The apricot S3 from SPT Labtech provides automated high-performance 96 and 384-channel pipetting, equally matched to low or high-throughput use. The interchangeable pipetting cores of the instrument enable scientists to choose the volume range based on the application without requiring any tools.
Image Credit: SPT Labtech
The intuitive interface via a Microsoft® Surface Pro Tablet, and EZ-Load tip technology integrated with completely automated X, Y, and Z drives, make remarkably simple and easy-to-use automated pipetting.
apricot S3 - Automated Liquid Handling & Pipetting
Video Credit: SPT Labtech
Exceptional versatility
The automated split-level plate elevators available for plate sampling allow scientists to increase or lower plate/reservoir to a programmable height. An exchangeable pipetting core offers the flexibility to select from a 96 or 384 core to identify the configuration most useful for a given application.
The user-friendly program serial dilution protocols allow access to each column in 24, 96, and 384 well plates or reservoirs with several sections.
Intuitive, user-friendly interface
The instrument has been easily and intuitively regulated via an easy touchscreen interface and needs less operator training. The WiFi-enabled tablet delivers extra adaptability and enables operation outside the fume hood.
Small footprint maximizes available space
The small design conserves valuable bench space and fits seamlessly into suitably sized hoods.
Simple loading and unloading of tips
The S3 uses apricot’s special EZ-Load disposable tips for easy, no-pressure loading without needing tools.
Seamless integration
The S3 gains from a readily available API to assist integration with other laboratory equipment, such as robotic arms, microplate stackers, and automation work cells.
Plate copy
Plate copy is considered one of the most complex manual pipetting tasks in any laboratory.
The apricot S3 offers quick and trustworthy pipetting with 96 or 384 channels concurrently to ease bottlenecks and enhance data quality compared to handheld pipetting solutions.
Applications:
- Biochemical assays
- Cell-based assays (such as media exchange)
- Compound management
- NGS protocols
apricot S3 Plate Copy
Video Credit: SPT Labtech
Serial dilution
Serial dilutions are laborious due to the significant number of transfer and mixing steps.
The method is susceptible to cumulative error build-up, which could be reduced via cautious standardization of the liquid handling steps in the serial dilution software function.
Automation helps users obtain highly precise and repeatable serial dilutions columns-wise pipetting utilizing strip tips consistent with the same instrument core used for complete plate transfers (extra heads or balancing inserts are needed).
Applications:
- ELISA assays
- Compound serial dilution
- Assay optimization
- Antibody screening
apricot S3 Serial Dilution
Video Credit: SPT Labtech
Plate filling and reagent addition
Single-column pipetting is ideal for quick reagent distribution throughout plates available for standardized and repeatable assays.
Strip tips reduce various pipette tips needed.
The tips are consistent with the same instrument and core utilized for full-plate transfers (extra heads or balancing inserts are required).
The tips are consistent with an extensive range of reagents reservoirs and source plates to fit a comprehensive range of application requirements.
Applications:
- NGS protocols
- Biochemical assays
- Cell-based assays
apricot S3 Plate Fill
Video Credit: SPT Labtech
Reformatting
Reformatting between 96- and 384-well plates are considered a simple method of saving valuable reagents and increasing throughput, but it is error-prone with manual pipettes as users have to pipette into the right quadrant of a high-density plate.
The apricot S3 features a completely automated y-movement on the deck for ideal reformatting between 96- and 384-well plates.
Applications:
- NGS protocols
- Sample management
- Biochemical assays
- Cell-based assays
apricot S3 Plate Reformat
Video Credit: SPT Labtech
Mixing
Mixing can be done with the help of 96 or 384 heads and is perfect for integrating reagents and samples in time-sensitive assays or mildly resuspending cells before plating.
All samples have been processed concurrently and equally (using the same well depth, piston speed, and various mix cycles) for reliable data and homogenous assay setup.
Applications:
- Biochemical assays
- NGS protocols
- Cell-based assays
apricot S3 Mix
Video Credit: SPT Labtech
Compatible labware
- SBS 24/96/384-well plates
- Racked tubes (24/96 well plate footprint)
- Deep well blocks available
- Comes with 96/384 PCR plates
Applications:
- Biochemical assays
- Compound management
- Cell-based assays available
- NGS, such as PCR/qPCR
User friendly software. Easy to do quick setup but also offers many different functions and options for more extensive assays. Reproducibility was very good in a time-saving manner. Instrument allows for mid to high throughput assays.”
Ian Hammond-Martel, Paraza Pharma
5/5 for easy to import, create or edit workflows/protocols. Our apricot works really well for NGS protocols. 5/5 for easy to calibrate and re-initialize. 5/5 for great after sales-care & customer services."
Stella Huang | R&D Scientist, seqWell
Amazing to see [the apricot] unboxed and contributing to more efficient NGS workflows on the same day! We’re all about that kind of turnaround…"
Sequencing Technologies Director, Day Zero Diagnostics
The apricot is a very efficient tool for us. We work with high-throughput 384-well low-volume plates that don't leave a lot of room for error when handling. Using the apricot for media changes and other aspects of cell culture cut down our wet lab time tremendously and make our treatments much more consistent than they would be by hand. The apricot is our most heavily used piece of equipment in our lab."
Jake Buford | Assistant Lab Manager, PhenoVista Biosciences
In the start of the pandemic PP5+1 saved the day! It is easy to create reproduce-able results. I created Covid extraction protocols with this instrument “6 PP5+1” paralleling the process allowing lab staff to easily run RNA extractions and get the same results every time. With the open platform it makes it intuitive to control the throughput. It can handle higher throughput or partial allowing us to keep one instrument for all our needs."
Samuel Gonzalez | Field Engineer, Pandemic Response Lab
The Apricot S3 delivered high level of precision and accuracy in pipetting when we had it for the demo, the %CV was around 1.5%. It's nice to have a instrument that can pipet 0.5 uL to 125 uL in one pipet tray, which greatly facilitates our workflow. It is very easy to use and methods are easily written. "
Zachary Nguyen | Principal Scientist, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research
Technical specification
| . |
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| Dispensing precision |
(96-1000) <3% CV at 10 µL
(96-500) <3% CV at 5 µL
(96/384-125) <3% CV at 1 µL |
Dispensing accuracy |
(96-1000) +/– 2% error at 10 µL
(96-500) +/–2 % error at 5 µL
(96/384-125) +/– 2% error at 1 µL |
| Volume |
(96) 500 µL, 1000 µL
(96/384) 125 µL
(96-1000) 5-1000 µL
(96-500) 1-500 µL
(96-125) 0.5-125 µL
(384-125) 0.5-125 µL |
Resolution |
(96-500/1000) 1 µL
(96/384-125) 0.1 µL |
| Power |
100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
Operating temperature |
50–100 °F
10–37.8 °C |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) |
457 mm x 406 mm x 584 mm
18" x 16" x 23" |
Weight |
Approx. 27 kg / 60 lbs |