Automatic Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) System Applications
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 |
Independently Validated
Dr. Adrian Franke from Cancer Research Center of Hawaii is using VERSA Automated Liquid Liquid Extraction workstation to study Phytoestrogenic Isoflavonoids in epidemiologic and clinical research.
Download the validation paper to see how the VERSA automated Liquid-Liquid Extraction system is making a difference in cancer research.
- Capable of processing Automated Solid Phase Extraction on the same workstation (only VERSA 1100)
- 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 the throughput?
It can be configured for 24-sample or 96-well format depending on instrument channels (4 or 8 channel head) – actual throughput time will depend on the specific procedure and steps involved.
Does the instrument come with its own nitrogen supply or does it use the lab’s?
The workstation’s nitrogen dryer has to be connected to the overall lab’s nitrogen supply for any drying step.
What liquids are compatible?
a. For ReagentDrop – most organic solvents are compatible – 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 and any concentrated acids or bases (fumes can degrade instrument components).
What is the sample handling volume?
a. Pipette maximum aspiration/dispensing volume is 1000uL.
b. Samples handling is around 10-15 mL
Can the samples and solvent be kept cool?
Yes, we have cooler/heater flat plates that can bring down the temperature to 4 oC.
What sample sizes/consumables are compatible?
We have custom fabrication/3D printing abilities to meet whatever your need.
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.
Is barcode tracking available?
Barcode tracking is optional.
Is Liquid Level Sensing (LLS) available?
Yes, we can do LLS in a single-channel or all of the channels in the pipette head.
How does the LLS work?
Using conductive pipette tips (black), the conductivity of the solution is measured. The difference in conductivity from one layer to another is recorded, and this difference is used to tell the system when the pipette tip is in the desired layer.
How long will it take to dry 10 mL of an organic solvent by the nitrogen dryer for LLE?
If it is around 10 mL, it would take between 20-30 minutes. If it is less than 10 mL then around 10-15 minutes.