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ECL`

ExperimentLyophilize

ExperimentLyophilize[Samples]Protocol

generates a Protocol object for freeze drying the provided Samples.

    
Lyophilization is the act of removing solvents from a solution via controlled freezing and sublimation. Sublimation is the transition of material from solid to gas. Once solvent has undergone this phase change, it can be removed from the sample and the instrument chamber. This form of solvent removal is primarily utilized to remove unwanted solvents from samples in a way that can be gentle on analytes and prevent boiling of volatile solvents, something which sometimes occurs during vacuum evaporation methods. Lyophilization is a typically an intermediate step to concentrate samples for analysis, to remove solvents used by a preceding separation method, or to dry samples for storage. Standard lyophilization begins with an initial freeze, between 1 to 0.5 atmospheres. This initial freeze is to avoid boiling of solvents that can occur when a vacuum pressure is rapidly applied. Once frozen, a high vacuum is generated (down to 100mbar) to start the sublimation process. Temperature is then slowly ramped back up from freezing temperatures (typically at 1C/min), further increasing the rate of sublimation, but not so fast that the samples return to a liquid phase. Lyophilizers, the instruments used to conduct this process, control the temperature and vacuum pressure of the lyophilization chamber overtime to encourage this sublimation, resulting in dried analytes of interest.
    

Experimental Principles

    Figure 1.1: Step 1: Samples are loaded into the instrument. Temperature and pressure curves are input into the instrument to specify the lyophilization parameters. The sample shelf begins lowering to the initial freezing temperature, which is often the lowest temperature achieved during the lyophilization process. This is intended to freeze the samples prior to depressurization of the sample chamber. Step 2: Pressure is then dropped to the desired initial vacuum pressure (down to 100 mTorr). Step 3: Temperature is gradually increased over time. This combination of gradual temperature increase and depressurization of the chamber causes solvents to sublimate and collect on the condenser, which is set to -85°C. Typically during this period, there will be two phases: primary drying and secondary drying. Primary drying involves increasing the temperature gradually and encourage sublimation of the samples' components. After most of the samples' solvent has sublimated out of the sample, secondary drying is conducted by raising the temperature further to cause desorption which is essential for getting the samples to full dryness. Samples are then maintained at the final temperature and pressure until the procedure is complete and the samples are removed from the instrument.

Instrumentation

    Advantage Pro EL Freeze Dryer

    Figure 2.1: The samples to be lyophilized are placed into the lyophilizers central chamber, resting on the sample shelves which control the sample and chamber temperature. Below the sample shelf is a coiled condenser, which operates around -85°C during lyophilization. This condenser re-freezes any solvent that has sublimated away from the samples in the chamber, forming a dense layer of frozen solvent. A vacuum pump is attached to the instrument, and is capable of dropping the chamber pressure to 100mTorr. Chamber atmosphere, along with any solvent with freezing temperatures below the condenser temperature, escapes through the vacuum pump into the buildings ventilation system. A waste line connects the condenser to a waste container, and will allow for the disposal of the thawed solvent after the lyophilization run.

Experiment Options

    General

    Instrument

    Indicates which lyophilizer should be used to sublimate solvent out of the provided input samples.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, Lyophilizer] or Object[Instrument, Lyophilizer]
    Programmatic Pattern: ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, Lyophilizer], Object[Instrument, Lyophilizer]}] | Automatic

    NumberOfReplicates

    The number of times to repeat the freezing and sublimation cycle on each provided sample. If Aliquot -> True, this also indicates the number of times each provided sample will be aliquoted.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 2 in increments of 1 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: GreaterEqualP[2, 1] | Null

    InstrumentSetUp

    ProbeSamples

    A list of up to four input samples into which a thermocouple may be inserted to monitor sample temperature over the course of the run.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: List of one or more an object of type or subtype Object[Sample] or Object[Container] or a prepared sample entries or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: {(ObjectP[{Object[Sample], Object[Container]}] | _String)..} | Null

