Andrew+ Pipetting Robot for PeptideWorks (ORDERING INFORMATION)

Importance of the Topic

Peptide mapping is a cornerstone in the characterization of therapeutic proteins. Accurate and reproducible sample preparation is critical to avoid method-induced modifications, partial or excessive proteolysis, and enzyme autolysis, all of which can compromise data quality and interpretation. Automation of this workflow enhances throughput, consistency, and reliability, thereby streamlining method validation and routine analysis in pharmaceutical and biotechnological laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents an integrated solution combining the Andrew+ Pipetting Robot with Waters’ PeptideWorks Tryptic Protein Digestion Kits. The goals are to demonstrate how this automated platform:

• Handles up to 24 samples in a single run under 3 hours
• Implements standardized denaturation, reduction, alkylation, desalting, and digestion steps
• Offers flexible protocols with optional concentration normalization
• Fits on a benchtop or within a standard laboratory hood

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Sample preparation is divided into two automated OneLab protocols:

• Protocol A – Denaturation, reduction, and alkylation using PeptideWorks reagents, followed by SPE cleanup on Sep-Pak SEC 5K cartridges
• Protocol B – Tryptic digestion at 37 °C with RapiZyme Trypsin, quenched with formic acid

The instrumentation and consumables include:

• Andrew+ Pipetting Robot with single- and multi-channel pipette adaptors
• OneLab Cloud Library for protocol execution
• PeptideWorks Starter Kit and Refill Kit
• Waters Sep-Pak SEC Desalting Cartridges (1 cc, 5K MWCO)
• RapiZyme Trypsin and formic acid quench solution
• 96-PCR Plate Peltier+ and deep-well microplates

Key Results and Discussion

The automated system successfully processed 24 samples in under three hours, demonstrating high repeatability across digestion and cleanup steps. Concentration normalization routines ensured consistent protein loading, reducing variability in peptide yield. The compact footprint and preconfigured dominos simplified installation and accelerated method deployment. Enhanced precision in liquid handling minimized operator-induced errors and improved reproducibility compared to manual workflows.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The combined Andrew+ and PeptideWorks solution delivers:

• High-throughput, reliable peptide mapping for QC, release testing, and comparability studies
• Improved data quality via reduced sample handling variability
• Streamlined validation and documentation with digitally recorded run parameters
• Scalability from small research batches to routine production testing

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing developments may include integration of real-time data analytics, AI driven protocol optimization, and expansion to additional proteases or post-translational modification workflows. Cloud-based sample tracking and further miniaturization could enhance remote monitoring and increase throughput in multi-site laboratories.

Conclusion

The automated Andrew+ Pipetting Robot paired with PeptideWorks Tryptic Digestion Kits offers a robust, reproducible, and efficient platform for routine peptide mapping. This integrated approach significantly reduces hands-on time, enhances reproducibility, and supports stringent quality requirements in biopharmaceutical analysis.

References

No specific literature references are cited in this ordering information document.