What are the key components of a fully automatic pipetting workstation?

1. Pipetting module

1. Pipetting head: The pipetting head is one of the basic and key components of the pipetting workstation. It has the functions of automatic aspiration and injection. According to different usage requirements, different types of pipetting heads can be selected, including different volumes, colors and shapes. Operation is usually controlled by an electronic control system to achieve precise liquid transfer. For example, Flex tips and OT-2 tips are provided under the Opentrons brand.

2. Robotic arm: The robotic arm is equipped with multiple channel pipetting heads. Disposable or reusable tips can be installed on each channel to transfer samples between different containers, accessories or instruments on the workbench. Transfer between devices to complete liquid handling tasks such as adding samples, diluting and merging.

3. Pipetting pump: The pipetting pump is used to control the movement of the pipetting head and the distribution of sample liquid. Contained inside are small cylinders or solenoid valves that move liquid from one location to another and are controlled and monitored by an electronic control system.

2. Control system

1. Electronic control system: Responsible for the automated control and monitoring of the entire workstation, including the movement of the pipetting head, liquid distribution, temperature control, etc.

2. Computers and PLC: These devices are an important part of the control system and are used to receive user instructions, process data, control the movement of the robotic arm and pipetting head, etc.

3. Touch screen: Provides an intuitive user interface to facilitate users to set experimental parameters, monitor experimental progress, etc.

3. Working platform

1. Reaction platform: It consists of a height-adjustable bracket and a sample tray, which is used to place test tubes, microplates or other containers for experimental operations. The position and height of the reaction platform are usually controlled by an electronic control system.

2. Workbench: Containers, accessories and integrated related instruments required for experiments can be placed on the workbench to provide a stable operating environment.

4. Monitoring module

1. The monitoring module can monitor the status of the pipetting module in real time, such as the position of the pipetting head, the volume and concentration of the liquid, etc., to ensure the precision and accuracy of pipetting.

5. Heating system

1. Heater: used to heat samples in experiments to promote chemical reactions. Heaters may include hot plates, thermostatic water baths, etc., with electronic control systems controlling the temperature. For example, the temperature control module under the Opentrons brand uses a ceramic heating plate to maintain the reagent within a temperature range of 4°C to 95°C.

6. Data management system

1. The data management system is responsible for recording and processing data generated during the experiment, such as experimental results, experimental parameters, etc. This data can be accessed and viewed at any time and further analyzed and processed. Data management systems are usually connected to electronic control systems and may be connected to laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to facilitate real-time sharing and querying of data.

7. Safety equipment

1. Safety door: Some fully automatic pipetting workstations may be equipped with safety doors to protect the safety of operators and equipment and prevent accidents during operation.