Pipetting 24-, 96-, 384- and 1536-well plates with VIAFLO 96/384

VIAFLO 96 | VIAFLO 384 24, 96 And 384 Channel Handheld Electronic Pipettes

24, 96 And 384 Channel Handheld Electronic Pipettes

Product story

Versatile and productive 24, 96, and 384 channel pipetting: one instrument for your current and future application needs

VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 meet the need for an affordable, compact, and easy to use pipette which greatly increases productivity and throughput, for a fraction of the cost of big and costly automated systems. The VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 can do everything which the INTEGRA MINI 96 does, just with more flexibility for current and future applications.

By offering 10 unique pipetting heads in varying volume ranges (0.5 to 1250 ul) and number of channels (24, 96, or 384 channels), both VIAFLOs can handle the widest range of applications and volumes. These instruments offer an unparalleled flexibility by allowing filling plates either by hand or by using the hands-free automatic mode, with up to 3 deck positions for even more productivity.

Are you looking for a smaller, portable and even more affordable 96 channel instrument? Click here to find out more.

How it Works

How it works

VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 enable transfers of 24, 96 and 384 samples in a single step, thus increasing pipetting throughput and reproducibility significantly. At a fraction of the cost, they often surpass throughput capabilities of even expensive robots.

  • Getting Started Videos

    Collection of the thumbnails of all getting started videos for the VIAFLO 96 | 384

    To make your life easier and get you up and running quickly with our VIAFLO 96 | VIAFLO 384, we have prepared some helpful videos

    Watch the video series

     

  • Intuitive handheld operation

    Pipetting system ensures rapid, controllable and reproducible handling of cell cultures

    VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 are handheld 24, 96 or 384 channel pipettes designed to fit on any lab bench. It features a unique operating concept making it as easy to use as a traditional handheld pipette. Hold the control unit and push to move the pipetting head to the desired pipetting position. This unique servo assisted steering mechanism allows fast, precise and stress free multichannel pipetting without the need for position programming.

  • Convenient hands-free operation

    VIAFLO 96 VIAFLO 384 hands-free operation

    The hands-free automatic mode enables the instrument to move and pipette on its own, for maximum reproducibility, especially in tight spaces such as a laminar flow cabinet.

  • Quick and comprehensible menu navigatIon

    Adjusting the volume of the VOYAGER electronic pipette is easy and intuitive with the use of the touch wheel.

    All INTEGRA electronic pipettes have a common user interface making it easy to switch between different systems without a second thought.

    A full color screen and proven touch wheel interface offer quick and comprehensible menu navigation. Simply by moving the finger over the touch wheel, menus and settings can be accessed and changed.

    VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 can be connected to a computer via USB port. With the free to use VIALINK PIPETTE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE, user defined custom programs can be created on the computer and then be transferred onto VIAFLO 96 or VIAFLO 384.

  • Versatile in channels and volumes

    Change pipetting head to change pipetting volume range

    The VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 base unit work together with 24, 96 or 384 channel pipetting heads. These are removable and take less than one minute to install. With these heads, the number of channels and volume range which can be used with the one base unit is enormous. 

    24 Channel Pipetting Heads
    10 - 300 µl
    50 - 1250 µl

    96 Channel Pipetting Heads
    0.5 - 12.5 µl
    2 - 50 µl
    5 - 125 µl
    10 - 300 µl
    50 - 1250 µl

    384 Channel Pipetting Heads
    0.5 - 12.5 µl
    2 - 50 µl
    5 - 125 µl

  • Space Saving Footprint

    Space-saving design allows use under an extractor hood

    With its compact design, this benchtop system requires little space on a lab bench and fits into most laminar flow hoods to allow work under sterile conditions. Up to three stage positions accommodate tip racks, microplates, reagent reservoirs or other SBS size labware.

    Up to 8 microplates can be stacked to make maximum use of the stage positions.

  • GRIPTIPS® Pipette Tips Which Never Leak or Fall off

    Award winning benchtop pipetting system

    Losing a tip during an assay preparation can ruin hours of work. Also a reliable sealing between tip and fitting to avoid dripping tips is of key importance for accurate pipetting.

    INTEGRA has redesigned the connection between pipette tip and tip fitting to eliminate these issues. The unique GRIPTIPS® PIPETTE TIPS are comfortably loaded and ejected without any physical effort due to a power assisted mechanism activated by a push button. The loading procedure also guarantees that GRIPTIPS® are not touched by the user and remain sterile.

