SPT Labtech, a specialist in laboratory automation for life sciences, has launched the apricot DC1, a 4-in-1 automated liquid handling platform, at the SLAS 2022 International Conference and Exhibition today in Boston. The launch introduces a compact automated pipettor designed to help laboratories streamline their everyday manual or semi-manual pipetting processes across applications.
The platform is the latest addition to the company's apricot range of liquid handling instruments. In developing the product, the company says it has drawn its expertise designing and manufacturing low-volume pipetting and dispensing instruments for applications across genomics, drug discovery, and structural biology. Incorporating dual-core pipetting technology, the platform integrates four separate pipetting tools within a single benchtop unit to allow for high-volume and low-volume, single and multichannel pipetting.
Controlled via software, the platform is designed to enable increased throughput, reliable standardisation, and enhanced data quality when copying, mixing, pooling, aliquoting, and preparing the serial dilution of liquids. Out-of-the-box automation eliminates the need for costly automation experts or further investment in additional application-specific functionality, the company claims.
Dr Anne Hammerstein, Product Manager at SPT Labtech, said: "A liquid handler with unique dual-core pipetting technology, the apricot DC1 offers the equivalent of four pipetting tools within one accessible instrument at an affordable price. This single and multi-channel pipettor handles the full µL-to-mL volume range across a 9-position deck to provide outstanding versatility across a variety of applications – from simple pipetting tasks all the way through to automated PCR/qPCR setups."