Automated workcell for walkaway operation of the Bio-Tek ELx405™ Washer and MicroFill™ Dispenser

A common requirement for assay labs involves washing microplates and dispensing liquid. The ELx405 and MicroFill from Bio-Tek offer this capability. However, when a batch of plates (30 or more) requires this operation it can pull a lot of productive time away from lab personnel. This workcell automates the sequence of washing a plate and then dispensing liquid. The entire workcell is installed in a hood for operation protection.

Using the Biosero KiNEDx laboratory robot and OVERLORD™ from PAA , the following 4 processes have been set up. The user can select any one of these tasks for walkaway automation of a batch of plate.

1. Sequentially transport plates from the stacker to the washer, run a user-specified washer program for each and return the plates to the stackers.
2. Sequentially transport plates from the stacker to the dispenser, run a user-specified dispenser program for each and return the plates to the stackers.
3. Sequentially transport plates from the stacker to the washer. Run a user-specified washer program and then immediately move the washed plate to the dispenser and run a user-specified dispense program. Return the plate to the stackers when done.
4. Transport plates from the stackers to the dispenser and run a dispense program. Return the plates to the stackers when done. Restack the plates and then run the plates through the washer. There should be a constant, user-specified (20-60) minute interval between dispense and wash steps.