Automation in LC‐MS Bioanalysis

This chapter provides a comprehensive perspective regarding the use of various robotic liquid handling platforms in automation assisted liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) bioanalysis, herby referred to LC‐MS for the purposes of this abstract. It discusses approaches to creating reliable and robust robotic liquid handling methods for LC‐MS bioanalysis and the emerging trends and technologies in automation within the discipline. LC‐MS bioanalysis can be significantly assisted by the implementation of automation, especially in the three major areas of sample preparation and extraction: protein precipitation (PPT), solid phase extraction (SPE), and liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE). Also discussed are the quality considerations of these automated sample preparation and extraction techniques when implemented within the LC‐MS bioanalysis discipline. With the advancement in automation technology, more sophisticated “off‐the‐shelf” products are expected to be available that allow for more seamless integration of laboratory software and hardware.