Whole Transcriptome Expression of FFPE Samples
The QPix® Microbial Colony Picker leverages best-in-class colony-picking technology to alleviate bottlenecks and quickly, accurately, and efficiently screen through massive genetic libraries. The easy-to-use, intuitive software guides users through setting up colony-picking runs where precision robotics picks the right colonies every time. In addition to microbial screening, the system automates several sample preparation and plate handling processes, such as the transfer of bacterial liquid culture and plating on agar.
Data is automatically recorded into the machine’s database, providing users with a complete audit trail and sample tracking, ensuring that no data is ever lost. Our modular, scalable series of colony pickers allows groups of all sizes to increase the accuracy and throughput of their workflow while still allowing for future throughput growth.
Colony picking is an essential step in biological research as scientists often isolate microbial clones in order to mass produce DNA or proteins to be used in a variety of applications downstream. Traditionally, colony picking is performed manually using sterile pipette tips or inoculation loops, which are usually slow, labor-intensive, and time-consuming. Not only will QPix automated colony pickers make the entire process quicker, but the results are more consistent and reliable.
Features include:
• Organism-specific pins: Different shape and picking area pins maximize efficiency for E. coli, phage, and yeast. Plating-specific pins ensure uniform distribution of liquid culture onto agar.
• Plating and spreading: Automated plating and streaking of 96 samples can be done in 30 minutes, providing greater walk-away time.
• Agar sensing: Ultrasonic agar height sensor detects differences in height resulting from variable pouring volume enabling maximum picking efficiency.
• Multiple imaging modes: Colonies can be picked based on pre-specified parameters using white light, fluorescence, and color. The use of filters enables applications such as blue-white colony screening.
• Replication, grid, and hit picking: Automated plate handling and tracking streamlines downstream assay and sample management. QPix colony pickers provide flexible plate replication, gridding, and hit-picking capabilities.
• Scalable automation options: The QPix HT model is a robot-compatible solution with a modular deck. The Advanced Workflow Engineering Solutions Team can tailor a colony picker with a variety of custom services.
