Selekt by Biotage

"The Biotage is a convenient instrument to replace column chromatography and can operate in normal phase (silica gel) mode and reverse phase. However, we have experienced many pitfalls. In loading, the samplets are not reliable and solvent can go around them, resulting in some of the compound not being taken onto the column and some of the compound streaking. As we purify many dyes, this is easily visualized. We have also experienced leaking seals many times. The samplet problem is most pronounced in reverse phase mode. In normal phase, the o-ring seals swell up terribly in some solvents like DCM rendering the cartridges useless. As for the software, it would be nice if a method could be saved. The only way to pull up a method is to find data from an old run. The creation tables is awkward and there is an odd manner of choosing solvents by name instead of the line letter or number. A line number must be assigned to a solvent name, and then it is the name that is used. Lastly, the check valves often stick and at one point, the entire software froze and the entire mother-board needed to be replaced. Also, spare tubes and fittings are not available unless you purchase an entire kit - even if you only need one fitting. Many issues. Still, there are some benifits if you can finally learn how to use the instrument effectively and use it a certain way each time. We must load samples directly into the void volume at the top now - in a solvent that does not elut it much. We can't use the spacer or the samplet as the solvent can go around it. When we can preconcentrate a sample using this technique (i.e. using water in reverse phase as it is the weaker solvent) then we can get reproducable runs. But again, we can't use the samplet or the spacer - these are unreliable as solvent can leak around them. This is the biggest problem, and we can clearly see it because we are purifying dyes. We've purified some samples effectively, but lost many samples on this instrument and/or had to do many repeat purifications. This is not due to lack of experience - I have two other prep HPLC instruments that use steel columns and these are fine and I've had experience setting up four labs in a chemical industry specifically for prep HPLC. (I am an expert in this area !)"

"The system is very easy to use. Programs can be saved and run over and over without set up each time. Consistent results run after run. I’d like the software to be able to save your collection volume wanted with each program. You have to set that for every run. If it could be saved with your method that’s one less thing to miss before a run. After-sale support is phenomenal. The warranty that comes with these systems is also really good."

"I am at a primarily undergraduate institution and was looking for an automated flash system that would give reproducible results, minimize solvent waste/usage, allow us to use pre-packed and self-packed columns, and be robust enough to withstand use by undergraduate researchers. I can't say enough great things about our Biotage Selekt. It has been a true workhorse machine and is in near-daily use by a dozen different undergraduate users. The interface is intuitive and it usually only takes a 1-hour training and a couple of practice runs for students to be proficient. Purification is no longer the bottleneck in our lab! Biotage has been incredibly responsive and helpful when we have questions or need guidance on method development or maintenance."