1Pilot dual channel peptide synthesizerCommon troubleshooting and solutions
Inaccurate injection leads to sequence deviation
Reason: Blockage, wear of the injection needle, or calibration deviation of the injection pump.
Solution:
Regularly check the injection needle and rinse the needle with specialized cleaning solution (such as DMF or DCM) to avoid residual reagent crystallization blockage.
Calibrate the injection pump to ensure that the injection volume is consistent with the set value (error ≤ 1%).
Replace worn needles or seals with chemical resistant PTFE components.
Poor separation efficiency in the purification process
Reason: Failure of purification packing, accumulation of impurities in the purification column, or unreasonable setting of purification steps.
Solution:
Regularly replace purified fillers (such as C18 reverse phase fillers) and develop a replacement plan based on the lifespan of the fillers (usually 50-100 synthesis cycles).
Cleaning purification column: Rinse the column with organic solvent (such as acetonitrile) to remove residual peptides or resin particles.
Optimize purification steps: Adjust the mobile phase ratio (such as acetonitrile/water gradient) according to the product characteristics, or use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for secondary purification.
Reactor contamination affects synthesis efficiency
Reason: Residual peptides, reagents, or bacterial growth.
Solution:
After each synthesis, rinse the inside of the reaction vessel alternately with DMF and DCM to ensure no residue.
Regular disinfection: Soak the reaction vessel in 75% ethanol or sodium hypochlorite solution to prevent bacterial contamination.
Check the reactor filter plate: If the filter plate is damaged and resin enters the pipeline, it needs to be replaced immediately (it is recommended to check once a month).
The instrument runs unstably (crashes, reports errors)
Reason: Software vulnerabilities, loose hardware connections, or sensor malfunctions.
Solution:
Regularly update instrument software and fix known program vulnerabilities (such as abnormal temperature control module).
Check hardware connections: Ensure that the power cord, data cable, and sensor interface are securely fastened and not loose.
Replace faulty sensor: If the displayed value of the temperature sensor deviates from the actual value by more than 5 ℃, calibration or replacement is required.
Low synthesis efficiency (low yield or incomplete synthesis)
Reason: Poor reagent quality, incomplete deprotection, or low coupling efficiency.
Solution:
Use high-purity anhydrous solvents (such as DMF with a water content of ≤ 0.05%) and fresh activated amino acids.
Extend deprotection time: Extend the 20% piperidine/DMF treatment time from 2 × 1 min to 2 × 2 min.
Optimize coupling conditions: increase the HOBt/DIC ratio to 1:1.2, or switch to more efficient coupling reagents (such as Oxyma Pure/DIC).
2、 Key measures for daily maintenance
Regular cleaning and calibration
Daily maintenance:
Check the solvent level and promptly replenish commonly used solvents such as DMF and DCM.
Rinse the pipeline: Run a cleaning cycle with DMF to prevent reagent crystallization blockage.
Weekly maintenance:
Clean the reaction module: Disassemble the reaction kettle and use a soft bristled brush to remove any internal residue.
Calibration distribution system: Verify injection accuracy using standard solution (such as 1 mg/mL leucine).
Monthly maintenance:
Replace solvent filter: prevent particles from blocking the pipeline or damaging the pump body.
Check seals: replace aging O-rings or gaskets to avoid leakage.
Consumables inspection and replacement
List of vulnerable parts:
Rubber tubing: Replace every 3 months to prevent solvent corrosion from causing rupture.
Needle: Replace every 50 synthetic times to ensure injection accuracy.
Filter membrane: Replace it every 10 times to prevent resin particles from entering the pipeline.
Consumables selection:
Use original consumables or third-party products with verified compatibility (such as PTFE filter membranes).
Environmental Control and Operating Standards
Environmental requirements:
Temperature: 18-25 ℃, avoid high temperature causing reagent evaporation.
Humidity: ≤ 60%, to prevent condensation inside the instrument.
Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in the laboratory to avoid the accumulation of organic solvents.
Operating standards:
It is prohibited to plug or remove interfaces or move devices during the operation of the instrument to prevent damage to the connection lines.
Wear protective equipment: Wear gloves and goggles during operation to prevent contact with corrosive reagents.
Parameter setting: Strictly follow SOP to set reaction temperature, time and other parameters to avoid misoperation.
Emergency handling of faults
Power failure:
Check if the power cord is securely plugged in and use a multimeter to test voltage stability (220V ± 10%).
If the power module is damaged, contact the manufacturer for replacement (do not disassemble it yourself).
Software crash:
Restart the control software. If the problem persists, contact technical support to update the firmware.
Abnormal heating:
Check the resistance value of the heating element (such as the nominal value of 10 Ω, which should be close to the measured value), and replace it if the deviation is greater than 20%.
Ensure that the cooling fan is working properly to avoid overheating and damage.
IIIPilot dual channel peptide synthesizerLong term maintenance recommendations
Establish and maintain archives
Record the time, content (such as replacing filter membranes, calibrating temperature sensors), and results (such as injection accuracy test data) of each maintenance.
Track the frequency of instrument usage and establish a consumables replacement cycle table (such as replacing rubber tubes every 3 months).
Operator training
Regularly organize training, covering:
The working principle of the instrument (such as dual channel independent control logic).
Identification of fault phenomena (such as the correlation between temperature fluctuations and sensor failures).
Emergency response process (such as emergency shutdown operation in case of solvent leakage).
Preventive Maintenance Plan
Contact the manufacturer every quarter for complete machine performance testing, including:
Hydraulic system pressure test (to ensure the accuracy of the injection pump).
Temperature control system calibration (error ≤ ± 1 ℃).
Sealing test of reaction kettle (to prevent leakage and contamination).