    Lyophilization

    TemperaturePressureProfile

    A list of time points in the form {time, temperature, pressure} that specify the pressure and temperature gradients that will facilitate the sublimation of solvent from the input samples over the course of the run.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the combination of the Temperature, Pressure, and LyophilizationTime options. If all of those are Null, it will default to Freezing the samples for 2 hours, before dropping to 100millitorr.
    Pattern Description: List of one or more {Time, Temperature, Pressure} entries.
    Programmatic Pattern: {{GreaterEqualP[0*Minute], RangeP[-55*Celsius, 60*Celsius], RangeP[100*Millitorr, 760*Torr]}..} | Automatic

    Temperature

    A single temperature to hold the samples at over the course of the run, or a paired list of {time, temperature} that specifies the temperature of the cooling shelves over time.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the temperature gradient found in the contents of the TemperaturePressureProfile option.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to -55 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius or list of one or more {Time, Temperature} entries.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[-55*Celsius, 60*Celsius] | {{GreaterEqualP[0*Minute], RangeP[-55*Celsius, 60*Celsius]}..}) | Automatic

    Pressure

    A single pressure to hold the samples at over the course of the run, or a paired list of {time, pressure} that specifies the pressure of the sample chamber over time.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the pressure gradient found in the contents of the TemperaturePressureProfile option.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 100 millitorr and less than or equal to 760 torr or list of one or more {Time, Pressure} entries.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[100*Millitorr, 760*Torr] | {{GreaterEqualP[0*Minute], RangeP[100*Millitorr, 760*Torr]}..}) | Automatic

    LyophilizationTime

    The length of time the samples will be exposed to the pressure and temperature gradients.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the length of the temperature pressure profile.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 seconds and less than or equal to 72 hours.
    Programmatic Pattern: RangeP[0*Second, $MaxExperimentTime] | Automatic

    LyophilizeUntilDry

    If the sample is not fully dried after the LyophilizationTime has completed, indicates if the lyophilization is repeated with the same settings until the sample is dried or the MaxLyophilizationTime is reached.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the False unless a MaxLyophlization time greater than the Lyophilization time is provided.
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic

    MaxLyophilizationTime

    If the sample is not fully dried after the LyophilizationTime has completed, the samples may be exposed to lyophilization conditions repeatedly until this time has been reached. Must match a multiple of the LyophilizationTime.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: If LyophilizeUntilDry is set to True, automatically set to three times the LyophilizationTime, up to a maximum of 72 Hours. Otherwise set to the LyophilizationTime.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 minutes and less than or equal to 72 hours or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[0*Minute, $MaxExperimentTime] | Automatic) | Null

    PerforateCover

    Indicates whether the seal or cap placed on the containers in will be punctured to allow more access for solvent vapor to escape from the container.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to False if ContainerCover is specified. Otherwise, if no cover was specified, it will resolve to Null.
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    ContainerCover

    Indicates whether a cap or seal is placed on the containers in to prevent escape of solid material while allowing solvent vapors to escape the container.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to a compatible seal or cap, if one exits. If not it resolves to Chemwipe for vessels and Null for plates.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Item, Cap], Object[Item, Cap], Model[Item, PlateSeal], or Object[Item, PlateSeal] or BreathableSeal or Chemwipe or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((LyophilizationCoverP | ObjectP[{Model[Item, Cap], Object[Item, Cap], Model[Item, PlateSeal], Object[Item, PlateSeal]}]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    SampleStorage

    ResidualTemperature

    The temperature the cooling shelves will maintain once the lyophilization method is complete.
    Default Value: 20 degrees Celsius
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the ResidualTemperature field value of any method object provided to the TemperaturePressureProfile option. If no method object was provided, it will be set to 25*C.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to -55 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius.
    Programmatic Pattern: RangeP[-55*Celsius, 60*Celsius]

    ResidualPressure

    The pressure the sample chamber will maintain once the lyophilization method is complete.
    Default Value: 1 torr
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the ResidualPressure field value of any method object provided to the TemperaturePressureProfile option. If no method object was provided, it will be set to 1*Torr.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 100 millitorr and less than or equal to 760 torr.
    Programmatic Pattern: RangeP[100*Millitorr, 760*Torr]

