In research labs and production facilities, we often associate accuracy and precision with measurement tools. But handling and transfer of chemicals equally demands precise operations and tools. A multichannel micropipette is one such tool. It is an essential laboratory tool designed to dispense liquid with precision. Typically using 8, 12 or 16 channels, a multichannel pipette injects the same liquid into multiple containers. It is made safe to use, ergonomically designed to prevent strain injuries from harsh chemicals to the lab personnel. It has many direct and indirect benefits, including targeted dispensation, facilitating high throughput experimentation, reducing cross contamination, low maintenance due to easy calibration, and versatility of applications. In this blog, we will explore the last of the benefits.
Applications of the Multichannel Micropipette
The multichannel micropipette is manufactured in many variants. The number of channels, autoclave sterilization, precise digit displays, and dispensation volume are variables that allow for suitable construction. Preparing samples and reagents and adding precise volumes of solvents are the primary uses of this pipette. Here are the number of applications of these pipettes:
1. Molecular Biology
In molecular biology experiments like DNA/RNA sequencing, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) setup, cloning and protein analysis, multichannel micropipettes are used for precise and simultaneous liquid transfer, adding supplements, changing media, and transferring cells.
2. Immunology
For the detection of antigens in ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), Antibody-based assays, and transfer proteins to a membrane in Western Blotting, researchers use a multichannel micropipette to dispense reagents into wells and plates. This ensures accuracy in immunological studies.
3. Genetics
Multichannel pipettes are extensively used in genetic analysis. CRISPR gene-editing techniques, gene cloning, cell transfection, and genome sequencing use these pipettes for precise sample separation.
4. Microbiology
In microbiological studies, preparing serial dilution, mixing samples, streaking cell cultures, media preparation, and antibiotic susceptibility testing need a multichannel micropipette with accurate and precise liquid transfer and handling
5. Biochemistry
High throughput experiments like protein electrophoresis, enzyme assays, and biochemical reagent preparations require multichannel pipettes for reproducible results and accurate measurements.
6. Pharmaceutical Industry
Researchers use multichannel micropipettes to transfer small quantities of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in pharmaceutical labs for drug development and research. It is also applicable in quality tests like performing compound screening, stability tests and toxicity tests.
7. Forensic Sciences
Multichannel micropipettes are essential tools for DNA fingerprinting, toxicology testing, bodily fluid identification, and trace evidence collection in forensic sciences. It helps in ensuring the accuracy of investigations.
8. Food and Beverage Testing
Researchers use micropipettes to test for contaminants, allergens, and pathogens in food and beverage samples. They also use it to identify the species of meat or fish in a food product.
9. Quality Testing
Researchers use micropipettes to test for contaminants, allergens, and pathogens in food and beverage samples. They also use it to identify the species of meat or fish in a food product.
10. School and Educational Labs
Multichannel micropipettes help students and educators perform scientific experiments efficiently, making them a valuable tool in academic research and teaching labs.
Conclusion
A multichannel micropipette is an invaluable tool used in a plethora of scientific research, engineering methods, and quality tests at both industrial and laboratories. It is precise, efficient, accurate, and reusable. Its applications include biological experiments and genetic research of intricate and sensitive levels, requiring extremely robust efficiency and handling of liquid. Micropipette manufacturers like Vertex RV support the researchers by providing wide varieties of pipettes ranging in channels, displays and withstanding autoclave sterilization.