PRODUCT INFORMATION
The VERSA automated Liquid Liquid Extraction (LLE) system, also known as an automated solvent extractor or liquid-liquid extractor, offers the most flexibility and throughput among all other liquid handlers, by utilizing our innovative modules:
- Conductive Liquid Level Sensing – detects phase boundary and ensures precision, reproducibility, and minimal dead volume
- ReagentDrop Bulk Dispensing Module – dispenses solvents (including organic solvents) and reagents without using tips, prevents dripping of volatile solvents
- On-deck Tube/Plate Shaker – for mixing and online reconstitution
- Heater Assisted Nitrogen Dryer – enables a complete walk-away solution for liquid-liquid extractions
- Versatile Labware – adaptors available for virtually any shape and size (microcentrifuge tubes, test tubes, vials, etc.)
The VERSA Automated Solvent Extraction systems are highly scalable for different throughput and budget requirements. These instruments can automate a number of applications, including extractions of drugs-of-abuse and other metabolites of interest from bodily fluids, as well as biomolecules of interest from biological matrices (such as lipids and proteins). Please contact us for additional information and applications.
- Sports Medicine
- Vitamin D from Blood/Serum Samples
- Drugs of Abuse in Forensic Analysis
- Compounds for Drug Discovery
- Iso-Flavonoides from Urine Samples
- Aflatoxins from Seafood Products
- Lipid Extraction
- Growth Promoters in Blood
- Semi-Volatile or Non-Volatile Analytes
Specifications | VERSA110 | VERSA1100 |
| Deck Capacity | 8 | 15 |
| Pipetting Head (Single Channel Function, Disposable Tip) | Single channel with dual syringe pump | 4 or 8 channel |
| ReagentDrop | up to 4 | up to 8 |
| Supported Labware Formats | 24, 48 test-tubes/vials and 96 deep well plates | 24 test-tubes/vials and 96 deep well plates |
| Gripper / Plate Transporter | Plate Transporter | Gripper |
| Reagent Block / Flat Plate Coolers | Either | Either |
| Nitrogen Dryer | N/A | 24 or 96 channels |
| Shaker-Heater (2400rpm, RT to 90°C) | Included | Included |
| Liquid Level Sensing | Optional | Optional |
| HEPA/UV/LED Enclosure | Optional | Optional |
| Width x Depth x Height (cm) | 59 x 66 x 90 | 99 x 75 x 90 |
| Weight (kg) | 40 | 162 |
Modules Tailored to Automate Your Automated Liquid Liquid Extraction Workflow
Dual Module for Efficiency
single channel pipette head and ReagentDrop in one system
ReagentDrop
draws reagents from their reservoirs, eliminates tip usage
Nitrogen Dryer
enables on-deck for sample drying
Reagent Block Cooler
cools reagents to reduce volatilization
Shaker-Heater
efficiently mixes organic solvents and aqueous samples
Gripper
moves Nitrogen Dryer for on-deck sample drying
Vial Holders
holders compatible with HPLC vials
Exhaust Hood
protects lab personnel from volatile organic solutions
- Capable of processing Automated Solid Phase Extraction on the same workstation
- Low dead volume maximizes sample recovery
- Conductive liquid level sensing to detect phase boundary
- Compatibility with organic and aqueous reagents
- Exhaust provision for volatile reagents
- HEPA/UV/LED Enclosure – keeps samples contamination-free
- Unparalleled Customer Service – our engineering team is readily available to troubleshoot your protocols to keep your VERSA liquid-liquid extractor running smoothly
What is Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) and how it gets automated?
Similar to SPE, Liquid Liquid Extraction is also a technique for sample preparation, but instead of using a solid absorbent, LLE simply makes use of relative solubilities in different solvents (usually aqueous and organic): compounds in the solution will be separated into different solvents due to their chemical potentials. The solvent enriched with compounds of interest can then be extracted for further use. Although much simpler than SPE in terms of experimental workflow, manual LLE is also prone to human errors and remains a tedious process. VERSA Automated Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) workstations fully automate LLE workflow via Liquid Level Sensing modules (LLS), Nitrogen Dryer as well as shaker and temperature control modules.
What is LLE mainly used for?
LLE is used to prepare samples for analysis on Mass Spectrometry platform or chromatography-based platform (HPLC, GCMS, HPLC-MS, etc.for a range of applications including extractions of drugs-of-abuse and other metabolites of interest from bodily fluids, as well as biomolecules of interest from biological matrices (such as lipids and proteins).
What kits can be used with the VERSA LLE system?
VERSA Automated Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) workstations offer the most flexibility and throughput among all liquid handlers, due to the inclusion of our innovative modules. VERSA workstations are very flexible and open, allowing compatibility with almost all kits, reagents, and labwares available in the market.
How does VERSA prevent evaporation of solvents (e.g. methanol) used for Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) extraction?
To minimize solvent evaporation, the included ReagentDrop channels dispense bulk reagents directly from sealed compartments (pressurized-bottle) located off the deck. These sealed compartments reduce reagent evaporation and exposure resulting from highly volatile reagents such as methanol. The VERSA Automated Liquid-Liquid Extraction workstation is armed with an exhaust to deal with volatile reagents. Additionally, as the ReagentDrop dispenses organic solutions without using tips, dispensing can be done quickly for large and small volumes, and tip usage is decreased.
Can drying step(s) be automated on VERSA LLE?
Yes, the nitrogen dryer block can be used for solvent evaporation and sample concentration, and it can be transferred into a drying position above the test tubes/vials by the plate gripper. The combination of shaker-heater, nitrogen dryer, and gripper enables complete walk-away solution for any LLE protocols.
How are the mixing and shaking steps performed on the VERSA automated Liquid-Liquid Extraction system?
VERSA is equipped with a powerful shaker for vortex mixing of organic solvents and aqueous samples, and the timing and speed (RPM) of the shaking process can be optimized for your application, as well as changed on demand within the included software.
Does the VERSA LLE workstation come with liquid level sensing?
Yes, VERSA LLE workstation features Conductive Liquid Level Sensing for detecting the phase boundary between organic and aqueous solvents, ensuring precision and reproducibility in your LLE procedures. Alternatively, you have the option to define aspirate heights (Z position) to remove one liquid/phase from the other.
What liquids are compatible?
a. For ReagentDrop – most organic solvents are compatible (tubing is PTFE, check here for compatibility https://www.coleparmer.com/chemical-resistance) – avoid concentrated aqueous solutions (salting out could clog the tubing) and concentrated acids or bases (can degrade metal components)
b. For pipetting and solutions on deck – avoid very volatile solvents (instead, have them on the RD) and any concentrated acids or bases (fumes can degrade instrument components).
What is the sample handling volume and throughput?
- Pipette maximum aspiration/dispensing volume is 1000uL.
- Maximum Samples handling volumes is around 10-15 mL
What if my solvent is not compatible with polypropylene pipette tips?
We can offer a steel-pin system (4 or 8-channel, up to 1000 uL) system.