Instrumentation and Hardware

SPRIworks HT

According to Beckman Coulter, this new high-throughput solution for fragment library preparation on Illumina next-generation sequencers allows users to process libraries with greater speed and sample reproducibility and decreases processing costs. SPRIworks HT uses built-in solid-phase reversible immobilization (SPRI)–based per-well size selection.

User interaction is seamless and requires as little as 15 min of hands-on time. Up to 96 samples can be prepared in as little as 3 h without size selection or 6 h with size selection. The simplicity of SPRIworks HT enables users to seamlessly perform automated sample preparation protocols on their first interaction with the system.

SPRIworks HT offers a reagent kit for library preparation that includes sizing solution and PCR reagents. Protocols are automated via a suite of methods built on the Beckman Coulter Biomek FX^P Liquid Handling Workstation. Per-well size selection provides users with the flexibility to process samples for multiple applications in a single run. Methods are also included for downstream processes such as PCR setup, PCR cleanup, qPCR setup, quantitation, normalization, and sample pooling.

More: www.beckmancoulter.com

BLItz Platform

According to ForteBio, its new BLItz Platform allows users to conduct label-free, benchtop analyses of proteins. Users can perform specific protein quantitation, kinetics, and affinity analyses of protein interactions with just a drop of sample in a simple “drop, read, done” format. BLItz requires less surface area than a tablet personal computer and requires only 4 µL of sample, which is considered 15 to 20 times less volume than needed for traditional, SPR-based label-free assays or microplate-based ELISA assays. In addition, BLItz Dip and Read assays use disposable, ready-to-use biosensors to provide results in seconds to minutes. BLItz uses the same BioLayer Interferometry technology that powers ForteBios Octet instrumentation platform, which enables real-time kinetics, affinity, and quantitation measurements in high-throughput applications. The new BLItz system is considered ideal for users working with proteins, particularly those who analyze column fractions, monitor protein expression, perform reagent quality control, identify mechanism of action and signaling, and run protein engineering studies.

More: www.BlitzMeNow.com

miVac SpeedTrap

This new-generation SpeedTrap frost-free cold trap provides volatile solvent recovery and enables freeze drying of up to 250 mL of aqueous samples. It is considered suitable for use with a wide range of solvents, from volatile organic solvents to water, and even higher boiling point solvents including 1,4-dioxane, tertiary butanol, and cyclohexane. Although it is designed to complement the miVac series of concentrators, it can also be used with other manufacturers’ concentrators, provided that the solvents concentrated are compatible. The SpeedTrap can be used with a high vacuum pump as a stand-alone small-volume freeze dryer or can be used with a concentrator to become a combined concentration and freeze-drying system.

More: www.evaporatorinfo.com/info4.htm or www.Genevac.com/movie/miVac

MICROLAB NIMBUS Enclosed Workstation

This new workstation is a protected, multifunctional benchtop workstation that enables gripper movements and a range of pipetting capabilities for tubes and plate within a secure environment. The NIMBUS Enclosed accommodates either the Hamilton CO-RE (compressed O-ring expansion) 96-probe multichannel head or four independent 1-mL channels, all within a locked cover. The new enclosure design includes rear expansion and side integration bays for storage and third-party devices. An optional gripper arm handles single or stacked plates, lids, and tip racks. The arm’s extended reach and 270° rotation allow seamless integration with devices on and off the workstation deck. This is Hamilton’s second-generation NIMBUS enclosure, now accommodating the 96-channel head and gripper movements.

More: www.hamiltoncompany.com

Viafill

According to INTEGRA, its new VIAFILL delivers high-performance bulk reagent dispensing, multichannel pipetting, and microplate washing capabilities all from a single multipurpose instrument. A choice of different tubing sets allows users to quickly change between these three operation modes. It is considered ideal for a range of different applications including reagent or media dispensing, cell seeding, plate washing, or serial dilutions.

Operating as a bulk reagent dispenser, the VIAFILL uses a choice of dispensing tube sets for reagent addition in volumes ranging from 0.5 µL to 10 mL into 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, 384-, and 1536-well plates. A 16-channel tubing set is available for the filling of 384- and 1536-well plates. All dispensing tubing sets are sold presterilized and are autoclavable, enabling them to be reused for further experiments. The addition of a Plate Stacker module allows unattended operation of the VIAFILL.

With GripTip Kits, the VIAFILL can be used as an automated multichannel pipettor. In this operating mode, reagents are aspirated from a reagent reservoir directly into the pipette tips instead of being pumped through the entire tubing set. This enables the VIAFILL to perform more complex applications such as serial dilutions. GripTip Kits also allow users to quickly fill a few plates without the need to wash and sterilize the entire dispensing tubing sets.

The VIAFILL can be also converted into a plate washer and aspirator by attaching the Wash Module. This allows users to aspirate supernatants from well plates into an external container for collection or disposal and at the same time enables users to rinse the plates with a wash solution. To ensure the best possible aspiration within each well, the movement of the aspiration tube can be set to either a linear or circular path. Eight- or 16-channel wash tubing sets are available to accommodate 96- or 384-well plates. During a prolonged use of the Wash Module, a timed rinse can be programmed to clean and prevent clogging of the wash tubing set. The aspiration heights and patterns can be customized with the touchscreen user interface.