    NitrogenFlush

    Indicates if the sample chamber will be flushed with nitrogen before and after the sublimation to prevent excess water from contaminating the samples.
    Default Value: True
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP

    Post Experiment

    SamplesInStorageCondition

    The non-default conditions under which the SamplesIn of this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed. If left unset, SamplesIn will be stored according to their current StorageCondition.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (Alternatives[SampleStorageTypeP | Disposal]) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    SamplesOutStorageCondition

    The non-default conditions under which any new samples generated by this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed. If left unset, the new samples will be stored according to their Models' DefaultStorageCondition.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (Alternatives[SampleStorageTypeP | Disposal]) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    Model Input

    PreparedModelContainer

    Indicates the container in which a Model[Sample] specified as input to the experiment function will be prepared.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: If PreparedModelAmount is set to All and when the input model has a product associated with both Amount and DefaultContainerModel populated, automatically set to the DefaultContainerModel value in the product. Otherwise set to Model[Container, Vessel, "2mL Tube"].
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[Model[Container]] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    PreparedModelAmount

    Indicates the amount of a Model[Sample] specified as input to the experiment function that will be prepared in the PreparedModelContainer. When set to All and the input model sample is not preparable, the entire amount of the input model sample that comes from one of the Products is prepared. The selected product must have both Amount and DefaultContainerModel populated, and it must not be a KitProduct. When set to All and the input model is preparable such as water, 1 Milliliter of the input model sample is prepared.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to 1 Milliliter.
    Pattern Description: All or Count or Count or Mass or Volume or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | RangeP[1*Milligram, 20*Kilogram] | GreaterP[0*Unit, 1*Unit] | GreaterP[0., 1.] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

Sample Prep Options

    Sample Preparation

    PreparatoryUnitOperations

    Specifies a sequence of transferring, aliquoting, consolidating, or mixing of new or existing samples before the main experiment. These prepared samples can be used in the main experiment by referencing their defined name. For more information, please reference the documentation for ExperimentSamplePreparation.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: List of one or more unit Operation ManualSamplePreparation or RoboticSamplePreparation or unit Operation must match SamplePreparationP entries or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: {((ManualSamplePreparationMethodP | RoboticSamplePreparationMethodP) | SamplePreparationP)..} | Null

    Preparatory Incubation

    Incubate

    Indicates if the SamplesIn should be incubated at a fixed temperature prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Incubation options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    IncubationTemperature

    Temperature at which the SamplesIn should be incubated for the duration of the IncubationTime prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Ambient or greater than or equal to -20 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 500 degrees Celsius or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((Ambient | RangeP[$MinIncubationTemperature, $MaxIncubationTemperature]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    IncubationTime

    Duration for which SamplesIn should be incubated at the IncubationTemperature, prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 minute and less than or equal to 72 hours or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1*Minute, $MaxExperimentTime] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    Mix

    Indicates if this sample should be mixed while incubated, prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to True if any Mix related options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    MixType

    Indicates the style of motion used to mix the sample, prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on the container of the sample and the Mix option.
    Pattern Description: Roll, Vortex, Sonicate, Pipette, Invert, Stir, Shake, Homogenize, Swirl, Disrupt, or Nutate or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (MixTypeP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    MixUntilDissolved

    Indicates if the mix should be continued up to the MaxIncubationTime or MaxNumberOfMixes (chosen according to the mix Type), in an attempt dissolve any solute. Any mixing/incubation will occur prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to True if MaxIncubationTime or MaxNumberOfMixes is set.
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    MaxIncubationTime

    Maximum duration of time for which the samples will be mixed while incubated in an attempt to dissolve any solute, if the MixUntilDissolved option is chosen. This occurs prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on MixType, MixUntilDissolved, and the container of the given sample.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 minute and less than or equal to 72 hours or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1*Minute, $MaxExperimentTime] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    IncubationInstrument

