Low Volume Reagent Dispensing System
Generally, traditional hand pipettes and liquid handlers have very poor accuracy and precision below 2 microliters. In addition, in order to maximize the results one can obtain from limited protein availability, miniaturizing assay volumes is often critical. With this in mind, the PreciseDrop II was created to address this pressing need for accurate and precise sub-microliter and low-microliter volumes reagent dispensing into microtiter plates.
Indeed, the PreciseDrop nanoliter reagent dispenser represents the latest in engineering design and technology, developed by experts in robotic control and laboratory automation. Essentially, it was inspired by the classic BioRaptr, modernizing electronics and software, and packaging the new technology into a much smaller design.
The system is designed and engineered to be compact, low cost and fully customizable.
Applications:
- ELISA assays
- Assay Development & Design-of-Experiments (DoE)
- Library prep for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Cell-based and biochemical assays
Key Features
- Unique channel-specific calibration option
- Easily integrated into robotic systems (HighRes, Biosero, Wako, and more)
- Wide range of substrates, microwell plates and membranes
- Volumes from 100nL (or less) to bulk fill up to 2mL
- 1 to 16 (or more) independent dispensing channels
- Software browser-based recipe, protocol, and device control
Flexibility
The PreciseDrop delivers unparalleled flexibility, with a self-contained browser-based control system and software that scales right along with the system. Pick the configuration you need now; the software remains the same regardless of system as you grow. Add channels, change your substrate, and integrate into a larger system. The control system and software remains the same.
Each dispense channel has its own dedicated microcontroller, providing independent control and easy scalability. Channels can be coordinated, individually timed, or timed based upon some external event. This is critical for both multi-well dispensing and for multi-line dispensing on membrane.
Each channel can dispense different volumes using identical or different size valves. Proper current drive control to each valve ensures that the valves last longer, deliver consistent results, and avoid overheating. Axis speed is fast while allowing settling between positions.
Low Dead Volume Valve
Can hold up to 2mL
Cell Dispensing
The PreciseDrop can be configured to dispense cells. Cell reservoirs can be kept in an integrated shaker. Furthermore, a recirculating valve manifold can be used. In addition, angled valves can be used to gently dispense cells off the walls of the microtiter plate wells.
Cell dispensing configuration
shown with shaker, and recirculating valve manifold
Dispense Verification
This new, patent-pending feature ensures that each valve is functioning correctly during the priming process. It can be used at the beginning and the end of a dispense process to automatically check that each valve is dispensing correctly.
PDII Drop verification
Software
The software interface is browser-based, allowing operators to set up protocols and recipes using a smartphone, iPad, laptop, computer, or any other web-based device. In addition, Precise Drop can interface to SiLA and TCP/IP socket.
Operators use the advanced software interface to:
- Develop protocols/methods for dispensing
- Create simple and advanced recipes from CSV input
- Control valves and calibrations, with each channel fully adjustable
- Define XYZ location
- Move dispense head to wash, prime and clean station
- Track users and system error logs
- Define access and permissions
- Access online system help
In summary, the PreciseDrop combines the best of control and flexibility in a low cost, compact platform. Try it to see how easy it is to set up and use.
Robot Integration
The system easily integrates into commercial robot schedulers, and as well with homegrown systems such as ones using LabView.
Some integrations to date:
- HighRes Biosolutions Cellario
- Fuji / Wako Director
- Biosero Green Button Go
- National Instrument LabView
In summary, the PreciseDrop combines the best of control and flexibility in a low cost, compact platform. Try it to see how easy it is to setup and use.
