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Details the main Minimate™ EVO System, including included accessories like pump, stir plate, and reservoir.
Details the Minimate™ EVO Reservoir Kit, including reservoir, lid, and fittings.
Details the Minimate™ EVO Drip Tray Kit, including tray, pressure gauges, and capsule stand.
Details the Minimate™ EVO Stir Plate Kit, including stir plate and power adapter.
Details the MasterFlex® L/S Variable Speed Pump, including pump and international adapter plug.
Details the MasterFlex® Easy Load Pump Head.
Details the Minimate™ EVO Fittings Kit, listing various tubing connectors and clamps.
Provides a step-by-step guide for assembling the Minimate™ EVO System components.
Instructions and recommendations for operating the assembled Minimate™ EVO System.
The Minimate EVO System is a compact and versatile tangential flow filtration (TFF) device designed for laboratory-scale bioprocessing applications. It facilitates the concentration, diafiltration, and purification of biomolecules, offering a user-friendly experience for various research and development needs. The system is built around a modular design, allowing for easy assembly, operation, and maintenance, making it suitable for both experienced users and those new to TFF.
At its core, the Minimate EVO System performs TFF by continuously recirculating a fluid across a semi-permeable membrane. This process separates molecules based on size, allowing smaller molecules (filtrate) to pass through the membrane while larger molecules (retentate) are retained and concentrated. The system's design ensures efficient processing of small sample volumes, typically ranging from a few milliliters to several liters, making it ideal for applications such as protein concentration, buffer exchange, and cell harvesting.
The system's primary components include a MasterFlex L/S variable speed pump with an Easy-Load pump head, a VWR stir plate, a 500 mL reservoir with a lid, a drip tray, pressure gauges, and a comprehensive set of fittings and tubing. The variable speed pump provides precise control over the flow rate, which is crucial for optimizing filtration performance and preventing membrane fouling. The Easy-Load pump head simplifies tubing installation and replacement, reducing setup time and minimizing the risk of errors.
The VWR stir plate, integrated into the drip tray assembly, ensures continuous mixing of the sample in the reservoir. This constant agitation is vital for maintaining sample homogeneity and preventing concentration polarization at the membrane surface, which can lead to reduced flux and membrane fouling. The stir plate's operation can be adjusted to suit different sample viscosities and processing requirements, although it is important to note that reverse mode operation is not recommended with the Minimate EVO System. If the stir bar stops rotating when increasing speed, reducing the speed until it spins again is advised.
The 500 mL reservoir, equipped with a lid, o-ring, and various fittings, serves as the primary container for the sample during processing. Its design allows for easy addition of sample and diafiltration buffer, as well as convenient access for cleaning. The lid helps to minimize evaporation and contamination, ensuring sample integrity throughout the filtration process. The reservoir is securely placed on the stir plate within the drip tray assembly, with its outlet positioned towards the rear of the plate for optimal flow path configuration.
The drip tray, a foundational element of the system, provides a stable platform for all components and helps to contain any potential spills. It features adjustable feet to ensure stability on various work surfaces, preventing rocking during operation. The drip tray also incorporates brackets for the reservoir and filter capsule, ensuring proper alignment and support. The integrated pressure gauges, mounted on the drip tray, allow for real-time monitoring of transmembrane pressure, a critical parameter for controlling filtration efficiency and preventing membrane damage.
The system's modularity extends to its fittings and tubing, which are designed for quick and secure connections. The fittings kit includes a variety of valves (3-way and 1-way), couplers, hose barbs (male and female luer lock), and tubing clamps. These components facilitate the creation of different flow paths for concentration, diafiltration, and sample collection. The Pharmed tubing, provided in a two-foot length, can be cut to specific dimensions to create short, mid-length, and long tubes, each serving a distinct purpose in the system's fluidic network. For instance, the long tube connects the reservoir outlet to the rear gauge mount, while the mid-length tube connects the rear gauge mount to the retentate port of the capsule filter. The short tube connects the front gauge mount to the 3-way valve on the reservoir inlet. Tubing clamps are used to secure the tubing to fittings, ensuring leak-free connections. It is important to remove the adjustable screw clamp when not in use, as prolonged clamping can deform the tubing and impede fluid flow.
Assembly of the Minimate EVO System is straightforward, guided by clear instructions and visual aids. Users begin by verifying all components, cutting the Pharmed tubing to specified lengths, and attaching fittings with tube clamps. The drip tray is positioned on a work counter, and the stir plate is slid into its designated compartment. The capsule stand is then attached to the drip tray with a screw, allowing for slight movement while remaining secure. The reservoir is placed on the stir plate, and the pump head is attached to the pump using supplied screws. The tubing connections are then made, linking the reservoir, pump, pressure gauges, and the Minimate capsule filter. For diafiltration, an additional flow path is established using a 1-way valve on the reservoir lid and a separate diafiltration vessel.
Operation of the Minimate EVO System involves confirming all fittings are secure before introducing liquid. Users should refer to the MasterFlex Pump and Pump Head manuals for pump operation and the VWR stir plate manual for stir plate operation. It is crucial to monitor pressure gauges during operation to maintain optimal transmembrane pressure and prevent membrane fouling. The Minimate Capsule Care and Use manual provides detailed instructions for the operation of the TFF capsule, ensuring its longevity and performance.
Maintenance of the Minimate EVO System is simplified by its robust design and easily accessible components. Regular cleaning of the reservoir, tubing, and fittings is essential to prevent cross-contamination and maintain system hygiene. The Easy-Load pump head facilitates quick replacement of pump tubing, a common wear component. The modular nature of the system also allows for easy replacement of individual components, should they become damaged or worn. Proper care and handling of the TFF capsule, as outlined in its dedicated manual, are critical for maximizing its lifespan and ensuring consistent filtration results. The system is designed for repeated use, making it a cost-effective solution for ongoing laboratory applications.
General| Model | Minimate EVO |
|---|---|
| Type | Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) System |
| Filtration Area | 50 cm² |
| Membrane Area | 50 cm² |
| Material of Construction | Polypropylene |
| Sample Volume | 50 mL to 1 L |
| Volume Range | 5 mL to 1 L |
| Operating Temperature | 4°C to 40°C |
| Description | Compact, automated TFF system for laboratory-scale processing |
| Max Operating Pressure | 4 bar (60 psi) |
