The physical properties of some liquids make it difficult to dispense accurately. The I.DOT Liquid Handler can dispense liquids of a viscosity range from 1 to 6 cP (mPa∙s). Especially liquids with relatively high (i.e., Glycerol) or relatively low (i.e., Methanol) viscosity tend to cause problems. To prevent reagent waste and cross contamination and to ensure a precise dispensing, a few tips should be noted.
DISPENSING LIQUIDS WITH HIGH VISCOSITY
• Use the S.200 plates, as they have a larger orifice
• Use reverse pipetting for filling the source wells to prevent bubbles
• Include a small ‘buffer volume’ because of possible dead volume
• Liquid classes often need to be restricted within discrete Dosing Energies
- With too little Dosing Energy no liquid will be dispensed
- With too high Dosing Energy splashing can occur
DISPENSING LIQUIDS WITH LOW VISCOSITY
• Use the S.60 plates, as they have a smaller orifice
• Liquid classes often need to be restricted
- Splashes can occur with very low and very high Dosing Energies
• Check for leakage before dispensing
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