    The instrument used to perform the Mix and/or Incubation, prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on the options Mix, Temperature, MixType and container of the sample.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, Roller], Model[Instrument, OverheadStirrer], Model[Instrument, Vortex], Model[Instrument, Shaker], Model[Instrument, BottleRoller], Model[Instrument, Roller], Model[Instrument, Sonicator], Model[Instrument, HeatBlock], Model[Instrument, Homogenizer], Model[Instrument, Disruptor], Model[Instrument, Nutator], Model[Instrument, Thermocycler], Model[Instrument, EnvironmentalChamber], Model[Instrument, Pipette], Object[Instrument, Roller], Object[Instrument, OverheadStirrer], Object[Instrument, Vortex], Object[Instrument, Shaker], Object[Instrument, BottleRoller], Object[Instrument, Roller], Object[Instrument, Sonicator], Object[Instrument, HeatBlock], Object[Instrument, Homogenizer], Object[Instrument, Disruptor], Object[Instrument, Nutator], Object[Instrument, Thermocycler], Object[Instrument, EnvironmentalChamber], or Object[Instrument, Pipette] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[Join[MixInstrumentModels, MixInstrumentObjects]] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    AnnealingTime

    Minimum duration for which the SamplesIn should remain in the incubator allowing the system to settle to room temperature after the IncubationTime has passed but prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 minutes and less than or equal to 72 hours or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[0*Minute, $MaxExperimentTime] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    IncubateAliquotContainer

    The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the incubation samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or {Index, Container} or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    IncubateAliquotDestinationWell

    The desired position in the corresponding IncubateAliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
    Pattern Description: Any well from A1 to H12 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (WellPositionP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    IncubateAliquot

    The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the IncubateAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before incubation.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
    Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    Preparatory Centrifugation

    Centrifuge

    Indicates if the SamplesIn should be centrifuged prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Centrifuge options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    CentrifugeInstrument

    The centrifuge that will be used to spin the provided samples prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, Centrifuge] or Object[Instrument, Centrifuge] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge]}] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    CentrifugeIntensity

    The rotational speed or the force that will be applied to the samples by centrifugation prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 revolutions per minute or greater than 0 standard accelerations due to gravity on the surface of the earth or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((GreaterP[0*RPM] | GreaterP[0*GravitationalAcceleration]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    CentrifugeTime

    The amount of time for which the SamplesIn should be centrifuged prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 minutes or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (GreaterP[0*Minute] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    CentrifugeTemperature

    The temperature at which the centrifuge chamber should be held while the samples are being centrifuged prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Ambient or greater than or equal to -10 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 40 degrees Celsius or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((Ambient | RangeP[-10*Celsius, 40*Celsius]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    CentrifugeAliquotContainer

    The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the centrifuge samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or {Index, Container} or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    CentrifugeAliquotDestinationWell

    The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
    Pattern Description: Any well from A1 to H12 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (WellPositionP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    CentrifugeAliquot

    The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the CentrifugeAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before centrifugation.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
    Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    Preparatory Filtering

    Filtration

    Indicates if the SamplesIn should be filter prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Filter options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FiltrationType

    The type of filtration method that should be used to perform the filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to a filtration type appropriate for the volume of sample being filtered.
    Pattern Description: PeristalticPump, Centrifuge, Vacuum, Syringe, or AirPressure or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FiltrationTypeP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterInstrument

    The instrument that should be used to perform the filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolved to an instrument appropriate for the filtration type.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock], Model[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Object[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Model[Instrument, VacuumPump], Object[Instrument, VacuumPump], Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge], Model[Instrument, SyringePump], or Object[Instrument, SyringePump] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock], Model[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Object[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Model[Instrument, VacuumPump], Object[Instrument, VacuumPump], Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge], Model[Instrument, SyringePump], Object[Instrument, SyringePump]}] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    Filter

    The filter that should be used to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to a filter appropriate for the filtration type and instrument.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container, Plate, Filter], Model[Container, Vessel, Filter], or Model[Item, Filter] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Container, Plate, Filter], Model[Container, Vessel, Filter], Model[Item, Filter]}] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterMaterial

