Flexus DMPK Fully Automates Protein Precipitation Methods, Saving Time and Effort

Development and implementation of high throughput techniques for sample preparation used in drug analysis is challenging.

Plasma samples are commonly analyzed by LC/MS for the presence of drug metabolites during pre-clinical and clinical trials but must first be treated to eliminate proteins that would otherwise interfere with the analyses. This is most commonly achieved by protein precipitation and separation using centrifugation or 96 well filter plate technology. However, these methods are labour intensive and time consuming.

Now, Anachem introduces a revolutionary new automated liquid handling platform, specifically designed to make this demanding procedure easier, faster and more efficient, freeing up valuable technician time. The Flexus DMPK pipetting station is a flexible robotic system that performs all the manipulations necessary for complete automation of the traditional protein precipitation technique. It is pre-configured with a plate shaker and built in, high speed centrifuge or vacuum station. It includes a specific software package to get you up and running and generating results as quickly as possible.

The Flexus DMPK protocol ensures accurate pipetting of acetonitrile from a reagent trough to the plasma containing plate. The plate is then moved to the integrated shaker for sample mixing to ensure homogeneity prior to centrifugation or filtration. A dilution step of the supernatant into a clean microtitre plate presents the finished samples ready for LC/MS analysis. A 96 well plate can be prepared in less than 15 minutes without any human intervention. Alternative protocols include the use of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or ammonium sulphate as the precipitants.

Flexus DMPK is one of a family of application focused Flexus platforms. Also available are Flexus Genome that automates a range of molecular biology techniques, Flexus Assay for ELISA and Flexus Crystal for protein crystallography. These complement the standard modular Flexus system that can be configured to suit individual applications.