Automatic pipetting instruments

An automatic pipetting instrument is a laboratory automation tool that is specially designed to complete operations such as aspirating, transferring and dispensing liquids accurately and quickly. These instruments often combine sophisticated mechanical structures, motor-driven or air pump systems, and advanced control technology to achieve efficient and accurate liquid handling.

1. Working principle of automatic pipetting instruments The working principle of automatic pipetting instruments is based on precise mechanical and electronic technology. Driven by a built-in motor or air pump, the pipette can accurately control the movement of the piston or tip to complete the quantitative suction and transfer of liquids. Some high-end fully automatic pipetting workstations also integrate robotic technology and sophisticated control systems to automate complex liquid handling processes.

2. Functional features of automatic pipetting instruments 1. Precise pipetting: Automatic pipetting instruments can accurately absorb and distribute liquids according to preset volumes or weights, which is crucial for experiments that require high precision, such as molecular biology. PCR reactions in drug development, compound dilution in drug development, etc. 2. Multi-channel operation: Many automatic pipetting instruments support multi-channel operation, that is, processing multiple samples or reagents at the same time, which greatly improves experimental efficiency, especially when processing a large number of samples. 3. Programmability: High-end fully automatic pipetting workstations usually have programmable functions. Users can customize pipetting procedures and parameters according to experimental needs to automate complex liquid handling processes. 4. Integration: Automatic pipetting instruments can be integrated with other automation equipment in the laboratory (such as automated workstations, liquid handling systems, etc.) to form a complete automation solution to further improve the automation level and efficiency of the laboratory. 5. Reduce human errors: Automated operations reduce the impact of human factors on experimental results and improve the reliability and repeatability of experiments. 6. Protect operators: For certain toxic, harmful or volatile liquids, automatic pipetting instruments can be operated in a closed environment to protect the safety and health of operators. 7. Data recording and analysis: Some automatic pipetting instruments also have data recording and analysis functions, which can record data during the pipetting process in real time, providing strong support for the analysis of experimental results.

3. Market situation of automatic pipetting instruments 1. Opentrons Flex fully automatic pipetting workstation: (1) Features: Flex fully automatic pipetting workstation is a new technological breakthrough of Opentrons in the field of laboratory automation, with high flexibility and wide applicability . It can be integrated into most mainstream projects or experiments in the field of life sciences, bringing convenience through high-throughput and expanding the scope of experimental projects. (2) Technical specifications: The Flex workstation has a 12+4 plate space. When the pipetting accuracy is 1 μL, the D% value is 8%, the CV value is 5%, and the pipetting range covers 1-1000 μL. It supports multiple pipette configurations, including any two Flex single-channel or 8-channel pipettes, or a single Flex 96-channel pipette. (3) Function: The Flex workstation is equipped with a fully automatic plate transfer gripper, a 96-channel high-precision pipette, a 7-inch LCD touch screen system, etc., which can efficiently complete various liquid processing tasks. 2. Opentrons automated pipetting robot OT-2: (1) Features: OT-2 is a desktop-level automated pipetting platform with the characteristics of hardware modularity, flexibility and customization. It enables automation of many common applications while providing high accuracy and flexible configuration options. (2) Technical specifications: OT-2 has 11 plate positions (plus garbage chute), the pipetting accuracy reaches ±5% at 1 μL, and the pipetting range covers 1-1000 μL. Instrument dimensions are 63cmx57cmx66cm. (3) Function: OT-2 can be equipped with both single-channel and 8-channel pipettes to meet different experimental needs. It also supports a variety of functional modules, such as temperature control module, magnetic bead purification module, thermal cycle module, etc., which can realize multiple experimental functions on one platform.

4. Precautions for automatic pipetting instruments 1. Operating specifications: Operate according to the instrument instructions and standardized operating procedures to avoid misoperation that may cause damage to the instrument or inaccurate experimental results. 2. Regular maintenance: Clean, calibrate and maintain the instrument regularly to ensure the accuracy and stability of the instrument. 3. Safety protection: Pay attention to safety protection measures during operation to avoid injury to personnel from liquid splashing or instrument failure.

Automatic pipetting instruments are one of the indispensable automation tools in the laboratory. They have the characteristics of high precision, high efficiency, multi-channel and programmability. They are widely used in life sciences, chemical analysis, drug research and development, environmental monitoring and other fields.