Research Pro is a line of electronic pipettes from Eppendorf that are available in single- or multi-channel formats. There are five single-channel models ranging from 0.5ul to 5mL, while the multi-channel pipettes are available with 12 or 8 channels, ranging from 0.5 to 300uL or 1.2mL, respectively. The published specifications range from less than than 1.8% at 0.5uL, to 0.15% at 5mL. We have found the accuracy of the Research Pro to be excellent, and comparable to our current line of manual Gilson pipettes and easily within the ranges specified. The control layout and pipette casing is comfortable and ergonomically designed. The buttons and switches are angled to fit with the natural curve of the thumb and their arrangement is also angled to allow for the natural sideways sweep of the thumb. The left-handers in our laboratory appreciate the ability to move the tip-eject button to the left and right, depending on which hand the pipette is being held. The two major features influencing our purchase decision for these pipettes was the abilty to carry out detailed programs automatically, and the prevention of repetitive strain in the workplace. The potential for repetitive strain injuries is reduced because the user no longer needs to depress a plunger on the instrument – all aspiration and dispensing is motorized. The electronic pipettes can perform all standard operations in addition to automating more complicated procedures and routines (such as reverse pipetting and activation or inactivation of ‘blow out’). Programs may be stored for later use, avoiding the need to reprogram the pipette each time it is needed. The speed of pipetting can be controlled, enabling slow speeds for sensitive applications. Because our laboratory is a component of a microbiology research department, we require the ability to sterilise our instruments periodically. Although not entirely autoclavable, the lower section can be removed and sterilized separately. Of course this is not as convenient as the fully-autoclavable manual pipettes, but we have not yet encountered a problem with this system.
The pipette is powered by batteries that can be recharged on either the 4-pipette charging stand (available separately) or on the single ‘clip’ charger when not in use. We would recommend purchasing the charging stand, as these pipettes will not fit into any other standard pipette holders that may already be present. The pipettes do not sit well without a stand of some type. The battery life has been sufficient for our needs, lasting for several days with intermittent use.
We have found the large single color, non-backlit digital display to be clear and easy to read. Certain steps (such as the end of a dispensing series) are augmented with an audible signal, which is useful when using the pipette in repetitive program mode to alert you that the program is nearing an end. Although Eppendorf advertises the ‘easy-to-use’ LCD interface on their pipettes as a special feature, we have found that they are relatively unintuitive to use. Almost all of the information on the screen is abbreviated in two or three letter codes, requiring the use of the product manual for many tasks. Despite the learning curve associated with the unintuitive abbreviations, the operation of the pipette is simple.
Overall, we have found the pipettes to be a significant improvement over the manual pipettes where procedures require extended or repetitive dispensing, such as ELISAs, dilutions and so forth. However, for occasional use, the manual pipettes are often quicker and easier.
Scott Coutts
Bacterial Pathogenesis Research Group
Monash University, Australia