Accelerated loading of Fluidigm's 192.24 Dynamic Array™ IFC for genotyping with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot

  • Accelerated loading of Fluidigm's 192.24 Dynamic Array™ IFC for genotyping with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot

    IFC loading in no time at all

    Genotyping is widely used in disease associated studies, molecular epidemiology, agricultural research (trait selection, modern selective breeding), forensics, the development of novel markers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, population genetics, and more. It enables the detection of small genetic differences across individual organisms, which may be single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy number variants, or large structural changes in DNA. Fluidigm has developed a flexible, affordable, high throughput tool – the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC (integrated fluidic circuit) – using nanoliter sample volumes for SNP genotyping, allowing genotyping of 192 samples against 24 assays to provide a total of 4608 reactions in a single run.

    Sample and assay loading requires precise pipetting of small volumes, which can be easily achieved using the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot together with a VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipette. It takes less than 15 minutes to load the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC with 192 samples and 24 assays using the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.

    In April, 2022 Fluidigm changed its name to Standard BioTools.

  • Table of contents

    Genotyping is widely used in disease associated studies, molecular epidemiology, agricultural research (trait selection, modern selective breeding), forensics, the development of novel markers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, population genetics, and more. It enables the detection of small genetic differences across individual organisms, which may be single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy number variants, or large structural changes in DNA. Fluidigm has developed a flexible, affordable, high throughput tool – the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC (integrated fluidic circuit) – using nanoliter sample volumes for SNP genotyping, allowing genotyping of 192 samples against 24 assays to provide a total of 4608 reactions in a single run.

    Sample and assay loading requires precise pipetting of small volumes, which can be easily achieved using the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot together with a VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipette. It takes less than 15 minutes to load the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC with 192 samples and 24 assays using the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.

    In April, 2022 Fluidigm changed its name to Standard BioTools.

Key benefits

  • Manually pipetting to a complex microplate format like the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC is highly error prone and tedious. Pipetting errors are generally not recognized immediately but influence the results; whole experiments may need to be repeated. Automation on the ASSIST PLUS helps to overcome these limitations.
  • Samples are stored in 96 well plates and need to be transferred onto an IFC. The sample sequence can be easily copied onto the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC with the VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipette.
  • It can be challenging to maintain a constant pipetting height when working with multichannel pipettes. This task is more reproducible with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot than when performed manually.
  • Bubble-free transfer of liquids is required during IFC loading. The liquid handling parameters can be adapted to achieve optimal transfer of samples and assays. This process only needs to be done once. Thereafter, it is performed reliably by the ASSIST PLUS.

Downloads: App note and protocols for genotyping with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot

Here you can download the complete protocols and reports used in this application and use them on your ASSIST PLUS. The protocol can be customized with the VIALAB software.

Overview: How to load the Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC

Step-by-step procedure:

The ASSIST PLUS is equipped with a VOYAGER 8 channel 12.5 µl electronic pipette using 12.5 µl LONG, Sterile, Filter, Low Retention GRIPTIPS® to automate the pipetting steps of sample and assay loading on the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC. The pipette guides the user whenever manual intervention is needed during the process. The sample and assay inlets are shown in Figure 1.

Graphical representation of Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC with the sample and assay inlets.
Figure 1: Pipetting positions of the samples (orange) and assays (green) on the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC.

The 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC should be freshly prepared according to the Fluidigm Quick Reference Guide: Genotyping with the 192.24 IFC Using SNP Type Assays (see downloads) prior to loading the samples and assays. The assay mixes and sample premixes should be prepared following the Fluidigm Quick Reference Guide, then mixed and spun down before loading onto the IFC.

IMPORTANT: Once opened, the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC should be used withing 24 hours.

The protocol is divided into two programs:

Program 1: IFC_Sample

Program 2: IFC_Assay

Experimental set-up – Program 1

Deck position A: Empty.

Deck position B: 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC.

Deck position C: Armadillo 96 well PCR plate (Thermo Fisher Scientific) containing the samples.

Graphical representation of the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot deck set-up with the Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC, a 96 well plate and the VOYAGER pipette for the sample loading step.
Figure 2: Deck set-up for sample loading onto the IFC. Position A: Empty. Position B: 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC (magenta). Position C: Armadillo 96 well PCR plate containing the samples (blue).

IFC sample loading

Loading the IFC with the samples

Place the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC on position B and the 96 well PCR plate containing the samples on position C (Figure 2). Select and run the custom program 'IFC_Sample' on the VOYAGER pipette. The pipette transfers 3 µl of sample from the 96 well PCR plate to the left sample inlet of the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC in 'Repeat Dispense' steps. Once the pipetting steps are complete, the pipette informs the user to change the sample plate. The process is repeated, using 'Repeat Dispense' steps to transfer samples from the second 96 well PCR plate to the right sample inlet of the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC. Pre- and post-dispensing are used at each pipetting step for improved accuracy and precision during liquid handling.

Tips:

  • Low aspiration and dispense speeds (set at 2 and 4, respectively), together with the use of Low Retention GRIPTIPS, prevent bubble formation when pipetting the samples.
  • It is also possible to program a tip touch onto the wall of the well or the surface of the liquid, removing droplets that may stick to the point of the pipette tip and increasing pipetting precision.
Sample loading on the Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC with INTEGRA's ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot and the VOYAGER automatic tip spacing electronic pipette.
Figure 3: The ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot equipped with an 8 channel VOYAGER electronic pipette loads the first samples onto the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC.

Experimental set-up – Program 2

Deck position A: Empty.

Deck position B: 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC.

Deck position C: Armadillo 96 well PCR plate (Thermo Fisher Scientific) containing the assays.