    The membrane material of the filter that should be used to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to an appropriate filter material for the given sample is Filtration is set to True.
    Pattern Description: Cellulose, Cotton, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PTFE, Nylon, PES, PLUS, PVDF, GlassFiber, GHP, UHMWPE, EPDM, DuraporePVDF, GxF, ZebaDesaltingResin, NickelResin, AgaroseResin, CobaltResin, Silica, HLB, or AnoporeAlumina or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FilterMembraneMaterialP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    PrefilterMaterial

    The material from which the prefilter filtration membrane should be made of to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: By default, no prefiltration is performed on samples, even when Filter->True.
    Pattern Description: Cellulose, Cotton, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PTFE, Nylon, PES, PLUS, PVDF, GlassFiber, GHP, UHMWPE, EPDM, DuraporePVDF, GxF, ZebaDesaltingResin, NickelResin, AgaroseResin, CobaltResin, Silica, HLB, or AnoporeAlumina or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FilterMembraneMaterialP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterPoreSize

    The pore size of the filter that should be used when removing impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to an appropriate filter pore size for the given sample is Filtration is set to True.
    Pattern Description: 0.008 micrometers, 0.02 micrometers, 0.1 micrometers, 0.2 micrometers, 0.22 micrometers, 0.45 micrometers, 1. micrometer, 1.1 micrometers, 2.5 micrometers, 6. micrometers, 20. micrometers, 30. micrometers, or 100. micrometers or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FilterSizeP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    PrefilterPoreSize

    The pore size of the filter; all particles larger than this should be removed during the filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: By default, no prefiltration is performed on samples, even when Filter->True.
    Pattern Description: 0.008 micrometers, 0.02 micrometers, 0.1 micrometers, 0.2 micrometers, 0.22 micrometers, 0.45 micrometers, 1. micrometer, 1.1 micrometers, 2.5 micrometers, 6. micrometers, 20. micrometers, 30. micrometers, or 100. micrometers or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FilterSizeP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterSyringe

    The syringe used to force that sample through a filter.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to an syringe appropriate to the volume of sample being filtered, if Filtration is set to True.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container, Syringe] or Object[Container, Syringe] or a prepared sample or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Container, Syringe], Object[Container, Syringe]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterHousing

    The filter housing that should be used to hold the filter membrane when filtration is performed using a standalone filter membrane.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolve to an housing capable of holding the size of the membrane being used, if filter with Membrane FilterType is being used and Filtration is set to True.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, FilterHousing], Object[Instrument, FilterHousing], Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], or Object[Instrument, FilterBlock] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, FilterHousing], Object[Instrument, FilterHousing], Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock]}] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterIntensity

    The rotational speed or force at which the samples will be centrifuged during filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 2000 GravitationalAcceleration if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 revolutions per minute or greater than 0 standard accelerations due to gravity on the surface of the earth or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((GreaterP[0*RPM] | GreaterP[0*GravitationalAcceleration]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterTime

    The amount of time for which the samples will be centrifuged during filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 5 Minute if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 minutes or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (GreaterP[0*Minute] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterTemperature

    The temperature at which the centrifuge chamber will be held while the samples are being centrifuged during filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 22 Celsius if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 4 degrees Celsius or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((Alternatives[GreaterEqualP[4*Celsius]]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterContainerOut

    The desired container filtered samples should be produced in or transferred into by the end of filtration, with indices indicating grouping of samples in the same plates, if desired.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the PreferredContainer for the Volume of the sample. For plates, attempts to fill all wells of a single plate with the same model before using another one.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or Object[Container] or a prepared sample or {Index, Container} or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (((ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | Automatic, (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterAliquotDestinationWell

    The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
    Pattern Description: Any well from A1 to H12 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (WellPositionP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterAliquotContainer

    The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the filter samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or {Index, Container} or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterAliquot

    The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the FilterAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
    Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    FilterSterile

    Indicates if the filtration of the samples should be done in a sterile environment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolve to False if Filtration is indicated. If sterile filtration is desired, this option must manually be set to True.
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    Aliquoting

