Peptide synthesis platform Initiator+ Alstra™

for oligonucleotidesmicrowaverobotized

Overview
Biotage® Initiator+ Alstra™ is an automated single-channel microwave peptide synthesizer for fast, flexible synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics. It supports peptoids, PNAs and peptidomimetics and operates at scales from 5 μmol to 2 mmol. Microwave heating accelerates coupling and deprotection steps, improving cycle time while helping maintain product purity.

Main features and benefits

• Robotic liquid handler enabling precise dispensing from 100 μL to reduce reagent consumption.
• 10.4" touchscreen with intuitive software and support for predefined and custom methods.
• Flexible rack and cover plate options; optional inert gas manifold for nitrogen flow over reagents.
• Five reagent bottles for multiple coupling and capping reagents; support for three external system solvents.
• Disposable reactor vials (5, 10 and 30 mL) for simplified setup and cleaning.
• Three digital syringe pumps with 10 mL sample loops for accurate reagent delivery.
• Dual-needle technology to minimize cross-contamination risk.
• Patented oscillating mixing unit for uniform heat distribution during microwave cycles.
• Optional UV monitoring and microwave-assisted synthesis expand analytical and process control.
• Small-scale capability from 5 μmol to reduce consumable use and downstream purification.

Key specifications (summary)

• Reaction volumes: 5 mL (0.6–3.5 mL), 10 mL (3.5–10 mL), 30 mL (4.5–20 mL).
• Flow rate: 6–50 mL/min.
• Temperature range: 40–100 °C.
• Agitation: Oscillating mixing unit.

Additional capabilities and notes

• Supports synthesis of peptides, peptoids, PNAs and peptidomimetics across 5 μmol–2 mmol scales.
• Automation reduces reagent waste and can decrease the number of downstream chromatography runs.
• Intended for use in laboratory fume hoods with appropriate solvent ventilation and flammable vapor controls.

Technical specifications

• Reaction volumes: 5 mL (0.6–3.5 mL); 10 mL (3.5–10 mL); 30 mL (4.5–20 mL).
• Flow rate: 6–50 mL/min.
• Operating temperature range: 40–100 °C. Typical heating rate: 2–5 °C/sec (solvent and power dependent).
• Agitation: Patented oscillating mixing unit.
• Reactor vial sizes supported: 5, 10 and 30 mL (disposable).
• Syringe pumps: 3 × digital syringe pumps with 10 mL sample loops.
• Reagent bottles: 5 × 185 mL GL45 glass bottles. Solvent bottles: 1 × 5 L, 1 × 2 L and 1 × 1 L GL45 brown glass bottles.
• Amino acid rack capacity: 32 × 30 mL. Waste capacity: 10 L.
• Inert gas (microwave cavity): ≈2 L/min at 0.5 bar; manifold option ≈4 L/min at 0.5 bar.
• Microwave power range: 0–120 W at 2.45 GHz. Max power consumed: 1100 VA.
• Electrical supply: Europe 220–240 V~, 50 Hz (5 A); US/Japan 100–120 V~, 50/60 Hz.
• Pressure: atmospheric. Recommended vacuum pump: min. partial pressure 100 mbar; min. flow 11 L/min.
• Interfaces: Ethernet LAN (IEEE 802.3) and USB 3.0; on-board computer with 10.4" touchscreen; USB archiving; LAN printing.
• Operating ambient: 15–35 °C. Storage/transport: -25 °C to 60 °C. Humidity: 20–75% up to 31 °C.
• Weight: 42 kg. Footprint (W × D × H): 640 × 430 × 640 mm. Max sound level: 70 dB(A). Certifications: CE, CSA.