Tools for Zinsser Automated Platforms

Imaging

High-performance cameras can be installed and integrated onto the deck of Zinsser liquid handling automation platforms. These cameras can then be used to take images of various labware. There are a number of potential applications.

• Store images of crystals for automated crystallization applications.
• Store images of vials or wells for the purpose of determining the success of sample dissolution steps. Good dissolution results will produce a clear liquid, while bad dissolution might show particles (undissolved solids) or unwanted color.
• Store images of sample material, such as plants or insects.

 

These images can be stored onto the computer along with the related sample location and data for future reference. Or, if desired, more advanced image recognition software can be used to provide interactive control of the robot methods based on image results. For example, in a compound dissolution system, if the software determines that the solid material has not been fully dissolved the system can be directed to take more aggressive dissolving steps such as vortexing or sonication. This means that for the majority of samples that fully dissolve with simple pipetting mixing with the probes no unnecessary processing steps (which take extra time and might damage the samples) are required, while at the same time offering the ability to automatically get "difficult" solids into solution.

To assist the imaging process, light boxes are integrated onto the liquid handler deck, and special racks are used which allow the light to shine through the bottom of the labware.

CCD Camera mounted on robot gripper passes over vials installed on a rack over a light box:

Rail-mounted camera can access a row of 8 vials:

Camera with light from above for imaging plants, for pesticide/herbicide testing:

Typical image of a well plate showing undissolved solid material:

Typical image of a special crystallization plate showing polymorph crystals:

Zinsser automated liquid handling platforms are unique on the market because of the selection of high-performance tools that can be installed on the deck. The ability to select from this list of tools allows the user to configure a system that will fully automate the required application, whether it requires liquid handling, powder handling, weighing, heating, cooling, vortexing, pressurization, vacuum, or almost anything that can be imagined.

Please contact us for more information about this tool or any other tools you are interested in.