GE Healthcare

Life Sciences

Data file 29-0598-78 AB Chromatography systems

ÄKTA™ start
ÄKTA start is a preparative chromatography system for
laboratory scale protein purification (Fig 1). ÄKTA start is
designed as a stand-alone system, with intuitive design, simple
flow path, and user-friendly interface. With ÄKTA start it is
easy to purify a wide variety of proteins using built-in
quick start methods or predefined templates, or by creating
your own methods.
ÄKTA start can be combined with the Frac30 fraction collector,
the user-friendly UNICORN™ start 1.0 control software, and
application-focused prepacked columns for an automated
solution (Fig 2).

ÄKTA start offers the following features:

• Compact solution for quick and reliable one-step
protein purification
• Sample injection and fraction collection options
• Quick start methods and templates for common
purification techniques
• Intuitive touchscreen display and real-time monitoring

With ÄKTA start, protein purification is quick, reliable, and

easy. The system is easy to learn and use, and has an intuitive Fig 1. ÄKTA start is an easy-to-use preparative chromatography system
design, front-facing work area, visible flow path, and a user- designed to facilitate the move into automated protein purification.
friendly interface. ÄKTA start makes it easy to purify proteins,
with predefined quick start and editable method templates,
real-time run control and visualization, and single-click System overview
operations with a compact and portable size suitable for ÄKTA start can be operated using the touchscreen display
cold-room operations. With proven and reliable technology or from a computer connected to the instrument using
like LED-based UV detection, and built-in help and diagnostics, UNICORN start. UNICORN start provides additional options
you can trust ÄKTA start to help you make an effortless for designing, running, and analyzing experiments. ÄKTA start
switch from manual to automated protein purification. can be complemented with a Frac30 fraction collector, providing
the option for collecting fractions in four different tube sizes.
Fig 2. The ÄKTA start solution includes a stand-alone instrument with touchscreen display, the Frac30 fraction collector and user-friendly UNICORN start
control software.

The ÄKTA start touchscreen display offers a range of options Part Description
to meet your purification needs. ÄKTA start is run either by 1 Buffer valve 6 Wash valve
using a predefined Quick start method or template, or by 2 Mixer 7 Injection valve
creating your own method. Method templates are available 3 Sample valve 8 UV monitor
for common applications such as purification of tagged 4 Pump 9 Conductivity monitor
or untagged recombinant proteins, antibodies, and native 5 Pressure sensor 10 Outlet valve
proteins. Quick start methods are optimized for use with
8 9 10
prepacked chromatography columns such as the HiTrap™
and HiPrep™ families. Predefined methods are available
for cleaning the system flow path and flow cells (UV,
conductivity), as well as for testing the system performance.
Results can be stored on a USB memory stick and then easily
viewed and analyzed using UNICORN start. Additionally 1
the instrument provides the result in .bmp format to allow
viewing of the generated result without UNICORN start.
The compact size of ÄKTA start provides another level of 2
7
flexibility. With an effective operating range from +4°C to
+35°C and a weight of only 8 kg, ÄKTA start makes it easy
to transfer operations from laboratory bench to cold room
depending on your needs. Flow rates range from 0.5 to 3 6
5 ml/min (operating range), with a wash flow rate of 10 ml/min,
and a maximum pressure of 5 bar (0.5 MPa, 72 psi).

ÄKTA start standard modules

4 5
There are 10 modules placed on the wet side of ÄKTA start
(Fig 3). The modules are interconnected by tubing, and function Fig 3. Locations of the modules placed on the wet side of ÄKTA start.
to deliver the liquid through the system flow path and divert
the flow as required; and to monitor UV absorbance and
conductivity of the liquids (Fig 4).
2  29-0598-78 AB
Fig 4. ÄKTA start process picture. The flow path contains valves, mixer, pump, pressure sensor, column, UV monitor, and conductivity monitor and collection option.

