The standard functions available in all AKTA Explorerâ„¢ systems include:

• BufferPrep on-line
• Automatic buffer selection (maximum 8)
• Automatic column switching! scouting (maximum 8)
• Sample application
  -Fixed volume (100 μl -2 ml) or partial loop fill (>100 11)
  -Superloop 10 ml, Supedoop 50 ml, Supedoop 150 ml for samples 1-10 ml, 1-50 ml, 1-150 ml respectively
- via system pump for larger volumes
• Multiple wavelength detection (maximum 3 wavelengths simultaneously)
• pH/conductivity recorded on-line
• Fraction collection options (up to 175 small fractions, up to 8 large fractions)
• Automatic pump wash with column protection

AKTA Explorerâ„¢ systems purchased from GMI are supported with a comprehensive range of service agreements that can be customized to your needs.

Every AKTA Explorerâ„¢ system is supplied with a comprehensive Method Handbook giving background information for recommended purification protocols together with specific examples, recommended columns, running parameters and buffers and advice on optimization options.

Every AKTA Explorerâ„¢ system is mounted on a swivel platform and requires minimal bench space. Any side can be turned to face the operator for easy accessibility. Columns are snapped in place on the outside of the valve cabinet, either individually or as groups ready-fitted in column holders.

The AKTAexplorerâ„¢ 100 system performance ensures minimized run times at maximum flow rates, without loss of resolution, as shown in. The systems operate at scales commonly used for method development, optimization and scale up, covering a flow rate range of 0.01-100 ml/min in isocratic mode and 0.5-100 ml/min in gradient mode at pressures 0-10 MPa.

The AKTAexplorerâ„¢ 10 systems, with a flow rate range of 0.001-10 ml/min in isocratic mode and 0.05-10 ml/min in gradient mode at pressures 0-25 MPa, ensure that the benefits of speed and flexibility of AKTAâ„¢ systems are available to those routinely using columns generating higher back pressures.

Automatic, accurate buffer titration

The unique function, BufferPrep, increases speed and the reliability of results by eliminating the time-consuming manual buffer preparation and titration usually needed for every pH change in chromatography.

The user selects the buffers to be used from the buffer library and defines the pH required. BufferPrep prepares correct buffer pH on-line from four stock solutions (e.g. water, salt, buffer, acid/base) and controls the pH throughout the run, automatically compensating for changes in temperature and salt concentration. New buffer substances can be added to the buffer library and used by BufferPrep to create the required pH elution conditions.

The accuracy of pH is crucial in many separations. The accuracy of BufferPrep greatly increases the reproducibility and reliability of results from day to day by eliminating and correcting errors which occur when producing buffers manually .

BufferPrep is used for pH scouting in rapid method optimization. Pre-programmed method templates are available for automatic eluent pH scouting for ion exchange chromatography. BufferPrep can be used on AKTAexplorerâ„¢ 100 at 60 mIs/min to test seven pH conditions to find the optimal pH for binding and elution of a pure Fab fragment.

Flexibility and safety from laboratory to production Fast, trouble-free transfer of optimized methods to production scale UNICORN control system is used at scales of operation from the laboratory bench to full production. It combines the flexibility needed for method and process development with the stringent requirements for commercial manufacture of bio-pharmaceutical products on production chromatography systems.

The same user interface and methods used to optimize a purification are applied in commercial manufacture with larger systems. This common control platform means quick and simple transfer from one stage of a project to the next. Fig. 16 shows a 10 fold scale up of a Phenyl Sepharose® 6 Fast Flow column during process development of a Fab fraction purification, using an AKTAexplorer™ 100 and the same method template.

AKTAâ„¢ networks

• Faster communication
• High security
• Complete overview of operations
• Maximum compliance with regulatory needs

Fast and Convenient start to every purification

Method templates are included in all AKTAexplorer systems, providing a unique combination of flow configuration and method support for all chromatographic techniques:

• Size exclusion chromatography
• Anion exchange chromatography
• Cation exchange chromatography
• Hydrophobic interaction chromatography
• Reversed phase chromatography
• Affinity chromatography

• Manual sample application via sample loops or SuperJoops (includes repeat injection option)
• Segmented gradient elution
• Fraction collection by fixed volume or automatic peak fractionation

All method templates are based on extensive and well-documented work in our laboratories. They can be used directly and will produce reliable results with minimum start-up time.

Each Method Template contains certain parameters as variables, e.g. flow rate, sample volume, gradient etc., allowing simple changes before each run if required.

The templates use column volume as a programming base and so can be used on any size of column, making scale-up very easy. Usr specific templates are easily created.

UNICORN control system has full networking capability, with high security and maximum compliance with regulatory needs. Network support allows any AKTAdesign system to be controlled from any connected UNICORN workstation.

System control and data access via a PC network is extremely easy to use and gives a complete overview of operations.

With defined access rights, operators can connect to, and control, systems from any remote or local control or local PC; the user interface is exactly the same. Results can be automatically saved on a server and evaluation and generation of reports can be made locally or at remote PCs.

