Automated Liquid Handling for Microplate Assays: a Simplified User Interface for the Hamilton Microlab STAR

Abstract

Automated liquid handling stations such as the Hamilton Microlab range can be implemented to greatly enhance throughput of cell-based and cell-free assays. To facilitate utilisation past the comprehensive programming interface of the Hamilton Method Editor this paper presents a user interface (UI) that runs within Hamilton Venus and allows for a user to control and store programs for plate-to-plate transfers and serial dilutions in 96 well plate format. The interface allows for rapid control of aspiration and dispensing height, trituration, control of tip rack selection, and includes a tip washing program that can reduce the number of disposable tips utilised. The simple program interface allows the Hamilton Microlab to be used as a readily deployable microtitre plate handler, particularly for applications such as aliquoting cells for seeding, diluting a number of plates in medium, or transferring drug dilution arrays to multiple plates. This paper also discusses various optimisations to increase accuracy and rate of low volume liquid transfer. While complex liquid handling tasks such as high-throughput drug screening requires established core facilities, standalone liquid handlers with simplified interfaces can be utilised for smaller-scale research applications and educational purposes.