Biotage Extrahera (Release Notes)

Importance of the Topic

Automated sample preparation and solid‐phase extraction are critical in modern analytical laboratories for ensuring reproducible, high‐throughput processing and regulatory compliance. The Biotage Extrahera platform addresses these demands by integrating precise liquid handling, customizable workflows, and quality management features to support environmental testing, pharmaceutical analysis, food safety, and other applications where reliable extraction protocols and full traceability are essential.

Objectives and Study Overview

This summary focuses on the enhancements introduced in Biotage Extrahera software from versions 1.5.1 through 2.0.1. Key goals include improving workflow flexibility, enabling Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliance, extending solvent and tip handling capabilities, and strengthening system monitoring and reporting functions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study documents software‐driven improvements for the Biotage Extrahera automated extraction workstation. Instrumentation features referenced include:

• Biotage Extrahera sample pipette head and pressure module for SPE, SLE, and filtration methods
• Solvent reservoirs in various formats, including 15 mL, 100 mL, and provisions for volatile solvents
• Support for column racks and plate formats (96‐, 48‐ and 24‐position racks, PPT/PLD, Filtration+ plates)
• Optional barcode/QR scanner, network connectivity, and remote viewer for monitoring runs
• GLP software license offering user account management, audit trails, method locking, and protected PDF exports

Main Findings and Discussion

Software versions 1.5.x to 2.0.1 introduced multiple enhancements and bug fixes:

• Expanded method capabilities: addition of Filtration and Filtration+ protocols, SLE hydrolysis with in situ dual‐mode extraction, and flexible pretreatment mixing and rinsing steps
• Enhanced solvent handling: definition of tip conditioning volumes, air‐push (“aspirate post dispense”), high‐volatility solvent support, up to 100 rinse cycles, and solvent locking to specific reservoirs
• Increased reproducibility and throughput: repeated conditioning, wash, and elution steps up to 100 times, premix defaults, and adjustable flow rates/volumes per aspiration
• GLP compliance features: unique user accounts with role-based access (administrator, power user, routine user, QA/QC, monitor), method locking, audit trails, timestamped method edits, protected PDF reports, dynamic reporting, and sample batch worklists (SBWL)
• Improved maintenance and monitoring: visible/audible alarms for pauses or errors, clog detection with automatic pressure clearing attempts, pipette pump calibration reminders, network backup/restore, USB export restrictions, and remote viewing/web notifications
• Bug fixes addressing reservoir scanning accuracy, pressure head blockages, solvent refill routines, tip pickup in 24-format systems, and ultrasonic sensor improvements

Benefits and Practical Applications

The combined hardware and software advances enhance laboratory performance by:

• Streamlining sample preparation workflows across a range of matrices
• Ensuring data integrity and traceability through GLP features
• Reducing manual intervention and risk of cross‐contamination with automated tip reuse control and clog detection
• Facilitating remote monitoring and reporting, supporting decentralized or multi‐site operations
• Allowing rapid method development and adaptation via flexible solvent, rack, and tip configurations

Future Trends and Opportunities

Looking forward, integrating artificial intelligence–driven method optimization, tighter LIMS/ELN connectivity, expanded real‐time analytics, and cloud‐based data aggregation will further elevate automated extraction platforms. Continued miniaturization of consumables, novel solid‐phase chemistries, and predictive maintenance algorithms can drive higher throughput and lower operating costs. Collaborative workflows with laboratory information systems and mobile interfaces will improve remote control and compliance oversight.

Conclusion

The Biotage Extrahera software updates between versions 1.5.1 and 2.0.1 deliver a comprehensive suite of enhancements that improve extraction precision, workflow flexibility, and regulatory compliance. By combining advanced sample handling features with robust GLP support and remote monitoring, the system meets evolving demands for high‐throughput, traceable, and reproducible sample preparation in diverse analytical laboratories.

References

No external literature references were cited in the original release notes.