Lab workers prefer platform systems that complete entire workflows smoothly, have single and multifunctional modes, and include features that end tedious tasks.
The perfect liquid handling platform automates tasks, reduces errors, measures volumes, and improves workflow so lab workers can step away to complete other projects. Existing platforms can be scaled up or down to match scheduling and subsequent workflows or customized to decrease costs.
Moreover, an efficient automated liquid handling platform allows workers to complete workflows in well timed, predetermined steps, so sample integrity isn’t compromised. Finally, laboratories want a platform that allows for future expansion and integration, makes their lives simpler and optimizes testing for quality.
Smart automation systems have built-in controls to pause or bypass a process. Also, many platforms include tools with labeling, tracking, and sample traceability functions to stay compliant with industry standards.
Choose These Core Components to Handle Liquids
Automated tools like these help labs accomplish precise research functions to create an automated liquid handling platform.
Liquid Handler: Many handlers operate both manually and automatically, offering greater flexibility in lab environments. In pharmaceutical, healthcare, and research laboratories, liquid handlers can run unattended and integrate easily with robotic arms, stackers, and other automated instruments.
Reagent Dispenser: This tool dispenses a broad range of liquids into microplate wells when preparing assays. The best dispensers self-prime to minimize contamination, keep liquids flowing through nozzles continuously, and adjust automatically to different liquid viscosities.
Microplate Washer: Used as a standalone tool or in combination with other automated devices, a microplate washer washes and aspirates low-profile and deep-well microplates. The ability to program dispensing, aspiring, nozzle, and volume rates improves efficiency and speeds up processing.
DNA and RNA Extraction: This life science tool isolates and purifies acids and proteins from samples, a necessary protocol to conduct research and seamlessly integrate into an automated liquid handling platform. This can be done via magnetic bead binding and separation or through filter-column based microplates and a positive pressure filtration system.
Magnetic Bead Station: To standardize liquid handling, magnetic bead stations work in conjunction with other platform devices to separate and purify nucleic acids, proteins, cells, and other molecules magnetically. This tool reduces the overall processing time for molecular biology applications.
Positive Pressure Filtration Station: An alternative to magnetic bead separations is using column based filter plates for catch and release chemistries.
Microplate Handler: Researchers use a microplate handler to link the components above into a fully automated assay – both simple and complex work cells can be configured by linking multiple instruments such as a microplate reader, washer, and reagent dispenser with a track-based system or a microplate handling robot.
Pipetting Robot: These robots perform pipetting and reagent dispensing and other processes such as DNA extraction, gene assembly, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. They increase output by working faster than lab workers when manually processing liquids.
Hudson Robotics is a leader in laboratory automation solutions for life-science research. Speak to a representative today!