Automate! Sample preparation for mass spectrometry-based proteomics

Standardized, reproducible sample preparation for drug discovery, biomarker analysis, and applied proteomics in biopharma and academic research

The challenge

Sample preparation for LC-MS has many challenges. Manual methods are labor-intensive, unreliable and prone to lack of reproducibility. Additionally achieving a robust, reliable, reproducible workflow while starting from a wide range of biologically complex sample matrices is necessary to unlock the full power of proteomics analysis.

The solution

Developing robust workflows via automation is the solution to improve reproducibility, process reliability and increase throughput of LC-MS sample preparation. PreOmics®’ proprietary PreON® and APP96™ instruments enable turn-key automation of proteomics sample processing at the push of a button for many complex sample types while decreasing hands-on time to a few minutes. Furthermore, protocols and support for automating iST workflows on all major third-party automation platforms are readily available.

PreON – Mid throughput automation

The PreON is a fully automated, user-friendly benchtop instrument designed for mid-throughput proteomics workflows. With the ability to process up to 16 labeled or 12 unlabeled samples per run, including support for advanced 18-plex TMT labeling, it ensures efficiency and reproducibility. Its push-button operation minimizes hands-on time to just 5 minutes while seamlessly integrating lysis, digestion, and cleanup steps. The PreON is ideal for labs seeking to streamline and standardize sample preparation for proteomics studies.

Results

PreON automation successfully applied from a wide range of sample types

Starting materials include cells, biological fluids, tissues, immunoprecipitations, model organisms and plants.
Choose to process from pellet or liquid samples.
Compatible with label-free and chemical labeling approaches

Comparison of technical variability between manual and automated PreON sample preparation

Plasma samples processed using the automated PreON platform showed a 1.8-fold improvement in sample-to-sample variation. Automation decreases the median %CV to 12.14 versus the 21.9 %CV when manually processing samples bringing reproducibility, reliability and robustness to LC-MS sample preparation

Comparing user “hands-on” time for sample preparation with manual and automated PreON workflow

PreON automation requires as little as 5 minutes user interface freeing up scientists’ time for more valuable activities

APP96 – High throughput automation

The Automated ProteinPrep96 (APP96) is a high-throughput instrument tailored for large-scale proteomics workflows, capable of processing up to 96 samples per run. Its robust design is optimized for labs requiring efficiency and scalability, delivering consistent results for high-sample-volume studies. The APP96 is compatible with PreOmics®' standardized iST and iST-BCT kits, enabling reproducible results across a wide range of applications. This system is perfect for laboratories conducting extensive proteomics experiments with high sample demands.

Results

Reduced methionine oxidation was achieved using POPtips

The seamless setup of PreOmics Purification tips (POPtips) (A) minimizes air from passing through the sorbent, leading to a notable reduction in methionine oxidation rates compared to the manual iST workflow (B, N = 9).

Improved protein identification and quantification

Samples from different species prepared using the APP96 system resulted in comparable of superior protein identification compared to the manual workflow (A, N = 9). An exceptional overlap (>98%) is observed between the automated and manual approaches (B). Improved intra-day (CVM = 8-10% vs. CVA = 5-8%) and inter-day (CVM = 23% vs. CVA = 17%) repeatability is observed in protein quantification (C). (B and C were generated using HeLa cells; N = 3 for intra-day and N = 9 for inter-day).

Third-party automation systems

For laboratories equipped with third-party automation systems, PreOmics offers compatibility with various platforms to streamline proteomics workflows. The iST and ENRICH-iST kits are adaptable to liquid handling systems from manufacturers such as Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent, Opentrons, and Beckman Coulter, facilitating efficient sample preparation for LC-MS analysis. The iST-PSI kit, based on 96-well filter plate format, extends automation adoption on positive pressure units (e.g. TECAN Resolvex A200, Hamilton MPE2, Waters Positive Pressure-96 Processor), enabling proteomics laboratories to leverage existing automation infrastructure while benefiting from PreOmics' standardized protocols.

What do our customers say?

"Switching to the PreOmics' kits in combination with the PreON robot enabled us now to routinely focus on biomedical discoveries and not technical workflows and variations. We talk less about sample preparation and more about data analysis. Voila!"
Dr. Audrey van Drogen
Lab Manager & Project Scientist, Wollscheid laboratory & ETH PHRT Swiss Multi-Omics Center Switzerland
“ Using the APP96 is enhancing our productivity and throughput by saving us lots of time in preparing high quality samples for total proteome quantifications, interaction proteomics and protein quality checkups."
Dr. Barbara Steigenberger
Head of Mass Spectrometry Core Facility at Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility

Key benefits of iST automation

Automation for all

No specialist knowledge required. Optimized, pre-loaded programs for all sample types with just a few  minutes user operation time.

Rock solid results

The power of automation combined with optimized PreOmics' reagent kits provides unparalleled reproducibility and standardization. Be confident in your results and avoid unnecessary sample preparation and LC-MS run times.

Improves productivity

True automation leads to decreased failure rates in LC-MS sample preparation and increased  lab efficiency. Use your time for what really counts!

No more manual pipetting

Improve the reliability of results by decreasing the variation due to manual pipetting. In addition, decrease the incidence of user RSI (repetitive strain injury).

Find advanced solutions for your automated sample preparation