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INTEGRA Liquid Handler Improves Genetic Replication & Screening

Product News Thursday, June 19, 2014: EngNet - Engineering Network

The Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes (IGDR), France reports on how, using a VIAFLO 96 handheld multichannel pipette from INTEGRA, they have been able to improve the efficiency and speed with which they replicate yeast strain collections and perform genetic screens in 96 well plates.

The Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes (www.igdr.univ-rennes1.fr) is one of the major biological research institutes in France. The objective of the IGDR is to develop research of excellence in areas including Genetics, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology. Employing 20 teams of scientists – current research interests at IGDR include investigations into cell polarity, cell cycle, signalisation, membrane trafficking, RNA stability, splicing, epigenetics, genetics and transcription. IGDR also study human pathologies like cancers, and genetics and orphan diseases.

Ewa Blaszczak, a PhD researcher at IGDR commented “We purchased the liquid handler from INTEGRA Biosciences nearly three years ago and are very pleased with it. We use it to replicate collections and yeast strains and to perform genetic screens in 96 well plates. Thanks to the speed and efficiency of the VIAFLO 96 we can, for instance, replicate a whole collection of 5784 yeast strains in less than one week". She added "Our VIAFLO 96 has proven to be a great liquid handling device not only because of the speed and efficiency but also for its practicality. Set up is simple and operation intuitive. You can set-up a repeat mixing and dispensing application as well as change the aspirated liquid volume at any time. Moreover, its compact size allows you to fit it easily into any almost any laboratory space. I would strongly recommend the VIAFLO 96 for any type of 96 or 384-well plate applications”.

The INTEGRA VIAFLO 96 is a handheld 96-channel electronic pipette that has struck a chord with scientists looking for fast, precise and easy simultaneous transfer of 96 samples from microplates without the cost of a fully automated system. The VIAFLO 96 was designed to handle just like a standard handheld pipette - a fact borne out by consistent end user feedback that no special skills or training are required to operate it. Users immediately benefit from the increased productivity delivered by their VIAFLO 96. Fast replication or reformatting of 96 and 384 well plates and high precision transferring of reagents, compounds and solutions to or from microplates with the VIAFLO 96 is as easy as pipetting with a standard electronic pipette into a single tube. Four pipetting heads with pipetting volumes up to 12.5 µl, 125 µl, 300 µl or 1250 µl are available for the VIAFLO 96. These pipetting heads are interchangeable within seconds enabling optimal matching of the available volume range to the application performed.

INTEGRA Biosciences is a leading provider of high-quality laboratory tools for liquid handling, media preparation, sterilization and cell cultivation. The company is committed to creating innovative solutions which fulfil the needs of its customers in research, diagnostics and quality control within the life science markets and medical industry. Today, INTEGRA innovative laboratory products are widely used all around the world. More than ninety distribution-partners form a worldwide sales network providing responsive and competent services to customers. These distribution partners are supported by a highly motivated and experienced team of specialists at the company headquarters in Zizers, Switzerland and Hudson, NH, USA.  INTEGRA is an ISO 9001 certified company.