Graphical representation of the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot deck set-up with the Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC, a 96 well plate and the VOYAGER pipette for the assay loading step.
Figure 4: Set-up for assay loading onto the IFC. Position A: Empty. Position B: 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC (magenta). Position C: Armadillo 96 well PCR plate containing the assays (blue).

IFC assay loading

Loading the IFC with the assays

Keep the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC on position B and place the 96 well PCR plate containing the assays on position C (Figure 4). Select the custom program 'IFC_Assay' and press ‘Run’ on the VOYAGER electronic pipette. The ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot transfers 3 µl of each assay from the first column of the 96 well PCR plate to every odd-numbered position of the left assay inlet on the IFC (Figure 5, 1). At the second pipetting step, every odd-numbered position of the right assay inlet is filled from the second column of the PCR plate (Figure 5, 2), and at the final pipetting step, assays from the third column are transferred to every even-numbered position of the left assay inlet on the IFC (Figure 5, 3). As in the previous program, pre- and post-dispensing are programmed at every step for precise pipetting results.

Graphical representation of the pipetting positions of the assays loaded onto the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC in three steps.
Figure 5: The sequence of assay loading.

Tips:

  • To be able to pipette to every odd-numbered position of the assay inlet, the user should click on the tip spacing icon in VIALAB when editing the target positions.
  • It is very important to place the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC on position B, as this is the only deck position where the right inlets are available to the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.
Assay loading onto the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot equipped with a VOYAGER electronic pipette.
Figure 6: The first eight arrays are loaded onto the array inlets of the 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC.

The user should pipette the pressure fluids and blot the carrier surface with a dry, lint-free cloth after loading the assays onto the Dynamic Array IFC. The 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC is then ready to run.

Remarks

VIALAB software:

The VIALAB programs can be easily adapted to the user's specific labware and protocols.

Partial plates:

Programs can be adapted to a different number of samples at any time, giving laboratories total flexibility to meet current and future demands.

Conclusion

  • The ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot, together with the Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC, offers a ready-to-use, high throughput automated solution for SNP genotyping.
  • Fast, efficient, precise and reproducible sample and assay loading is easily achieved using the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.
  • Extended pipetting processes may cause repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which can be avoided by automating the IFC loading steps with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.
  • The VOYAGER electronic pipette loaded onto the ASSIST PLUS informs the user whenever manual intervention is need, reducing human errors.
  • Precise pipetting of viscous or low surface tension liquids can be challenging. Using Low Retention GRIPTIPS can overcome this hurdle.
  • Fluidigm offers a wide range of IFCs for different sample/assay combinations for PCR-based or NGS workflows, depending on the needs of the customer. Labware files can be created for each IFC in VIALAB software. This function is included in the VIALAB software package for no extra cost.

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  • Éva Mészáros, PhD

    Application Specialist

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Instruments and accessories

ASSIST PLUS, Pipetting Robot VOYAGER, 8 Channel, 12.5 µl GRIPTIPS®, 12.5 µl, Sterile, Filter, Low Retention (for automation systems) Fluidigm: 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC for SNP Genotyping Thermo Scientific: Armadillo PCR Plate, 96-well, clear, clear wells

ASSIST PLUS, Pipetting Robot

INTEGRA has developed the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot to streamline routine pipetting tasks at an affordable price. Using INTEGRA electronic multichannel pipettes, the system:

  • automates pipetting tasks,
  • eliminates physical strain and
  • ensures superior reproducibility and
  • error free pipetting.

Part No. 4505

Visit product page
ASSIST PLUS Pipetting Robot

VOYAGER, 8 Channel, 12.5 µl

VOYAGER pipettes allow the tip spacing to expand anywhere between 4.5 mm and 33 mm at the push of a button.

  • Single handed operation leaves the other hand free to handle labware.
  • On the fly access to up to 3 user-defined tip spacings.
  • These user defined tip spacings are saved. No need to memorize spacings of different labware formats.

Part No. 4721

See it work
VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipette

GRIPTIPS®, 12.5 µl, Sterile, Filter, Low Retention (for automation systems)

GRIPTIPS® pipette tips perfectly match the multi-lobe tip fitting, snapping firmly on during loading. This guarantees a perfect seal on every tip, preventing them from loosening, leaking or completely falling off. All tips are precisely aligned horizontally, enabling accurate touch-offs, even when pipetting with 384 tips.

Part No. 6555 (standard)
Part No. 6505 (long)

Learn more about GRIPTIPS® pipette tips for Benchtop Pipetting Systems
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Fluidigm: 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC for SNP Genotyping

One 192.24 Genotyping IFC, which enables 4,608 reactions using 192 samples and 24 assays.

Kit contains:

  • 1 IFC

Control Line Fluid syringes and reagents sold separately.

Source: Website Fluidigm

Visit supplier website
Fluidigm-192.24 Dynamic Array™ IFC for SNP Genotyping BMK-M-192.24GT

Thermo Scientific: Armadillo PCR Plate, 96-well, clear, clear wells

The Thermo Scientific Armadillo PCR plates are the ultimate in high performance PCR plastics. Combining the rigidity of a polycarbonate frame with thin-walled polypropylene wells, the Armadillo plate provides superior thermal cycling performance under all conditions without warping. These 96-well plates are clear with clear wells.

Source: Website Thermo Fisher

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Customer’s voice

I have successfully transitioned several of our assays that we would do by hand to the ASSIST PLUS and have gotten great results! No human error and lower variability. The VIALAB software is very easy to navigate to program your assay on the pipette to use with the ASSIST PLUS.

Katie Olson, BioIVT (Qualyst)