75
Finally, the chip can be rinsed using squirt bottles of deionized water, ethanol, acetone and
isopropanol in that order. It is recommended that the sensor surface be rinsed for 1 minute under
each solvent then dried with a clean source of nitrogen gas.
6.4 Installing a New Flow Cell
The OpenSPR-XT™ instrument comes pre-installed with a Flow Cell. However, over time the Flow Cell
may wear and need cleaned or replaced.
1. To remove a Flow Cell, insert tweezers behind the Flow Cell near the barbed fitting. Gently use
the tweezers to slowly pull the Flow Cell off of the barbed fittings. Try to avoid any tearing of
the Flow Cell.
2. Replacement Flow Cells are shipped clean and can be placed directly into the system.
3. While wearing gloves, line up the Inlet and Outlet of the new Flow Cell with the barbed fittings.
Gently push the Flow Cell over the barbed fittings until fully seated. Inspect the ends of the
barbed fittings to ensure they are not obstructed. The indented potion of the Flow Cell should
be facing out.
4. Upon replacing the Flow Cell, extra attention should be paid to potential leaks during the initial
stages of the experiment.
To clean an old Flow Cell follow the above procedures to remove and replace it. Once removed, rinse
with deionized water, ethanol, acetone and isopropanol and then dry with dry nitrogen or another
clean compressed gas. Ensure that the Flow Cell is completely dry of all solvents before reinstalling by
heating on a hot plate (70°C for 10 minutes). If more rigorous cleaning is needed, use an ultrasonic
cleaner. Ensure that the cylindrical channels that run through the Flow Cell are unobstructed. Excess
Flow Cell material can clog these channels creating a plug that will cause a leak during an experiment.
Try to minimize the exposure of the Flow Cell to dust as this can negatively affect experimental results
or cause leaks.
6.5 Changing the Sample Loop
Sample Loops can be purchased from the Nicoya Lifesciences online store
http://store.nicoyalife.com/store/p2/PEEK_Sample_Loop.html . All Sample Loops come with the
required connectors, consisting of two nuts and two ferrules [Figure 6.3]. The following
procedure is for changing a Sample Loop on the valve of the XT autosampler.
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