Automated sample preparation is transforming modern laboratory workflows by enhancing precision, reducing human error, and saving valuable time1. Instruments like DISPENDIX’s I.DOT and G.PURE bring unprecedented accuracy and efficiency to dispensing nanoliter volumes, nucleic acid purification, and assay optimization. With low-volume liquid handling, low dead volume (1 μL), and walkup-friendly design, these devices support miniaturization and resource efficiency. This article focuses on the revolutionary impact of the I.DOT and G.PURE, and how they fit seamlessly within the G.PREP system to simplify complex biological applications.
The I.DOT: Redefining Precision in Liquid Handling
The I.DOT is a contactless liquid dispenser from DISPENDIX capable of accurate automated dispensing of nanoliter volumes, with as low as 1 μL dead volume. These features mean that the I.DOT brings significant advantages to researchers in a range of biological laboratory techniques. Firstly, the I.DOT performs automated dispensing into 96- and 384-well plates, reducing pipetting tasks that typically take hours, such as those required for methods like next-generation sequencing (NGS), to a matter of minutes.
Furthermore, the I.DOT performs dispensing tasks with far more accuracy than manual methods. This removes significant sources of risk from workflows, including cross-contamination, allowing researchers to perform experiments more confidently and relieving them from repetitive pipetting tasks.
I.DOT Applications
The I.DOT’s ability to accurately dispense low volumes and handle various liquid viscosities, from methanol to 65% glycerol, makes it a fantastic and dynamic tool for many applications. These include high-throughput screening, NGS and PCR, and assay optimization. Within these applications, the I.DOT supports miniaturization, which reduces the need to purchase large volumes of reagents, which improves laboratory resource efficiency. Furthermore, the I.DOT is supported by walkup-friendly software, making it easy to set up and manage even the most complex workflows. The I.DOT can dispense up to 384 source liquids per run, meaning it can easily handle both simple and complex tasks (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. The I.DOT from DISPENDIX is the ultimate non-contact liquid dispenser for any biology laboratory, offering unrivaled precision and automation to simplify complex tasks and improve researcher efficiency.
Check out our full-length article on the I.DOT for a deeper dive into why the I.DOT is such a game-changer for modern biological research applications.
DISPENDIX G.PREP: Innovating Automated Solutions for Cutting-Edge Research
The Challenges of NGS Workflows
NGS library preparation is a time-intensive, error-prone process involving complex workflows and extensive manual pipetting2. These demands increase the risk of human error, physical strain, and reagent waste, impacting data quality and laboratory budgets. Manual NGS workflows are challenging to scale and produce significant plastic waste, making them less efficient and sustainable for modern research.
The Power of the DISPENDIX G.PREP System
The DISPENDIX G.PREP NGS Automation system combines the I.DOT and G.PURE instruments to streamline complex workflows, accelerate research, and enhance efficiency. The I.DOT dispenses 10 nL into a 384-well plate in 20 seconds with a minimal 1 μL dead volume, minimizing reagent waste and enabling nanoliter-scale workflows. By automating tedious NGS clean-up tasks, the G.PURE device improves data quality and reproducibility while reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries in users and freeing up time for other tasks. The G.PREP system seamlessly integrates into automation-ready workflows and requires minimal training to operate.
Many researchers are already reaping the benefits from the G.PREP’s precision and speed. For instance, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, the I.DOT is used for applications like NGS and qPCR to study cancer drug resistance and aid drug discovery.
To learn more about how the G.PREP enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness in NGS sample preparation, explore our dedicated article on the subject.
How the G.PURE is Advancing Automated Sample Prep
The G.PURE NGS Clean-Up Device is a versatile tool designed to address the needs of modern research. It offers precision and automated low-volume handling for NGS workflows. It can perform miniaturized clean-ups in 384-well formats using programmable protocols, which simplify complex workflows and promote reproducibility. The G.PURE’s intuitive user interface means researchers can gain immediate improvements in data quality and workflow efficiency. Its ability to deliver consistent and reliable results instills confidence in workflow outcomes, making it an indispensable addition to any laboratory.
The G.PURE supports various applications, including nucleic acid purification, protein isolation, and sample preparation. By consistently enabling the extraction of high-quality DNA, RNA, and proteins, the G.PURE ensures researchers can fully leverage advanced techniques like NGS and mass spectrometry. The G.PURE delivers consistent precision, particularly in workflows involving high-value, low-volume samples. Thus, this device lets researchers optimize sample utilization while simplifying workflows for genomics, proteomics, and biomarker discovery applications.
By automating tedious, time-intensive tasks, the G.PURE frees researchers from manual pipetting, reducing errors and eliminating the need for plastic pipette tips, significantly lowering laboratory waste. Its compatibility with 96- and 384-well plate formats supports high-throughput workflows, especially when paired with the DISPENDIX I.DOT liquid handler in the G.PREP system (Fig. 2). With its precision, efficiency, and eco-conscious design, the G.PURE empowers researchers to achieve groundbreaking results while keeping track of sustainability goals.
To learn more about how the G.PURE device can transform your NGS workflows, read our dedicated full-length article.
Figure 2. The DISPENDIX G.PREP system combines the I.DOT Liquid Dispenser and the G.PURE NGS clean-up device to provide the ultimate solution for laboratories that require fast, precise, and reliable dispensing.
Conclusion
DISPENDIX devices redefine precision liquid handling with advanced features like 0.1 nL resolution, low dead volume, and miniaturization, saving significant reagent costs while generating high-quality results. Their walkup-friendly design ensures accessibility for researchers of all skill levels, simplifying complex workflows and boosting efficiency. Whether for NGS, PCR, or assay optimization, these instruments provide consistent performance and reliable results. DISPENDIX continues to lead the way in innovative, sustainable laboratory solutions, empowering researchers to achieve more with less effort and expense.
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References
- Holland I, Davies JA. Automation in the Life Science Research Laboratory. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020;8:571777. doi:10.3389/fbioe.2020.571777
- Hess JF, Kohl TA, Kotrová M. Library preparation for next generation sequencing: A review of automation strategies. Biotechnol Adv. 2020;41(107537). doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107537