Date: 4-AUGUST-2022 Last Updated: 19-OCTOBER-2026
Overview
The U-2D™ Micro-Sample Management System was developed to provide flexible, low-volume sample handling while maintaining compatibility with laboratory automation equipment that utilizes standard 96-well plate dimensions. Because the system follows ANSI/SLAS footprint standards, it can often be integrated into existing workflows without requiring specialized adapters, custom trays, or hardware modifications. The system is available with multiple insert-volume configurations to support a broad range of sample preparation, storage, and analytical applications.
ANSI/SLAS Compatibility
The U-2D™ platform utilizes the standard ANSI/SLAS 96-well plate footprint commonly found throughout analytical laboratories. This standardized format supports compatibility with:
- Autosamplers
- Robotic liquid handlers
- Centrifuges
- Sample preparation systems
- Laboratory automation platforms
- High-throughput analytical workflows
Maintaining a consistent footprint simplifies implementation across multiple laboratory systems.
Mechanical Durability Testing
In addition to dimensional compatibility with ANSI/SLAS laboratory automation standards, the U-2D™ Micro-Sample Management System has been evaluated under a variety of mechanical and environmental conditions commonly encountered during sample preparation, storage, transport, and analysis. Testing included centrifugation, vortex mixing, temperature exposure, and freezer storage to assess the structural integrity of system components.
Test Conditions Evaluated
The U-2D™ system was exposed to the following conditions:
- Centrifugation at 2,670 × g
- Manual vortex mixing at approximately 3,000 RPM
- 37°C water bath exposure
- 90°C water bath exposure
- -20°C freezer storage
- -80°C freezer storage
Configurations Tested
Multiple system configurations were evaluated to simulate common laboratory use scenarios. These configurations included:
- Top tray only (empty)
- Top tray with inserts installed
- Top tray with inserts and sample load
- Combined top and base assemblies
- Combined top and base assemblies with inserts
- Combined top and base assemblies with inserts and sample load
Mechanical Testing Results
Testing demonstrated that the U-2D™ system maintained structural integrity across all evaluated conditions. The majority of components showed no visible changes following testing. Slight deformation was observed in certain insert configurations, but no loss of functionality was reported and assembled systems remained operational throughout testing. Observed results included:
- No visible changes to base components.
- No visible changes to top trays following temperature and freezer exposure.
- No visible changes to loaded assemblies containing samples.
- Successful vortex mixing performance during testing.
- System functionality maintained following centrifugation at 2,670 × g.
- Minor insert deformation observed under selected test conditions without impacting overall system usability.
Laboratory Workflow Suitability
These results demonstrate that the U-2D™ Micro-Sample Management System is capable of withstanding many of the routine mechanical and environmental stresses encountered in analytical laboratories. Exposure to centrifugation, mixing operations, elevated temperatures, refrigerated storage, and ultra-low-temperature freezer conditions did not result in significant structural changes to the assembled system. The testing supports the use of the U-2D™ platform in applications involving automated sample preparation, LC-MS workflows, HPLC analysis, sample storage programs, and high-throughput laboratory environments.
350 µL and 500 µL Glass Insert Systems
The 350 µL and 500 µL insert formats share the same external dimensions and are designed for applications where sample conservation is important.
These insert configurations are commonly used when:
- Sample volume is limited
- Low-volume injections are required
- Sample recovery is critical
- High-value samples must be conserved
1,000 µL Glass Insert System
The 1,000 µL insert option provides increased sample capacity while maintaining compatibility with the same ANSI/SLAS footprint used throughout the U-2D™ platform.
This configuration may be beneficial when:
- Larger sample volumes are required
- Extended analytical sequences are performed
- Additional sample reserve volume is desired
- Sample management flexibility is needed
Sample Volume Flexibility
The U-2D™ platform supports a broad range of sample volumes, allowing laboratories to efficiently manage both very small and relatively large analytical samples.
Typical applications may involve:
- Sample storage
- Sample preparation
- LC-MS workflows
- HPLC analysis
- High-throughput screening
- Method development
- Limited-volume samples
The system is capable of managing sample volumes ranging from approximately: 2 µL to 1,000 µL depending on the insert configuration selected.
Benefits for Analytical Laboratories
The standardized design offers several practical advantages.
Consistent Platform Design
- Common footprint across insert volumes
- Easier method transfer between workflows
- Simplified laboratory implementation
Automation Compatibility
- Compatible with many standard automation systems
- Reduced need for custom hardware
- Simplified integration into existing workflows
Low-Volume Sample Management
- Supports limited-volume samples
- Helps maximize recovery
- Suitable for LC-MS and other sensitive analytical techniques
Expanded Volume Range
- Accommodates a variety of sample sizes
- Provides flexibility across multiple application types
Proven Mechanical Durability
- Evaluated under centrifugation, vortex mixing, thermal exposure, and freezer storage conditions.
- Maintains structural integrity under routine laboratory handling.
- Suitable for demanding analytical and automation workflows.
Typical Applications
The U-2D™ system is commonly used for:
- LC-MS sample preparation
- HPLC sample management
- Analytical sample storage
- High-value sample handling
- Small-volume sample analysis
- Laboratory automation workflows
Key Takeaways
- U-2D™ systems utilize a standard ANSI/SLAS 96-well footprint.
- The platform is designed for compatibility with many automated laboratory systems.
- 350 µL and 500 µL inserts share common external dimensions.
- A 1,000 µL insert option is available by special order for higher-capacity applications.
- Sample volumes from approximately 2 µL to 1,000 µL can be accommodated.
- The system supports efficient management of low-volume analytical samples.
- The U-2D™ system has been mechanically evaluated under centrifugation, vortex mixing, temperature cycling, and freezer storage conditions.
- Testing demonstrated overall structural integrity of assembled systems throughout all evaluated conditions.
- The platform is suitable for routine laboratory handling, sample preparation, storage, and automated analytical workflows.
Additional Resources