Tecan’s resolvex® Prep Automates Cannabis Sample Preparation for Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
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- Tecan’s resolvex® Prep Automates Cannabis Sample Preparation for Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
tecan, a prominent name in laboratory automation, has launched its latest innovation: the Resolvex® Prep. Designed specifically for the automated extraction of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and terpenoids from cannabis flowers, this instrument streamlines sample preparation for chromatography and mass spectrometry. Tailored for low- to medium-throughput laboratories, the Resolvex® Prep aims to boost efficiency, precision, and flexibility in analytical workflows. Tecan’s expertise extends from instruments to consumables, providing complete solutions for laboratories seeking advanced automation.
The new Resolvex® Prep joins Tecan’s established line of automation solutions, addressing the increasing need for efficient and reliable sample preparation in the cannabis testing industry.With growing regulatory demands and the necessity for accurate analysis, automated solutions like the Resolvex® Prep are becoming essential tools for laboratories striving to maintain high standards.
Resolvex® Instrument Portfolio and Fluent® Platform
Tecan’s dedication to automation is evident in its diverse product offerings. The Resolvex® instrument portfolio caters to low- to mid-throughput laboratories,facilitating supported liquid extraction (SLE) and solid phase extraction (SPE). The portfolio is compatible with various vendors’ products, and Tecan offers its own selection of SLE and SPE materials, ensuring versatility and ease of integration for users.
For laboratories requiring full automation and liquid-liquid extraction, Tecan’s flagship liquid handling platform, Fluent®, supports GLP-, GMP-, or IVDR-validated workflows. Recent enhancements to fluent® include the Phase Separator for fully automated LLE and the Resolvex i300 for SPE in 96-well and 1ml, 3ml, 6ml columns. These features make Fluent® an ideal instrument for forensics applications involving drug analysis, showcasing its broad applicability.
The Resolvex® Prep: Simplicity, Flexibility, and Precision
The Resolvex® Prep is built around three core principles: simplicity in operation, heightened flexibility, and unrivaled precision and accuracy. These principles are designed to make the instrument an essential tool for advancing laboratory workflows, ensuring that users can achieve reliable and consistent results with minimal effort.
Simplicity in Operation
The Resolvex® Prep is designed for ease of use, becoming operational in less then an hour.Its intuitive interface and automated calibration procedures contribute to its user-amiable design.The smart software allows users to quickly create new workflows using a drag-and-drop function to select required hardware such as syringes, vials, and racks. Predefined coordinates further minimize setup time, enabling researchers to focus on their work with minimal delays, enhancing productivity and reducing the learning curve.
the Resolvex Prep automates liquid handling steps,including extraction,filtration,and aliquoting into final vials. The process begins with 0.5 g of pre-weighed cannabis flowers in a 20 mL EPA enviro vial, following a validated manual extraction and filtration procedure.The automated steps include:
- Add 10 mL of ethanol (96%)
- Vortex for 10 minutes at 510 rpm
- Pause for 2 minutes to allow the cannabis flowers to settle
- Take 2 mL of supernatant and filter through a 0.2 µm syringe filter into intermediate vials
- Prepare final autosampler vials by aliquoting 900 µL of ethanol
- Add 100 µL of the supernatant filtrate to the prepared final autosampler vials
The entire autosampler rack is then seamlessly transferred for analysis, further streamlining the workflow and minimizing manual intervention.
Heightened Flexibility
The Resolvex Prep features a modular deck layout that accommodates common laboratory sample and autosampler racks (Agilent®, Waters®, Shimadzu®, CTC®, EST®, Hitachi®), solvent reservoirs, and labware in interchangeable positions. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) allows the instrument to automatically identify deck segments, while proximity sensors detect the presence or absence of labware, ensuring accurate and reliable operation.
The patented rotating foot provides operational advantages, enabling automated tool changes for analytical syringes, SPE cartridges, µSPEed syringes, syringe disc filters, controlled piercing of septa-sealed vials, and also precise aspirating and dispensing.Additional features include a wash station, an optional large volume dispenser, and an optional direct injection port, providing users with a comprehensive and adaptable platform.
Unrivaled Precision and Accuracy
The Resolvex prep uses analytical syringes ranging from 10 µL to 10 mL to ensure unusual reliability and accuracy in sample preparation. With 12 different syringes and tools available,users can tailor their workflows to meet specific requirements. The automated tool change system enables seamless transitions, empowering users with maximum flexibility and control over their processes.
The automated extraction process demonstrated excellent performance,yielding 25.4% total THCA at a 99.1% recovery rate and a 97.5% recovery rate for terpenoids, comparable to a GMP-validated manual protocol, highlighting the system’s ability to maintain high standards of quality and consistency.
Capable of handling batch sizes from 5 to 50 samples with consistent efficiency and accuracy,the Resolvex Prep complements Tecan’s portfolio for sample preparation in mass spectrometry and chromatography for smaller laboratories,making it a versatile solution for a range of analytical needs.
