Flexible head system from Tecan

Tecan has launched a new 384-channel pipetting head that is suitable for high precision dispensing of volumes - from 200nl to 50µl - in a broad range of fluid-handling applications.

Tecan has launched a new 384-channel pipetting head with liquid displacement technology that is suitable for high precision dispensing of volumes from 200nl to 50µl.

The head features a liquid-filled system enabling superior precision, even at low volumes, to other products on the market, according to Tecan. The lower compressibility of liquid compared to air offers significant improvements in pipetting precision. The fluid filled head therefore allows pipetting with outstanding precision over a wide range of volumes.

The system also sports a new washing system. To minimise cross contamination during pipetting, a washing process has been introduced that uses the system liquid and an active wash station. The system liquid is used to wash the inner surface of the pipetting needle, while the outer surface is cleaned by the wash station. The result is a wash performance that meets the requirements of applications with the highest possible standards of purity, claims the Swiss company.

Tecan notes that the 384-channel head is compatible with both smaller and larger automated pipetting systems, including its own benchtop multi pipetting system, the Aquarius; the Te-MO family of multi-channel pipettors on Genesis and Freedom EVO; and larger automated systems using rail-based articulated robots (TRAC system).

Achim Wehren, global marketing manager for biopharma at Tecan, said: "Whether for compound management and screening, PCR and SNP preparation, plate preparation, oligonucleotide processing, or MALDI target-plate spotting, the 384-channel head provides the ideal volume range, flexibility and precision to meet the specific needs of all these applications."