Pump Valves
The single-channel, robust peristaltic pump consists of a The buffer, sample, wash, and outlet valves are 3-port solenoid
four-roller pump head that delivers low pulsation. The accurate type switch valves. The buffer valve is used as a switching valve
flow rates generated enable reproducible isocratic or gradient for gradient formation. It enables the use of two buffers,
elution. The pump provides flow rates up to 5 ml/min (up to A and B, which are required for forming gradient during runs.
10 ml/min when washing) at operating pressures of up to The sample valve allows either the buffer or the sample to
5 bar (0.5 MPa, 72.5 psi). The system pump allows for unattended enter the flow path. The sample valve enables the direct
sample application and application of large sample volumes. application of the sample onto the column using the pump.
The outlet valve is used to direct the flow to the fraction
Mixer collector, or to waste, and the wash valve is used to divert
The ÄKTA start mixer is a 0.4 ml static mixer used for blending the flow path to waste when needed.
buffers during gradient runs, ensuring reproducibilty across
purification runs. Manual injection valve
The manual injection valve is a 6-port rotary valve that is
Pressure sensor manually operated to transfer the preloaded sample onto
The Pressure sensor reads the pressure in the flow path and the column. The sample loop (for the injection of small
senses overpressure, to ensure that columns are kept secure sample volumes [25 μl to 5 ml], or a Superloop™ injection
without compression of the bed. loop for larger sample volumes [10 to 150 ml]), can easily be
connected to the appropriate ports of the valve.
UV monitor
The injection valve is manually switched to positions Load
ÄKTA start is equipped with a UV monitor to continuously
(default) to allow loading of the sample into the sample
measure the absorbance of the liquid in the UV flow cell at
loop using a syringe through Port 3, and Inject to transfer 
a fixed wavelength (280 nm). The UV monitor incorporates
the sample from the loop on to the column during a
durable and reliable LED technology that is ready-to-use
chromatography run (Fig 5).
without any warm-up time. Moreover, the UV monitor does
not generate any local heating of the flow cell, making it
particularly suitable for heat-sensitive samples. The monitor
is available with a 2 mm optical path length flow cell and
gives linear absorbance up to 1.5 AU.

Conductivity monitor
The conductivity monitor continuously reads the conductivity
of the liquid in the flow cell. The conductivity value is
automatically calculated by multiplying the measured
conductance by the cell constant of the flow cell taking the
temperature effect into account. The cell constant is factory-
Fig 5. The different positions of the manual injection valve. The injection
calibrated and a built in temperature sensor continuously valve position can be changed manually by turning the lever to the left
measures the temperature of the liquid in the flow cell. (Load position) or the right (Inject position).

29-0598-78 AB   3
Frac30 fraction collector System operations
2 Touchscreen display
The ÄKTA start main screen displays options for the user to
select and perform operations (Fig 7).
1

6 5

Description Function
1 Dispenser arm Holds and positions the tubing holder nozzle
for dispensing the liquid into fractions
2 Tubing holder Holds the tubing used for dispensing the liquid
fractions into the collection tubes
3 Collection Tubes used to collect the fractions
tubes Fig 7. The ÄKTA start touchscreen display is simple and easy to use. The
home screen page provides four alternatives to meet your needs. Method
4 Bowl Holder for collection tubes, which supports
run, Manual run, Create method and Settings and service.
assembly tubes of four sizes
5 Base unit Case for electromechanical assembly and
holder for the bowl assembly
6 LED Power on indicator 1) Method run: For running predefined methods. There are
four options:
Fig 6. Frac30 is a round fraction collector that can accommodate four a) Quick start. Templates comprising “ready-to-run”
different fractionation tube sizes.
methods to purify the most common proteins based
on affinity chromatography (AC), ion exchange
ÄKTA start can be equipped with Frac30, a round fraction chromatography (IEX), gel filtration (GF), and desalting
collector (Fig 6) that is controlled through either the ÄKTA start (DS) techniques. Examples are provided in Table 1. Run
touchscreen display or through UNICORN start. Frac30 parameters like column volume, flow rate, equilibration,
allows you to collect up to 30 fractions and supports four elution mode, and fractionation volume are predefined
tube sizes, ranging from 1.5 to 15 ml. Fractions can be in the method. The user only needs to enter the sample
automatically collected in volumes ranging from 0.5 to 15 ml. volume to be loaded on to the column and to ensure that a
The entire fraction collector rack can be easily removed and USB memory stick is connected to the system. When using
used for storage of purified samples. Quick start methods samples are loaded through the Pump.

