A practical guide to maintaining Biacore™ systems

For scientists working in drug discovery, characterization, and molecular interaction analysis, consistent instrument performance is critical. Small deviations in fluidics, temperature control, sample delivery, or optical performance can affect data quality and confidence in results. That is why preventive maintenance plays such an important role in maintaining the reliability and accuracy of Biacore™ systems.

Why preventive maintenance matters

Biacore systems are used to generate data that supports critical research and development decisions. Unplanned downtime can delay projects, disrupt laboratory schedules, and create additional troubleshooting requirements. Preventive maintenance helps reduce these risks by identifying wear before it leads to failure and by verifying that critical system functions continue to perform as intended.

The goal is not to replace parts, but to confirm that the complete system continues to meet performance expectations through cleaning, inspection, calibration, and verification activities.

A comprehensive system assessment

As part of preventive maintenance, qualified service engineers perform a comprehensive system assessment to verify that Biacore systems continue to meet original factory specifications. These procedures are based on protocols developed during the system design process and reflect the same functional and quality checks applied during assembly and pre-delivery validation.

This structured approach provides confidence that critical system components are functioning correctly and that the instrument is operating according to specification following maintenance activities.

Focus on the systems that drive data quality

Biacore instruments rely on a combination of fluidics, mechanics, optics, environmental control, and software. Preventive maintenance addresses each of these areas to help maintain reliable performance (Table 1).

Table 1. Key preventive maintenance activities and their role in supporting Biacore™ system performance

Fluidics and sample delivery

Accurate sample delivery is fundamental to obtaining reproducible interaction data. Preventive maintenance includes verification of fluidic system operation, syringe maintenance, and replacement of components such as syringe maintenance kits and peristaltic pump tubing where required. These activities help ensure consistent fluid handling and reduce the risk of performance issues caused by wear or degradation of fluidic components.

Optical performance

The optical system is at the heart of Biacore technology. Preventive maintenance includes optical unit and docking inspection as well as replacement of optical interface components where applicable. Maintaining optical performance helps ensure the system continues to generate reliable measurement data over time.

Temperature control and pneumatics

Environmental control is another important aspect of system performance. Preventive maintenance includes temperature control verification and pneumatic control unit testing to confirm that critical operating conditions remain within specification. Consistent operating conditions help support reproducible experimental results.

Mechanical systems and automation

Modern Biacore instruments incorporate multiple automated mechanical functions that support sample handling and workflow efficiency. Preventive maintenance includes rack drive unit verification, autosampler lubrication and calibration, chip insertion verification, and pump mechanism cleaning and lubrication. These activities help ensure smooth operation and reduce the likelihood of unexpected interruptions.

Software verification

Reliable hardware performance must be complemented by reliable software operation. As part of preventive maintenance, engineers verify Biacore control software functionality to help ensure the instrument continues to operate correctly and consistently.

Common tests and inspections

The maintenance fact sheet highlights several activities routinely performed during preventive maintenance visits, including:

• System check
• Rack drive unit verification
• Pneumatic control unit testing
• Temperature control verification
• Verification of Biacore control software

Together, these inspections help confirm that the instrument remains capable of delivering dependable performance across critical operating functions.

Replacing wear components before they become problems

Like any precision analytical instrument, Biacore systems contain components that naturally wear over time. Replacing these parts as part of a structured maintenance program can help prevent unexpected failures and unnecessary downtime.

Examples of components that may be replaced during preventive maintenance include:

• Integrated μ-fluidic cartridge (IFC)
• Optical interface
• Syringe and seals
• Peristaltic pump tubing

Consistency of Biacore system maintenance

Unlike many bioprocessing systems that typically receive annual preventive maintenance, the recommended service frequency for Biacore systems can be higher under certain operating conditions.

The fact sheet recommends two preventive maintenance visits per year when:

• Instrument usage is high
• Organic solvents are being used
• The instrument operates in a multi-user environment

These conditions can place additional demands on the instrument and may justify more frequent maintenance to help maintain optimal performance.

Documentation supports traceability

Preventive maintenance is most valuable when the work performed is fully documented. According to the fact sheet, service engineers document each preventive maintenance visit and provide a service report upon completion. Cytiva also provides standardized documentation and test results following service activities.

This documentation supports traceability, helps save time, reduces administrative effort, and can assist organizations operating in regulated environments. Service records also provide a valuable history of system performance and maintenance activities.

The long-term value of preventive maintenance

For laboratories relying on Biacore technology, preventive maintenance should be viewed as a proactive investment in instrument reliability, data quality, and operational efficiency. By combining regular testing, inspection, calibration, wear-part replacement, and documentation, organizations can help ensure their systems continue to deliver dependable results throughout their lifecycle.

To realize the full value of preventive maintenance, users need the expertise to maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize system performance.

If you are looking to strengthen your approach to equipment maintenance, improve system reliability, and build confidence in troubleshooting, consider participating in an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-led maintenance and troubleshooting training program. These training courses are designed to help users better understand system operation, identify and resolve common issues, perform routine maintenance tasks, and recognize early warning signs before they lead to unplanned downtime. By developing in-house expertise, teams can improve equipment performance, reduce the need for service interventions, increase productivity, and support more consistent and reproducible results. Our training programs combine practical, hands-on learning with expert guidance from experienced instructors, helping users maximize the value and lifespan of their equipment.

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