Let’s Dive into Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve seen my fair share of equipment designed for precision and reliability. However, my experience in the lab environment is equally extensive, leading me to meticulously evaluate products such as the Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip. Manufactured by Axygen Scientific, these tips stand out due to their liquid sensing capabilities, hanging tip design, and specifically, their compatibility with Tecan robotic workstations.
My venture into exploring these robotic tips stemmed from the need for a high-throughput, reliable liquid handling solution in a research lab I was consulting for. The existing pipetting system was prone to inconsistencies, leading to data variability and wasted reagents, a problem I needed to directly address. The Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips promised improved accuracy and reduced carryover, making them a compelling option for my team’s needs.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the robust packaging; each tip was meticulously arranged in a blister pack within the rack, ensuring sterility and preventing any physical damage during transit. The black color of the tips, designed for liquid sensing, added a visual distinction that spoke to their specialized function. The build quality appeared solid, with no visible defects or inconsistencies in the molding.
Compared to standard clear polypropylene tips I’ve used in the past, the black, liquid-sensing nature of these Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, along with their intended robotic use, presented a notable difference. I also considered universal robotic tips from Hamilton and Molecular Devices, but the Axygen Scientific product was chosen due to its blend of specifications, pricing, and compatibility with the client’s existing Tecan platform. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to witness these tips in action and validate their performance in a real-world laboratory setting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial testing took place in a fully equipped molecular biology lab, where we were automating a DNA extraction protocol on a Tecan Genesis Freedom EVO workstation. We tested the Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips with various liquids, including aqueous buffers, viscous DNA solutions, and organic solvents commonly used in the process. The controlled environment allowed for meticulous observation and data collection.
Under different liquid conditions, the tips exhibited consistent liquid sensing capabilities. The robotic arm accurately detected the liquid surface, minimizing air aspiration and ensuring precise volume dispensing, even with challenging viscous samples. The hanging tip design proved effective in reducing droplet formation and preventing liquid from adhering to the outside of the tip.
The tips seamlessly integrated with the Tecan system, requiring minimal adjustments to the existing robotic protocols. The hanging tip design did initially require some fine-tuning of the Z-axis parameters in the Tecan software to ensure optimal immersion depth and prevent crashes. Once calibrated, the system ran smoothly, indicating the relatively easy learning curve.
After the initial run, we noted a significant reduction in dispensing errors compared to the older tips, as well as a much cleaner deck, a testament to the hanging drop design. The consistency of liquid level detection was also noticeably improved, providing added confidence in the accuracy of the automated protocol.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips demonstrated excellent reliability. The tips consistently maintained their liquid sensing capabilities, even after repeated use and exposure to various chemicals. There was minimal clogging observed, even with complex biological samples.
Over the extended testing period, there were no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the tips themselves, but we did note the importance of proper rack handling to avoid damage to the delicate hanging tip. The racks were also easy to clean with standard laboratory disinfectants.
My previous experience with other robotic tips often involved frequent recalibration and troubleshooting due to inconsistencies in liquid sensing or tip fitting. The Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips significantly outperformed these previous experiences, providing a more stable and reliable platform for automated liquid handling. They proved to be a tangible upgrade from the previous tips, yielding more precise and reproducible results.
Breaking Down the Features of Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip
Specifications
The Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip boast specific features crucial for robotic liquid handling systems. The most notable specifications are a maximum volume of 1000 µL, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The tips are black, enabling accurate liquid level sensing on Tecan platforms.
The black coloration is a key factor, as it enhances the optical detection system’s ability to accurately identify the liquid interface, especially with clear or colorless solutions. Furthermore, they are sterile, ensuring the integrity of experiments and minimizing contamination risks.
The hanging tip design is critical for minimizing droplet formation and carryover, particularly important in sensitive assays. These tips are packaged with 96 tips per rack and 16 racks per case, which streamlines workflow and storage efficiency. Finally, the Axygen part number is TT1000CBKHRS, clearly defining the product.
Performance & Functionality
The Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips excel in performance due to their precision-engineered design and compatibility with Tecan platforms. Their accuracy in liquid handling translates to more reliable experimental data, which is of utmost importance in research and development. The hanging tip design minimizes droplet formation and carryover, essential for maintaining sample integrity and assay accuracy.
The main strength lies in the consistent liquid sensing capabilities, reducing the risk of air bubbles or inaccurate dispensing. A potential area for improvement could be offering filtered options for even more sensitive applications requiring absolute purity, although the non-filtered design serves most common lab needs.
The tips largely exceeded expectations, offering enhanced performance and reliability compared to standard robotic tips. The liquid sensing features and hanging drop design performed as promised.
Design & Ergonomics
The black color of these Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips isn’t just for aesthetics; it is essential for the robotic system’s liquid level detection. The materials used feel robust, indicating a durable product that can withstand repeated use. The rack design is also user-friendly, facilitating easy loading and unloading of tips onto the Tecan platform.
The design is largely intuitive, especially for those already familiar with robotic liquid handling systems. The only notable consideration is properly calibrating the Z-axis in the Tecan software to accommodate the hanging tip design for optimized performance.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality materials, these Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips are expected to last for an extended period under normal laboratory conditions. The racks are easy to wipe down and disinfect, ensuring a clean and sterile working environment. The tips themselves are disposable, eliminating the need for cleaning or maintenance of the individual tips.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips do not come with many optional accessories beyond the standard racks. However, their compatibility with the Tecan robotic platform ensures seamless integration with a variety of existing accessories and software. The tips work with standard Tecan carriers and can be used with various liquid handling protocols. It should be noted that they are not designed to be easily customized.
Pros and Cons of Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip
Pros
- Precise liquid sensing enables accurate volume dispensing, reducing experimental variability.
- Hanging tip design minimizes droplet formation and carryover, ensuring sample integrity.
- Sterile packaging guarantees the purity of experiments.
- Seamless Tecan integration reduces setup time and optimization efforts.
- Robust construction ensures consistent performance over extended use.
Cons
- Non-filtered design may limit use in ultra-sensitive applications.
- Black color can make visual inspection of aspirated liquid more difficult.
Who Should Buy Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip?
These Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips are perfect for research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical diagnostics facilities utilizing Tecan robotic platforms for high-throughput liquid handling. Any lab prioritizing precise and reliable liquid dispensing will benefit significantly. These tips are a must-have for automating DNA extraction, PCR setup, cell-based assays, and other critical applications.
Those who require absolute purity and work with extremely sensitive samples may want to explore filtered alternatives, even if it means sacrificing the liquid level sensing capability. Labs that do not have liquid level sensing capabilities on their robots would not benefit from the black tips.
For optimal performance, ensure compatibility with the Tecan system software and consider purchasing additional racks to streamline workflows. Having a calibrated Tecan system is critical.
Conclusion on Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip
In summary, the Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips, Axygen Scientific TT1000CBKHRS Nonfiltered Tips Black Liquid Sensing Hanging Tip are a valuable asset for any laboratory seeking to enhance the accuracy and reliability of their automated liquid handling processes. The price of $335.99 is justified by the enhanced performance, reduced experimental variability, and improved sample integrity they offer.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these tips to any lab utilizing Tecan robotic systems. They represent a worthwhile investment in ensuring the quality and reproducibility of experimental results. Upgrade your lab’s liquid handling capabilities today and experience the difference these Axygen Tecan Robotic Tips can make!