ECL`

ExperimentMeasureOsmolality

ExperimentMeasureOsmolality[Objects]⟹Protocol

creates a MeasureOsmolality Protocol which determines the osmolality of Objects. Osmolality is a measure of the concentration of osmotically active species in a solution.

Osmolality is the measure of the number of osmotically active species per mass of solvent, in units of mOsmol/kg. Any species which contributes to osmotic pressure is considered osmotically active. Osmolality differs from molality in cases where the osmotically active species is dissociative, and when interactions such as hydrogen bonding or coulombic attraction cause deviation from ideal behavior. Osmolality of a solution can be determined by observation of colligative properties, such as freezing point, osmotic pressure, and vapor pressure, which are dictated by the solute concentration but invariant with respect to the solute identity for ideal solutions. Vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) provides a flexible and robust method for osmolality determination. The difference in a solution's vapor pressure as compared to that of the pure solvent can be related to osmolality via Raoult's law. Together with vapor pressure measurements of known osmolality calibrants, VPO results in highly accurate and reproducible osmolality measurements. In addition to quantifying osmolality in liquids, VPO is commonly used to determine number average molecular weight (Mn) of polymers in solutions of known mass concentration.

Experimental Principles

Figure 1.1: Procedural overview of a MeasureOsmolality experiment. Step 1: The sample solution is loaded onto a solute-free paper disk using a 10 uL pipette. Step 2: The sample inoculated paper is loaded into the sealed measurement chamber. Step 3: The temperature of the chamber and the solvent vapor inside are allowed to equilibrate (typically for a few seconds). Step 4: Thermo-electric cooling cools the thermocouple to below the dew point of the vapor. Step 5: Solvent vapor condenses on the thermocouple. The latent heat of vaporization heats the thermocouple and the temperature rises asymptotically towards the dew point temperature. Step 6: Thermocouple temperature stabilizes as vapor condensation slows, determining the dew point temperature, before eventually rising again towards ambient temperature. Solution osmolality is then calculated internally by a calibrated instrument from the dew point temperature depression.

Instrumentation

Vapro 5600

Figure 2.1: The osmometer instrument consists of a sample holder,measurement chamber,and a thermocouple hygrometer.The sample holder is used to support either a non-viscous sample dropped onto inoculation paper,or a viscous sample placed directly on the sample holder surface.After loading,the sample holder is rotated into the sealed measurement chamber,where the temperature and vapor pressure is allowed to equilibrate.Inoculation paper facilitates rapid equilibration of the chamber by breaking the sample surface tension and increasing the effective surface area of the sample.The thermocouple hygrometer is cooled to below the sample dew point to allow for condensation of the sample vapor onto the thermocouple.The temperature of the thermocouple is then monitored as latent heat is transferred from the condensing vapor,resulting in an asymptotic approach to the vapor dew point temperature.This value can then be converted to osmolality via the instrument calibration,which is repeated between each set of samples.The instrument contains water as a cleaning solution to rinse the thermocouple periodically,and the sample holder is cleaned manually between samples.

Experiment Options

General

OsmolalityMethod

The experimental technique or principle used to determine the osmolality of the samples. VaporPressureOsmometry infers solution osmolality by measuring the depression in vapor pressure (or related property) of a solution compared to pure solvent.

Default Value: VaporPressureOsmometry

Pattern Description: VaporPressureOsmometry.

Programmatic Pattern: OsmolalityMethodP

Instrument

The instrument used to measure the osmolality of a sample.

Default Value: Model[Instrument, Osmometer, Vapro 5600]

Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, Osmometer] or Object[Instrument, Osmometer]

Programmatic Pattern: ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, Osmometer], Object[Instrument, Osmometer]}]

NumberOfReplicates

The total number of times to perform osmolality measurement using a new aliquot of sample each time, for each provided sample. If multiple readings are required on the same loaded aliquot, use the NumberOfReadings option.

Default Value: Null

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 2 in increments of 1 or Null.

Programmatic Pattern: GreaterEqualP[2, 1] | Null

PreClean

Indicates if the osmometer thermocouple is to undergo an additional clean prior to experiment, before calibration. The instrument thermocouple is always cleaned after experiment.

Default Value: False

Pattern Description: True or False.

Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP

CleaningSolution

The solution used to wash the thermocouple head to remove any debris.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to the manufacturer recommended cleaning solution of the instrument.

Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample, Milli-Q water]

Programmatic Pattern: ObjectP[Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"]] | Automatic

PostRunInstrumentContaminationLevel

Measure the contamination level of the osmometer thermocouple after measurements from this protocol are complete, and prior to routine cleaning of the thermocouple.

Default Value: True

Pattern Description: True or False.

Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP

Calibration

Calibrant

The solutions of known osmolality used by the instrument to determine the conversion from raw measurement to osmolality, in the order they are to be used. Standard calibrants for an instrument are located in the ManufacturerCalibrants field of the instrument Model/Object and in the ExperimentMeasureOsmolality help file.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to the manufacturer recommended calibrants of the instrument.

Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample]

Programmatic Pattern: ObjectP[{Model[Sample], Object[Sample]}] | Automatic

Index Matches to: Calibrant

CalibrantOsmolality

The osmolalities of the solutions used by the instrument to determine the conversion from raw measurement to osmolality. Standard calibrants for an instrument are located in the ManufacturerCalibrants field of the instrument Model/Object and in the ExperimentMeasureOsmolality help file.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to the osmolalities of the manufacturer recommended calibrants.

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 millimoles per kilogram.

Programmatic Pattern: GreaterEqualP[0*Milli*(Mole/Kilogram)] | Automatic

Index Matches to: Calibrant

CalibrantVolume

The volume of calibrants used by the instrument to determine the conversion from raw measurement to osmolality.

Default Value: 10 microliters

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 10 microliters and less than or equal to 10 microliters.

Programmatic Pattern: RangeP[10*Microliter, 10*Microliter]

Index Matches to: Calibrant

Control

The solutions of known osmolality used to verify the instrument calibration.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to the first used calibrant.

Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or Null.

Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Sample], Object[Sample]}] | Automatic) | Null

Index Matches to: Control

ControlOsmolality

The osmolalities of the solutions used to verify the instrument calibration.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to the osmolalities of the manufacturer recommended calibrant, if used.

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 millimoles per kilogram or Null.

Programmatic Pattern: (GreaterEqualP[0*Milli*(Mole/Kilogram)] | Automatic) | Null

Index Matches to: Control

ControlVolume

The volume of controls used by the instrument to verify the instrument calibration.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Resolves to 10 microliter if not specified.

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 11 microliters or Null.

Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1*Microliter, 11*Microliter] | Automatic) | Null

Index Matches to: Control

ControlTolerance

The amount that the measured osmolality is permitted to deviate from the corresponding ControlOsmolality for calibration to be deemed successful.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to two times the repeatability of the instrument, if the control was used for calibration. If not used for calibration, the manufacturing tolerance of the calibrants and control are added in quadrature to two times the repeatability of the instrument.

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 millimoles per kilogram or Null.

Programmatic Pattern: (GreaterEqualP[0*Milli*(Mole/Kilogram)] | Automatic) | Null

Index Matches to: Control

NumberOfControlReplicates

The total number of measurements that will be taken for each of the controls specified, which are then averaged, before comparison of the average value with the ControlOsmolality. If multiple individual comparisons to the ControlOsmolality for the same standard are desired, please specify the same standard multiple times using the Control option.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Resolves to 1 per control, if controls are run in the protocol.

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 5 in increments of 1 or Null.

Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1, 5, 1] | Automatic) | Null

Index Matches to: Control

MaxNumberOfCalibrations

The maximum number of times that calibration should be attempted to achieve a calibration where the measured osmolalities for all the Controls are within their respective ControlTolerance.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Resolves to 3 if a control is specified, otherwise 1.

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 5 in increments of 1.

Programmatic Pattern: RangeP[1, 5, 1] | Automatic

Sample Loading

ViscousLoading

Indicates if the sample is too resistant to flow for standard transfer and loading techniques.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to True for highly viscous samples exceeding the threshold of 200 mPa s viscosity, otherwise set to False.

Pattern Description: True or False.

Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic

Index Matches to: experiment samples

InoculationPaper

The paper that is saturated with sample solution on sample loading, and holds the sample during measurement.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to inoculation paper compatible with the specified instrument, unless viscousLoading resolves to True, where it is set to Null.

Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Item, InoculationPaper] or Object[Item, InoculationPaper] or Null.

Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Item, InoculationPaper], Object[Item, InoculationPaper]}] | Automatic) | Null

Index Matches to: experiment samples

SampleVolume

The volume of sample solution that is loaded into the instrument and used for the measurement of osmolality.

Default Value: 10 microliters

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 11 microliters.

Programmatic Pattern: RangeP[1*Microliter, 11*Microliter]

Index Matches to: experiment samples

Measurement

NumberOfReadings

The number of osmolality readings to perform on the same aliquot once loaded into the instrument. If multiple aliquots of the same sample should be loaded and measured, use the NumberOfReplicates option.

Default Value: 1

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 in increments of 1.

Programmatic Pattern: GreaterEqualP[1, 1]

Index Matches to: experiment samples

EquilibrationTime

The amount of time to wait after loading a sample before the osmolality measurement is performed.

