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ECL`

ExperimentAcousticLiquidHandling

ExperimentAcousticLiquidHandling[Sources, Destinations, Volumes]⟹Protocol

generates a liquid transfer Protocol that will transfer Volumes of each of the Sources to Destinations using sound waves.

    
Acoustic liquid handling uses sound waves to disperse fluids in precise nanoliter increments from a source location to a destination without any physical contact. Inside an acoustic liquid handler, a transducer generates and applies a low-energy sound pulse to each source well and uses the reflected signal to determine the fluid volume. To begin dispersing the fluid, a higher energy pulse is focused at the meniscus in the source well, forming a mound on the fluid surface. A small additional amount of acoustic energy is then applied to the well, releasing a droplet that is propelled upward to a destination well in an inverted plate suspended above the source. Simultaneous movements of the transducer and the destination plate allow the samples to be transferred from a given source well to any destination well. Optionally, samples from different source wells can be pooled into the same destination well, creating multiple reagent combinations in a single plate. The ability to miniaturize critical assays by reducing sample and reagent volume requirements makes acoustic liquid handling extremely useful for genomic research, drug discovery, and X-ray crystallography.
    

Experimental Principles

    Figure 1.1: Procedural overview of acoustic liquid handling. Step 1: The acoustic liquid handler rapidly audits the SourcePlate by sending a short sound pulse to each source well and record the reflected signals or echos that propagate back to the transducer. These reflected signals are then used to determine the volume of the well fluid. In addition, the auditing function uses the amplitude characteristics of the echos to calculates the acoustic impedance of the well fluid. The acoustic impedance can then be used to determine the fluid properties, including the concentration of DMSO in DMSO-based samples, the concentration of glycerol (up to 50%) in glycerol-based samples, and the acoustic impedance of protein crystallography fluids. Step 2: A focused sound pulse is applied to the fluid meniscus in each source well to generate a small droplet of the sample which is propelled upward into a designated destination well. The acoustic liquid handler allows transfer from any source well to any destination well. Optionally, samples from different source wells can be pooled into the same well in the DestinationPlate. Given an appropriate transfer volume and DestinationPlate type, droplets from different samples can also be dispersed into the same destination well without them contacting each other. Step 3: Once the transfer is complete, a new DestinationPlate can be inserted to continue the transfer from the same SourcePlate. A different SourcePlate can also be inserted to allow transferring into the same DestinationPlate.

Instrumentation

    Labcyte Echo 650

    Figure 2.1: Instrument Schematic of the Labcyte Echo 650 Acoustic Liquid Handler. Left: the instrument takes a pre-loaded Echo Qualified polypropylene or low dead volume 384-well plate (384PP and 384LDV, respectively) as a source plate along with a destination plate (Qualified 384PP, 384LDV, SBS-compliant 96-well, or SBS-compliant 384-well plate). The auditing function of the instrument uses a low-energy sound pulse generated by a transducer to determine the volume and the composition of the fluid in each well. The coupling fluid acts as an interface between the transducer and the plate bottom to prevent premature reflection of the sound wave back into the transducer. When the sound wave travels across the interface between the plate bottom, the well bottom, and the meniscus, reflected signals or echos are generated and travel back to the transducer. The time difference between the meniscus echo and the well bottom echo is used to determine fluid height and calculate an approximate volume. Different types of fluid may create a unique echo amplitude which can be used to determine the composition of the fluid (inset). Right: After all source wells are audited, the transducer starts focusing a higher energy pulse to the meniscus of each well, causing a mound to form on the liquid surface. An additional amount of energy is then applied to eject a 2.5-nL droplet from the surface and propel it upward into the designated well of the inverted destination plate above the source plate. Surface tension captures and holds the droplet in the destination well. More droplets can be ejected to achieve a higher desired volume. The droplets are ejected at 200 - 500 drops per second, resulting in a transfer rate of 500 nL/sec (30 uL/min) to 1.25 uL/sec (75 uL/min). The Echo 650 allows sample transfer from any source well to any destination well (1), pooling of multiple samples into a single destination well (2), and sample transfer into a pre-loaded destination plate (3).

