Ascent
Summit
Best For Flexible sample prep Large cohorts and standardized workflows
Throughput Focus Moderate High
SEC Format Columns Plates or Columns
Sample Capacity 1–8 samples 4–48 samples
Automation Level Manual sample loading required Fully automated operation
Fraction Collection 1–12 fractions per sample 1–3 fractions per sample
Concentration Handling Performed externally Integrated capability
Footprint Compact Larger, designed for scale
Scale SEC Without Limits
Summit Instrument
EV isolation and concentration for high-capacity labs
- Process up to 48 samples in parallel
- Fully automated, including sample loading
- Collect 1-to-3 fractions per sample
- Plate-based ultrafiltration for concentration
Isolate 4 to 48 samples
Summit plates
- 24-well SEC plates available in 4B and 6B
- Equivalent performance to Apex columns, streamlining your isolation
Automate your workflow
Isolates 48 Samples
CV = 5%
Use Apex columns or plates
10X concentration
Ascent vs. Summit: Choose Your Ideal Workflow
Compare features, throughput, and flexibility to find the best fit for your research needs.
Summit Instrument Specifications
| Units | Imperial | Metric |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 36” x 27” x 30” | 91 x 69 x 76 cm |
| Weight | 133 lbs. | 50 Kg |
| Bottle capacity | 1 U.S. gallons | 4 L |
| User Interface | 5.6” | 14.3mm |
| Environmental temperature | 50°F-75°F | 10°C -24°C |
| Relative humidity | 30−80% RH | |
| Input power | 100~240 VAC (50−60 Hz) | |
| Power supply unit | 24 VDC, 5 A, 120 W | |
| Connectivity | USB 3.1 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many samples can I run?
The Summit instrument can process from 4 to 48 samples at once. Simply load your samples, choose your parameters, and press run. That’s it! Your isolated EV’s will be loaded into a 96-well plate or 24-tube holder and ready for analysis when you get back.
How long does it take to process my samples?
A typical isolation takes 1-2 hours. However, the time varies depending on how many samples you run, the type of biofluid, and whether you concentrate the isolated EV’s. Luckily, it’s completely automated, so you can walk away and get other work done while it’s running.
How many fractions can I collect?
The Summit can collect 1-3 fractions when you process up to 24 samples. If you are processing 48 samples, it collects 1 fraction per sample. The fraction volume can be configured from 0.5-2.0mL to maximize your EV yield.
How does it concentrate the isolated EV’s?
The Summit uses ultrafiltration (UF) to concentrate the isolated EV’s. The fractions are collected directly into the 24-well UF plate and vacuum is applied. The Summit monitors the sample volume using an ultrasonic sensor and stops it when the sample is fully concentrated. It checks the volume again and refills each well with 100 µLof new buffer. The UF plate is rocked to make sure your EVs aren’t stuck to the filter before the sample is pipetted into your output plate.
What type of ultrafiltration membranes does it use?
The Summit UF plates are available with a regenerated cellulose (RC) membrane (10 kDa MWCO). These offer 75-90% recovery with certain biofluids to make sure your EVs stay put.
How do I transfer my protocol from the Ascent to the Summit?
Transferring from the Ascent to the Summit is a piece of cake. Just choose the same parameters that you dialed in on the Ascent and your elution profile will be identical!
Is the Summit SEC Plate the same as the Apex Columns?
The Summit SEC Plate uses the same resin type and bed volume as the Apex Columns. We know how important reproducibility is, so we made sure the Apex Columns and SEC Plates work the same every time. You can switch back and forth between them and rest assured that your results will be the same.
Can the Summit use columns too?
The Summit can run any Apex column using the Apex Column adapter.
What do I need to run the Summit?
This depends on how many samples you want to isolate, how many fractions you collect, and whether you concentrate your fractions. But fear not, Everest Biolabs has everything you need to isolate your samples your way.
How big is the Summit?
The summit is approximately 28” x 26” x 30” (WxDxH) (700mm x 650mm x 750mm). It is designed to fit on a standard lab bench, so there is no need to make any special accommodation for it.
References
High-Throughput Extracellular Vesicle Isolation Using Plate-Based Size Exclusion Chromatography and Automation pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c17948