More: www.integra-biosciences.com/sites/us/viafill_1_e.html

VLX Large Scale Transfection System

According to MaxCyte, its new VLX Large Scale Transfection System can transfect up to 2E11 cells in less than 30 min with high efficiency and high viability, dramatically extending the gram-scale protein bioproduction capabilities of the current MaxCyte instrument product line. The MaxCyte VLX is designed for very large-scale transient transfection for protein production in any desired cell type, including CHO and Vero. The MaxCyte VLX increases the volume capability of the MaxCyte product line, enabling 200 billion cell transfection runs for the production of recombinant proteins, antibodies, virus-like particles, virus-replicon particles, and toxic and apoptotic proteins using the same flow electroporation platform as the MaxCyte STX Scalable Transfection System.

More: www.maxcyte.com

MultiWorks 600 Benchtop Liquid Handler

According to PlaceCentric Solutions, its new MS600 platform is designed for simple plate replications, reformatting, or serial dilutions. The product has an eight-position deck, pipetting precision, and a dynamic range from 0.5 to 300 µl. Small enough to fit in a hood, the MW600 has interchangeable 96 and 384 disposable tip heads and is available with an optional plate stacker for extended walkaway time.

More: www.placecentric.com

Micro Shot 705 Microplate Dispenser

The MS705 is a noncontact wide range dispenser that can fill a variety of microplates, including 6/12/24/48/96/385/ 1536, using precision XYZ stages. User changeable and autoclavable 8-channel and 16-channel dispense heads allow users to dispense into low-profile, PCR, standard and deep-well plates quickly and with precision. This peristaltic pump-based unit can dispense from 0.5 to 2000 µL with an auto-adjusting Z axis, which helps eliminate bubbles. An optional plate stacker (two stacks) is available to enable extended walkaway operation of up to 25 plates. The MS705 is used for addition of diluents, buffers, substrates, enzymes, and ligands. It also can dispense compounds, microbeads, and very viscous fluids.

More: www.placecentric.com

Astec Thermal Cycler

Available with and without gradient capability, the new Astec thermal cycler has a temperature range from 4 °C to 99.9 °C (±0.1 °C) and a fast ramp-up time, with well-to-well temperature uniformity of ±0.5 °C. Four end-user changeable thermal blocks enable the unit to process a single 96- or 384-well plate as well as 0.2 and 0.5-µL tubes. Astec is easily programmed and run using a 5.7 inch wide color touchscreen and has a USB port for transferring protocols and data.

More: www.placecentric.com

MiniSeal Plus

This new entry-level semiautomated thermal sealer is designed for laboratories sealing small to medium batches of microplates. The device is capable of producing an accurate and tight seal on any SBS proposed standard, deep-well, or PCR microplate from 3 to 62 mm in height.

More: www.porvair-sciences.com

Biohit Roboline

According to Sartorius Biohit, its new, personal robotic workstation, the Biohit Roboline, is a simple, small, and easy-to-use automated liquid-handling instrument that enables users to automate a single work stage or a whole application. The Biohit Roboline is considered easy to use because of its simple working area and easy programmability; flexible because it can adapt to nearly any tubes, plates, and applications; and reliable because it offers liquid level–sensing tips and a precise and reproducible dispensing module.

More: http://www.biohit.com/us/roboline

More: www.tecan.com/qckit

PikoReal Real-Time PCR Systems

Available in 24- and 96-well formats, the new PikoReal real-time PCR systems offers a unique heat block design that maintains temperature uniformity and fast heating and cooling for optimal amplification. The ultra-thin wall (UTW) Piko PCR plates minimize running costs, plastics waste, and energy consumption. Although these plates are a quarter of the size of standard plates, their well volumes and spacing ensure compatibility with multichannel pipettes and liquid-handling instrumentation. PikoReal systems use half the power of typical real-time PCR instruments and consume less reagent.

The combination of the unique heating block and UTW Piko consumables ensures data uniformity for more reliable and repeatable results. The built-in optical system contains five channels, precalibrated for the most common dyes, so users can perform multiplexing with four dyes while dedicating the fifth channel to SYBR Green and HRM experiments. The instruments are controlled by PikoReal software, which enables absolute and relative quantification, melting curve analysis, and genotyping. Systems can also be used as stand-alone by transferring an amplification protocol from PikoReal Software to the instrument using a USB stick. The software also uses a Virtual Pipetting Tool that guides users through plate setup.

More: www.thermoscientific.com/pikoreal

mosquito HV

The new mosquito HV allows users to accurately handle low-volume serial dilutions and assay plate preparations, across the 500-nL to 5-µL range. In addition, it can rapidly perform serial dilutions in the 2- to 8-µL final volume range and can stamp from a mother plate directly to assay plates as part of the same protocol.

mosquito HV retains all the features of TTP Labtech’s mosquito range of nanoliter liquid handlers, including its positive displacement pipetting technology for rapid, accurate dispensing of sample volumes, regardless of viscosity. The mosquito HV’s larger disposable micropipettes ensure zero cross-contamination and reach right to the bottom of wells, minimizing dead volume to less than 50 nL per well. mosquito HV also offers accuracy to within 2% of target volume. It is available in a high-throughput screening format for screening and an X1 format for hit-picking applications.

The mosquito HV offers further flexibility in the low-volume range for accurate sample dispensing and handling for a wide range of chemical and biological-based applications beyond serial dilutions and plate reformatting. These include compound and small-molecule screening, cell or bead-based assays, enzyme kinetics assays, ELISAs, molecular biology applications such as PCR, RNAi screening, and SNP genotyping.

More: www.ttplabtech.com