Liquid handling is an essential part of laboratory work in the life sciences, but prolonged manual pipetting can be time consuming and contribute to repetitive strain injuries. Ever-decreasing sample volumes can also make accurate pipetting more challenging, particularly during lengthy workflows where concentration may lapse. Electronic pipettes with functions such as repeat dispensing can help to address these challenges, but higher throughput workflows can require automation. Unfortunately, automated liquid handling systems often come at a price that is difficult for academic and smaller laboratories to justify. They may also require specialist programming expertise to set up protocols and troubleshoot errors. As a result, automation can remain out of reach for many laboratories, leaving repetitive pipetting as a potential workflow bottleneck.
INTEGRA developed the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot to bridge the gap between manual pipetting and larger automated liquid handling platforms. This affordable, compact automation solution is designed for laboratories with mid-throughput workflows, helping to streamline routine pipetting tasks without the complexity associated with many larger systems.
The ASSIST PLUS uses INTEGRA VIAFLO or VOYAGER electronic multichannel pipettes, or the D-ONE single-channel pipetting module, to automate repetitive liquid handling tasks. The system helps to improve efficiency and reproducibility while reducing the risk of human errors, such as accidentally skipping rows. Consistent pipetting speeds and angles, optimal tip immersion depths and precise positioning within wells further ensure reliable pipetting results. The versatile system accommodates numerous labware formats, ranging from tubes to 384 well plates in both landscape and portrait orientations, making it suitable for a wide variety of laboratory workflows.
Simple protocols can be set up using the pipette's intuitive user interface and touch wheel, which offers rapid menu navigation and volume adjustments. For more complex workflows, the accompanying VIALAB software provides an intuitive graphical interface that allows users to create protocols with just a few clicks, without the need for extensive programming knowledge. Advanced users can also use the VIALINK Pipette Management Software to define pipetting programs step by step, providing greater control over individual pipetting parameters.
The ASSIST PLUS combines accessible automation with flexible protocol creation and broad labware compatibility, offering all laboratories a practical way to increase throughput and reproducibility.
Product Specification:
| Specification | Value |
| Tip loading/ejection | Automatic |
| Pipetting protocol set-up | Pipette, VIALINK, VIALAB |
| Available pipettes | D-ONE pipetting module, VIAFLO, VOYAGER (adjustable tip spacing) |
| Deck positions | 1 position for tip loading Up to 4 positions for plates, tube racks or reservoirs 1 position for tip waste |
| Applications | Serial dilution Plate filling Reagent addition Plate reformatting Plate duplications Tube-to-plate transfers Normalization Hit picking Master mix preparation Magnetic bead purification |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 75 cm x 38 cm x 51 cm (30ʺ x 15ʺ x 20ʺ) |
| Weight | 25 kg (55 Ibs) |
