Automated sample preparation system FLEX SWILE DSC

roboticfor sample preparationfor research

Overview
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is one of the most frequently used thermal analysis techniques. DSC measures enthalpy changes due to changes in the physical and chemical properties of a material as a function of temperature or time.

The method allows identification and characterization of materials and provides numerous applications in almost all branches of the chemical & pharmaceutical industry: compounds from APIs to polymers can be analyzed for glass transition, melting, crystallization degree, phase transition, protein denaturation and decomposition point.

DSC enables investigation of chemical reactions, the influence of additives and fillers, and the processing of materials. Typical DSC curve shapes are used for quality control. DSC is fast, very sensitive and easy to use.

However, DSC sample preparation—filling and closing crucibles—is often still performed manually and requires highly qualified resources for time-consuming, tedious and error-prone tasks.

Chemspeed's SWILE technology enables automated true one-to-one gravimetric pick & decision dispense of solid compounds. The technology backbone is Chemspeed’s proprietary overhead gravimetric dispensing tool design combined with a second analytical on-deck balance. Modified 4-Needle Head liquid handling tool closes DSC crucibles after dispense and transports them into DSC device autosampler racks to provide ready-for-use DSC samples without manual interaction. Disposable glass tips (SWINs) are used to exclude any risk of cross-contamination; SWINs are available in different diameters and can be adjusted for target amount. A tilt/shake rack is used to loosen and tilt powder prior to pick-up.

Workflow (FLEX SWILE DSC)

• Optionally read barcode of source vial
• Transport source vial to tilt/shake rack to loosen compound
• Pick and dispense solid (gravimetric pick & decision dispense)
• Transport crucible MTP to holder
• Place lid on crucible
• Push lid into crucible (lid insertion)
• Transport closed crucible to autosampler rack
• Repeat (repeater node for multiple samples)

Benefits

• Revolutionary accuracy & precision due to decision dispensing
• Dispensing range from 100’s μg to about 5 mg with ±10 μg resolution
• No cross-contamination
• No dead volume
• Unattended operation
• Fully inert (glass)
• Proprietary robotic tool exchange interface
• Ventilated hood for safety and trolley
• Optimized footprint (3x3 ft, 90x90 cm) versus capacity to reduce costs and maximize ROI
• SWILE Robotic Tool can be combined with other tools for multiple workflows
• On-deck balance, tilt/shake rack, barcode reader, multigripper
• Automated sample dispensing into DSC crucibles (optional on-deck balance for 10 μg resolution)
• Automated lid placement and crucible closure
• Reformatting of closed crucibles into various DSC autosampler racks
• AUTOSUITE software - drag & drop experimentation with data analysis
• Interface options for LIMS and ELN integration

Technical specifications

• Technology: SWILE gravimetric pick & decision dispense using proprietary overhead gravimetric dispensing tool
• Analytical capability: second on-deck analytical balance for gravimetric control
• Dispensing range: from hundreds of μg up to ~5 mg
• Resolution: approximately ±10 μg (optional on-deck balance for 10 μg resolution)
• Tools: modified 4-Needle Head liquid handling tool for lid placement and transport
• Consumables: disposable glass tips (SWINs) in multiple diameters to avoid cross-contamination
• Ancillary hardware: tilt/shake rack, barcode reader, multigripper, ventilated hood and trolley
• Footprint: optimized ~3x3 ft (90x90 cm)
• Software: AUTOSUITE for experiment design and data analysis; interfaces available for LIMS/ELN
• Automation: automated lid placement, crucible closure and reformatting into DSC autosampler racks