Small Volume Fraction Collection - Collect PAL
From LEAP
| Small Volume Fraction Collection - Collect PAL |
| Application Type | |
| Fraction Collection | |
| Application ID | |
| CP1.1 | |
| Description | |
| “0” Loss, “0” Drip Fraction Collection using a LEAP designed inverted syringe equipped with a hollow plunger and custom syringe holder. This unique and patent-pending design allows for collection to continue during well-to-well movements. Typical Applications involve isolating and collecting sample into precoated scintillation plates (Luma Plate by Perkin Elmer for instance) with a finely tuned collection of the sample into the wells of a plate. With this data a metabolite profile can be reproduced with the plate data as read by a scintillation counter. (See: Scintillation Counter)
The integration of the Collect PAL with LC-MS and UPLC systems is achieved via LEAP Shell and the Collect PAL application. |
Overview
The Collect PAL was designed through collaborative efforts with researchers at BMS (Princeton) and Merck-Frosst (Montreal). Initial instrument parameters defined a simple fraction collector application capable of collecting into 96-well plates for radiolabeled metabolite collection and identification. Very quickly it became apparent that the modern biotransformation laboratory required a more rigorous and precise application and instrument – especially due to the presence of radiolabeled compounds and the risk of unnecessary exposure. The use of precoated plates required that the sample be delivered accurately and not evaporate during the process on the walls of the well (poor readings can result from improperly prepared plates and in this case evaporation of the compound on the walls of the well does not allow the compound to absorb onto the scintillant in the well). What resulted is an instrument that has a "No Loss, No Drip" operation and an easy to use, fully operator-designed interface.
The Collect PAL offers environmental control (CoolStacks offered by LEAP) for samples and the precision to deliver into a 384-well plate at 2.3 sec/well. With the use of two, 6-drawer Stacks, 24 microtiter plates can serve as fraction sites (up to 9216 fraction sites available). With appropriate conditions the Collect PAL can pierce septa, plate seals, or capmats and deliver the sample into the well.
At the 2008 ISSX Meeting held in San Diego, California, colleagues from BMS presented their findings on the Collect PAL. (See poster and ppt file in Other Reference Material Section). The responses from the research community have been very positive. With the help and insight of the researchers we have made several modifications to the original design that make the Collect PAL more compatible with the small volume collection specifications. Results from our collaborations pushed us to collection into 384-well plates with documented 2.3sec/well collection. Our customers have integrated the Collect PAL with leading UPLC systems as well as HPLC-MS and on-line radioactivity flow detectors-LC systems.
Flexibility and convenience are two additional factors that make the Collect PAL instrument easy to use. Based on the HTC PAL, the Collect PAL occupies only 30"x30" of bench space and needs only 30" height clearance. Defined parameters of delay time, collection time per well, and number of fractions to collect are all user determined.
Recently LEAP has introduced the HTS version of the Collect PAL as well. This system occupies a 40"x30"x30" footprint and offers up to 8 plates for collection per injection. The 24 plate firmware limitation still applies so the HTS version can integrate up to 4, 6-position CoolStacks.
Significant Markets and Research Focus
- Metabolic Profiling Groups
- DMPK
- Radiolabel Compound Characterization
- ADMET
- Metabolomics
- Impurity Identification
LEAP's Approach
The Collect PAL is designed to accommodate the needs of the researcher with valuable samples and small volume collection requirements. With our innovation and collaborations we have introduced an instrument that loses no sample during the defined collection time window and can distribute the desired sample volume into wells accurately and as quickly as 3sec/well. "No Loss" sample collection continues even during a well-to-well move. The efficiency and effectiveness of this design is unique and is not possible with other syringe, solenoid, or drop collector options.
Most market fraction collectors can be dissected into two camps – drop or solenoid collectors.
Drop Collectors do just that; i.e. drip or flow or spray sample out of a tube and into a vessel. During the collection time window the flow rate is diverted to an outlet (usually a needle or even just tubing) that is hovering over an open collection vessel. Flow is never stopped during the time window and chances are very good that some percentage of the drops or flow or spray will not hit a well during a “move to next well” command from the fraction collector software. Sample can contaminate the instrument, plate, etc.
Solenoid Based fraction collectors offer no drip between sites, yet sample is lost during the “move to next well” command. For that brief time span that the head moves from well-to-well the solenoid is deactivated and flow goes into the waste stream. The head moves over the next vessel and the solenoid is activated back to the collection path. Sample is lost during every move during collection and is, for the most part unrecoverable.
Neither type of typical fraction collector can be easily set up to collect through a covered plate or through septa covered vials. To do this an extra Z-Motion is required and the fraction collector needs a piercing needle, a push off component, and time to accomplish the task.
The Collect PAL features penetration and retract parameters that allow the needle to go below the “surface” plane of the plate for the first second of collection and then retract slightly, but not above the seal to complete the "seconds per well" collection time. This allows the collection to occur in a completely sealed plate and provides even greater protection of the sample.
As our user numbers grow we find that our modularity and flexibility also continue to grow. We are already working on version 2 of the Collect PAL series.
Software Control
The Collect PAL operates under a LEAP Shell application and coordination via contact closures with LC systems.