AKTAâ„¢ service

• Controlled costs
• Traceable results
• Regulatory requirements support
• Maximum productivity
• Continuous operation at optimal performance

Regular, planned maintenance increases productivity by keeping a system in top working condition and minimizing downtime. A service agreement lets users budget for all service and maintenance costs, giving full cost control and eliminating unexpected expenses.

Service agreements will greatly simplify compliance with regulatory and quality demands. Scheduled preventive maintenance carried out by qualified engineers using traceable test equipment and the in-built service diagnostics of AKTAdesign, provide users with support to meet the requirements of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

AKTAâ„¢ knowledge -instant access to chromatographic advice

As well as pre-programmed method templates and column knowledge in the column library, UNICORN adviser is included in all AKTAâ„¢ systems to give advice and technical information on all aspects of chromatography.

AKTAexplorer Systems Series: Description and components

System components

Pump P-901 and P-903 (P-900 series pumps deliver accurate, reproducible flow rates and gradients for all bio-molecular chromatographic separations).

Pumps P-901 (up to 100 ml/min) and P-903 (up to 10 ml/min) employ features that allow all modern high-performance media to be run under optimal conditions and maximize the results of every chromatographic separation. The key features include the use of four pump heads instead of two. This permits accurate flow and gradients over a wide range of flow rates and the incorporation of three microprocessors to monitor and control performance.

The result is high accuracy and reproducibility, automated monitoring of performance and safety, column protection through the use of gradual starts and pressure limits, and an internal log for easy user monitoring.

Monitor pH/Cond-900 (Monitor pH/C-900 is a combined monitor for accurate, precise online monitoring of pH and conductivity conditions over a wide dynamic range).

Monitor pH/C-900 is a combined monitor for accurate, on-line monitoring of pH, conductivity and temperature recording real time information about chromatographic conditions.

Its accurate response, coupled with high precision over a wide measuring range, makes it ideal for use in all chromatography techniques, from reversed phase with very low conductivity eluents to hydrophobic interaction chromatography in high salt solutions.

The pH/C-900 consists of a control unit, a flow cell for conductivity and temperature, a flow cell with a holder for the pH electrode and the pH electrode.

Monitor UV-900 (Monitor UV-900 combines high sensitivity UV monitoring at three wavelengths simultaneously).

Monitor UV-900 is not only an integral component of ÄKTA™design chromatography systems, but is also an excellent standalone multi-wavelength detector. The application of fiber technology to the design of the flow cell means that focused light is continually reflected back into the flow path. The cell features a long path length while retaining a small volume and a design that prevents formation of lens-shaped interfaces between eluant components of different refractive indexes. Fiber optics allow the flow cell to be placed close to the column outlet. These innovations increase signal-to-noise ratio, while decreasing band broadening, noise, and thermal drift. The result is a very sensitive, stable, and reliable UV/visible detector.

Monitor UV-900 is a high sensitivity multi-wavelength UV-Vis monitor, recording up to three wavelengths simultaneously for optimal detection in the range 190-700 nm.

The use of advanced fiber optics together with the unique flow cell design ensures a high signal-to noise ratio for maximum performance. Maintenance costs are minimized by use of a unique Xenon flash lamp, giving a significant increase in lamp lifetime.

Monitor UV-900 includes a choice of two flow cells (optical path-length 2 mm, internal volume 2μl, or path-length 10 mm, internal volume 9 μl). The 10 mm flow cell is delivered with ÄKTAexplorer™

Monitor UPC 900 (Monitor UPC-900 - A single unit measures UV, pH, and conductivity)

Monitor UPC-900 provides UV and temperature-compensated pH and conductivity parameters in a single display. Temperature is monitored and displayed and can be recorded if the monitor is used in ÄKTA design systems.

The mercury lamp is available with 254 or 280 nm filters for detecting proteins; the zinc lamp is used with the 214 nm filter for detecting peptides or for increased protein detection sensitivity. Additional filters are available for special applications within the range of 313 to 546 nm. The 2 mm UV flow cell and the pH and conductivity flow cells are designed to accommodate flow rates up to 100 ml/min; the 5 mm UV flow cell is optimized for flow rates to 20 ml/min.

The conductivity monitor features a broad dynamic range which accommodates the high salt concentrations used in hydrophobic interaction chromatography and the low conductivity of reversed phase or desalting separations. The pH monitor is essential for optimal results in affinity, ion exchange, and chromato-focusing separations.

Ancillary equipment: standard

ÄKTAexplorer™ is supported by a full range of dedicated ancillary equipment. All ancillary equipment is controlled via UNICORN control system.

Valves ÄKTAexplorer™ has one seven port injection valve, INV-907, for sample application and one eight port fractionation valve, INV-908, for diversion to fraction collector or waste. Two switch valves work together with the P-903 pump in BufferPrep mode.

Mixer M-925

P-900 series pumps deliver accurate, reproducible flow rates and gradients for all biomolecular chromatographic separations.

Mixer M-925 is a dynamic, single chamber mixer powered and controlled from Pump P-903.

For optimal mixing in the entire flow rate range of ÄKTAexplorer™, it is delivered with interchangeable mixing chambers (0.6 and 2 ml).