Formulatrix – autoPulse

Innovation of the Year
for a product or service

The aµtoPulse - TFF System is a fully automated, walk-away Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) system designed for high-throughput sample concentration and diafiltration, including buffer exchange and desalting. The system can process up to 54 samples per run and offers the flexibility to run up to 4 samples in parallel, each with independent pressure control. It supports starting volumes ranging from 0.5 mL to 100 mL and achieves final volumes as low as 250 µL with a resolution of +/-25 µL.

Equipped with dual-diaphragm pumps, the aµtoPulse achieves permeate flow rates up to 1.7x faster than the µPulse and 4x faster than traditional centrifugal dead-end filters. Unlike dead-end filtration, TFF prevents the formation of concentration gradients, ensuring higher sample recovery and reduced stress on samples during processing. Advanced back-pressure regulation enables transmembrane pressure ranges from 0-32 psi, with independent control at each concentration station.

The system offers flexibility with up to 4 external buffer reservoirs or on-deck conical tubes. The fully consumable sample fluid path includes disposable filter chips with integrated transfer tubing, simplifying cleaning and preventing cross-contamination. The automatic cleaning-in-place feature ensures thorough rinsing with buffer or water and supports user-defined cleaning protocols to maintain optimal sample conditions.

Moreover, the aµtoPulse features an intuitive, web-based software interface that allows users to design complex protocols, including multi-step concentration and buffer exchange, with advanced process control settings. Remote monitoring capabilities eliminate the need for manual observation, improving efficiency and freeing up lab resources. Integration with other lab tools is seamless through CSV import and runlog export capabilities. In addition to concentration, the system supports automatic diafiltration for applications such as desalting and buffer exchange. 

The aµtoPulse is highly versatile, accommodating a wide range of applications, including nanoparticle processing, protein processing, bioconjugate cleanup, nucleic acid processing, harvesting, virus processing, and vaccine development. This adaptability allows researchers to accelerate their work and enhance productivity.

By combining exceptional speed, precision, and automation, the aµtoPulse - TFF System redefines standards in laboratory innovation. Its ability to streamline complex workflows, enhance sample recovery, and accommodate a wide range of applications demonstrates its transformative impact on research efficiency and productivity. These qualities make the aµtoPulse a standout candidate for the Best Separation Science Innovation Award.