A single instrument to automatically prepare specimens, stain grids, and do on-grid and en-bloc immuno-labeling!
The ASP-1000 adds automated efficiency and reproducibility to the advantages of mPrep capsules. Unlike any other instrument:
One instrument prepares specimens and TEM grids
No messy resin transfers. TEM specimens are processed and embedded in mPrep/s capsules
Complicated protocols? No problem. Simultaneously prepare titrations and controls with up to 72 reagent steps, 576 reagents, and unlimited program steps
Expensive reagents? No problem. Requires only microliters of expensive reagents like antibodies and labels
Identical processing provides comparable results every time
Efficient agitation ensures excellent mixing
Ultra rapid agitation accelerates tissue preparation from days to hours:
- Kidney ready for epoxy resin curing in 46 minutes, instead of 1-2 days
- Muscle and mitochondria prepared for TEM in just 133 minutes prior to resin curing: Applications note and Publication
- Liver consistently prepared for TEM in just 133 minutes prior to resin curing
- Planaria fixed and ready for epoxy curing in 3 hours, instead of 7 days
- Fixation and infiltration in LR White resin for immuno-labeling in 45 minutes
- Cell suspensions ready for epoxy curing in 1.5 hours after enrobing in agar
- Planaria fixed, en bloc stained and resin cured for 3D SEM block face imaging in 1.5 days instead of a week
Stop babysitting reagent exchanges! Ideal for research and clinical labs for routine use and specials:
- TEM specimen fixation, dehydration, and embedding
- Immunolabeling – On grid and en bloc
- Serial block-face SEM specimen fixation, staining, dehydration, and embedding
- SEM specimen fixation and dehydration
- Easy set up and clean up
- Intuitive.
Control of Bio Reaction Automation (COBRA) software
- Pre-written protocols make implementation a breeze
- New protocols are easy to create – just specify reagent, reaction time, and agitation
- COBRA provides functionality for a wide range of lab personnel to operate the ASP without fear of inducing unintended operator error
- Three-tiered access: Administrator, Developer, and Operator
- Protocols are precise and efficient with much greater reproducibly than is humanly possible.
Using the ASP-1000
1. Select a protocol with the ASP COBRA software, or create a new protocol
2. Attach mPrep capsules with loaded specimens or grids
3. Place reagents in microwell plates on the ASP-1000 tray. Optionally seal reagent plates with disposable covers to cut air exposure and prevent evaporation
4. Press START. The ASP-1000 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-1000:
– For TEM 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 for simultaneously preparing 8 specimens or 16 grids.
- Double specimen capacity to 16 specimens by stacking two mPrep/s capsules on each automated pipettor channel
- Double or triple grid capacity to 32-48 grids by stacking 2 or 3 mPrep/g capsules on each automated pipettor channel
- 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
- Cartesian (XYZ) automation platform with proven track record for reliability
- 8-channel pipettor head for mounting 8 mPrep capsules
- 8-channel fluid control module
- Integrated cover keeps samples clean and vents into a fume hood
- Microwell tray made from easy to clean polyethylene (HDPE)
- Microwell tray accommodates up to 6 SBS 96-well or 12-well reservoirs
- Package of 12-channel SBS-format disposable reservoirs (contains 6)
- COBRA operations software preloaded with common grid staining and tissue processing protocols
- Computer with preloaded COBRA software
- Power and communication cables
- Standard 12-month warranty
Installation requirements
- 120-130 VAC 60 cycle standard. For other power needs please inquire
- The ASP-1000 should be installed to vent into a fume hood for safety with electron microscopy reagents
- Required space including integrated cover: 37 cm wide x 54 cm deep x 46 cm high (14 x 21 x 18 inches)
- Required space for fluid control module requires an additional 20 cm wide x 15 cm deep x 30 cm high space adjacent to the automation platform (8 x 6 x 12 inch)
Download the ASP-100 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-1000
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 when using a Tousimus critical point dryer
Microwell plate covers to cover and seal reagents in microwell plates
The ASP-1000 can be used for the full range of specimen and grid preparation applications. Please refer to SEM, TEM and Materials Applications.
See how the ASP-1000 has been used for these applications:
- Preparing kidney tissue for TEM in 45 minutes from postfix to oven curing
- Processing oriented mammalian muscle for TEM in 2 hours from postfix to oven curing
- Rapid automated preparation of Planarian worm tissue for TEM in 3 hours
- Fully automated immunogold labeling and on-grid deposition of gold fiducial particles
- Automated preparation of nano-particle TEM specimens
- Fixation and embedding in LR White resin in 45 minutes
- Liver reliably and consistently prepared for TEM in just 133 minutes prior to resin curing
- Planaria fixed, en bloc stained and ready for for 3D SEM block face imaging in 1.5 days.
ASP-1000
ASP-1000 mPrep Automatic Specimen Processor
Programable specimen and grid preparation. Request a Quotation
Product SKU: ASP1000For a complete listing of mPrep products, click Purchase.