Fully Automated Solid Phase Extraction Sample Preparation, using the Andrew+™ Pipetting Robot configured with the Extraction+ Connected Device

Importance of the topic

Fully automated solid phase extraction (SPE) greatly streamlines LC-MS bioanalytical workflows, eliminating manual bottlenecks, minimizing human error, and improving reproducibility across days, operators, and laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

• Demonstrate integration of the Andrew+ Pipetting Robot with the Extraction+ connected device under OneLab software control.
• Evaluate fully automated SPE in both cartridge (1 cc, 3 cc, 6 cc) and 96-well plate (µElution and macro) formats.
• Compare automated performance against manual SPE procedures in terms of recovery, precision, and method transfer ease.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

• Instrumentation:
  • Andrew+ Pipetting Robot with electronic pipettes and labware gripper
  • Extraction+ Connected Device (vacuum pump, SPE manifold, collar lifter)
  • OneLab Software for method creation and full vacuum pressure control
  • LC-MS: ACQUITY UPLC I-Class with Column Manager coupled to Xevo TQ-XS triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
• Analytical conditions: reversed-phase Oasis HLB sorbents, mobile phases of 0.1% formic acid in water/acetonitrile, 35 °C column temperature, ESI+ MRM acquisition
• Sample preparation: 100 ng/mL spiked pharmaceutical mix in water, 4% phosphoric acid pretreatment, three-step SPE (load, wash, elute), followed by dilution and LC-MS/MS analysis
• Programmable vacuum ramps defined in OneLab ensure consistent liquid evacuation and flow control.

Main Results and Discussion

• Automated SPE recoveries matched manual workflows across all formats (1–6 cc cartridges, µElution and macro plates).
• Intra- and inter-batch precision showed mean recoveries of 83–107% with RSDs below 10%, across multiple analysts.
• Pressure profile control delivered reproducible flow rates and uniform eluate volumes.
• OneLab drag-and-drop protocol design simplified method setup and facilitated seamless transfer between instruments and labs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Walk-away SPE workflow reduces hands-on time and frees analysts for higher-value tasks.
• Flexible compatibility with cartridges, 96-well plates, tubes, vials, and bottles.
• Enhanced reproducibility and transferability via cloud-based protocol sharing.
• Scalable throughput for bioanalytical QC/QA, research, and routine laboratory operations.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Extension to diverse SPE sorbent chemistries and multidimensional sample preparation strategies.
• Integration with LIMS for fully automated data and sample tracking workflows.
• Adoption in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and forensic analysis for high-throughput cleanup.
• Implementation of AI-guided optimization of pressure profiles and solvent gradients for novel analyte classes.

Conclusion

The combined Andrew+ Pipetting Robot and Extraction+ connected device, under OneLab control, deliver a robust, fully automated SPE solution. Performance equivalence to manual methods was confirmed, with significant improvements in efficiency, reproducibility, and protocol portability across laboratories.

References

• Waters Corporation. Oasis SPE Wall Chart, p/n 720001981.