Chapter 6 Practical Considerations of Liquid Handling Devices in Drug Discovery

1. Introduction

2. Types of liquid handling devices

2.1. Peristaltic-based devices

2.2. Fixed-tip transfer devices

2.3. Changeable-tip transfer devices

2.4. Pintool transfer devices

2.5. Piezoelectric devices

2.6. Solenoid-based devices

2.7. Acoustic devices

2.8. Microplate washers

3. Considerations for using liquid handling devices

3.1. Determination of quality assessment descriptors

3.2. Considerations for using bulk reagent dispensers: Peristaltic-based devices

3.2.1. Uneven dispensing

3.2.2. Protein binding

3.2.3. Clogging

3.2.4. Foaming

3.2.5. Reservoir container

3.2.6. Tubing extension

3.2.7. Routine quality assessment

3.3. Considerations for using transfer devices: Pintool

3.3.1. Volume variation

3.3.2. Carry-over

3.3.3. Routine quality assessment

3.4. Considerations for using transfer devices: Pipettors

3.4.1. Pipette stations

3.4.2. Tip contamination

3.4.3. Foaming

3.4.4. Pipette behavior affecting dispensing variation

3.4.5. Routine quality assessment

3.5. Considerations for using microplate washers

3.5.1. General considerations

3.5.2. Washer performance

3.5.3. Washer maintenance

3.5.4. Troubleshooting

4. Conclusion

Acknowledgements

Author details

References