Automated liquid handlers streamline laboratory workflows by taking care of time-consuming hand pipetting tasks that are a major source of ergonomic issues and frequently prone to error. Although the large size of these instruments can be a barrier for some researchers, a new addition to Hamilton’s product range has a footprint of just 3 square feet yet employs the same trusted, powerful technology used in the company’s larger automated liquid handling instrumentation. Known as the Microlab® Prep™, this innovative, user-friendly platform features eight ANSI/SLAS deck positions, highly intuitive software, and an in-built compatibility with other benchtop devices, making it the ideal solution for any lab wishing to grow into higher throughput automation. Combined with an affordable list price and short lead time, automated liquid handling has never been easier or more accessible.
The Microlab Prep is a scaled down version of Hamilton’s larger automated liquid handling platforms, featuring the same superior pipetting technology and quality engineering in a footprint of only 3 square feet. High pipetting accuracy and precision are achieved using air displacement pipetting (a similar technology to hand pipetting that manipulates liquids with air to avoid the issues associated with liquid-filled automated pipetting systems), while a dynamic pipetting range of 1.0 µL–1,000 µL provides researchers with unrivalled benchtop flexibility. Instrument reliability can be further enhanced using Hamilton’s CO-RE® tips, whereby a lock-and-key technology provides tight sealing for precise measurement, and gentle tip ejection to significantly reduce the risk of aerosol generation (especially important when working with biohazards like SARS-CoV-2). The Microlab Prep also incorporates sensor-based capacitive liquid level detection to ensure pipette tips are inserted into liquids at the correct depth, preventing cross-contamination that can result from liquid carry-over during aspiration and dispense steps.
Designed to support plate replication, PCR, LC-MS prep, and more, the Microlab Prep is available with different channel configurations to satisfy diverse user requirements. Using two independent channels, researchers have the capacity to work with all labware types, dispensing to two wells at a time. Alternatively, an 8-probe head provides rapid pipetting across a range of ANSI/SLAS standard 96 and 384 well plates, while users requiring increased versatility may choose to operate both configurations together. This flexibility is augmented by the 8-position instrument deck that can hold microplates, tube racks, reagent reservoirs, and devices, as well as featuring an integrated solid and liquid waste station.
Benefiting from modern software that is as easy to use as any smartphone, the Microlab Prep incorporates a mounted touchscreen interface for straightforward programing and operation, backing this with step-by-step wizards for set up, runtime, and maintenance. Creating a protocol is as simple as linking together different steps and is streamlined by an integral, workstation-mounted camera that detects and identifies any labware placed on the deck. Once saved, protocols are readily launched with just a few taps of the screen, with the Microlab Prep rapidly providing verification that the deck has been filled with the correct labware placed in the right positions. Using the run page to visualize progress in real time, researchers working with critical samples can see how much time is left, which action is underway, and what steps are remaining. Moreover, in the unlikely event of an error occurring, users are immediately notified and provided with instructions on how to resolve the issue and continue the run, thereby preventing the loss of precious sample material or reagents.
Because every experiment is different, the Microlab Prep has been thoughtfully designed with flexibility in mind. Pedestals allow for the addition of tip racks, reagent reservoirs, and sample tubes of various sizes directly to the instrument deck, whereas even with the small footprint there is plenty of scope to add extra devices that extend operational capabilities. Examples of such add-ons include the Hamilton Heater Shaker and USB-based handheld barcode scanner, as well as CO-RE® paddles for transporting plates to and from the instrument. By enabling researchers to choose the tools and features that best align with their specific workflow, the Microlab Prep supports many different research applications without compromising on quality.
Hamilton’s Microlab Prep is defined by its size, simplicity, and affordability. The small footprint allows for easy installation into any laboratory, from small academia to large pharma, while user-friendly programming and operation provide researchers with the opportunity to begin automating workflows straight away. With an affordable price tag, convenient online ordering, and comprehensive customer support, the Microlab Prep is the perfect automated liquid handler to improve the efficiency and reliability of any laboratory workflow.
To learn more about the Microlab Prep visit hamiltoncompany.com/prep