Experiment Options

    General

    Instrument

    The acoustic liquid handler that is used to transfer, aliquot, or consolidate the samples.
    Default Value: Model[Instrument, LiquidHandler, AcousticLiquidHandler, Labcyte Echo 650]
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, LiquidHandler, AcousticLiquidHandler] or Object[Instrument, LiquidHandler, AcousticLiquidHandler]
    Programmatic Pattern: ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, LiquidHandler, AcousticLiquidHandler], Object[Instrument, LiquidHandler, AcousticLiquidHandler]}]

    OptimizePrimitives

    Indicates that order of manipulations provided in the input liquid-handling primitives can be modified to be most efficient for the acoustic liquid handler executing the liquid transfers. Optimization will not modify the source(s), destination(s), and amount(s) of the primitives. OptimizeThroughput rearranges the manipulation sequence such that the overall throughput is maximized. SourcePlateCentric minimizes the number of times the source plates need to be changed in and out of the instrument during the course of transfer. DestinationPlateCentric minimizes the number of times the destination plates need to be changed in and out of the instrument during the course of transfer. PreserveTransferOrder leaves the original sequence of manipulations defined in the input primitives unchanged.
    Default Value: OptimizeThroughput
    Pattern Description: OptimizeThroughput, SourcePlateCentric, DestinationPlateCentric, or PreserveTransferOrder.
    Programmatic Pattern: AcousticLiquidHandlingOptimizationTypeP

    Pre-processing Measurement

    FluidAnalysisMeasurement

    Indicates if the Glycerol concentration, DMSO concentration, or Acoustic Impedance is measured from the source samples by an acoustic liquid handler. If Glycerol is selected the concentration of Glycerol in the sample will be measured as volume percent. If DMSO is selected the concentration of DMSO in the sample will be measured as volume percent. If AcousticImpedance is selected, the acoustic impedance of the sample will be measured in megaRayls.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically set based on the FluidTypeCalibration Option value and the solvent the composition of the sample.
    Pattern Description: Glycerol, DMSO, or AcousticImpedance.
    Programmatic Pattern: (Glycerol | DMSO | AcousticImpedance) | Automatic
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    Dispensing

    FluidTypeCalibration

    Indicates the calibration type for each input primitive to be used by the acoustic liquid handler. DMSO is recommended for reagents with 70 - 100% DMSO. Glycerol is recommended for reagents with up to 50% glycerol that may contain DNA or proteins. AqueousWithSurfactant is recommended for reagents with surfactants such as Triton X-100, Tween-20, or SDS. AqueousWithoutSurfactant is recommended for any liquid sample without surfactants.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically set to calibration based on the source plate's model and the composition of the sample.
    Pattern Description: DMSO, Glycerol, AqueousWithSurfactant, or AqueousWithoutSurfactant.
    Programmatic Pattern: AcousticLiquidHandlerCalibrationTypeP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    InWellSeparation

    Indicates how the droplets of different samples are transferred into the same destination well. If True, the droplets are targeted to be spatially separated to avoid mixing with each other until additional volume is added to the well.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically set based on the InWellSeparation Key in the input primitives if supplied by the user. Otherwise, will be set to False
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: experiment samples

    Post Experiment

    SamplesInStorageCondition

    The non-default conditions under which the SamplesIn of this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed. If left unset, SamplesIn will be stored according to their current StorageCondition.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (Alternatives[SampleStorageTypeP | Disposal]) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    SamplesOutStorageCondition

    The non-default conditions under which any new samples generated by this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed. If left unset, the new samples will be stored according to their Models' DefaultStorageCondition.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (Alternatives[SampleStorageTypeP | Disposal]) | Null

Sample Prep Options

    Aliquoting

    Aliquot

    Indicates if aliquots should be taken from the SamplesIn and transferred into new AliquotSamples used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment. Note that if NumberOfReplicates is specified this indicates that the input samples will also be aliquoted that number of times. Note that Aliquoting (if specified) occurs after any Sample Preparation (if specified).
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    AliquotAmount

    The amount of a sample that should be transferred from the input samples into aliquots.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container if a liquid, or the current Mass or Count if a solid or counted item, respectively.
    Pattern Description: All or Volume or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    TargetConcentration

    The desired final concentration of analyte in the AliquotSamples after dilution of aliquots of SamplesIn with the ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically calculated based on aliquot and buffer volumes.
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 molar or greater than 0 grams per liter or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((GreaterP[0*Molar] | GreaterP[0*(Gram/Liter)]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    TargetConcentrationAnalyte