Default Value: Automatic

Default Calculation: Automatically set to an internal default value by the selected instrument if possible. Otherwise set to 60 seconds.

Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 seconds and less than or equal to 72 hours or InternalDefault.

Programmatic Pattern: (InternalDefault | RangeP[0*Second, $MaxExperimentTime]) | Automatic

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: ((Null | 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 100 Microliter.

Pattern Description: All or Count or Count or Mass or Volume or Null.

Index Matches to: experiment samples

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Measurement of salt content

Determine the osmolality of a salt solution:

Measurement of protein content

Determine the osmolality of a protein solution:

Measurement of solute content for a viscous sample

Determine the osmolality of a viscous solution:

Determination of number average molecular weight (Mn) of a polymer by dividing osmolality by concentration:

Determine the Mn of a polymer in solution:

Preferred Input Containers

Use a suitable container for the sample amount.

Warnings and Errors

Messages (29)

ContainerlessSamples (1)

If the provided sample is not located in a container, an error will be thrown:

DiscardedSamples (1)

If the provided sample is discarded, an error will be thrown:

InputContainsTemporalLinks (1)

A Warning is thrown if any inputs contain temporal links:

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):

OsmolalityCalibrantIncompatible (1)

Return $Failed if the calibrants provided are not compatible with the instrument specified:

OsmolalityCalibrantOsmolalitiesIncompatible (1)

Return $Failed if the calibrants osmolalities provided are not compatible with the instrument specified:

OsmolalityCalibrantOsmolalitiesMisordered (1)

Return $Failed if the calibrants osmolalities provided are compatible with the instrument specified but not in a compatible order:

OsmolalityCalibrantsMisordered (1)

Return $Failed if the calibrants provided are compatible with the instrument specified but not in a compatible order:

OsmolalityControlConflict (1)

Warn if the tolerance for a control is tighter than the instrument repeatability and standard tolerances:

OsmolalityControlOsmolalitiesIncompatible (1)

Return $Failed if the controls osmolalities provided are not compatible with the instrument specified:

OsmolalityControlOsmolalityDeviation (1)

Warn if the osmolality target value for a control differs significantly from the database osmolality:

OsmolalityControlOsmolalityUnknown (1)

Throw an error if a control with unknown osmolality is specified, but a corresponding target osmolality is not specified:

OsmolalityControlTolerance (1)

Warn if the tolerance for a control is tighter than the instrument repeatability and standard tolerances:

OsmolalityEquilibrationTimeReadings (1)

Return $Failed if the number of readings is not compatible with the specified equilibration times:

OsmolalityInoculationPaperHighViscosity (1)

Warn if viscous loading is set/resolved to True, but inoculation paper is set to not Null:

OsmolalityLowControlVolume (1)

Warn if the control volume is below that recommended for an accurate measurement:

OsmolalityLowSampleVolume (1)

Warn if the sample volume is below that recommended for an accurate measurement:

OsmolalityNoInoculationPaper (1)

Warn if viscous loading is set/resolves to False, but inoculation paper is set to Null:

OsmolalityNonLiquidSamplesNotSupported (1)

If the provided sample is not liquid, an error will be thrown:

OsmolalityNoVolume (1)

If the provided sample does not have volume populated, an error will be thrown:

OsmolalityReadingsExceedsMaximum (1)

Return $Failed if the number of readings requested is not compatible with the instrument:

OsmolalitySampleCarryOver (1)

Warn if the viscosity of the sample is low, but viscous loading is set to True:

OsmolalityShortEquilibrationTime (1)

Warn if a short equilibration time is specified and the instrument is the Vapro 5600:

OsmolalityTransferHighViscosity (1)

Return $Failed if sample is viscous, but viscous loading is set to False:

OsmolalityUnknownViscosity (1)

Warn if the viscosity of the sample can't be found and viscous loading is unspecified:

OsmolalityViscousTransferMinimumVolume (1)

Warn if viscous loading is specified with a sample volume of less than 10 uL:

Possible Issues

Non-ideal behavior

The relationship between dew point and osmolality may deviate from the expected relationship due to convolution of colligative properties with intermolecular interactions such as coulombic attraction or hydrogen bonding.

Non-volatile sample

As the vapor pressure osmometry method relies on measuring vapor pressure, or a related property, the osmolality of solutions in non-volatile solvents cannot be determined by this method.

Non-aqueous sample

The Vapro 5600 can only determine the osmolality of aqueous solutions. Solutions containing amounts of other solvents may give inaccurate results, or fail.

Vapro 5600 low osmolality sample

The Vapro 5600 may only be able to perform a single reading on a sample if the osmolality is very close to zero, due to limitations of the instrument.

Last modified on Fri 26 Sep 2025 23:25:12