AUTOMATIC FRACTION COLLECTOR (AFC)
Optimise. Automate. Scale When Ready.
The Automatic Fraction Collector (AFC) automates the collection step in qEV isolation. Set the volumes you need, then collect them consistently across runs with less hands-on involvement.
Set your volumes
Set the buffer volume and other collection parameters for each run.
Collect consistently
Collect defined volumes consistently, with collection measured by weight.
Focus elsewhere
Continue with other work in the lab while the AFC handles collection.
Consistent Collection, Run After Run
The AFC brings greater control and repeatability to routine qEV isolation. It measures collected liquid by weight and advances the carousel automatically, reducing inaccuracies associated with manual collection. Apply the same collection parameters across runs, then focus on other work in the lab while collection proceeds.
Set the Collection That Suits Your Sample
Adjust buffer volume, fraction volume and fraction number directly from the touchscreen. Your purified collection volume (PCV) is the volume of qEV eluate containing your highly purified particles of interest. To identify the optimal PCV for your experiment, collect small-increment fractions and examine the elution profile in detail. Once you've refined your PCV, collect it into a single vessel where supported, removing the need to pool fractions manually.
How the AFC Works
Attach a compatible RFID-tagged qEV column and the AFC identifies it, then displays the relevant default collection settings. Adjust the parameters from the touchscreen and begin collection. The AFC measures each fraction by weight and advances the carousel automatically, while LED lights provide clear visual feedback. The reversible carousel supports 1.5 mL, 2 mL and 5 mL collection vessels, depending on the qEV column in use.
Watch: the AFC in operation
Scale at the Level Your Lab Needs
Sample numbers and sample volumes grow at different rates, and they need different instruments. Most qEV workflows start on an AFC, where fraction-level control lets you resolve your collection parameters in detail. Those parameters are what you carry forward when you scale up.
The AFC
AUTOMATE & OPTIMISE
Tune and test your collection parameters with the Automatic Fraction Collector. Automated, reproducible isolation for routine laboratory use.
qEV Zenco
SCALE BY VOLUME
Your automated chromatography system for purifying samples from the qEV2, qEV10, qEV100 and larger customised columns.
DXter
SCALE BY SAMPLE NUMBER
A robotic liquid handler for processing 24 samples in parallel. Fast-track processing, while keeping your qEV workflow compact and configurable.
Multiply Your Throughput
The qEV Isolation platform gives you several pathways to scale, and adding AFCs is one of them. Running multiple units side by side brings bulk pricing and multiplies your throughput, with the option to dedicate each instrument to a different method.
Prices in USD from the Izon store. Regional pricing and distributor terms may differ.
AFC Specifications
Dimensions (cm)
w25 x d30 x h40
Weight
1.2 kg
Touchscreen size
5-inch diagonal, 800 x 480 resolution
Minimum Isolation Time
10-15 min (dependent on qEV column)
Column data provided to user
Column type, number of remaining uses
Certification
The AFC is manufactured in Christchurch, New Zealand, under a quality system certified to ISO 13485:2016.
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Resources
The qEV2, qEV10, qEV100 and larger customised columns can be processed by the qEV Zenco, our automated chromatography system for purifying samples. To learn more visit the Zenco webpage.
Up to 24 qEVsingle, qEVoriginal or qEV1 columns can be processed by the qEV DXter, our robotic automated liquid handling instrument for parallel processing. To learn more visit the qEV DXter webpage.
GMP-ready qEV columns are manufactured and quality-controlled to support use in GMP-regulated environments. Although qEV users are still responsible for regulatory compliance and related risk assessments, the additional measures put in place for GMP-ready column production provide a good starting point if you are working in GMP environments. GMP-ready qEV columns are filled using aseptic methods, with final sanitisation steps performed in a laminar flow cabinet that provides a local environment meeting the ISO Class 7 (Class 10,000) clean room Non-Viable Particulate (NVP) standard. Each batch also undergoes additional cleaning steps and rigorous quality control testing for bioburden and endotoxin levels, against strict targets that must be met before release.
Selecting the optimal column size for your sample volume is important for maximising the purity of EVs in your sample. Loading a sample volume higher than what is recommended results in a lower level of purity in later vesicle-containing volumes, a greater overlap between protein and EV elution peaks, and a higher protein peak within the purified containing volume. Loading a sample volume lower than what is recommended results in a higher dilution factor of the sample. Check the optimal recommended sample volume for your qEV column.
Eluted volumes containing your particles of interest will vary in composition based on the sample, sample preparation and column type. You will need to study the protein and EV content of your fractions and identify which portion is optimal to collect. This will vary depending on whether you would prefer to maximise isolate purity or particle recovery. Typical EV elution profiles for human plasma samples can be found in qEV User Manuals and may serve as a useful starting point.