PHOTOS of Configurations
 Collect PAL with 2mL vials in a Stack |
 Collect PAL with 384-Well Plates in 2 Stack Configuration |
 Collect PAL Close Up Collection |
 Collect PAL Head and Valve Assembly |
HTS Collect PAL with 4 CoolStack Configuration |
LEAP Shell Screenshots
 LEAP Shell Opening Splash Sign In |
 Method Parameters Defined by User |
 Building a Sample List |
 Run Queue Loaded and Ready |
Video
Collect PAL in action on YouTube
Various PAL's in action on YouTube
LEAP Marketing Material
Starting Points for Method Development Work for the Researcher with Collect PAL from LEAP
Brief Study on Collect PAL Settings 40 Asp Variable Dsp, Variable Flow Rates, Variable Plunger
Brief Study on Collect PAL Settings 60 Asp Variable Dsp, Variable Flow Rates, Variable Plunger
Brief Study on Collect PAL Settings 80 Dsp, Variable Dsp
Brief Study on Collect PAL Settings 90 Dsp, Variable Dsp
Brief Study on Collect PAL Drawer Study 2.5 sec Collection, Variable Flow Rates, Variable Plunger
Brief Study on Collect PAL Drawer Study 5 sec Collection, Variable Flow Rates, Variable Plunger
Useful Links, Resources, and References
American Society for Mass Spectrometry
International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics
Other Reference Material
2008 ISSX BMS Poster
Extended Mix - 2008 ISSX BMS Poster
Slideshow displaying stages for ZERO LOSS, ZERO DRIP Move and Collection
Publication - Qualification and Research Results using the Collect PAL by Researchers from BMS
Videos of PAL
Collect PAL Video on YouTube
LEAP's PAL Application Videos on YouTube
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LEAP Technologies provides fully automated sample processing workstation instrumentation solutions based on the LEAP CTC PAL X, Y, Z syringe only autosampler robot. This extremely flexible, precise, and adaptable liquid handling robotic platform is available in a variety of lengths and options depending on the requirements of your sample preparation and injections for your UHPLC, LC or GC chromatography. LEAP also offers process control systems and stand alone workstations. LEAP is an open, neutral resource for technical support of existing PAL. Keep your PAL in peak working order LEAP offers full support and service for the PAL platform with over 11 years of history with the PAL. LEAP can also write custom macros, cycles, and scheduling software for your specific applications. We're proud that LEAP is known as a productivity improver for laboratories including government labs in agencies such as FDA, USDA, EPA, FBI, Armed Forces, Homeland Security and others function more efficiently. Robotic sample prep equipment works well in government labs and challenges lab technicians to keep feeding those more samples. Analytical equipment such as chromatographs and mass spectrometers are expensive devices and also expensive to maintain. LEAP can help to keep them running and analyze samples around the clock. LEAP has most of its laboratory automation robots under GSAcontract and is eager to service and maintain everything it sells to keep your expensive lab equipment running around the clock. CTC Analytics Combi PAL and HTS PAL for Front-End Automation for LC and GC applications. LEAP offers customized on-site training. LEAP Is continuing to develop FAQ, Solutions, Tips & Techniques,a Learning Center with the LEAP Wiki for the benefit of all PAL Platform Robotic users. We will continue exceeding customer expectations for quality, cost effective and efficient results using the most current technology and expertise in our industry. Our aim is to be the ultimate knowledge base on everything related to the PAL. LEAP is known as the autosamplerguys being in business over twenty years. LEAP has extensive multi-vendor experience with integrating the PAL. HTX, HTS, HTC, HTX-xt, HTS-xt, HTC-xt, LC-Mini, Combi PAL,COMBI-xt PAL, and GC PAL models. We have the Quality, Training, Parts availability, Infrastructure, and Experience.LEAP is sometimes referred to as an Application Automation House who is continually adding new products and solutions to its Lab Automation line. As we do so we change the content of this web site so please check back.
Please contact LEAP Technologies on how we can help you get maximized throughput with flexible pipetting automation solutions whether it is our standard applications or customized to your needs. The Combi-xt PAL autosampler is able to perform liquid and headspace analysis. Headspace options include Solid Phase Micro-extraction (SPME) and ITEX-2 as alternative to purge and trap. The HTS-xt PAL autosampler dramatically increases sample throughput by offering automated sample prep, Peltier cooled and heated sample storage using the cooled stack, Peltier cooled and heated sample storage using the cooled stack and low carryover due to the self-cleaning DLW (Dynamic Load and Wash) module and L-Mark syringes, peltier cooled valves and columns. LEAP provides automation that fits your needs and reduces errors, increases sample capacity, increases efficiency, reduces cost by supplying long term productivity improvements with user friendly software and flexible hardware. LEAP performs just in time or on time sample prep and inject. LEAP offers full support of integrated and non-integrated PAL software with both sales and support for Cruise Control, Cycle Composer and Cycle Composer Macro Editor, Agilent ChemStation CTC Control, Mass Hunter and EZChrom CTC integration, Xcalibur, Waters Masslynx or Analyst CTC Control software, Thermo (Finnegan) XCalibur, LEAP Shell, and Chronos software. The PAL is more than just an autosampler, it is a high-quality and efficient laboratory robot platform that can be customized by LEAP Technologies to meet your specific needs.
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For additional information about LEAP and the PAL Platform, please contact LEAP Technologies. |
The information and references contained in this web site are believed to be accurate and the most current information available.
