mPrep™ ASP™ Automated Specimen Processors

mPrep™ ASP™ instruments enable automated, accelerated preparation of biological samples for high-quality TEM and 3D volume EM (vEM) including serial block, focused ion beam and array tomography SEM. Two versions are available, the ASP-1000 and the ASP-2000.  The ASP-2000 has all the features of the ASP-1000 with the added benefit of temperature controlled reagents.

 

One ASP instrument prepares TEM and vEM specimens and does on-grid and pre-embedding immuno-gold labeling.

Specimen counts vary?  Efficiently prepares just one specimen, or up to 128 TEM or up to 64 vEM specimens at one time.

Complicated protocols?  Simultaneously prepare titrations and controls – up to 72 reagent steps and 576 reagents. Unlimited protocol steps enable even more reagent steps for any protocol.

Expensive reagents? No problem. Requires only ~40 microliters.

Identical processing with efficient agitation provides comparable results every time.

 

 

mPrep ASPs accelerate TEM and vEM preparation from days to hours:

Stop babysitting reagent exchanges!

  • TEM specimen fixation, en bloc staining, dehydration, and embedding
  • Immunolabeling – On grid and pre-embedding (en bloc)
  • vEM specimen fixation, staining, dehydration, and embedding
  • SEM specimen fixation and dehydration
  • Easy set-up and clean-up.

Easy Intuitive Protocol Creation

  • Pre-written protocols for TEM and vEM
  • Create new protocols – specify reagent, reaction time, agitation, and reagent temperature (ASP-2000)
  • Two-tiered access: Operator and Developer
  • Precise and efficient protocols with greater reproducibly than humanly possible.

Download ASP Brochure


DSC04419-MTNfix2
SBEM seg right ventricle norm O2 7x5in 504x360p
Muscle rat gartroc high mag 7x5in 504x360px

Using ASP processors

1. Select a protocol (or easily create a new protocol)

2.  Attach mPrep capsules with loaded specimens or grids

3.  Place reagents in microwell plates on the ASP tray. Optionally seal reagent plates with disposable covers to cut air exposure and prevent evaporation

4.  Press START.  The ASP does the rest:

– mPrep capsules move from reagent to reagent

– Reagents are drawn into mPrep capsules for the specified time

– Agitation flows reagent in and out of capsules for excellent mixing

– mPrep capsules punch through optional reagent covers. Reagents are always fresh

5.  When the protocol is completed, remove capsules from the ASP:

– For TEM and vEM embedding there is no messy handling of specimens in resin. Eight resin-filled mPrep/s capsules are simply transferred to the oven to cure the resin

– For grids, mPrep/g capsules are removed and stored in an mPrep Capsule Grid box. No tedious handling of grids

– For SEM preparation simply transfer capsules directly to the CPD holder with no direct specimen handling.

Product Description

Capacity

  • 8 mPrep capsules to simultaneously prepare 16 grids or 8 specimens with the same or different protocols
  • High throughput TEM biopsy preparation – up to 8 biopsy specimens per capsule to prepare up to 128 specimens at once
  • High throughput vEM tissue preparation – up to 4 tissue specimens per capsule to prepare up to 64 specimens at once
  • Unlimited protocol steps
  • Up to 72 reagent operations on the deck at a time
  • Up to 576 reagents using 96-well microwell plates to hold reagents

 

Includes

  • Automation platform with proven track record for reliability
  • Eight channel head
  • Pump module
  • Integrated removable fume enclosure
  • Microwell tray accommodates up to 6 standard 96-well or 12-well reservoirs
  • Laptop Controller with multiple preinstalled protocols

 

Installation requirements

  • 120-130 VAC 60 cycle standard. 220 VAC 50 cycle available – please inquire
  • ASPs should be installed to vent into a fume hood for safety with electron microscopy reagents
  • Required space for base unit including integrated cover: 48 cm wide x 61 cm deep x 64 cm high (19 x 24 x 25 inch)
  • Required space for pump module adjacent to base unit: 21 cm wide x 17 cm deep x 31 cm high (8 x 7 x 12 inch)

 

Download the ASP brochure

Required

mPrep/g capsules to prepare TEM grids

mPrep/s capsules to prepare specimens

mPrep/f couplers to prevent introducing damaging reagents into ASP

mPrep/Bench to transfer resin-filled mPrep/s capsules to oven for resin curing

Microwell plates to hold reagents. Use either 96-well or 12-well

Recommended

mPrep CPD holder for use with critical point dryers and some cryo-preparation applications

Microwell plate covers to cover and seal reagents in microwell plates 

For a complete listing of mPrep products, click Purchase.

ASP product info

Using ASP processors

1. Select a protocol (or easily create a new protocol)

2.  Attach mPrep capsules with loaded specimens or grids

3.  Place reagents in microwell plates on the ASP tray. Optionally seal reagent plates with disposable covers to cut air exposure and prevent evaporation

4.  Press START.  The ASP does the rest:

– mPrep capsules move from reagent to reagent

– Reagents are drawn into mPrep capsules for the specified time

– Agitation flows reagent in and out of capsules for excellent mixing

– mPrep capsules punch through optional reagent covers. Reagents are always fresh

5.  When the protocol is completed, remove capsules from the ASP:

– For TEM and vEM embedding there is no messy handling of specimens in resin. Eight resin-filled mPrep/s capsules are simply transferred to the oven to cure the resin

– For grids, mPrep/g capsules are removed and stored in an mPrep Capsule Grid box. No tedious handling of grids

– For SEM preparation simply transfer capsules directly to the CPD holder with no direct specimen handling.

Product Description

Capacity

  • 8 mPrep capsules to simultaneously prepare 16 grids or 8 specimens with the same or different protocols
  • High throughput TEM biopsy preparation – up to 8 biopsy specimens per capsule to prepare up to 128 specimens at once
  • High throughput vEM tissue preparation – up to 4 tissue specimens per capsule to prepare up to 64 specimens at once
  • Unlimited protocol steps
  • Up to 72 reagent operations on the deck at a time
  • Up to 576 reagents using 96-well microwell plates to hold reagents

 

Includes

  • Automation platform with proven track record for reliability
  • Eight channel head
  • Pump module
  • Integrated removable fume enclosure
  • Microwell tray accommodates up to 6 standard 96-well or 12-well reservoirs
  • Laptop Controller with multiple preinstalled protocols

 

Installation requirements

  • 120-130 VAC 60 cycle standard. 220 VAC 50 cycle available – please inquire
  • ASPs should be installed to vent into a fume hood for safety with electron microscopy reagents
  • Required space for base unit including integrated cover: 48 cm wide x 61 cm deep x 64 cm high (19 x 24 x 25 inch)
  • Required space for pump module adjacent to base unit: 21 cm wide x 17 cm deep x 31 cm high (8 x 7 x 12 inch)

 

Download the ASP brochure

System components

Required

mPrep/g capsules to prepare TEM grids

mPrep/s capsules to prepare specimens

mPrep/f couplers to prevent introducing damaging reagents into ASP

mPrep/Bench to transfer resin-filled mPrep/s capsules to oven for resin curing

Microwell plates to hold reagents. Use either 96-well or 12-well

Recommended

mPrep CPD holder for use with critical point dryers and some cryo-preparation applications

Microwell plate covers to cover and seal reagents in microwell plates 

Applications
Purchase

For a complete listing of mPrep products, click Purchase.