Automation of Sample Preparation using a GERSTEL MPS2

Significance of the Topic

Automating sample preparation addresses growing demands in analytical chemistry for higher throughput, greater consistency and improved laboratory safety. By reducing manual handling and standardizing workflows, automation enhances data quality while cutting analyst time and solvent consumption.

Goals and Overview of the Study

This work demonstrates the implementation of a GERSTEL MPS2 automation platform to perform liquid and solid extractions, enrichment steps and direct injection workflows. Two case studies illustrate automated extraction and analysis of acid herbicides and methanolic soil extracts.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

A dual-head GERSTEL MPS2 autosampler controlled by Maestro software is interfaced with Agilent GC-MS and GC-MS/MS systems. Key modules include:

• mVorx vortex mixer for rapid liquid-liquid and liquid-solid agitation
• mVap automated solvent evaporation station for drying or solvent exchange
• CF-200 centrifuge for phase separation in 2 mL and 10 mL vials
• Large volume injection capability via cooled injection system (CIS4)
• Optional thermal desorption and multi-fiber exchange units for headspace and stir-bar sorptive extractions

Typical automated workflow adds internal standard, acid or salt, extraction solvent, controls mixing and settling times, then transfers the organic layer directly for GC analysis.

Main Results and Discussion

Time savings of 70–80 % were achieved over manual methods across sample sets of 6 to 150 extractions. Solvent use dropped by over 90 %, equating to 2.5 L saved per 132 runs. Calibration curves for pesticides showed linearity (r2 > 0.995) and replicate injections gave %RSD values below 5 %. Cold solvent extraction of solids and methanolic extraction of soil produced consistent chromatograms and high reproducibility for key analytes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Automation delivers:

• 24/7 unattended sample preparation and analysis
• High consistency and reduced operator-to-operator variability
• Lower operating costs through solvent and consumable savings
• Enhanced safety by minimizing solvent exposure
• Direct vial-to-inject workflows that eliminate glassware cleaning

These improvements are valuable for environmental monitoring, food safety, flavor/fragrance testing and quality control laboratories.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Further innovations may include:

• Integration with multidimensional GC (GC×GC) and high-resolution MS for complex matrices
• AI-driven method development and predictive maintenance for automation platforms
• Miniaturized and green extraction techniques such as microextraction and sorptive methods
• Real-time data feedback and intelligent scheduling for seamless 24/7 operation

Conclusion

Implementing automated sample preparation with GERSTEL MPS modules and Maestro software yields robust, efficient and reproducible workflows. Significant reductions in analyst time, solvent consumption and variability position laboratories to meet evolving demands in analytical chemistry without compromising data quality.