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 and SBEM 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.

Capacity

• 8 mPrep capsules for simultaneously preparing 8 specimens or 16 grids.
• 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

• Base unit automation platform with proven track record for reliability
• Eight channel head
• Pump module
• Integrated removable fume enclosure
• Microwell tray (easy clean HDPE) accommodates up to 6 SBS 96-well or 12-well reservoirs
• Laptop Controller with multiple preinstalled protocols

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 for base unit including integrated cover: 48 cm wide x 48 cm deep x 64 cm high (19 x 24 x 25 inches)
• Required space for pump module near base unit: 21 cm wide x 21 cm deep x 31 cm high (8 x 8 x 12 inch)

Download the ASP-100 brochure

The ASP-1000 can be used for the full range of specimen and grid preparation applications. Please refer to TEM, SEM and 3DEM, and Materials Applications.

See how the ASP-1000 has been used for these applications:

• Preparing kidney for TEM in 45 minutes from postfix to oven curing
• Preparing core needle kidney biopsies for TEM including en bloc uranyl acid staining in 2 hours prior to resin curing
• Processing oriented mammalian muscle for TEM in 2 hours from postfix to oven curing
• Serial block face specimen preparation of brain, heart, and planeria in about one day, instead of a week
• Rapid automated preparation of Planarian worm tissue for TEM in 3 hours
• Fully automated immunogold pre-embedding and on grid labeling
• 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
• Automated preparation of nano-particle TEM specimens.

For a complete listing of mPrep products, click Purchase.