Conclusion
Tecan’s Resolvex® Prep represents an important advancement in automated sample preparation for the cannabis testing industry. By automating the extraction of THCA and terpenoids from cannabis flowers, the Resolvex® Prep offers laboratories a solution that enhances efficiency, precision, and flexibility. with its user-friendly design and robust performance, the Resolvex® Prep is poised to become an essential tool for laboratories seeking to meet the growing demands of cannabis analysis, ensuring they can deliver accurate and reliable results in a timely manner.
Revolutionizing Cannabis Analysis: An Interview on Tecan’s Resolvex® Prep
The cannabis testing industry faces unprecedented challenges in ensuring accuracy and efficiency. But what if a single automated solution could substantially improve both?
Interviewer: dr. Anya Sharma,a leading expert in analytical chemistry and laboratory automation,welcome. Tecan’s new Resolvex® Prep system promises a critically critically important leap forward in cannabis sample preparation. can you elaborate on its impact on the industry?
Dr. Sharma: “Thank you for having me. The Resolvex® Prep represents a crucial advancement for cannabis testing labs, particularly those operating at low to medium throughput. The system automates the frequently enough-laborious and error-prone process of extracting tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and terpenoids from cannabis flowers, preparing them for chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis.This automation translates directly into increased efficiency, reduced human error, and improved reproducibility of results.”
Streamlining Cannabis Testing Workflows: Efficiency and Accuracy
Interviewer: Many laboratories struggle with consistency in their cannabis testing workflows. How does the Resolvex® Prep address this challenge?
Dr. Sharma: “The Resolvex® Prep tackles consistency head-on through automation. The manual process of extracting THCA and terpenoids is notoriously susceptible to variations in technique. The automated system eliminates this variability by precisely controlling each step, from the addition of solvents to the filtration and final aliquoting. Moreover, its utilization of analytical syringes ensures precise liquid handling, significantly improving the accuracy and precision of the extraction process. The system detailed in the article shows an impressive recovery rate,highlighting this consistency.”
Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability in the Lab
Interviewer: The article mentions the instrument’s flexibility. How adaptable is the Resolvex® Prep to different laboratory setups and needs?
Dr. Sharma: “The system’s modular design is key to its adaptability. Its compatibility with various vendors’ sample racks (e.g., Agilent®, Waters®, Shimadzu®) makes it easily integrable into existing laboratory workflows. The utilization of radio-frequency identification (RFID) and proximity sensors further enhances its ability to adapt by automatically identifying and verifying labware. Furthermore, it’s designed to be user-pleasant, making it easy to create and modify workflows minimizing downtime and training costs.”
The Resolvex® Prep: A Deep Dive into its Functionality and Advantages
Interviewer: Let’s delve into the practical aspects. Can you walk us through the automated steps involved in using the Resolvex® Prep for THCA and terpenoid extraction?
Dr. Sharma: “Certainly. The process begins with a pre-weighed sample of cannabis flowers in a standard vial. The automated liquid handling steps include:
- Solvent Addition: Precise dispensing of ethanol (or other suitable solvents).
- Vortexing: Thorough mixing to ensure complete extraction.
- Settling: A pause to allow particulate matter to settle.
- Filtration: Removal of any particulates using a syringe filter, creating a clean supernatant.
- Aliquoting: Precise transfer of the supernatant into analysis vials.
This entire process is automated, resulting in efficient and consistent sample preparation ready for analysis.”
Interviewer: What are some of the key benefits laboratories can expect by using the Resolvex® Prep?
Dr. Sharma: “The benefits are multifaceted. Improved throughput allows for increased sample processing in a given timeframe. Enhanced accuracy and precision ensure more reliable results.Reduced manual labor frees up valuable technician time for other tasks. Improved reproducibility reduces errors and leads to more consistent analysis across different batches. And streamlined workflows contribute to overall lab efficiency.”
The Broader Context of Automation in Cannabis Testing
Interviewer: How does the Resolvex® Prep fit into the broader landscape of automation in the cannabis testing industry? What are the future implications?
Dr. Sharma: “the Resolvex® Prep represents a major step toward full automation solutions in cannabis analysis. As regulatory demands increasingly emphasize accuracy and traceability, the need for automated systems will only grow. The future will likely see even more refined automated systems capable of handling a larger variety of analytes and different extraction methods, integrating seamlessly with other analytical instruments to create fully automated analytical workflows, minimizing human intervention and maximizing sample throughput.”
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Interviewer: For our readers, what are the key takeaways regarding the meaning of Tecan’s Resolvex® Prep in the context of efficient and accurate cannabis testing?
Dr. Sharma: “The Resolvex® Prep offers laboratories a robust, reliable, and adaptable solution for automating cannabis sample preparation. It provides a meaningful advancement in efficiency, accuracy, and overall workflow advancement. its modular design and ease of use make it an ideal tool for those seeking to enhance their cannabis testing capabilities.”
