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U.S. Patent Granted for BioTek’s BioStack™ 4 Microplate Stacker
14 Jun 2016Alex Waite
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The BioStack™ 4 Microplate Stacker from BioTek Instruments has been granted U.S. patent 9,366,686 for its unique technology associated with automatic microplate de-lidding and re-lidding, which is especially useful in cell-based assay workflows.
BioStack 4 facilitates increased throughput and greater productivity in processes involving lidded and unlidded 96-, 384- and 1536-well microplates as well as select 6- to 48-well microplates. The design incorporates a two-position carrier for ultra-fast transfer times, and the small overall footprint allows operation in biosafety cabinets. A rotational gripper enhances versatility in portrait or landscape orientation, while the unique lid gripping method minimizes exposure of the microplate’s contents during transfer. Finally, interchangeable plate storage stacks are available for throughput needs up to 30 lidded or 50 unlidded microplates with automated restacking.
Many of BioTek’s imagers, readers, washers and dispensers may be integrated with BioStack 4, which is directly controlled via the respective instrument’s integrated software. Additional BioStack models are available to suit a variety of automated workflow process requirements.
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Agilent BioTek BioStack Microplate Stacker
Agilent TechnologiesThe Agilent BioTek BioStack microplate stacker is a compact and versatile microplate stacker, compatible with Agilent BioTek washers, dispensers, plate readers, and imaging systems. The rapid plate exchange speeds deliver increased throughput and enhanced efficiency and greater productivity.
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MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Washing EquipmentWashing equipment is more convenient than ever before with automated systems, integrated and multi-application systems available. For instance microplate washers can be programmable, combined with reagents dispensers and used for applications such as ELISA, multiplex assays and PCR clean up.Microplate Readers / DetectorsMicroplate readers are used to automate the detection and analysis of labeled or label-free components in microplates during assays or live-cell monitoring. Microplate readers are generally distinguished by their mode of detection. Types include absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, TRF / FRET and multimode microplate readers. Microplate readers deliver a high throughput of samples by reading multiple wells simultaneously, with the 96-well format the most commonly used. As a result, microplate readers are often used in the drug discovery, bioassays, research and pharmaceutical industries for screening applications. Microplate loading can also be automated, with robotic microplate stackers to increase throughput. Find the best microplate readers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Microarray AnalysisMicroarrays, also known as biochips, are used for the detection and analysis of multiple genes, proteins, antibodies, or biomarkers on a single microchip. This can reveal information on protein or gene expression, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), copy number variation (CNV), epigenetics and patient health in clinical diagnostic tests. Discover a range of microarray scanners and prefabricated antibody, protein, RNA and DNA microarrays for your analysis or consider creating your own custom microarrays with a microarray printer. Find the best microarray products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.Software PlatformsSoftware platforms are useful for various stages of laboratory experiments from data collection to data storage and processing. For instance lab software is available for system control, data management, data analysis and qualification / validation.Plate ProcessingAutomated plate processing is used in microplate technologies for high-throughput, speed and efficiency. Plate processing systems include microplate handlers for moving plates, heat sealers, stackers and carousels for storage, retrieval and delivery, microplate washers and piercers. Useful features of plate processors include walk-away automation, compatibility and easy integration with microplate systems.Microplate StackerAutomationAutomation in laboratories and manufacturing processes enhances efficiency, precision, and scalability by reducing the need for manual intervention. It plays a critical role in improving productivity, minimizing human error, and accelerating workflows in fields like diagnostics, drug development, and industrial testing. Automation technologies include robotic systems, automated liquid handlers, and process control systems that streamline complex tasks and ensure consistent, reproducible results. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the best automation solutions, compare options, read user reviews, and get prices directly from manufacturers.Microplate WasherAssay DevelopmentThe process of proving an assay to be sensitive with respect to the target is known as assay development. The assay should be able to characterize novel compounds and measure the potency of these compounds against a validated biological target.Cell Based AssaysCell-based assays use living cells to measure biological responses to various treatments or stimuli. They are essential for drug discovery, toxicology testing, and understanding cellular mechanisms. These assays are used to assess cell viability, proliferation, gene expression, and other cellular activities. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best cell-based assay tools and reagents, compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Device Integration