Overview
The Auto SF-120 represents a breakthrough in stopped-flow kinetics, combining exceptional sample economy with full automation. Load as little as 120 µL to run a complete experiment. The computer-controlled syringe drive and load valve automate sample handling—just pipette, press "Load," and collect data.
Perfect for high-throughput screening or when working with precious samples, the AutoSF-120 delivers the sub-millisecond dead times KinTek instruments are known for while maximizing the value of every microliter.
Key Features
Extraordinary Sample Economy
- Minimal Volume Requirements: Run complete experiments with as little as 120 µL
- Efficient Sample Usage: Every microliter counts when working with precious proteins or expensive reagents
- Reduced Waste: Automated loading minimizes spillage and contamination
Full Automation
- Computer-Controlled Operation: Automated syringe drive and load valve eliminate manual handling
- Simple Workflow: Pipette your sample, press "Load," and start collecting data
- Consistent Results: Automation ensures reproducibility across experiments
High-Throughput Capability
- Rapid Experiment Cycles: Optimized for small-volume or high-throughput workflows
- Optional Robotic Integration: Add a robot for unattended loading and acquisition
- Batch Processing: Run multiple samples sequentially without manual intervention
Precision Kinetics
- Sub-Millisecond Dead Time: Capture fast kinetic events with confidence
- Modular Detection: Choose from fluorescence, absorbance, and other detection methods
- Clean Data: KinTek's precision mixing delivers reliable, reproducible results
Stopped-Flow Methodology
Core Principle
The stopped-flow method rapidly fires two solutions from separate drive syringes into a precision mixing device. Flow into the observation cell triggers data collection, enabling you to capture kinetic events from the moment of mixing.
The Auto SF-120 enhances this classic technique with automated sample loading and computer-controlled operation, maximizing sample economy while maintaining the sub-millisecond time resolution essential for studying rapid biochemical reactions.
Detection Capabilities
The Auto SF-120 supports multiple optical detection methods to monitor reaction progress:
- Absorbance: UV-Vis spectroscopy across a wide wavelength range
- Fluorescence: Emission detection with selectable wavelengths for monitoring fluorescent substrates, products, or labeled proteins
- Light Scattering: Monitor aggregation, assembly, and protein-protein interactions
- Turbidity: Study protein folding, precipitation, and conformational changes
- Fluorescence Anisotropy: Available with optional T-format configuration for binding studies
Detection modules can be positioned to optimize signal collection, with support for simultaneous multi-channel data acquisition.
Automation and Sample Handling
The Auto SF-120's computer-controlled automation distinguishes it from traditional stopped-flow instruments:
- Automated Loading: Computer-controlled load valve automatically transfers sample from loading port to drive syringes
- Volume Optimization: Uses only 120 µL total for a complete experiment (60 µL per reactant)
- Reproducible Mixing: Consistent flow rates and mixing ensure reproducibility across experiments
- Minimal Waste: Automated sample handling reduces spillage and contamination
- High-Throughput Ready: Optional robotic integration enables unattended operation for screening applications
Performance Characteristics
- Dead Time: Sub-millisecond (typical for KinTek stopped-flow instruments)
- Sample Economy: As little as 120 µL per complete experiment
- Time Range: From sub-millisecond to minutes
- Mixing Precision: Highly reproducible dead time and mixing characteristics
- Automation: Computer-controlled for consistent, hands-free operation
Workflow Simplicity
The Auto SF-120 streamlines stopped-flow kinetics to three simple steps:
- Pipette: Load your samples into the designated ports (60 µL each)
- Press Load: Computer-controlled valve automatically transfers samples to drive syringes
- Collect Data: Trigger data acquisition and observe kinetics in real-time
This simplified workflow eliminates manual syringe loading, reduces contamination risk, and ensures reproducible sample handling across all experiments.
Applications
The Auto SF-120 is ideal for researchers who need to maximize sample economy while maintaining the highest kinetic standards:
Enzyme Kinetics
- Limited Sample Studies: When protein expression yields are low or enzymes are difficult to purify
- Substrate Screening: Test multiple substrates or conditions without exhausting your sample
- Inhibitor Discovery: Screen compound libraries efficiently
High-Throughput Screening
- Drug Discovery: Rapidly evaluate candidate compounds against target proteins
- Reaction Optimization: Quickly explore parameter space with minimal material
- Quality Control: Validate enzyme batches with consistent, automated measurements
Protein-Ligand Interactions
- Binding Kinetics: Measure association and dissociation rates with sub-millisecond resolution
- Conformational Changes: Monitor protein folding and unfolding events
- Allosteric Effects: Investigate how binding at one site affects another
Academic Research
- Graduate Student Projects: Make limited samples go further across multiple experiments
- Method Development: Test new assays without consuming large sample quantities
- Collaborative Studies: Share precious samples across research groups
Why Choose the Auto SF-120?
When Sample is Precious
If you're working with:
- Difficult-to-express proteins
- Expensive synthetic substrates
- Limited clinical samples
- Rare or unstable compounds
The AutoSF-120's 120 µL volume requirement means you can run more experiments with the same material, enabling deeper mechanistic insights without additional protein prep.
When Speed Matters
For high-throughput applications:
- Optional robotic integration enables unattended operation
- Automated sample loading eliminates manual pipetting errors
- Consistent dead times ensure reliable comparisons across datasets
When Precision is Essential
KinTek instruments are trusted worldwide for:
- Sub-millisecond dead times that capture fast events
- Precision mixing that eliminates artifacts
- Clean data that fits mechanistic models
Integration with KinTek Explorer
All data from the Auto SF-120 integrates seamlessly with KinTek Explorer software, enabling:
- Global Fitting: Analyze multiple experiments simultaneously with a single mechanistic model
- Dynamic Simulation: Scroll rate constants and see results update in real-time
- Mechanistic Insight: Move beyond steady-state analysis to understand complex kinetic schemes
Getting Started
Request a Quote
Contact our sales team to discuss your specific needs and receive a customized quote.
Schedule a Demo
See the Auto SF-120 in action. We can arrange a live demonstration or connect you with existing users in your research area.
Training Resources
KinTek offers comprehensive training workshops that combine:
- Instrument operation and maintenance
- Experimental design best practices
- Data analysis with KinTek Explorer
Support & Resources
- Technical Support: Expert assistance with instrument setup, troubleshooting, and optimization
- Application Notes: Real-world examples from published research
- Software Updates: Regular enhancements to data collection and analysis tools
- User Community: Connect with other KinTek users through workshops and conferences
Related Products
Looking for different capabilities? Explore our other instruments:
- SF-300X: Flexible stopped-flow platform with double-mixing and equilibrium titration capabilities
- RQF-3: Chemical quench-flow for millisecond kinetics with reaction times as short as 2 ms