    The substance whose final concentration is attained with the TargetConcentration option.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set to the first value in the Analytes field of the input sample, or, if not populated, to the first analyte in the Composition field of the input sample, or if none exist, the first identity model of any kind in the Composition field.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Molecule], Model[Molecule, cDNA], Model[Molecule, Oligomer], Model[Molecule, Transcript], Model[Molecule, Protein], Model[Molecule, Protein, Antibody], Model[Molecule, Carbohydrate], Model[Molecule, Polymer], Model[Resin], Model[Resin, SolidPhaseSupport], Model[Lysate], Model[ProprietaryFormulation], Model[Virus], Model[Cell], Model[Cell, Mammalian], Model[Cell, Bacteria], Model[Cell, Yeast], Model[Tissue], Model[Material], or Model[Species] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[IdentityModelTypes] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    AssayVolume

    The desired total volume of the aliquoted sample plus dilution buffer.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically determined based on Volume and TargetConcentration option values.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    ConcentratedBuffer

    The concentrated buffer which should be diluted by the BufferDilutionFactor with the BufferDiluent; the diluted version of the ConcentratedBuffer will then be added to any aliquot samples that require dilution, where the volume of this buffer added is the difference between the AliquotVolume and the total AssayVolume.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Sample], Object[Sample]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    BufferDilutionFactor

    The dilution factor by which the concentrated buffer should be diluted by the BufferDiluent; the diluted version of the ConcentratedBuffer will then be added to any aliquot samples that require dilution, where the volume of this buffer added is the difference between the AliquotVolume and the total AssayVolume.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to 1 if ConcentratedBuffer is specified; otherwise, resolves to Null.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 in increments of 1 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    BufferDiluent

    The buffer used to dilute the concentration of the ConcentratedBuffer by BufferDilutionFactor; the diluted version of the ConcentratedBuffer will then be added to any aliquot samples that require dilution, where the volume of this buffer added is the difference between the AliquotVolume and the total AssayVolume.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"] if ConcentratedBuffer is specified; otherwise, resolves to Null.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Sample], Object[Sample]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    AssayBuffer

    The buffer that should be added to any aliquots requiring dilution, where the volume of this buffer added is the difference between the AliquotVolume and the total AssayVolume.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"] if ConcentratedBuffer is not specified; otherwise, resolves to Null.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Sample], Object[Sample]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    AliquotSampleStorageCondition

    The non-default conditions under which any aliquot samples generated by this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((SampleStorageTypeP | Disposal) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    DestinationWell

    The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
    Pattern Description: List of one or more Automatic or Null or must be any well from A1 to P24 entries or must be any well from A1 to P24 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((WellPositionP | {(WellPositionP | (Automatic | Null))..}) | Automatic) | Null

    AliquotContainer

    The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the aliquot samples, with indices indicating grouping of samples in the same plates, if desired. This option will resolve to be Model[Container, Plate, "384-well Polypropylene Echo Qualified Plate"] if the Source Samples are required to be aliquoted.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as Model[Container, Plate, "384-well Polypropylene Echo Qualified Plate"]. For plates, attempts to fill all wells of a single plate with the same model before aliquoting into the next.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container, Plate, id:01G6nvwNDARA], Model[Container, Plate, id:7X104vn56dLX], or Object[Container, Plate] or a prepared sample or Automatic or Null or {Index, Container} or list of one or more an object of type or subtype Model[Container, Plate, id:01G6nvwNDARA], Model[Container, Plate, id:7X104vn56dLX], or Object[Container, Plate] or a prepared sample or Automatic or Null entries or list of one or more Automatic or Null or {Index, Container} entries.
    Programmatic Pattern: (((ObjectP[Flatten[{PreferredContainer[All, Type -> All, AcousticLiquidHandlerCompatible -> True], Object[Container, Plate]}]] | _String) | (Automatic | Null) | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[Flatten[{PreferredContainer[All, Type -> All, AcousticLiquidHandlerCompatible -> True], Object[Container, Plate]}]] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)} | {((ObjectP[Flatten[{PreferredContainer[All, Type -> All, AcousticLiquidHandlerCompatible -> True], Object[Container, Plate]}]] | _String) | (Automatic | Null))..} | {({GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[Flatten[{PreferredContainer[All, Type -> All, AcousticLiquidHandlerCompatible -> True], Object[Container, Plate]}]] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)} | (Automatic | Null))..}) | Automatic) | Null

