Microwell Covers for Automated Microplate Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laboratory settings, there is a risk of cross-contamination when dispensing liquids into microplates, as pipettes must navigate between wells, potentially leading to unintended liquid entry into incorrect wells, especially when using automated machines.
Innovation Solution
The use of microwell covers with alternating open and impermeable portions allows for precise access to wells while preventing errant liquids from reaching shielded wells, combined with an automated dispensing apparatus that aligns the covers and dispensing tips to minimize contamination, and methods for controlled liquid dispensing through these covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microwell cover with alternating open and impermeable portions is used to prevent cross-contamination, then the reliability of liquid dispensing is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for cover alignment mechanisms and receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The microwell cover is segmented into alternating open portions and impermeable portions, creating a pattern that allows selective access to wells. This segmentation enables the cover to function as both a protective barrier and an access mechanism, reducing the need for additional complex alignment devices while maintaining dispensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The microwell cover acts as an intermediary element between the pipette and the microplate wells. By positioning the cover over the plate, it mediates the dispensing process by physically blocking access to certain wells while allowing access to others, thereby preventing cross-contamination without requiring complex automated alignment systems.
2Productivity
If automated dispensing machines are used to increase productivity, then the speed of liquid dispensing is improved, but the risk of cross-contamination increases due to pipette movement over multiple wells
Solution Approach 1:
The microwell cover is positioned over the microplate before automated dispensing begins, establishing a preliminary protective barrier. The impermeable portions of the cover preemptively block access to wells that should not receive liquid, counteracting the potential harm of pipette movement before contamination can occur during high-speed automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is placed on the microplate in advance of the dispensing operation, preparing the system for accurate dispensing by pre-defining which wells are accessible. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time well-by-well protection during rapid automated dispensing, maintaining both speed and accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the micrawell cover is positioned to shield certain wells, then cross-contamination is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to align and reposition the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The micrawell cover is designed to be movable relative to the microplate, allowing it to be repositioned to different alignment positions. This dynamic capability enables the cover to adapt to different dispensing patterns and well configurations, making it easier to operate while maintaining protection against cross-contamination through its impermeable portions.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids into microplates utilizing microwell covers, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the fluids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.