Robotic Liquid Handlers

The DNA Technologies Core has a number of liquid handling devices available to users for a small operating cost. Use of these devices can facilitate higher throughput analyses. Fees are assessed for training and for per hour operation costs (read more about training here). Also, there is a potential for mishaps with all these liquid handlers, and it should be understood that the user is liable for damages incurred as a result of incorrect manipulations or programming.

Robbins Scientific Hydras

We have three Hydra units available for use, all with 96 needle transfer syringes. Two are 100 ul syringe units, and one is 250 ul. These instruments are useful for setting up 96 well plate PCRs, making dilutions for DNA quantitation, or carrying out any manipulations involving transfers of a constant volume from one 96 well plate to another. An adapter allows the use of 384 plates on the instrument, enabling distribution to or aliquoting from one 96 well quadrant at a time.

Biomek 2000

The Beckman Biomek 2000 is a liquid handling workhorse. It has a relatively intuitive programming interface, and can pipet in 20 ul or 200 ul ranges. Tools are available for single channel and for eight chanel pipetting. In addition to training and hourly fees, consumable charges (e.g., tips) apply.

 

Hamilton Microlab 4200

The microlab is a 12 probe based, hydraulically driven robotic liquid handler. This unit is very flexible. Each probe can be programmed independently allowing a variety of manipulations not possible on our other liquid handlers. It also has a very large work surface (deck) that can handle almost 40 plates.

Please contact us if you have any questions about how these instruments could be integrated into your project.  If you anticipate limited use, we can program and operate the machines for your project at standard facility rates.  To sign up for any of these instruments, please use the calendar here to indicate which instrument you'll be using. Be sure to put your name in the "subject" box and your phone number and lab PI in the "description" box.  To make certain changes to your reservation you will need to contact facility personnel (you can make some modifications).  As a courtesy please try to make reasonable estimates for your use of time on these machines.  To schedule training or delete a scheduled date, contact cmnicolet@ucdavis.edu.