    AliquotPreparation

    Indicates the desired scale at which liquid handling used to generate aliquots will occur.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatic resolution will occur based on manipulation volumes and container types.
    Pattern Description: Manual or Robotic or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (PreparationMethodP | Automatic) | Null

    ConsolidateAliquots

    Indicates if identical aliquots should be prepared in the same container/position.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null

    Preparatory Incubation

    Incubate

    Indicates if the SamplesIn should be incubated at a fixed temperature prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Incubation options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    IncubationTemperature

    Temperature at which the SamplesIn should be incubated for the duration of the IncubationTime prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Ambient or greater than or equal to -20 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 500 degrees Celsius or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((Ambient | RangeP[$MinIncubationTemperature, $MaxIncubationTemperature]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    IncubationTime

    Duration for which SamplesIn should be incubated at the IncubationTemperature, prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 minute and less than or equal to 72 hours or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1*Minute, $MaxExperimentTime] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    Mix

    Indicates if this sample should be mixed while incubated, prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to True if any Mix related options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    MixType

    Indicates the style of motion used to mix the sample, prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on the container of the sample and the Mix option.
    Pattern Description: Roll, Vortex, Sonicate, Pipette, Invert, Stir, Shake, Homogenize, Swirl, Disrupt, or Nutate or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (MixTypeP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    MixUntilDissolved

    Indicates if the mix should be continued up to the MaxIncubationTime or MaxNumberOfMixes (chosen according to the mix Type), in an attempt dissolve any solute. Any mixing/incubation will occur prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to True if MaxIncubationTime or MaxNumberOfMixes is set.
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    MaxIncubationTime

    Maximum duration of time for which the samples will be mixed while incubated in an attempt to dissolve any solute, if the MixUntilDissolved option is chosen. This occurs prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on MixType, MixUntilDissolved, and the container of the given sample.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 minute and less than or equal to 72 hours or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1*Minute, $MaxExperimentTime] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    IncubationInstrument

    The instrument used to perform the Mix and/or Incubation, prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on the options Mix, Temperature, MixType and container of the sample.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, Roller], Model[Instrument, OverheadStirrer], Model[Instrument, Vortex], Model[Instrument, Shaker], Model[Instrument, BottleRoller], Model[Instrument, Roller], Model[Instrument, Sonicator], Model[Instrument, HeatBlock], Model[Instrument, Homogenizer], Model[Instrument, Disruptor], Model[Instrument, Nutator], Model[Instrument, Thermocycler], Model[Instrument, EnvironmentalChamber], Model[Instrument, Pipette], Object[Instrument, Roller], Object[Instrument, OverheadStirrer], Object[Instrument, Vortex], Object[Instrument, Shaker], Object[Instrument, BottleRoller], Object[Instrument, Roller], Object[Instrument, Sonicator], Object[Instrument, HeatBlock], Object[Instrument, Homogenizer], Object[Instrument, Disruptor], Object[Instrument, Nutator], Object[Instrument, Thermocycler], Object[Instrument, EnvironmentalChamber], or Object[Instrument, Pipette] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[Join[MixInstrumentModels, MixInstrumentObjects]] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    AnnealingTime

    Minimum duration for which the SamplesIn should remain in the incubator allowing the system to settle to room temperature after the IncubationTime has passed but prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 minutes and less than or equal to 72 hours or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[0*Minute, $MaxExperimentTime] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    IncubateAliquotContainer

    The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the incubation samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or {Index, Container} or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)}) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    IncubateAliquotDestinationWell

    The desired position in the corresponding IncubateAliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
    Pattern Description: IncubateAliquotDestinationWell be any well from A1 to P24 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (WellPositionP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    IncubateAliquot

    The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the IncubateAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before incubation.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
    Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    Preparatory Centrifugation

    Centrifuge

    Indicates if the SamplesIn should be centrifuged prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Centrifuge options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    CentrifugeInstrument

    The centrifuge that will be used to spin the provided samples prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, Centrifuge] or Object[Instrument, Centrifuge] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge]}] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    CentrifugeIntensity

    The rotational speed or the force that will be applied to the samples by centrifugation prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 revolutions per minute or greater than 0 standard accelerations due to gravity on the surface of the earth or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((GreaterP[0*RPM] | GreaterP[0*GravitationalAcceleration]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    CentrifugeTime