Table 1. Examples of Quick start methods

Method Chromatography technique Details

AC step 1 ml HiTrap AC Bound proteins are eluted in a single step, using an elution buffer. Commonly used
AC step 5 ml HiTrap for purification of tagged proteins, e.g. histidine-tagged proteins
DS 5 ml HiTrap DS Desalting or buffer exchange is performed in a single step
DS 53 ml HiPrep
IEX step 1 ml HiTrap IEX Bound proteins are eluted using two buffers (A and B) with a single-step
IEX step 5 ml HiTrap gradient between buffer A and Buffer B
IEX gradient 1 ml HiTrap IEX Bound proteins are eluted using two buffers (A and B) with linear increase in the
IEX gradient 5 ml HiTrap concentration of Buffer B over a specified time
GF 16/60 HiPrep GF Desalting or buffer exchange is performed in a single step
Note: It is recommended to use the appropriate column as indicated in the template. For example, use a HiTrap 1 ml column when selecting AC/IEX step 1 ml HiTrap or a HiTrap 5 ml column
when selecting AC/IEX step 5 ml HiTrap.

4  29-0598-78 AB
b) Templates. ÄKTA start provides four method templates The software offers a simple and intuitive method editor
based on the most commonly used protein purification for creating custom methods, easier system controls with
techniques (AC, DS, IEX, and GF). The templates are process picture map and real-time monitoring of the manual
provided with default run parameters that can be and method runs, and a simplified evaluation module to
changed to suit the desired run conditions. New methods evaluate and compare results. The software also enables you
can be created and saved from these predefined to create and print PDF reports and manage data.
templates using Create method option.
System Control
c) User-defined. Allows a run based on a user-defined method.
Displays the methods previously created by the user. The System Control module is used to perform and
monitor manual, automated predefined, or user-defined
d) Prepare system. ÄKTA start has built-in, predefined
chromatography method runs. During the run, a real-time
methods for preparation and cleaning of the system,
chromatogram is displayed, depicting the complete run
preparation of a column and system performance tests.
with curves including UV, conductivity, system flow, gradient
The Prepare system methods can be used to clean the
concentrations, fraction marks, run logs, and pressure (Fig 9).
entire system flow path when needed, and to fill the
system with storage solution when the instrument is not System Control module enables you to run predefined
going to be used for a long period of time. methods such as the Quick start templates, and Prepare
System methods. System Control also enables you to
perform system performance tests and generate system
2) Manual run: For starting and real-time control of ÄKTA error reports.
start. The run parameters are configured and the ongoing
run is controlled through manual operation, by tapping
the touchscreen display.
3) Create method: For creating new methods, editing, or
deleting existing user methods. Also used for importing
methods stored on a USB memory stick connected to
the instrument.
4) Settings and service: For configuring, calibrating, and
troubleshooting as well as diagnosing individual parts of
ÄKTA start (Fig 8). For the listed components, important
diagnostic tests, calibration settings, and self-serviceable
maintenance routines are available.

Fig 9. The System Control flow scheme represents the real-time flow path
with indications of the different modules on the wet side of the instrument.
The current run status of the system is displayed, together with the real-
time chromatogram. The instrument can be controlled via clicks on the
flow path, for example, to turn the valves, set flow rates, change buffer B
concentrations, and start/stop fractionation.