Customer Voices

Customer Voices

See it Work

See it work

Apps

Uses and Applications

Overview Applications Stories

Applications

Reservoir to plate transfers
Reservoir to plate transfers

VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 fill microplates within seconds by transferring up to 384 samples simultaneously. It reduces pipetting errors and increases pipetting reproducibility as all samples are transferred the same way.

Time to fill five 96 well microplates with VIAFLO 96 compared to single and 8-channel pipette
Time to fill five 96 well microplates [seconds]

The “Repeat dispense” function is an extremely effective mode to fill multiple plates with the same liquid: Aspirate once and dispense multiple aliquots of the same or different volume. Plates can be stacked during the process to minimize plate handling.

Typical applications of reservoir to plate transfers are:

  • Compound additions
  • Medium exchange
  • Cell seeding
  • Addition of buffers and reagents (e.g. ELISA handling)
Repeat dispense with VIAFLO 96 channel pipette
Repeat dispense with VIAFLO 96
Plate to plate transfers
Plate to plate transfers

Plate duplication, supernatant transfers and plate reformatting

  • Plate duplication
  • Supernatant transfers
  • Plate reformatting 24 to 96 well plate
  • Plate reformatting 96 to 384 well plate
  • Plate reformatting 384 to 1536 well plate

Find the right plate holder option

An exact aspiration height can be defined to precisely remove supernatant. The ability to adjust the pipetting speed helps to gently aspirate without disturbing cells at the bottom of a well.

 

The VIAFLO 96/384 is handheld, electronic pipette
Plate to plate transfer using a VIAFLO 384

If you would like to learn more about plate to plate transfers with the VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 handheld electronic pipettes and other electronic pipettes of INTEGRA, see this application note: Plate to plate transfer

 

Transfer within plates
Transfer within plates

Performing serial dilutions, mixing or resuspending contents

Performing serial dilutions, mixing or resuspending contents of entire plates can be effortlessly accomplished without repeatedly pressing a plunger. The number of mixing cycles and the mixing speed can be exactly defined.

Serial dilution using a VIAFLO 96 channel pipette
Serial dilutions using a VIAFLO 96
Nucleic acid extraction
Nucleic acid extraction
24 well pipetting
24 well pipetting

Video explains how 24 well plates can be quickly, easily, and efficiently filled using the 24 channel pipetting head

1536 well pipetting
1536 well pipetting

Video explains how the special 1536 well plate holder enables easy and fast 1536 well pipetting with VIAFLO 384

Magnetic bead purifications
Magnetic bead purifications

High throughput for magnetic bead clean-ups

Magnetic bead purifications are extensively used in molecular biology for PCR clean-ups, NGS library prep size selection and nucleic acid extraction. In protein research, they play a crucial role in targeted protein enrichment. These processes typically involve repetitive and tedious liquid transfers. However, the integration of MAG modules on the VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 enables 24, 96 or 384 samples to be processed simultaneously, significantly streamlining workflows and optimizing efficiency.

High throughput screening
High throughput screening

Molecular Partners from Zurich (CH) integrated a VIAFLO 96 in their protein expression workflow. The pipette is used for various steps in their IMAC protein purification protocol.

Integrating an INTEGRA VIAFLO 96 multichannel pipette into their high throughput expression facility has enabled Molecular Partners (Zurich, Switzerland) to streamline the discovery and development of a novel class of targeted protein therapeutics termed DARPins.

DARPins are a next generation of protein therapeutics combining the advantages of antibodies and small molecule drugs. High target specificity and potency, small size, cost-effective production and a whole range of possible multi-specific format choices gives them the potential to surpass existing antibody drugs and revolutionize protein therapeutics.

Andreas Lehmann, an Expert Technical Assistant working in Molecular Partners 96 well high throughput expression facility commented:

“Our lab is extremely satisfied with our decision to purchase and incorporate INTEGRA’s VIAFLO 96 into our development protocols. The main application we are using the system for currently is protein purification using IMAC (Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography). The VIAFLO 96 is used for various steps in the process starting from the preparation of bacterial cultures right through to the actual purification. Overall our protocol involves 63 full plate liquid transfers; such a workload would not be feasible with a traditional handheld multichannel pipette. We have found that the VIAFLO 96 is easy to integrate into our standard operating protocols because parameters can be defined: pipetting mode, volume, pipetting speed and pipetting height. We particularly like the repeat dispense function on the VIAFLO 96 as it saves the lab a lot of time and improves the overall reproducibility of tests as all samples processed at the same time in the same way".

Mr. Lehmann added:

"Being responsible for training of new staff, I also appreciate that the VIAFLO 96 is user friendly and intuitive to use because very little training is required".

