We propose a sensor event-driven, open-column chromatographic sample preparation system─OpenPrep. This system replaces the problematic flow selector valve with a noncontact built-in sensor, eliminating carryover and clogging issues, which are commonly encountered in pump-driven chromatographic systems. The innovative valveless column-flow design, combined with a compact gantry dispenser and motion stage-based fraction collector, reduces the sample flow path to a disposable component with a postcolumn dead volume of only 0.5 mL. This configuration is superior to conventional dynamic flow systems owing to its ability to minimize sample consumption, eluent loss, and cleaning waste generation. Thus, OpenPrep can be ideal for preventing cross-contamination. Owing to the rapid flow-transfer and stop approach, OpenPrep achieves higher reagent delivery accuracy and precision compared to ISO 8655–2 piston-operated pipettes, by minimizing liquid residue on the dispensing tip. Sensor-driven flow control ensures precise eluent collection and automatic regulation of the mobile-phase flow rate through an online calibration algorithm, meeting all the requirements for accurate and reproducible column flow control. OpenPrep features an open architecture for both hardware and software, offering high flexibility for analyzing samples with considerable variations in radioactivity and matrix compositions, such as radioactive waste. The proof-of-concept implementation of a multistage sequential separation strategy, using five resin columns to separate Re, Sr, Fe, and Ni from a single sample, demonstrates that OpenPrep provides enhanced flexibility and reconfigurability, improved operational efficiency, and cost-effective customization. Excellent chemical yields were obtained for Re, Sr, and Ni in the range of 83–97%, with less than 2.6% relative standard deviation at a flow rate three times faster than the gravity method. Additionally, improved recovery performance of Fe was achieved by applying a slower flow rate compared to gravity flow.

中文翻译：

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OpenPrep：传感器事件驱动的开柱色谱样品制备系统


我们提出了一种传感器事件驱动的开柱色谱样品制备系统 - OpenPrep。该系统用非接触式内置传感器取代了有问题的选流阀，消除了泵驱动色谱系统中常见的残留和堵塞问题。创新的无阀柱流设计，结合紧凑的龙门分液器和基于运动台的馏分收集器，将样品流路减少到柱后死体积仅为 0.5 mL 的一次性组分。这种配置优于传统的动态流系统，因为它能够最大限度地减少样品消耗、洗脱液损失和清洁废物的产生。因此，OpenPrep 是防止交叉污染的理想选择。由于 OpenPrep 采用快速流式移液和停止方法，与 ISO 8655-2 活塞式移液器相比，OpenPrep 通过最大限度地减少分液吸头上的液体残留，实现了更高的试剂输送准确度和精密度。传感器驱动的流量控制可确保精确的洗脱液收集，并通过在线校准算法自动调节流动相流速，满足准确且可重现的色谱柱流量控制的所有要求。OpenPrep 采用硬件和软件的开放式架构，为分析放射性和基质成分变化较大的样品（如放射性废物）提供了高度的灵活性。使用五根填料柱从单个样品中分离 Re、Sr、Fe 和 Ni 的多级顺序分离策略的概念验证实施表明，OpenPrep 提供了增强的灵活性和可重构性，提高了操作效率和经济高效的定制。 Re、Sr 和 Ni 在 83–97% 的范围内获得了优异的化学产率，在流速比重力法快三倍时，相对标准偏差小于 2.6%。此外，与重力流相比，通过应用较慢的流速，可以提高 Fe 的回收性能。