SLAS: AUTOMATION OF BIOANALYTICAL SAMPLE EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES USING ANDREW+™ PIPETTING ROBOT WITH THE EXTRACTION+ CONNECTED DEVICE

Importance of the Topic

Automating bioanalytical sample preparation addresses key challenges in modern laboratories where reproducibility, throughput, and user independence are critical. By standardizing workflows and minimizing manual intervention, automation enhances data reliability, reduces operational variability, and allows scientists to focus on higher value tasks.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates full automation of plasma extraction for the anticoagulant apixaban using a pipetting robot integrated with a connected extraction device. The main goals were to implement multiple common extraction techniques, compare their performance in terms of recovery and matrix effects, and evaluate overall analytical method quality without extensive method development.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Extraction Techniques

• Protein precipitation
• Phospholipid removal precipitation
• Solid supported liquid extraction
• Reversed phase solid phase extraction
• Reversed phase SPE with phospholipid removal
• Mixed mode solid phase extraction

Automation Platform

• Pipetting robot with extraction module and vacuum control
• Web based protocol design and control software

Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Detection

• UPLC system coupled to tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer
• BEH C18 column with formic acid aqueous and acetonitrile mobile phases

Results and Discussion

All automated methods achieved excellent calibration linearity with correlation coefficients above 0.99. Accuracy across low medium and high quality control levels remained within ±15 percent and precision was below 15 percent relative standard deviation. Mixed mode SPE showed the highest extraction recovery and minimal matrix effects. Phospholipid removal steps improved sample cleanliness but required careful solvent selection. Overall automated performance matched or exceeded manual protocols while offering superior consistency.

Benefits and Practical Application

Automation of diverse extraction workflows on a single platform yields:

• Consistent day to day and user to user results
• Increased sample throughput and reduced hands on time
• Minimal method development time for new analytes
• Scalability for 96 well plate or cartridge formats

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging opportunities include integration of real time process monitoring, adaptive method optimization via machine learning, expansion to more complex matrices, and seamless laboratory information system connectivity. High throughput screening and personalized medicine analytics will benefit from further enhancements in automation speed and flexibility.

Conclusion

The combined pipetting robot and extraction device platform successfully automates multiple bioanalytical sample preparation techniques for apixaban in plasma. This approach streamlines workflows, maintains high analytical performance, and maximizes laboratory productivity without extensive method development.