Method Editor
The Method Editor module can be used for creating methods
Fig 8. A wide range of settings and service options are available for from predefined templates like Affinity, Ion Exchange,
ÄKTA start, easily accessed from the display. The help button [?] provides
Gel Filtration, and Desalting. Customized methods can be
guidance for the active page.
created simply by dragging and dropping chromatography
phases such as Prime and Equilibration, Sample Application,
UNICORN start 1.0 control software Wash Out Unbound, Elution and Fractionation from the
UNICORN start includes four different modules: System Control, phase library (Fig 10). Methods can be run directly from
Method Editor, Evaluation, and Administration, allowing you to the System Control module or simply transferred to a USB
design runs, operate the ÄKTA start instrument, and to evaluate memory stick and imported into ÄKTA start if the system
and share results. While ÄKTA start can function as a stand- is being used as a stand-alone unit (i.e. the system is not
alone system controlled from the the touch screen, UNICORN connected to the computer).
start maximizes the performance of the instrument.

29-0598-78 AB   5
 Fig 12. GE Healthcare Life Sciences offers a wide range of prepacked
columns, such as HiTrap columns, to help you with protein purification.

Fig 10. The user interface of the Method Editor. Customized methods can be
created simply by dragging and dropping options from the display. HiPrep prepacked columns are designed for convenient
scale-up purification. Gel filtration applications using
Evaluation HiPrep Sephacryl™ columns allow you to polish your sample,
The Evaluation module is used to manage and evaluate resulting in a pure and size homogeneous target protein.
the results from chromatography runs (Fig 11). A result is The HiPrep Desalting column is also supported by ÄKTA start
automatically generated at the end of a run and contains a and has a column volume of 53 ml for convenient desalting/
complete record, including control method, system settings, buffer exchange of sample with volumes up to 15 ml.
monitored data, and run log. The Evaluation module allows Other columns supported by ÄKTA start include HisTrap™,
you to compare two curves or chromatograms, perform peak StrepTrap™, MBPTrap™, GSTrap™, and HiLoad™ columns.
integration analysis, and create and print PDF reports. Results
from ÄKTA start can be imported via a USB memory stick. System specifications
System configuration Bench-top system
System control Instrument display and/or UNICORN start
Connection between PC and USB
instrument
Dimensions (W × H × D) 340 × 360 × 280 mm
Weight (excluding packaging) 8 kg
Power supply 100 to 240 VAC , 50 to 60 Hz
Power consumption 95 VA
Enclosure protective class IP21
Fuse Fast blow glass tube type, F5AL250V

Tubing and connectors

Inlet PTFE tubing, 1.6 mm i.d.,
5/16-24 UNF connections
Fig 11. The user interface of the Evaluation module. Buffer valve to pump PEEK tubing, 0.75 mm i.d.,
10-32 UNF connections
Administration Pressure sensor to conductivity PEEK tubing, 0.75 mm i.d.,
10-32 UNF connections
The Administration module is used for accessing the Conductivity to outlet valve PEEK tubing, 0.50 mm i.d.,
UNICORN start database for backup, restore, archive and 10-32 UNF connections
retrieve operations. The Administration module also allows Outlet valve to Frac30 PEEK tubing, 0.75 mm i.d.,
10-32 UNF connections
for reviewing the UNICORN start and system logs.
Outlet and waste ETFE tubing, i.d. 1.0 mm,
Fingertight connector, 1/16”
Prepacked columns Sample tubing ETFE tubing, i.d. 0.75 mm,
Fingertight connector, 1/16”
GE Healthcare offers a wide range of high-quality Pump tubing Marprene tubing, 0.80 mm i.d.
chromatography media (resins), columns, and application-
specific packages for tagged proteins, antibodies, and native Equipment noise level
ÄKTA start < 60 dB A
or untagged recombinant proteins. The Quick start methods
in ÄKTA start are optimized for use with members of the Environmental ranges
HiTrap and HiPrep families of columns (Fig 12). Storage and transport -25°C to +60°C
temperature range
HiTrap 1 and 5 ml columns are prepacked with a wide range Chemical environment 20% to 80%, noncondensing
of media for purification using various chromatography (relative humidity)
techniques. Quick start methods using HiTrap columns are
Operating range
available for AC, IEX, and DS. HiTrap columns are designed for high
Operating temperature range +4°C to +35°C
quality performance and reproducibility, and the column holders Relative humidity 20% to 80%, noncondensing
and design of ÄKTA start makes it easy to connect the columns.
6  29-0598-78 AB
Technical specifications Module options
Pump Frac30 fraction collector
Pump type Peristaltic pump. Single channel, Four Number of fractions Up to 30
roller pump head with low pulsation Vessel type Supports tube sizes:
Flow rate 0.5 to 5 ml/min (operating range) 1.5 ml/2 ml microcentrifuge tubes
10 ml/min (wash flow) 5 ml tubes (12 × 75 mm)
Flow rate specifications Accuracy: 12 ml tubes (17 × 100 mm)
Flow rate ≤ 1 ml/min: ± 15% 15 ml tubes (17 × 118 mm)
Flow rate > 1 ml/min: ± 10%
Fraction volumes 0.5 to 15 ml
Precision:
Flow rate ≤ 1 ml/min: ± 15% Flammable liquids No
Flow rate > 1 ml/min: ± 10% Delay volume 0.49 ml
Condition: 0.8 to 2 cP and fresh pump (UV to Dispenser head)
tubing Dimensions (W × H × D) 270 × 285 × 280 mm
Pressure range 0 to 5 bar (0.5 MPa, 72 psi) Weight 5 kg
Viscosity range 0.6 to 5 cP