    Aliquot

    Indicates if aliquots should be taken from the SamplesIn and transferred into new AliquotSamples used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment. Note that if NumberOfReplicates is specified this indicates that the input samples will also be aliquoted that number of times. Note that Aliquoting (if specified) occurs after any Sample Preparation (if specified).
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    AliquotAmount

    The amount of a sample that should be transferred from the input samples into aliquots.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container if a liquid, or the current Mass or Count if a solid or counted item, respectively.
    Pattern Description: All or Count or Count or Mass or Volume or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | RangeP[1*Milligram, 20*Kilogram] | GreaterP[0*Unit, 1*Unit] | GreaterP[0., 1.] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    TargetConcentration

    The desired final concentration of analyte in the AliquotSamples after dilution of aliquots of SamplesIn with the ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically calculated based on aliquot and buffer volumes.
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 molar or greater than 0 grams per liter or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((GreaterP[0*Molar] | GreaterP[0*(Gram/Liter)]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    TargetConcentrationAnalyte

    The substance whose final concentration is attained with the TargetConcentration option.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the first value in the Analytes field of the input sample, or, if not populated, to the first analyte in the Composition field of the input sample, or if none exist, the first identity model of any kind in the Composition field.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Molecule], Model[Molecule, cDNA], Model[Molecule, Oligomer], Model[Molecule, Transcript], Model[Molecule, Protein], Model[Molecule, Protein, Antibody], Model[Molecule, Carbohydrate], Model[Molecule, Polymer], Model[Resin], Model[Resin, SolidPhaseSupport], Model[Lysate], Model[ProprietaryFormulation], Model[Virus], Model[Cell], Model[Cell, Mammalian], Model[Cell, Bacteria], Model[Cell, Yeast], Model[Tissue], Model[Material], or Model[Species] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[IdentityModelTypes] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    AssayVolume

    The desired total volume of the aliquoted sample plus dilution buffer.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically determined based on Volume and TargetConcentration option values.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    ConcentratedBuffer

    The concentrated buffer which should be diluted by the BufferDilutionFactor in the final solution (i.e., the combination of the sample, ConcentratedBuffer, and BufferDiluent). The ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent will be combined and then mixed with the sample, where the combined volume of these buffers is the difference between the AliquotAmount and the total AssayVolume.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Sample], Object[Sample]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    BufferDilutionFactor

    The dilution factor by which the concentrated buffer should be diluted in the final solution (i.e., the combination of the sample, ConcentratedBuffer, and BufferDiluent). The ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent will be combined and then mixed with the sample, where the combined volume of these buffers is the difference between the AliquotAmount and the total AssayVolume.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: If ConcentratedBuffer is specified, automatically set to the ConcentratedBufferDilutionFactor of that sample; otherwise, set to Null.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (GreaterEqualP[1] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    BufferDiluent

    The buffer used to dilute the aliquot sample such that ConcentratedBuffer is diluted by BufferDilutionFactor in the final solution. The ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent will be combined and then mixed with the sample, where the combined volume of these buffers is the difference between the AliquotAmount and the total AssayVolume.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"] if ConcentratedBuffer is specified; otherwise, resolves to Null.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Sample], Object[Sample]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    AssayBuffer

    The buffer that should be added to any aliquots requiring dilution, where the volume of this buffer added is the difference between the AliquotAmount and the total AssayVolume.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"] if ConcentratedBuffer is not specified; otherwise, resolves to Null.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Sample], Object[Sample]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    AliquotSampleStorageCondition

    The non-default conditions under which any aliquot samples generated by this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((SampleStorageTypeP | Disposal) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    DestinationWell

    The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
    Pattern Description: Any well from A1 to H12 or list of one or more any well from A1 to H12 or any well from A1 to H12 entries or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((WellPositionP | {((Automatic | Null) | WellPositionP)..}) | Automatic) | Null

    AliquotContainer

    The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the aliquot samples, with indices indicating grouping of samples in the same plates, if desired. This option will resolve to be the length of the SamplesIn * NumberOfReplicates.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the PreferredContainer for the AssayVolume of the sample. For plates, attempts to fill all wells of a single plate with the same model before aliquoting into the next.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or Object[Container] or a prepared sample or Automatic or Null or {Index, Container} or list of one or more an object of type or subtype Model[Container] or Object[Container] or a prepared sample or Automatic or Null entries or list of one or more Automatic or Null or {Index, Container} entries.
    Programmatic Pattern: (((ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null) | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)} | {((ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null))..} | {({GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)} | (Automatic | Null))..}) | Automatic) | Null

