Automated sample preparation system FLEX SWILE DSC

for researchfor sample preparationfor the pharmaceutical industry

Overview
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a thermal analysis technique used to measure enthalpy changes due to changes in the physical and chemical properties of a material as a function of temperature or time. It is applied across chemical and pharmaceutical industries to characterize glass transition, melting, crystallization degree, phase transitions, protein denaturation and decomposition points, and to investigate chemical reactions, additive/filler effects and processing impacts. DSC measurements are commonly used in quality control because DSC is fast, sensitive and easy to use.

The SWILE technology enables automated true one-to-one gravimetric "pick & decision dispense" of solid compounds into DSC crucibles. The system is built around Chemspeed’s proprietary overhead gravimetric dispensing tool together with a second analytical on-deck balance to deliver precision gravimetric dispensing. A modified 4-Needle Head Liquid Handling tool is used to place lids on crucibles after dispensing and to transfer closed crucibles into DSC autosampler racks. Disposable glass tips (SWINs) avoid cross-contamination; SWIN diameters/sizes can be adjusted to match the required target dispense amounts. A tilt/shake rack is used to loosen and tilt powders prior to pick-up.

Workflow

• Optional barcode read of source vial.
• Transport source vial to tilt/shake rack to loosen compound.
• Pick and decision-dispense solid (gravimetric pick & decision dispense using overhead gravimetric tool + on-deck balance).
• Transport crucible (e.g., MTP format) to holder.
• Place lid on crucible and push lid into crucible to close.
• Transport closed crucible into DSC autosampler rack (support for a variety of autosampler rack types).
• Repeat operation for multiple samples/throughput.

Benefits

• Revolutionary accuracy and precision due to decision dispensing.
• Dispensing range from hundreds of μg to ~5 mg with approximately ±10 μg resolution (optionally supported by on-deck balance for 10 μg resolution).
• No cross-contamination thanks to disposable glass tips.
• No dead volume.
• Unattended operation for automated sample preparation.
• Fully inert (glass) fluid-contact materials for solid handling.
• Proprietary robotic tool exchange interface enabling tool combinations.
• Ventilated hood for safety and dedicated trolley.
• Optimized small footprint (~3x3 ft / 90x90 cm) relative to capacity.
• SWILE Robotic Tool combinable with other tools to support multiple workflows.
• On-deck balance, tilt/shake rack, barcode reader and multigripper are integrable.
• Automated sample dispensing into DSC crucibles and automated lid placement/crucible closure.
• Reformatting of closed crucibles into DSC autosampler racks.
• AUTOSUITE software for drag & drop experiment design and data analysis interface; interfaces for LIMS/ELN integration.

Additional technical & operational details
The technology backbone is an overhead gravimetric dispensing tool plus a second analytical on-deck balance; disposable glass SWIN tips are stored and provided by the automated SWIN dispenser and are available in different diameters for adjusting target dispense amounts. The modified 4-Needle Head Liquid Handling tool performs lid placement and transport into DSC autosampler racks. Tilt/shake racks are used to loosen powders prior to pick-up to improve pick reliability and accuracy.

Technical specifications

• Commercial name / workflow: FLEX SWILE DSC.
• Dispensing principle: gravimetric pick & decision-dispense (overhead gravimetric dispenser + on-deck analytical balance).
• Dispensing range: hundreds of μg up to ~5 mg (approx. ±10 μg resolution with optional on-deck balance).
• Consumables: disposable glass tips (SWINs) in multiple diameters; designed to avoid cross-contamination.
• Tools: modified 4-Needle Head Liquid Handling tool for lid placement, SWILE Robotic Tool, tilt/shake rack, multigripper, barcode reader, on-deck balance.
• Automation: unattended end-to-end preparation including dispensing, capping and transfer to DSC autosampler rack.
• Footprint: optimized ~90 x 90 cm (3 x 3 ft) typical installation footprint.
• Materials: fully inert glass contact where required.
• Safety: ventilated hood option and trolley.
• Software: AUTOSUITE for experiment design and analysis; supports LIMS/ELN integration.
• Output: ready-for-use closed crucibles formatted into DSC autosampler racks (supports various rack types).