FlexDrop PLUS – Precision Reagent Dispenser by PerkinElmer
The FlexDrop PLUS by PerkinElmer is a precision reagent dispenser designed to meet laboratory requirements. This system is engineered to provide rapid and accurate dispensing of various liquids, including reagents, buffers, solvents, and cells. Designed for high-throughput applications, the FlexDrop PLUS ensures efficient assay preparation and compound storage, making it an essential tool for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research environments.
The FlexDrop PLUS boasts impressive dispensing capabilities, with the system able to dispense 250 µL into a 96-well plate in under 20 seconds, 10 µL into a 384-well plate in under 30 seconds, and 5 µL into a 1536-well plate in under 60 seconds using a single 8-dispenser manifold. For increased efficiency, the system can handle plate stacking, allowing automated processing of up to 50 microplates with an integrated stacking mechanism in the FlexDrop EX and EXi models.
The system features a precision plate positioning mechanism that ensures accuracy of 0.1 mm on the X and Y axes. This high level of precision is crucial for dispensing into high-density microplates, ensuring reliable and consistent results. Additionally, the FlexDrop PLUS includes a prime volume recovery function, allowing precious reagent volumes to be recovered and minimizing waste.
User interaction with the FlexDrop PLUS is facilitated by a graphical user interface and a membrane keypad, guiding users through method development. The system supports up to 99 dispensing protocols and reagent descriptions, with a method library to store common protocols and a reagent library to define unique reagent characteristics. Up to 20 plate definitions can also be stored to simplify method setup.
The FlexDrop PLUS incorporates a pressurized dispensing mechanism, operating at 5 PSI with precision valves to control reagent dispensing. For added flexibility, modular dispense banks can be easily removed or exchanged, and the system includes options for liquid recovery and external integration with PerkinElmer’s JANUS Automated Workstation and other robotic devices.
Designed with user comfort in mind, the FlexDrop PLUS features a sleep mode to maintain a ready-to-use system when not in operation, reducing reagent waste and saving time. System performance is optimized with viscosity adjustments and flexible dispensing parameters, ensuring precise and efficient liquid management across a wide range of applications.
The dispenser is also designed for easy integration into biosafety or fume hoods, ensuring sterile containment and safe handling of liquids. The FlexDrop PLUS is a versatile and effective solution for laboratory liquid handling needs.
