SWITCH hybrid pipette - now with HMW DNA shearing capabilities
The SWITCH hybride pipette with HMW DNA shearing capability is only available in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
All in one:
- HMW DNA shearing - Get 20kb DNA fragments in <5minutes.
- Manual precision pipetting
- Electronic repeat dispensing
High molecular weight (HMW) DNA shearing no longer requires a dedicated instrument.
The SWITCH hybrid pipette combines manual pipetting with electronic repeat dispensing in a single device, and now offers HMW DNA shearing as well.
Use the SWITCH for everyday liquid handling and perform DNA shearing when needed – without investing in equipment that remains idle between runs.
Proven HMW DNA shearing performance
The SWITCH can reliably shear HMW DNA to consistent fragment sizes of 20-23 kb, suitable for long-read sequencing. Fragment size distributions are narrow and reproducible, and closely match those obtained using the Megaruptor® 3, a dedicated DNA shearing instrument (Figure 1).
 | Shearing is completed in under 5 minutes per sample using the same pipette as routine liquid handling. |
To demonstrate downstream compatibility, DNA fragmented using the SWITCH was used for long-read sequencing. Libraries were prepared manually, and sequenced on the PacBio Revio system. Sequencing results were comparable to those obtained from DNA sheared by the Megaruptor 3, confirming the SWITCH’s suitability for long-read sequencing.
 | SWITCH-sheared DNA also works in automated workflows, and can be combined with the MIRO CANVAS for complete walk-away library preparation. |
Read the application note to get the full experimental details and performance data for PacBio long-read sequencing workflows.
Why use the SWITCH for HMW DNA shearing?
- One tool for DNA shearing and routine pipetting
No dedicated shearing equipment, consumables or additional bench space required. - Ready when needed
Start shearing when needed – no system checks, no scheduling, and no shared instruments. - Automated shearing cycles
Verified pipetting program delivers consistent fragment sizes with hands-free operation.
How it works
The SWITCH performs in-tip mechanical HMW DNA shearing through automated aspiration and dispensing cycles.
During shearing, the pipette is positioned in a stand to ensure stable operation and reproducible conditions. Once started, the pipetting program runs hands free.
What you need
- SWITCH hybrid pipette (20-200 µl)
- GRIPTIPS® low-retention, sterile, filter pipette tips
- Single pipette application stand
Beyond DNA shearing, the SWITCH is designed for everyday laboratory pipetting tasks
Manual pipetting
Full tactile control for precise liquid handling tasks such as mixing, resuspension and sample transfer.
Its optimized plunger height, super low plunger force and effortless tip ejection help to minimize hand strain during routine use.
The SWITCH offers the added convenience of measuring unknown liquid volumes. The pipette displays the exact volume aspirated in real time, making it easy to measure unknown liquid volumes directly from the container. Simply aspirate the liquid, and the screen will display the exact volume you've drawn, allowing you to determine how much liquid was in the container.
Repeat dispensing
Dispense multiple aliquots from a single aspiration without the need for complex user configuration, making it ideal for plate filling and reagent distribution.
