Biotage Extrahera (User Manual)

Significance of the Topic

The growing demand for robust, high-throughput sample preparation in analytical chemistry has driven the development of automated platforms such as the Biotage Extrahera system. By integrating multiple extraction and cleanup techniques—including supported liquid extraction (SLE), solid phase extraction (SPE), phospholipid depletion (PLD), protein precipitation (PPT), dual mode extraction (Hydro DME+), and filtration—Extrahera minimizes manual handling, enhances reproducibility, and accelerates laboratory workflows across pharmaceutical, environmental, and life science applications.

Objectives and Overview

This summary outlines the design, operation, and compliance features of the Extrahera instrument based on the user manual. It highlights core system components, automated processes, and software capabilities, demonstrating how the platform meets modern laboratory requirements for precision, throughput, and regulatory readiness.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Extrahera’s architecture centers on a programmable liquid handling robot, modular consumable racks, and a pressure-driven extraction unit. Key elements include:

• Solvent Delivery: Five onboard 25 mL reservoirs feed reagents through disposable pipette tips. Optional manual reservoirs accommodate additional solvents up to 100 mL.
• Deck Layout: Six deck positions support separate solvent and sample tip racks, extraction media, and sample racks. A four-position carousel handles collection plates or flow-through trays for waste management.
• Pressure Unit: Dual heads allow processing of 24-, 48-, and 96-format plates or column racks under controlled gas pressures (0–5 bar) with selectable gradients for conditioning, loading, washing, and elution.
• User Interface and Connectivity: A 12″ adjustable touchscreen, optional barcode/QR scanner, network share integration, remote viewer, e-mail alerts, and secure GLP software provide comprehensive user management, audit trails, and report generation.

Key Results and Discussion

While empirical performance data are user-dependent, the manual emphasizes:

• Consistent Recovery: Automated plate sealing and pressure control deliver uniform extraction and elution across large sample batches.
• Blockage Management: Height and reference scans detect clogged wells or columns and automatically apply up to three pressure retries or prompt user intervention.
• Method Flexibility: Predefined and custom protocols support complex workflows including solvent gradients, tip conditioning, rinse steps, and aliquot handling for large volumes.
• Regulatory Compliance: GLP features such as user roles, method locking, electronic signatures, encrypted PDF reports, and complete audit trails ensure data integrity and traceability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Extrahera delivers significant advantages to analytical laboratories:

• Enhanced Precision: Automated pipetting and consistent pressure protocols reduce operator variability.
• Increased Throughput: Parallel operations and unattended runs free up analyst time for data review and method development.
• Regulatory Readiness: Integrated e-records and enforced workflows support compliance in GMP, GLP, and QA/QC environments.
• Broad Applicability: Adaptable to diverse sample matrices in bioanalysis, environmental monitoring, food safety, and industrial quality control.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Automated sample preparation will evolve toward seamless integration with analytical detectors, cloud-based data systems, and AI-driven method optimization. Emerging trends include inline filtration cartridges, disposable microfluidic formats, and enhanced solvent-resistant materials. Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and real-time process analytics will further streamline end-to-end workflows, expanding uses in forensic toxicology, clinical diagnostics, and petrochemical analysis.

Conclusion

The Biotage Extrahera system offers a comprehensive solution for automating complex sample preparation protocols. Its combination of precise liquid handling, programmable pressure control, and robust software features ensures reproducible, high-throughput processing. By addressing productivity, quality, and compliance, Extrahera meets the stringent demands of modern analytical laboratories.