Beckman Coulter upgrades Liquid Handlers
Beckman Coulter, the California-based biomedical testing instrument systems manufacturer, has introduced upgraded versions of its Biomek® FXP and Biomek® NXP Laboratory Automation Workstations. The upgrades include hardware and software enhancements to the top-line Liquid Handlers. Clot detection and septum piercing capabilities, previously only available on the Biomek NX, are now built into the FXP system as well. The upgrades also include an upgraded version of its software v3.3.
These systems are useful for automation in small-well applications such as PCR reaction setup, sequencing setup, high-throughput genomics and cell-based assays and are expandable with external storage devices and robotic integration.
The Biomek® NXP workstation
Biomek® NXP incorporates a wide range of new features into a small footprint design. It puts every aspect of liquid handling – including pipetting, dilution, dispensing and integration – into a single automated system.
The key features of the new NXP workstation include:
360° Rotating Gripper for Maximum Fexibility
Biomek® NXP and FXP With the ability to rotate a full 360, ° the optional gripper handle provides access from the left, right or from integrated devices on the back of the instrument. It turns to pick up plates in different orientations, enhances on-the-fly barcode reading and saves deck space by moving titer lids while the Span-8 is pipetting
Open Frame Design
The open frame design allows future vertical workspace integration, for applications where limited lab space is an issue.
Pipetting Performance
Biomek ® NXP offers proven pipetting performance for low-volume reaction setup and assay miniaturization, as well as accurate and repeatable results extending into the submicroliter range. Different techniques can be used for various volume ranges, to enhance liquid handling capabilities. Improved X, Y and Z stability delivers reliable results for small volumes and, to ensure optimum pipetting performance, an integrated pump purges air from the lines.
Built-in Bar Code Reader Delivers on-the-fly Tracking
With the ability to scan plates being held by the gripper, sample integrity is ensured. Sample IDs can be imported based on the plate barcode and tracked throughout the run. If barcode inconsistencies are detected, Biomek Software allows a wide range of user-controlled corrective actions, logging and error handling instructions.
Septum Piercing and Clot Detection
To maintain the sample integrity so important to any application, Biomek ® NXP offers advanced septum piercing abilities. Clot detection circuitry ensures that samples are consistently and reliably dispensed to their proper location in a non-contaminated form– ideal for applications such as gDNA purification from whole blood.
Detection Assays
Cytokines have been shown to regulate immunologic responses and cell-to-cell communication, as well as dose responses to infectious agents. Their presence at elevated levels can indicate disease progress. Combined with our Biomek ® NXP workstation, the Immunotech Cytokine kits deliver fast and efficient methods to measure the different types of Cytokines present in a cell, while adding to the proteomics and cellular analysis solutions available from Beckman Coulter.
Note: “For lab use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures”
The Biomek® FXP workstation
The Biomek® FXP is the latest entry in Beckman Coulters Biomek line. Like the NXP it is also built on open architecture platform. It can be configured with either one or two pipetting pods and features a large deck capacity.
The gripper built into the multichannel pod provides fast and reliable labware movement around the deck, as well as the capability to de-lid and re-lid plates, create vacuum manifold assemblies and access integrated devices.
Scale up to a Biomek Assay Workstation
The Biomek® FXP can serve as the central component in an assay workstation – a complete assay automation system including labware storage, incubation, plate washing, plate reading and other components.
Screening Solutions
The Biomek® FXP is appropriate for screening – both primary and secondary – as well as all replication and reformatting tasks in between. The system allows the user to choose a preconfigured solution with validated or verified methods, or outfit a system tailoredto the users needs.
Detection Assays
Combined with Biomek® FXP workstation, the Immunotech Cytokine kits deliver fast and efficient methods to measure the different types of Cytokines present in a cell, while adding to the proteomics and cellular analysis solutions available from Beckman Coulter.
Sample Preparation
The Biomek® FXP provides a complete portfolio of nucleic acid sample preparation solutions for DNA and RNA with the magnetic bead-based Agencourt® SPRI® technology.
Note: “For lab use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures”