Efficient Library Screening
Efficient Library Screening

PepsiCo Global R&D from White Plains NY (USA) uses a VIAFLO 384 to screen natural product libraries to find sugar substitutes. The 384 channel pipette is used to transfer compound plates to multiple cell plates.

Improving Efficiency of Replication & Screening
Improving Efficiency of Replication & Screening

Using a VIAFLO 96 handheld multichannel pipette, the Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes (IGDR) in France has been able to improve the efficiency with which they replicate yeast strain collections and perform genetic screens in 96 well plates.

The Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes (www.igdr.univ-rennes1.fr) is one of the major biological research institutes in France. The objective of the IGDR is to develop research of excellence in areas including Genetics, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology. Employing 20 teams of scientists – current research interests at IGDR include investigations into cell polarity, cell cycle, signalisation, membrane trafficking, RNA stability, splicing, epigenetics, genetics and transcription. IGDR also study human pathologies like cancers, and genetics and orphan diseases.

Ewa Blaszczak, a PhD researcher at IGDR commented:

“We purchased the liquid handler from INTEGRA Biosciences nearly three years ago and are very pleased with it. We use it to replicate collections and yeast strains and to perform genetic screens in 96 well plates. Thanks to the speed and efficiency of the VIAFLO 96 we can, for instance, replicate a whole collection of 5784 yeast strains in less than one week".

She added:

"Our VIAFLO 96 has proven to be a great liquid handling device not only because of the speed and efficiency but also for its practicality. Set up is simple and operation intuitive. You can set-up a repeat mixing and dispensing application as well as change the aspirated liquid volume at any time. Moreover, its compact size allows you to fit it easily into any almost any laboratory space. I would strongly recommend the VIAFLO 96 for any type of 96 or 384 well plate applications”.

Cell culture workflow
Cell culture workflow

Streamlining and standardizing cell culture workflows using the INTEGRA VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384

Heating, Cooling & Shaking
Heating, Cooling & Shaking

Options to allow incubation and shaking at different temperatures.

Active Heating & Cooling

Heating and Cooling blocks which can be easily integrated into the VIAFLO 96 or VIAFLO 384 in order to help you perfectly control your application's temperatures.

Passive cooling

Our passive, iceless cooling blocks keep buffers, enzymes and samples uniformly chilled and ready for use, giving you more time for preparation and processing of your experiments before enzyme or DNA samples begin to degrade. The 96-well cooling block can also accommodate 0.2 ml PCR tubes. 

Cooling block family from INTEGRA Biosciences
Passive, iceless cooling blocks

Shaking

Shaking devices can be accomodated on the VIAFLO 96 or VIAFLO 384, if your application also includes shaking steps. Combined heating and shaking options are available. 

bioshake-on-viaflo384-plate-position-b-connected-with-laptop-and-mouse
Heating & Shaking on the VIALFO 96 and VIAFLO 384
Tech Info

Tech info

Find here a quick overview of the product specifications. More detailed information can be found in the download-section below.

Dimensions (W x D x H)
42 cm x 30 cm x 54 cm (16.6" x 11.9" x 21.3")
Power Requirements
100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Weight of VIAFLO 96 incl. pipetting head
25.7 kg
Weight of VIAFLO 384 incl. pipetting head
27.7 kg
Pipetting channels of VIAFLO 96
96, 24
Pipetting channels of VIAFLO 384
384, 96, 24
Compatible plate formats
24, 96, 384, 1536 wells, shallow and deep well
Plate positions
up to 3
Downloads & More Parts and Numbers

Parts and numbers

Instruments
Instruments

VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 Handheld Pipettes

Description Part No.
VIAFLO 96, 24 and 96 channel handheld pipette (base unit only) 6001
VIAFLO 384, 24, 96 and 384 channel handheld pipette (base unit only) 6031
VIAFLO 96/384 channel pipette base units
VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 base units
Plate Holders
Plate Holders

Plate Holders for 24, 96, 384 and 1536 well plate

Find the right plate holder option

Description Part No.
Standard plate holder for 24 and 96 well plate 6205
Plate holder for 24, 96 and 384 well plates, with slide function (384 offset) 6210
Spring loaded plate holder A for 24, 96 and 384 well plates, with slide function (384 offset) 6215
Spring loaded plate holder B for 24, 96 and 384 well plates, with slide function (384 offset) 6220
Row dilution plate holder for 24, 96 and 384 well plates 6221
Plate holder for 24 channel head 6222
Adjustable spring loaded plate holder A for 24, 96 and 384 well plates, with slide function (384 offset) 6223
Adjustable spring loaded plate holder B for 24, 96 and 384 well plates, with slide function (384 offset) 6224
Adjustable spring loaded plate holder A for 24, 96, 384 and 1536 well plates, with slide function (1536 offset) 6225
Adjustable spring loaded plate holder B for 24, 96, 384 and 1536 well plates, with slide function (1536 offset) 6226
Three position stage for 96 and 384 well plates (occupies both deck positions A and B) 6230