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insightful remarks. This has been invaluable for our readers. We encourage everyone to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Unlocking Cannabis analysis: An Exclusive Interview on Tecan’s Resolvex® Prep Revolution
Is teh future of accurate, efficient cannabis testing fully automated? The answer, it seems, is a resounding yes.
Interviewer: Good morning, dr. Eleanor Vance. as Senior Editor of World Today News,I’m thrilled to speak with you today. You’re a leading authority in analytical chemistry with extensive experience in the cannabis testing industry. Tecan’s new Resolvex® Prep system is generating significant buzz.Can you break down its significance for laboratories involved in cannabis analysis?
Dr. Vance: Good morning. The Resolvex® Prep represents a paradigm shift in cannabis testing. For too long, the process of extracting crucial compounds like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and terpenoids from cannabis flowers has been manual, time-consuming, and prone to human error. This system automates the entire extraction and readiness process for chromatography and mass spectrometry, leading to significantly improved efficiency and accuracy. This is crucial, given the increasing regulatory pressure to ensure reliable and consistent results within the industry.
Addressing the Challenges of Cannabis Testing: Consistency and Accuracy
Interviewer: Many cannabis testing laboratories struggle to maintain consistency in their testing workflows. How does automation through the Resolvex® Prep address this core challenge?
Dr. Vance: Precisely! The manual extraction of THCA and terpenoids is highly susceptible to variations in technique; even minor inconsistencies significantly impact the final results. the Resolvex® Prep mitigates this by precisely controlling every step: solvent addition,vortexing,settling,filtration,and aliquoting. The use of analytical syringes ensures precise liquid handling, dramatically improving accuracy and precision.This enhances the reproducibility of results across batches and laboratories, ensuring compliance with rigorous regulatory standards and promoting confidence in reported data. The system’s impressive recovery rates for THCA and terpenoids, as reported, demonstrate this significant improvement.
Flexibility and Adaptability: meeting Diverse Laboratory Needs
Interviewer: The article highlights the instrument’s adaptability. How does the Resolvex® Prep integrate into existing laboratory setups, and how flexible is it in terms of accommodating different sample types and workflows?
Dr. Vance: The Resolvex® Prep is designed for seamless integration.Its modular design allows for compatibility with a wide range of commonly used laboratory equipment from various vendors—Agilent, Waters, Shimadzu, and more—making it a practical choice for labs already equipped with specific systems. The use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) and proximity sensors ensures accurate identification and tracking of labware, minimizing errors and further enhancing automation. It’s also user-amiable, allowing for streamlined creation and modification of workflows, minimizing downtime and reducing the training requirements for laboratory staff. This adaptability makes it suitable for laboratories of varying sizes and needs.
A Step-by-Step Look at Automated THCA and Terpenoid Extraction
Interviewer: Let’s walk through the automated steps involved in using the Resolvex® Prep for THCA and terpenoid extraction.
Dr. Vance: Absolutely. The process begins with a precisely weighed sample of cannabis flowers. The instrument then performs these automated steps:
- Solvent Addition: Precise dispensing of ethanol (or another suitable solvent) assures consistent solvent-to-sample ratios.
- Vortexing: Thorough mixing ensures complete extraction of the target compounds.
- settling: A precise pause allows particulate matter to settle before filtration.
- Filtration: Efficient filtration using a syringe filter removes particulates and yields a clarified supernatant.
- Aliquoting: Accurate transfer of the supernatant into prepared autosampler vials prepares the sample for analysis.
This entire automated process eliminates the variability associated with manual methods, thus leading to more reliable outcomes.
Key Benefits and Future Implications of Automated Cannabis Testing
Interviewer: What are the key benefits laboratories can expect, and how does this relate to the overall automation trend in cannabis testing?
Dr. vance: The benefits extend beyond improved accuracy.Laboratories can expect:
Increased throughput: Process more samples within the same timeframe.
Reduced labor costs: Free up valuable technician time for other tasks.
Improved data quality: Obtain more reliable and consistent analytical results.
Enhanced compliance: Meet stringent regulatory requirements effortlessly.
* Streamlined workflows: Optimize laboratory efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
The Resolve® Prep reflects a broader movement towards automation in cannabis testing. As regulatory demands continue to evolve, the need for automated systems will only increase. we’ll likely see further development of integrated automation systems embracing different extraction techniques and incorporating even more advanced analytical instrumentation, ultimately streamlining the entire analytical workflow.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Interviewer: Dr. Vance, what’s yoru final take-away message for laboratories considering implementing automated solutions like the Resolvex® Prep?
Dr. Vance: In short: The Resolvex® Prep is not simply an upgrade; it’s a transformation. It offers a cost-effective step toward enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in cannabis testing, ultimately unlocking greater precision and profitability for laboratories. I would encourage all laboratories involved in cannabis testing to explore how advanced automation can improve their workflows and advance their business goals.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your extensive expertise, Dr. Vance. Your insights are invaluable to our readers. We invite our readers to share their experiences and comments in the section below! And, don’t forget to share this interview on social media!