Concept and Terminology

Refer to the following list of commonly used terms to familiarize yourself with the instrument and its functions.

Protocol

A protocol consists of a configuration of stations, defined labware, and profiles to be run using user-defined parameters.

Profile

A profile defines the filtration parameters for each individual sample in a protocol, including chip selection, labware selection, concentrating/exchanging volumes, and advanced setup (e.g., the chip’s cleaning/mixing cycles and pressure settings).

Labware

Labware is the equipment used to hold liquids during protocol runs. It is arranged on the deck and defined visually in the Editor page. The compatible labware types for the aµtoPULSE deck are:

  • 1.5 mL Conical Tube 4x6

  • 15 mL Conical Tube 3x4

  • 50 mL Conical Tube 2x3

Chip

The filtering devices used in aµtoPULSE are called chips. Chips are automatically placed in the Stations by the gantry during protocol runs. Chips cover a wide range of Molecular Weight Cut-Off (MWCO) selections to accommodate different experiments. For more information, see the chip specifications in the Instrument Overview topic.

Virtual Deck and Station Cards Panel

The virtual deck and station cards panel in the Editor page represents the corresponding parts of the instrument and is where the labware is arranged and profiles are configured.

Virtual Deck

Station Cards Panel

The station cards panel also appears in the Runtime Status page to display the current status during a protocol run. Clicking on the More info icon infoicon on a station will switch the live graph view to that profile.

Station Cards in Runtime Status Page

Station

A station is where aµtoPULSE performs its filtration and cleaning operations. Each station is equipped with a chip clamp, permeate and buffer tubing, tube adapters, and scales for volume tracking. For more information, see Instrument Overview.

Note

The tubes in a station are placed in the Left Tube, Microtube, and Right Tube slots. Left Tube and Right Tube refer to the left and right tube adapters respectively, while Microtube refers to the center microtube adapter.

The aµtoPULSE Stations in a 3-2 Configuration

Filtration Methods

aµtoPULSE uses membrane filtration to concentrate samples by removing buffer and small impurities. Buffer Exchange can be enabled via a toggle to replace the original buffer with a new one through stepwise addition.

Filtration Process Cycles

The following processes are possible steps in a profile:

  • Transferring: Moves sample/buffer between conical tubes through the chip.

  • Concentrating: Reduces sample volume by pushing liquid through the chip’s diaphragms and membrane. Small molecules pass as permeate, and larger molecules are retained, creating a more concentrated sample.

  • Prime: The priming cycle fills the chip membrane with either buffer or sample solution before concentrating to remove air bubbles from the chip before filtration.

  • Recovery: The recovery cycle returns your sample from the chip back into the tube using buffer solution and/or air after running a protocol.

  • Mixing: The mixing cycle recirculates the sample through the chip and conical tubes to ensure even sample distribution and avoid clogging. High-viscosity solutions may have decreased mixing performance.

  • Chip Cleaning: The chip cleaning cycle automatically flushes all flow paths with a cleaning solution to remove residual material and condition the chip. It then rinses with a neutralizing buffer, preparing the chip for sample processing.