SPOTLIGHT FEATURE Sample Preparation & Processing
Cutting-edge sample preparation tools help laboratories to stay ahead of the curve
Andrew Minett, Technical Director, ePrep
Laboratories worldwide are in the midst of a robotics revolution, with complex automation platforms making quick work of even the most intricate workfl ows. Until recently, analytical chemistry labs have largely missed out on this transformation, due to the numerous sample preparation steps – often requiring precise transfers of minuscule volumes – involved in common workfl ows. This has prompted some facilities to search for novel solutions to remove bottlenecks and improve effi ciencies, as well as to put their highly skilled personnel to better use. This article describes how a fully automated, end-to- end platform for chromatography sample preparation is helping to boost productivity and cost-effectiveness for a multinational topical pharmaceutical company.
Introduction
Chromatography plays an essential role in the analytical chemistry laboratory, with applications including separation and analysis of complex compound mixtures, biomolecule purification, and quantification of target substances. In the highly regulated pharmaceutical sector, precision and reproducibility of these processes is critical. However, chromatography sample preparation is widely recognised as a complex and labour-intensive process that is often susceptible to errors when performed manually, due to the numerous liquid handling steps and minute sample volumes involved. Even slight inaccuracies in aliquoting, pipetting, dilution or mixing can compromise the integrity of results. Human factors – such as fatigue, distraction or inconsistent technique – can further exacerbate these errors, leading to variations between samples.
Errors in sample preparation can result in numerous challenges, including reduced column lifespans, instrument downtime, compromised separation effi ciency, and inconsistent reproducibility of results. More critically, inaccurate results may adversely affect downstream processes, causing delays, rework or even product recalls. There is therefore a clear need for innovative solutions to streamline chromatography sample preparation, especially as analytical laboratories face mounting pressures due to increasing workloads and challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled personnel.
State-of-the-art solutions
There are a limited number of laboratory automation platforms that are designed to handle a wide range of chromatography sample preparation tasks with high precision and fl exibility. These systems need to perform a wide variety of operations, including sample aliquoting, addition of diluents and reagents, serial dilutions, syringe mixing, liquid transfers, solid-phase extraction (SPE), microSPE and liquid-liquid extraction. Many instruments also feature intuitive user interfaces that allow for rapid set-up and programming of workfl ows – often using drag-and-drop functionality – and use technologies such as radio-frequency identifi cation (RFID) and proximity sensors to automatically detect components like syringes, vials and racks, which minimises the risk of errors.
The effi ciency and adaptability offered by automation enable chromatography laboratories to effi ciently process batch sizes ranging from a few samples to several hundred, automatically transferring completed samples to autosampler racks ready for analysis. Purpose-built platforms can improve the precision and accuracy of existing laboratory workfl ows, leading to high-quality results for every sample batch.
Embracing automation
...inaccurate results may adversely affect downstream processes, causing delays, rework or even product recalls
Automated chromatography sample preparation platforms provide an end-to-end solution to help increase the effi ciency and accuracy of workfl ows
One company that has recognised the need to streamline processes in its analytical laboratories is Ego Pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1953 by a young chemist and his wife, the company is renowned for pioneering one of the fi rst cosmetically acceptable sunscreens. Still family-owned, Ego Pharmaceuticals has grown into a global leader in dermatological care, supplying millions of people with a comprehensive range of skincare products.
The company’s rapid expansion brought increased complexity and volume to its manufacturing and quality control operations, creating signifi cant pressure to enhance effi ciency while maintaining rigorous testing standards to comply with European and USA pharmacopeia methods. To meet these demands, Ego Pharmaceuticals sought to modernise its analytical sample preparation processes, ensuring that the quality control laboratory could keep pace with production while upholding the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Ego Pharmaceuticals has long recognised the complexity and labour-intensive nature of analytical
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LABMATE UK & IRELAND - FEBRUARY 2026
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