    AliquotPreparation

    Indicates the desired scale at which liquid handling used to generate aliquots will occur.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatic resolution will occur based on manipulation volumes and container types.
    Pattern Description: Manual or Robotic or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (PreparationMethodP | Automatic) | Null

    ConsolidateAliquots

    Indicates if identical aliquots should be prepared in the same container/position.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null

Protocol Options

    Organizational Information

    Template

    A template protocol whose methodology should be reproduced in running this experiment. Option values will be inherited from the template protocol, but can be individually overridden by directly specifying values for those options to this Experiment function.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Object[Protocol] or an object of type or subtype of Object[Protocol] with UnresolvedOptions, ResolvedOptions specified or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[Object[Protocol]] | FieldReferenceP[Object[Protocol], {UnresolvedOptions, ResolvedOptions}]) | Null

    Name

    A object name which should be used to refer to the output object in lieu of an automatically generated ID number.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: A string or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: _String | Null

    Post Experiment

    MeasureWeight

    Indicates if any solid samples that are modified in the course of the experiment should have their weights measured and updated after running the experiment. Please note that public samples are weighed regardless of the value of this option.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null

    MeasureVolume

    Indicates if any liquid samples that are modified in the course of the experiment should have their volumes measured and updated after running the experiment. Please note that public samples are volume measured regardless of the value of this option.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null

    ImageSample

    Indicates if any samples that are modified in the course of the experiment should be freshly imaged after running the experiment. Please note that public samples are imaged regardless of the value of this option.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null

Example Calls

    Temperature and Pressure Control

    Specify the full temperature and pressure curves via TemperaturePressureProfile:
    Temperature can be provided independently via TemperatureGradient, along with a single pressure that will be held throughout the run:
    Pressure can be provided independently via PressureGradient, along with a single temperature that will be held throughout the run:

    Lyophilize Until Dry

    If requested via the LyophilizeUntilDry option, the protocol will loop through the lyophilization process until the samples are observed to be completely dry:
    Set MaxLyophilizationTime in order to set an upper limit to the number of times the protocol will loop while attempting to dry samples:

Preferred Input Containers

    The plate lyophilizer can fit up to six SBS format plates.
    The lyophilizer can fit tubes up to 12.5mm, for example a 15ml conical tube, which are loaded into tube racks placed inside the instrument.

Warnings and Errors

    Messages  (9)

    InvalidMaxLyoTime  (1)

    Specifying a MaxLyophilizationTime less than the LyophilizationTime will cause an error:

    LyophilizationTimeZero  (2)

    If the provided TemperaturePressureProfile has no time length an error will be thrown:

    Multiple options were provided that did not result in a TemperaturePressureProfile greater than 0 minutes:

    NotEnoughProbes  (1)

    ProbeSamples can only accept four samples at the moment, and providing more than that will cause an error:

    ObjectDoesNotExist  (4)

    Throw a message if we have a container that does not exist (ID form):

    Throw a message if we have a container that does not exist (name form):

    Throw a message if we have a sample that does not exist (ID form):

    Throw a message if we have a sample that does not exist (name form):

    ProbeSamplesInvalid  (1)

    ProbeSamples can only point to members of the input samples, and will otherwise cause an error:

Possible Issues

    Sample Bumping

    Given the ability of the lyophilizer to reach very low vacuum pressures, if the instrument begins to ramp before the samples inside are fully frozen solvents may spontaneously boil. This rapid boiling is known as sample 'bumping' and can cause violent ejection of sample material from the container it is contained within. To ensure samples do not bump during a run, make sure to specify a minimum freezing temperature below the freezing temperature of your samples and provide a hold at that temperature long enough for your samples to freeze.
Last modified on Fri 5 Sep 2025 17:45:55