Most lab environments will include the use of pipette products and they remain one of the most widely used pieces of equipment. This product is used as a device of moving fluids from one place to another. Most labs around the workd use these products and they are often a vital component of any chemical, bitoech, medical or life sciences lab.
The available pipette systems have been used for several decades and they gone through a similar advanced procedure of development that we have seen in other laboratory equipment. This technology has evolved to offer us greater control, lighter products, ergonomic designs and basically much more precise methods of transferring laboratory fluids – all with greater reliability.
Simple plastic lab pipettes are still in use, however advances in technology and design has also offered us some complex systems that can offer the precision required for many different liquid handling tasks in the lab. They include manual and automated versions and the latter are used to make up the sophisticated laboratory automation solutions you see in many labs.
Pipette products come in many shapes and sizes – mainly made out of a poly material. The sterile pipettes are also available and these are usually wrapped individually. Another type of pipette is the glass pipettes, which are necessary for more precise pipetting of fluids such as cultures and pcr reagents. These particualr pipettes can be made of materials like pyrex, so an autocalve or sterilising product can ensure a sterile environment without being concerned about volume changes in the pipette.
Nowadays there is certainly more than one type of pipette product on hand to help scientific research and general use on the lab. Plastic pipette products will always have their place in the mix as will the more sophisticated automated pipette systems used in the more complex lab set ups.
Bio-technical and pharmacological labs need a more precise method of measurement and movement of fluids. These are offered to us by virtue of the automatic pipetting systems that feature a diaphragm to assist in the aspiration and the delivery is accomplished by
computer-controlled movement. This means that the pipette does not necessarily need such a firm grip or steady hand as it used to.
Of course, the hand held versions are also widely used today with the plastic throw away models offering a lower cost alternative but still giving good results. However, for those areas where we
need more control and more precision, there are countless offerings. These include the life sciences market where there are now products that can automate media changes, cytotoxicity, cell seeding, apoptosis and cell-based assays, as well as hazardous substances in a more controlled environment.
Now we have many choices – from the disposable pipette products to the grand fully automated products. These associated processes would have taken hours to accomplish ten years ago, but they can now be smoothly and efficiently carried out in minimal time by automated pipettors. If we need precise delivery of liquids and fluids, they offer us a solution where and when it is required.
It is clear that these pipette systems and products have developed massively over the last few decades. As there was a need for more accurate dispensing, new systems and products were introduced into the market.
What type of changes and improvements to pipette based systems do we have to look forward to in the future?
