Overview

This whitepaper presents the design features, performance metrics and practical benefits of the DEXTech Plus automated sample preparation system. The focus lies on its three-column setup, flexible method parameterisation and compliance with international dioxin and PCB analysis methods. Key objectives include demonstrating process speed, cost efficiency and data integrity under routine high-volume conditions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The DEXTech Plus system employs a patented click-in column architecture enabling rapid interchange between SMART and Universal fat removal columns, aluminium oxide or Florisil cleanup columns and a reusable carbon trap. Sample extracts containing up to five grams of fat are loaded via an enclosed syringe pump and automatically rinsed to ensure quantitative transfer. A password-protected touch screen provides access to evaluated standard protocols and user-defined methods. Safety and process integrity are ensured by integrated pressure and overflow sensors, a leakage detection tray and a closed-system design that eliminates contact with moving parts and fume hood requirements.

Main Results and Discussion

Testing in government laboratories revealed that a single DEXTech Plus unit processes up to 3500 samples per year with a complete cleanup cycle in 35 minutes and minimal solvent consumption. Four units operating in parallel deliver a combined throughput of 14000 samples per year. Recoveries for key congeners such as BDE 209 exceed 85 percent, background contamination remains negligible and cross-contamination is prevented by continuous rinsing and exchangeable columns. The system meets EPA and European method criteria for fraction purity and reproducibility.

Practical Benefits and Applications

• High throughput and fast turnaround reduce backlog in routine food safety, environmental monitoring and clinical testing labs
• Low solvent and consumable use lower operating costs and environmental impact
• Automated documentation via USB interface supports quality control and audit trails
• Flexible fractionation schemes accommodate two or three fraction outputs for different analyte groups
• Closed-system operation and sensor-based safety features protect users and samples

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advances in automation and data connectivity will further streamline sample preparation workflows. Integration with laboratory information management systems and artificial intelligence-driven method optimization could enhance performance. Emerging applications may include automated cleanup for new persistent organic pollutants and miniaturized sample handling for microscale analysis, reinforcing sustainability and analytical efficiency.

Conclusion

The DEXTech Plus system offers a compelling solution for automated dioxin and PCB sample cleanup by combining speed, flexibility and reproducibility. Its patented column exchange, touch screen control and safety features deliver consistent high-quality results while reducing cost and environmental footprint. This technology aligns with regulatory demands and modern laboratory needs for scalable, greener workflows.

Instrumentation Used

• DEXTech Plus automated sample preparation system with three-column configuration
• SMART and Universal fat removal columns
• Aluminium oxide and Florisil cleanup columns
• Reusable carbon trap column
• Integrated syringe pump and touch screen interface
• Pressure, overflow and leakage sensors

References

• Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority LGL Oberschleissheim Results of automated dioxin sample preparation LCTech Laboratory 2017
• Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office Munsterland Emscher Lippe PCB analysis performance LCTech Laboratory 2017
• LCTech GmbH DEXTech Plus system brochure 2017