Mixer Ordering information

Mixing principle Static mixer
To order visit www.gelifesciences.com/AKTA
Mixer volume 0.4 ml
Product Code number
Valves: buffer valve, sample valve, wash valve, and outlet valve
ÄKTA start 29-0220-94
Type Solenoid-type switch valve
Number of ports 3 ports. Optional modules
Buffer valve and sample valve: 2 in – 1 out
Frac30 29-0230-51
Wash valve and outlet valve: 1 in – 2 out
UNICORN start 1.0 control software 29-0187-51
Injection valve
Type Rotary-type manual valve Accessories
Function Sample injection through loop Pump
Number of ports 6 Marprene tube 29-0240-12
Gradient formation Peristaltic pump 29-0239-92
Gradient flow rate range 0.5 to 5 ml/min Solenoid valve
Gradient composition accuracy ± 5% Buffer valve 29-0238-95
Conditions: 5% to 95% buffer B, 1 to
5 ml/min, 0.8 to 2 cP and fresh pump tubing Sample valve 29-0238-96
Wash valve 29-0238-97
Pressure sensor
Outlet valve 29-0238-98
Placement of sensor Pressure sensor is located after the pump
Range 0 to 5 bar (0.5 MPa, 72 psi) Manual injection valve
Accuracy ± 0.5 bar (0.05 MPa, 7.2 psi) Injection valve, manual 29-0239-58
Valve kit, manual INV 29-0239-17
UV monitor
Wave length range 280 nm ± 3 nm, single wavelength Mixer
Absorbance range -0.1 to +2 AU Mixer, ÄKTA start 29-0239-60
Linearity Within ± 5% up to 1.5 AU
UV
Operating pressure 0 to 5 bar (0.5 MPa, 72 psi)
UV module, ÄKTA start 29-0240-18
Flow cell 2 mm optical path length, 2 μl cell volume
(default) Flow-cell 2 mm, UPC-900 29-0113-25

Conductivity Conductivity
Conductivity range 0 to 300 mS/cm Conductivity cell, ÄKTA start 29-0240-21
Resolution 1 mS/cm
Sample loops
Accuracy ± 5% or ± 2 mS/cm (whichever is greater)
Sample loop 10 µl, PEEK, 18-1120-39
Operating pressure 0 to 5 bar (0.5 MPa, 72 psi)
Sample loop 100 µl, INV-907 18-1113-98
Flow-cell volume 22 µl
Sample loop 500 µl, INV-907 18-1113-99
Temperature monitor range 4ºC to 35°C
Sample loop 1 ml, INV-907 18-1114-01
Temperature monitor accuracy ± 10% or ± 5ºC (whichever is greater)
Sample loop 2 ml, INV-907 18-1114-02
Sample loop 5 ml, PEEK 18-1140-53

