Biotage VacMaster 10 & 20 Sample Processing Manifold - User Manual

Importance of the Topic

Vacuum‐driven sample processing manifolds are widely used in analytical chemistry to accelerate solid phase extraction and filtration workflows. By enabling simultaneous handling of multiple samples, these systems increase throughput and consistency while maintaining sample integrity. Moreover, robust design and proper safety measures reduce the risk of implosion when working under vacuum, making them indispensable in fields such as environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical analysis, and biochemical research.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents the design features, specifications, and recommended operating procedures for the Biotage VacMaster 10 and 20 Sample Processing Manifolds. The 10‐port and 20‐port configurations are tailored to accommodate a range of column sizes and collection tubes, with an emphasis on ease of use, safety, and adaptability to diverse sample matrices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The VacMaster system comprises a thick‐walled glass tank, a PTFE lid equipped with a combined coarse and fine vacuum controller and gauge, and a waste‐outlet fitting that can be oriented for on‐tank retention or external drainage. Stainless steel needles or PTFE stopcock needles thread into the lid to support SPE cartridges or filtration devices. Collection tube racks are adjustable to fit 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, or 27 mm tubes via threaded legs and dome nuts. Instrumentation options include:

• VacMaster 10 or 20 manifold (glass tank, lid, rack)
• Vacuum control unit with integrated air‐driven vacuum generator
• Oil‐free vacuum pump (–20″ Hg max) and liquid trap
• PTFE T‐valve for dual‐tank operation

Main Results and Discussion

Operational testing confirms that VacMaster maintains stable vacuum levels (typically –3 to –5″ Hg) for consistent flow through SPE cartridges. Adjustable fine control and individual stopcock regulation enable precise elution steps. The inert materials—PTFE, UHMW polyethylene, glass, and 316 stainless steel—prevent sample contamination. The modular rack design ensures secure tube placement and rapid reconfiguration for varying tube diameters. Dual‐tank workflows facilitate safe handling of biological or hazardous samples by isolating analyte elution from waste collection.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages of the VacMaster system include:

• High throughput: process 10 or 20 samples simultaneously
• Versatility: accommodates multiple column and tube sizes
• Sample integrity: inert materials eliminate cross‐contamination
• Safety: reinforced glass and vacuum thresholds prevent implosion risk
• Hazard handling: dual‐tank configuration and external trap for biohazardous waste

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging developments may integrate electronic vacuum feedback, automatic leak detection, and remote monitoring via digital interfaces. Material innovations could lead to stronger, lighter composite tanks. The platform may expand to support on‐line coupling with HPLC or mass spectrometry for seamless end-to-end analysis. Automated robotic sample loaders could further enhance throughput and reproducibility.

Conclusion

The Biotage VacMaster 10 and 20 manifolds offer a flexible, safe, and efficient solution for batch sample processing. Their modular design, precise vacuum control, and inert construction make them valuable tools for a broad range of analytical workflows, from environmental water analysis to pharmaceutical quality control.

Reference

Biotage AB. Biotage VacMaster 10 & 20 Sample Processing Manifold User Manual. Uppsala, Sweden; 2020.