Automated sample preparation platform for bioanalytical SPE method development & optimization using Andrew+ pipetting robot

Abstract: Bioanalysis, or the analysis of drugs and their metabolites from biological fluids, are key assays used in support of drug discovery, development, clinical and forensic toxicology research.  Development of quantitative bioanalytical methods focus on detection, separation and extraction of pharmaceutical drugs from biological matrices.  Sample extraction is a lengthy and often laborious process requiring extensive manual labor and is often perceived as a bottle neck.   Common sample preparation techniques include: dilution, protein precipitation (ppt), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid phase extraction (SPE), with the choice of technique used often based on the quantification of performance desired (e.g. sensitivity, selectivity, convenience and cost at which the assay can be executed.
Of these technique, SPE is often the preferred technique affording high recovery, selectivity and the ability to concentrate the sample for improved analytical assay sensitivity.  However, with its numerous pipetting steps and need for optimization for each analyte, SPE extraction typically requires a skilled scientist to perform and optimize.  Additionally the difficulty in implementing or transferring these assay's (user-to-user or site-to-site) required when assay demand increases is further aggravated by the complexity of the troubleshooting required when analytical goals are not met. Thus, there is a strong need for simpler, more standardized and transferrable workflows.
Recently, new development in robotics offers the capacity to fully automated complex extraction protocols with a high level of reproducibility compared to a manual sample extraction workflow.  this automated platform now offers the option to produce quality and fast application by less experienced scientists, thus reducing risks of operator errors.  This work aims to demonstrate a broadly applicable and automated SPE method development and optimization extraction strategy optimizing pH and solvent polarity, demonstrating high recovery and selectivity for a variety of small molecule and pharmaceutical drugs using a novel sequential elution strategy.  This automation strategy incorporates the use of the Andrew+ pipetting robot platform, and automated liquid handling device, which simplifies and streamlines the bioanalysis sample preparation SPE workflow, maximizing productivity, reducing risk of errors, while ensuring analytical method performance.