Superloop (10, 50, and 150 ml)

Superloop 10 ml ÄKTA 18-1113-81
Superloop 50 ml ÄKTA 18-1113-82
Superloop 150 ml 18-1023-85

29-0598-78 AB   7
Fittings Code number Related literature Code number

Tubing connector 1/8“ 18-1121-17 Purification of N-terminal histidine-tagged protein using 29-0642-77
Ferrule for 1/8“ tubing 18-1121-18 ÄKTA start, Application note
Union Luer female/HPLC male 18-1112-51 Depletion of albumin from serum samples using AKTA start, 29-0642-95
Fingertight connector 1/16“ 18-1112-55 Application note
Stop plug 1/16“, PKG/5 18-1112-52 Purification of GST-tagged protein using ÄKTA start, 29-0642-98
Stop plug, 5/16“, PKG/5 18-1112-50 Application note

Union, 1/16” female/1/16” female, 18-3855-01 Purification of antibodies using AKTA start and 29-0643-02
for 1/16” o.d. tubing, titanium HiTrap Protein G HP column, Application note
Union Valco™ F/F 11-0003-39 Prepacked chromatology columns for ÄKTA systems, 28-9317-78
Column selection guide
Tubing
ÄKTA start brochure 29-0652-18
Inlet tubing kit, ÄKTA start 29-0240-32
Complete tubing kit, ÄKTA start 29-0240-34
PEEK tubing, i.d. 0.75 mm (1/16“) 18-1112-53 Support and service
PEEK tubing, i.d. 1.0 mm (1/16“) 18-1115-83
ÄKTA start comes with a variety of service support
PEEK tubing, i.d. 0.5 mm/o.d. 1/16“ 18-1113-68
documentation including service agreements.
Cables
Please contact your GE Healthcare Sales or Service
Mains cable 115 V 19-2447-01
representative for details.
Mains cable 220 V 19-2448-01
Cable assy OTH USB 29-0240-36

Miscellaneous
Inlet filter assembly 18-1113-15
Inlet filter set 18-1114-42
Screw lid kit, ÄKTA 11-0004-10
Tubing cutter 18-1112-46
Column clamp, o.d. 10–21 mm 28-9563-19
Short column holder 18-1113-17
T-Slot holders 29-0240-38
Buffer tray 29-0240-39
Accessory box 29-0240-37

Frac30 fraction collector

Drive sleeve 19-6067-02
Tubing holder 18-6464-01
Frac30 bowl assembly 29-0240-45
Purifying proteins? G
 et help to find
suitable columns and accessories
Cables from the Purify and Ä
 KTA apps.
Frac30 cable assembly 29-0240-65 www.gelifesciences.com/purify

For local office contact information, visit GE, imagination at work, and GE monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company.
ÄKTA, GSTrap, HiLoad, HiPrep, HisTrap, HiTrap, MBPTrap, Sephacryl, StrepTrap, Superloop, and UNICORN are trademarks

www.gelifesciences.com/contact
of GE Healthcare companies.
StrepTrap HP and StrepTactin Sepharose High Performance are covered by US patent number 6,103,493 and
equivalent patents and patent applications in other countries. The purchase of StrepTrap HP and StrepTactin
Sepharose High Performance includes a license under such patents for non-profit and in-house research only.
Please contact IBA ([email protected]) for further information on licenses for commercial use of StrepTactin.

www.gelifesciences.com/AKTA Valco is a trademark of Valco Instruments Company, Inc.

Any use of UNICORN start software is subject to GE Healthcare Standard Software End-User License Agreement for
Life Sciences Software Products. A copy of this Standard Software End-User License Agreement is available on request.
© 2013 General Electric Company – All rights reserved.
GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB First published Sep. 2013
All goods and services are sold subject to the terms and conditions of sale of the company within GE Healthcare

Björkgatan 30 which supplies them. A copy of these terms and conditions is available on request. Contact your local GE Healthcare
representative for the most current information.

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29-0598-78 AB  12/2013