 

Plate Holders for 96-, 384- and 1536-well plates
Plate Holders for 24, 96, 384 and 1536 well plates
Pipetting Heads
Pipetting Heads

24, 96 and 384 Channel Pipetting Heads

24 Channel Pipetting Heads (for VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384)

Volume Range Part No.
10 – 300 µl 6123
50 – 1250 µl 6124
Tête de pipetage 24 canaux pour VIAFLO 96/384
24 channel pipetting head

96 Channel Pipetting Heads (for VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384)

Volume Range Part No.
0.5 – 12.5 µl 6101
2 – 50 µl 6106
5 – 125 µl 6102
10 – 300 µl 6103
50 – 1250 µl 6104
96 Channel Pipetting Heads
96 channel pipetting heads

384 Channel Pipetting Heads (only for VIAFLO 384)

Volume Range Part No.
0.5 – 12.5 µl 6131
2 – 50 µl 6136
5 – 125 µl 6132
VIAFLO 96/384 - 384 channel head
384 channel pipetting heads
Automation Friendly Clear Advantage™ Reservoirs
Automation Friendly Clear Advantage™ Reservoirs

Reservoir bases, lids and disposable reagent reservoirs

INTEGRA offers two types of automation friendly reagent reservoirs:

  • 150 ml and 300 ml Clear Advantage™ reagent reservoirs which are made of both crystal clear virgin polystyrene and polypropylene. Both options fit into a reusable automation friendly base with bold, crisp, clearly visible graduation markings.
     
  • The 300 ml open well, 12 column and 8 row polypropylene reservoir blocks offer improved chemical compatibility.

Show all reagent reservoirs

150 ml trial pack
150 ml Reagent Reservoir Trial Pack
Heating, Cooling, Shaking
Heating, Cooling, Shaking

Options to allow incubation or shaking at different temperatures

Passive cooling

Our passive, iceless cooling blocks keep buffers, enzymes and samples uniformly chilled and ready for use, giving you more time for preparation and processing of your experiments before enzyme or DNA samples begin to degrade. The 96-well cooling block can also accommodate 0.2 ml PCR tubes. 

Description Part No.
PCR 96 Well Cooling Block 6250
PCR 384 Well Cooling Block 6255
Flat Bottom Cooling Block 6260

Active heating, cooling & shaking

Active heating, cooling and shaking modules can be accommodated on the VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384.

Description Part No.
COLDPLATE for cooling and heating, integration ready 4950
BIOSHAKE 3000 for shaking, integration ready 4951
BIOSHAKE 3000-T for heating and shaking, integration ready 4952
Adapter for flat bottom plate (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4953
Adapter for 1.5 ml tubes, 4 x 6 format (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4956
Adapter for 2.0 ml screw tubes, 4 x 6 format (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4962
Adapter for 96 well PCR plate (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4954
Adapter for 384 well PCR plate (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4955
Adapter for 2.2 ml deep well plate (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4961
MAG Modules
MAG Modules

Streamline magnetic bead purifications

Description Part No.
MAG module for magnetic separation 4900
HEATMAG module for heating and magnetic separation 4901
Adapter for 1.5 ml tubes, 4 x 6 format (MAG / HEATMAG) 4905
Adapter for 96 well PCR plate (MAG /HEATMAG) 4906
Adapter and magnetic array for 384 well PCR plate (MAG) 4908
Communication module for MAG modules 4222

 

Replacement O-Rings
Replacement O-Rings

O-Rings for Tip Fittings

Description Part No.
200/300 µl, replacement kit, 24/pack 100-00027-50
200/300 µl, replacement kit, 100/pack 125928
1000/1250 µl, replacement kit, 24/pack 100-00028-50
1000/1250 µl, replacement kit, 100/pack 125929
Cover
Cover

Protection Cover for VIAFLO 96 & VIAFLO 384

Description Part No.
Protection Cover for VIAFLO 96 & VIAFLO 384 6280
GRIPTIPS®
GRIPTIPS®

Use the GRIPTIPS® Selector Guide to find your pipette tips.