Izon Automatic Fraction Collector (AFC)
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The world’s first automated, smart SEC EV isolation system, now with a faster, more user-friendly interface!
The AFC automates extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation and enables precise and reproducible separation. It is suitable for small-scale and high-throughput processing of EV-containing samples.
Product highlights:
- Measures fluid volume precisely by weight.
- Place multiple AFCs side by side for parallel processing.
- Efficient and easy to use – LED light prompts make it easy to keep track of progress, while the RFID tag reader registers which qEV column has been loaded and number of uses. Rotational carousel holds collection tubes and advances as weight is reached.
- Easier navigation – Improved user interface with enhanced touchscreen sensitivity creates a more user-friendly experience.
- Greater flexibility – Easily customise purified collection volumes to suit your requirements. Send the buffer volume directly to waste, or collect into individual tubes.
- Fits easily into any lab – Cost-effective and compact.
- Quality assurance: Izon products are designed and manufactured under a quality system certified to ISO 13485:2016.
Product specifications
Weight: 1.2kg
Dimensions (cm): w25 x d30 x h40
Touch screen size: 5-inch diagonal, 800 x 480 resolution
Minimum Isolation Time: 10-15 min (dependent on qEV column)
Column data provided to user: Column type, number of remaining uses
Certification: ISO 13485:2016
Reference Publications
Bano, Reshma et al.
A perspective on the isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles from different biofluids
RSC advances vol. 11,32 19598-19615.
DOI: 10.1039/d1ra01576a
Article Snippet: “The latest development has been in SEC automation, i.e., automated fraction collector (AFC). A substantial development to the qEV platform, the Izon AFC allows for the fast, precise, automated isolation of EVs.”
Van Dorpe, Sofie et al.
Integrating automated liquid handling in the separation workflow of extracellular vesicles enhances specificity and reproducibility
Journal of nanobiotechnology vol. 21,1 157.
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01917-z
Article Snippet: “Examples include automated fraction collection (AFC), measuring fluid volume by weight and fully integrated microfluidic systems combining immunoaffinity, filtration, centrifugation, and/or asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation.”
Byappanahalli, A.M., Noren Hooten, N., Vannoy, M. et al.
Mitochondrial DNA and inflammatory proteins are higher in extracellular vesicles from frail individuals
Immun Ageing 20, 6 (2023).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12979-023-00330-2
Article Snippet: “EVs were isolated from plasma samples of these participants using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with an Automatic Fraction Collector (AFC). The AFC facilitates a high-throughput approach for isolation of EVs from larger numbers of samples.”
Mizenko, R.R., Brostoff, T., Rojalin, T. et al.
Tetraspanins are unevenly distributed across single extracellular vesicles and bias sensitivity to multiplexed cancer biomarkers
J Nanobiotechnol 19, 250 (2021).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-021-00987-1
Aricle Snippet: “Izon 70 nm qEVsingle columns were utilized in the Izon Automatic Fraction Collector (AFC). Columns were rinsed using 0.2 μm-filtered PBS (4 mL).”
FAQ
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Question: What should I do if my AFC Update fails?
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Answer: If the update fails, refer to the AFC Updater Troubleshooting manual. It provides steps to resolve issues and collect diagnostic logs. These logs will help IZON Support assist you further.
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Question: How do I change the AFC nozzle?
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Answer: A step-by-step video guide is available demonstrating how to change the Nozzle Set with close-up shots. It ensures that the Nozzle Set is aligned correctly during installation.
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Question: How to update my AFC(V2)?
- Answer: To update your AFC V2, download the Updater Installer and follow the steps shown in the video on IZON’s support page. The tutorial walks you through installing the update tool and updating the firmware using the AFC interface.
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Question: Why has my qEV2 or 10 column stopped flowing?
- Answer: This issue may be caused by an airlock between the reservoir and the column. To fix it, remove the reservoir, load buffer into the connector until it reaches the frit, and reattach the reservoir after removing any trapped air. A detailed 7-step procedure is outlined in the visual guide on the support page.
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Question: How do I clean and store the qEV column after collecting EVs?
- Answer: Clean the qEV column with specified volumes of NaOH and buffer (varying by column type). Store at room temperature in 20% ethanol or 0.05% sodium azide. If cold storage is needed, use 4–8 °C. Avoid salt precipitation by flushing with water before adding ethanol
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Question: How do I detect when the qEV column is compromised and needs cleaning?
- Answer: Watch for reduced flow rates or drops in EV recovery. If flow rate decreases by more than 25% or EV yield declines, the column may need cleaning or replacing
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Question: How do I clean the qEV2 and qEV10 reservoirs?
- Answer: Remove the frit with tweezers after dislodging it. Soak in 70% ethanol or 0.5 M NaOH, rinse in DI water, and reinsert. Avoid debris using a blunt object like a 1.5 mL falcon tube
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Question: What pH can the qEV resin withstand?
- Answer: During cleaning, the resin can tolerate pH 2–14. For regular operation, it is stable in the pH range of 3–13
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Question: Can I load the raw sample straight onto the qEV column?
- Answer: No. Raw samples may clog the column. Use a filter or low-speed centrifugation to remove large particulates. Recommended protein concentration before qEV processing is ~70 µg/mL.
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Question: What is the recommended filter to use for concentrating EVs?
- Answer: Use centrifugal filters like Merck’s 30 kDa Microcon or 100 kDa Amicon Ultra. For large volumes, use stirred cells or tangential flow devices. Ensure EVs are retained while smaller contaminants pass through.
