Automated Sample Pretreatment Device for HPLC-MS/MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample pretreatment methods for high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) are labor-intensive and lack automation, relying heavily on manual operations such as liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction, which are inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated sample pretreatment device and method that includes a cap removing module, blood-collection tube grasping module, pipette module, film sealing module, magnetic solid phase extraction module, and SPE positive pressure extraction module, enabling automated sample processing from blood-collection tube cap removal to mass spectrometric detection without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used for sample pretreatment (liquid-liquid extraction, protein precipitation, SPE), then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and automation level are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sample pretreatment device is divided into multiple functional modules including cap removing module, blood-collection tube grasping module, pipette module, film sealing module, magnetic solid phase extraction module, and SPE positive pressure extraction module. Each module performs a specific operation in the sample pretreatment workflow, enabling automated processing while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated device integrates multiple extraction methods (liquid-liquid extraction, protein precipitation, SPE) and sample handling operations (cap removal, liquid transfer, film sealing) into a single universal platform. This multi-functional system can handle various sample types and pretreatment requirements, significantly improving productivity compared to manual operations.
2Measurement precision
If manual operations are used for sample pretreatment, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision and consistency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device performs sample pretreatment operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each step. The system self-manages cap removal, liquid transfer, mixing, and film sealing operations, ensuring consistent processing quality while eliminating the variability inherent in manual operations. Operators only need to load samples and initiate the process.
3Productivity
If automated modules are integrated, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device employs a nested modular architecture where functional modules (cap removing module, grasping module, pipette module, etc.) are integrated within a unified platform. Each module can be independently configured and replaced, allowing high productivity through automation while managing complexity through hierarchical organization. The modules work in sequence to complete the sample pretreatment workflow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The automated system significantly reduces manual labor, increases efficiency, and ensures consistent sample processing, improving the throughput and accuracy of sample pretreatment for HPLC-MS/MS analysis.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic solid phase extraction module
Implementation Method 2
SPE positive pressure extraction module
Data Source
AI summary
A full-automatic sample pretreatment device includes a frame module, a cap removing module, a blood-collection tube grasping module, a pipette module, a platform module, a handling module, a film sealing module, a magnetic solid phase extraction module, an SPE positive pressure extraction module and a conveyor belt waste transfer module. A conveyor belt waste transfer module is arranged at a bottom of the frame module, the cap removing module, the platform module and the magnetic solid phase extraction module are sequentially arranged in the middle of the frame module from left to right, and the blood-collection tube grasping module, the pipette module, the handling module and the film sealing module are arranged at an upper portion of the frame module. The magnetic solid phase extraction module and the SPE positive pressure extraction module are detachable and interchangeable components.