GE Cytiva ÄKTA™ pure 150M Chromatography System – Product Introduction 

The GE Cytiva ÄKTA™ pure 150M is a high-performance, modular liquid chromatography system designed for protein purification, biomolecule separation, and preparative chromatography workflows. As part of Cytiva’s flagship ÄKTA platform, the 150M model is widely used in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, structural biology, and academic research laboratories.

Engineered for flexibility and scalability, the ÄKTA pure 150M supports a wide range of chromatographic techniques including affinity chromatography, ion exchange, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), and reversed-phase chromatography (RPC). It is optimized for purification from microgram scale up to tens of grams of target biomolecules, making it suitable for both research and process development environments.

High-Performance Fluid Handling System

At the core of the ÄKTA pure 150M is a precision piston-based dual-pump system capable of delivering a flow rate ranging from 0.01 to 150 mL/min in standard mode, and up to 300 mL/min in column packing mode. This wide dynamic range allows the system to handle both analytical-scale purification and preparative column packing with high reproducibility.

The system operates at a maximum pressure of approximately 5 MPa (50 bar), ensuring stable operation for most low- to medium-pressure chromatography columns used in protein purification workflows. Flow accuracy and gradient precision are maintained through advanced microprocessor-controlled mixing and valve switching technology.

Advanced Detection and Monitoring

The ÄKTA pure 150M is equipped with a high-sensitivity UV detector capable of measuring wavelengths across 190 to 700 nm, supporting up to three simultaneous wavelength channels. This enables real-time monitoring of protein elution profiles, purity assessment, and peak collection optimization.

In addition to UV detection, the system integrates conductivity monitoring (0.01–999.99 mS/cm) and optional pH measurement (0–14 range), providing full control over buffer conditions throughout the purification process. These parameters are essential for ion exchange and gradient-based separations.

The optical flow cell typically uses a 2 mm path length, with optional 0.5 mm and 10 mm configurations available for different concentration ranges. This flexibility ensures accurate detection across both low-abundance and high-concentration samples.

Modular Architecture and Expandability

One of the key advantages of the ÄKTA pure 150M is its modular design architecture, allowing users to customize the system according to application needs. The system supports:

• Up to 7 buffer inlets (expandable to 14)

• Optional autosampler injection module

• Optional multiple sample injection capability

• Optional multistep purification workflows

• Configurable fraction collector systems (F9 series)

This modularity allows laboratories to start with a basic configuration and gradually upgrade as research demands increase, reducing long-term investment costs while maintaining scalability.

Intelligent Software Control – UNICORN™

The system is controlled by UNICORN™ chromatography software, one of the most widely used platforms in protein purification. UNICORN provides a graphical, drag-and-drop workflow interface that allows users to design purification protocols without programming experience.

Key software features include:

• Automated method development

• Real-time chromatogram monitoring

• Fraction collection control

• System diagnostics and calibration

• Data export and regulatory compliance support

UNICORN also supports method scalability, enabling seamless transition from research to pilot-scale purification.

Safety and Compliance

The ÄKTA pure 150M is designed in accordance with international safety and quality standards, including CE and applicable ISO/IEC laboratory equipment regulations. The system is built with:

• Pressure monitoring and overpressure protection

• Leak detection systems

• Automated valve safety control

• Emergency shutdown functions

It is suitable for regulated environments including GLP and early-stage GMP workflows.

Application Areas

The Cytiva ÄKTA pure 150M is widely used in:

• Recombinant protein purification

• Monoclonal antibody purification

• Enzyme isolation and characterization

• Vaccine research and development

• Nucleic acid purification

• Structural biology sample preparation

• Biopharmaceutical process development

Its versatility makes it a standard platform in both academic and industrial biotechnology laboratories worldwide.

Technical Specifications