Serial Dilution Workflow for Automated Standard Preparation on the TurboMatrix MultiPrep+

Importance of the topic

Preparation of accurate calibration standards is critical for reliable GC and GC/MS analyses but is traditionally laborious, error-prone and solvent-intensive. Automated serial dilution on the TurboMatrix MultiPrep+ streamlines standard preparation, reduces consumable use, minimizes human error and supports just-in-time workflows for routine laboratory applications.

Study Goals and Overview

This application note presents the “Serial Dilution” workflow implemented on the PerkinElmer TurboMatrix MultiPrep+ robotic autosampler. The aim is to generate up to eight 10:1 serial dilution levels, across three replicate sets, directly from a high-concentration stock solution in 2 mL sample vials for GC and GC/MS calibration.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The workflow uses two syringes (100 µL and 1000 µL) to perform sequential 10:1 dilutions by transferring 100 µL aliquots and topping to 1 mL with solvent. Disposable vials and syringes replace traditional volumetric glassware. Sample Manager software automates syringe washing, mixing by vortex or internal pumping, temperature control and vial positioning. Optional bottom-sensing enables minimal sample consumption when preparing standards from limited stock volumes.

Used instrumentation

• PerkinElmer TurboMatrix MultiPrep+ robotic autosampler with Sample Manager software
• PerkinElmer Clarus 690 GC with Elite™ 5MS, 30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm capillary column
• PerkinElmer Clarus SQ 8T mass spectrometer, operated under UltraTune conditions monitoring m/z 57
• Vortex mixer for vial homogenization (optional)

Main results and discussion

The automated workflow achieved linear calibration over at least five orders of magnitude for n-alkanes (C10–C14) with mean coefficients of determination (R2) ≥ 0.999. Solvent consumption was reduced from tens or hundreds of milliliters per calibration set to approximately 11.4 mL for a single eight-point series (0.12 mL stock solution). Reproducibility across three replicate sets demonstrated consistent dilution accuracy.

Benefits and practical applications

• Eliminates volumetric glassware and associated cleaning to prevent carry-over
• Minimizes solvent and standard reagent use, cutting consumable costs
• Reduces technician time and skill requirements to simple vial loading
• Enables on-demand preparation of fresh standards immediately before injection
• Supports wide dynamic ranges for method development and routine monitoring

Future trends and potential applications

Automated serial dilution may be expanded to high-throughput laboratories and integrated with LIMS for seamless data management. Miniaturized workflows using bottom sensing could further decrease sample volumes. Adaptation to volatile analytes, additional detectors or alternative dilution schemes will broaden applicability in environmental, pharmaceutical and food safety testing.

Conclusion

The TurboMatrix MultiPrep+ serial dilution workflow efficiently automates calibration standard preparation for GC and GC/MS, delivering high linearity, substantial solvent and reagent savings, and reduced labor and error potential compared to manual methods.

Reference

No external references were cited in the original text.