High Efficiency in Multi-Sample Analysis by Automatic Analysis System of LabSolutions™ UV-Vis

Importance of the topic

Ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectrophotometry is a cornerstone of quantitative analysis in quality control and raw material inspection across industries. Automating routine measurements addresses labor intensity and variability associated with manual analysis of multiple samples, boosting throughput and data reliability.

Objectives and study overview

This application note demonstrates the implementation of Shimadzu’s LabSolutions UV‐Vis software paired with a Teledyne CETAC autosampler to fully automate the workflow from calibration curve generation to pass/fail evaluation. A model system using red food coloring standards and samples illustrates time savings and analytical consistency.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The automated workflow comprises:

• Calibration and quantitation mode setup in LabSolutions UV‐Vis
• Graphical definition of sample sequence (standards, rinses, unknowns)
• Automated control of autosampler for sample aspiration, measurement, and rinsing

Key instrumentation:

• Shimadzu UV‐1900i UV‐Vis spectrophotometer
• Teledyne CETAC ASX‐560 autosampler (up to 240 vials)
• 160 μL sipper unit

Measurement conditions:

• Wavelength: 505 nm
• Slit width: 1 nm
• Suction speed: high; suction time: 6 s; discharge time: 4 s
• Stabilization time: 2 s; rinse cycles: 1

Main results and discussion

An experiment with five calibration standards and twenty test samples (seventeen at target concentration and three deviating) demonstrated seamless automated data acquisition. The software calculated concentrations via the calibration curve and applied preset pass/fail criteria (105–115 ppm). The autosampler integration produced clear reports with positional comments and CSV export capability.

Benefits and practical applications

Automation halved analyst time, reducing a 1 hour manual workflow to approximately 30 minutes for twenty samples. Consistency in rinse procedures and data handling minimizes human error, supporting high‐throughput QA/QC labs in food, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and more.

Future trends and potential applications

Further integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and expansion to multi‐wavelength kinetics can extend automation benefits. Coupling AI‐driven data validation and remote monitoring will enhance real‐time decision making in industrial process analytics.

Conclusion

The combination of Shimadzu LabSolutions UV‐Vis software and Teledyne CETAC autosamplers enables fully automated UV‐Vis quantitation, delivering significant time savings and robust pass/fail evaluations. This approach streamlines routine laboratory workflows and elevates data quality.