    The amount of time for which the SamplesIn should be centrifuged prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 minutes or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (GreaterP[0*Minute] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    CentrifugeTemperature

    The temperature at which the centrifuge chamber should be held while the samples are being centrifuged prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: Ambient or greater than or equal to -10 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 40 degrees Celsius or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((Ambient | RangeP[-10*Celsius, 40*Celsius]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    CentrifugeAliquotContainer

    The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the centrifuge samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or {Index, Container} or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)}) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    CentrifugeAliquotDestinationWell

    The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
    Pattern Description: CentrifugeAliquotDestinationWell be any well from A1 to P24 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (WellPositionP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    CentrifugeAliquot

    The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the CentrifugeAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before centrifugation.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
    Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    Preparatory Filtering

    Filtration

    Indicates if the SamplesIn should be filter prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Filter options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
    Pattern Description: True or False.
    Programmatic Pattern: BooleanP | Automatic
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FiltrationType

    The type of filtration method that should be used to perform the filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to a filtration type appropriate for the volume of sample being filtered.
    Pattern Description: PeristalticPump, Centrifuge, Vacuum, Syringe, or AirPressure or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FiltrationTypeP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterInstrument

    The instrument that should be used to perform the filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolved to an instrument appropriate for the filtration type.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock], Model[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Object[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Model[Instrument, VacuumPump], Object[Instrument, VacuumPump], Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge], Model[Instrument, SyringePump], or Object[Instrument, SyringePump] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock], Model[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Object[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Model[Instrument, VacuumPump], Object[Instrument, VacuumPump], Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge], Model[Instrument, SyringePump], Object[Instrument, SyringePump]}] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    Filter

    The filter that should be used to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to a filter appropriate for the filtration type and instrument.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container, Plate, Filter], Model[Container, Vessel, Filter], or Model[Item, Filter] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Container, Plate, Filter], Model[Container, Vessel, Filter], Model[Item, Filter]}] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterMaterial

    The membrane material of the filter that should be used to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to an appropriate filter material for the given sample is Filtration is set to True.
    Pattern Description: Cellulose, Cotton, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PTFE, Nylon, PES, PLUS, PVDF, GlassFiber, GHP, UHMWPE, EPDM, DuraporePVDF, GxF, ZebaDesaltingResin, NickelResin, AgaroseResin, CobaltResin, Silica, HLB, or AnoporeAlumina or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FilterMembraneMaterialP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    PrefilterMaterial

    The material from which the prefilter filtration membrane should be made of to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: By default, no prefiltration is performed on samples, even when Filter->True.
    Pattern Description: Cellulose, Cotton, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PTFE, Nylon, PES, PLUS, PVDF, GlassFiber, GHP, UHMWPE, EPDM, DuraporePVDF, GxF, ZebaDesaltingResin, NickelResin, AgaroseResin, CobaltResin, Silica, HLB, or AnoporeAlumina or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FilterMembraneMaterialP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterPoreSize

    The pore size of the filter that should be used when removing impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to an appropriate filter pore size for the given sample is Filtration is set to True.
    Pattern Description: 0.008 micrometers, 0.02 micrometers, 0.1 micrometers, 0.2 micrometers, 0.22 micrometers, 0.45 micrometers, 1. micrometer, 1.1 micrometers, 2.5 micrometers, 6. micrometers, 20. micrometers, 30. micrometers, or 100. micrometers or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FilterSizeP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    PrefilterPoreSize

    The pore size of the filter; all particles larger than this should be removed during the filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: By default, no prefiltration is performed on samples, even when Filter->True.
    Pattern Description: 0.008 micrometers, 0.02 micrometers, 0.1 micrometers, 0.2 micrometers, 0.22 micrometers, 0.45 micrometers, 1. micrometer, 1.1 micrometers, 2.5 micrometers, 6. micrometers, 20. micrometers, 30. micrometers, or 100. micrometers or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (FilterSizeP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterSyringe

    The syringe used to force that sample through a filter.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolves to an syringe appropriate to the volume of sample being filtered, if Filtration is set to True.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container, Syringe] or Object[Container, Syringe] or a prepared sample or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Container, Syringe], Object[Container, Syringe]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterHousing

    The filter housing that should be used to hold the filter membrane when filtration is performed using a standalone filter membrane.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolve to an housing capable of holding the size of the membrane being used, if filter with Membrane FilterType is being used and Filtration is set to True.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, FilterHousing], Object[Instrument, FilterHousing], Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], or Object[Instrument, FilterBlock] or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, FilterHousing], Object[Instrument, FilterHousing], Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock]}] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterIntensity

    The rotational speed or force at which the samples will be centrifuged during filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 2000 GravitationalAcceleration if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 revolutions per minute or greater than 0 standard accelerations due to gravity on the surface of the earth or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((GreaterP[0*RPM] | GreaterP[0*GravitationalAcceleration]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterTime

    The amount of time for which the samples will be centrifuged during filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 5 Minute if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
    Pattern Description: Greater than 0 minutes or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (GreaterP[0*Minute] | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterTemperature

    The temperature at which the centrifuge chamber will be held while the samples are being centrifuged during filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 22 Celsius if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
    Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 4 degrees Celsius or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((Alternatives[GreaterEqualP[4*Celsius]]) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterContainerOut

    The desired container filtered samples should be produced in or transferred into by the end of filtration, with indices indicating grouping of samples in the same plates, if desired.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the PreferredContainer for the Volume of the sample. For plates, attempts to fill all wells of a single plate with the same model before using another one.
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or Object[Container] or a prepared sample or {Index, Container} or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (((ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | Automatic, (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterAliquotDestinationWell

    The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
    Pattern Description: FilterAliquotDestinationWell be any well from A1 to P24 or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (WellPositionP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterAliquotContainer

    The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the filter samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or {Index, Container} or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)}) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterAliquot

    The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the FilterAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before filtration.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
    Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | All) | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    FilterSterile

    Indicates if the filtration of the samples should be done in a sterile environment.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Default Calculation: Resolve to False if Filtration is indicated. If sterile filtration is desired, this option must manually be set to True.
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null
    Index Matches to: SamplesIn

    Sample Preparation

    PreparatoryUnitOperations

    Specifies a sequence of transferring, aliquoting, consolidating, or mixing of new or existing samples before the main experiment. These prepared samples can be used in the main experiment by referencing their defined name. For more information, please reference the documentation for ExperimentSamplePreparation.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: List of one or more unit Operation ManualSamplePreparation or RoboticSamplePreparation or unit Operation must match SamplePreparationP entries or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: {((ManualSamplePreparationMethodP | RoboticSamplePreparationMethodP) | SamplePreparationP)..} | Null

Protocol Options

    Post Experiment

    MeasureVolume

    Indicates if any liquid samples that are modified in the course of the experiment should have their volumes measured and updated after running the experiment. Please note that public samples are volume measured regardless of the value of this option.
    Default Value: False
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (Null | BooleanP) | Null

    ImageSample

    Indicates if any samples that are modified in the course of the experiment should be freshly imaged after running the experiment. Please note that public samples are imaged regardless of the value of this option.
    Default Value: Automatic
    Pattern Description: True or False or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (BooleanP | Automatic) | Null

    Organizational Information

    Template

    A template protocol whose methodology should be reproduced in running this experiment. Option values will be inherited from the template protocol, but can be individually overridden by directly specifying values for those options to this Experiment function.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Object[Protocol] or an object of type or subtype of Object[Protocol] with UnresolvedOptions, ResolvedOptions specified or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[Object[Protocol]] | FieldReferenceP[Object[Protocol], {UnresolvedOptions, ResolvedOptions}]) | Null

    Name

    A object name which should be used to refer to the output object in lieu of an automatically generated ID number.
    Default Value: Null
    Pattern Description: A string or Null.
    Programmatic Pattern: _String | Null

Example Calls

    Transfer liquid samples

    To transfer a specific volume of a sample into a new container:

    Aliquot liquid samples

    To aliquot specific volumes of a sample into multiple wells in a single destination container:
    To aliquot specific volumes of a sample into multiple wells in multiple destination containers:

    Consolidate liquid samples

    To consolidate specific volumes of multiple samples into a single well in a destination container:

Preferred Input Containers

    The Acoustic Liquid Handler supports transfers of samples that are in 384-well Echo Qualified plates. If samples are not in compatible containers, they will be automatically aliquoted into an appropriate container.

Warnings and Errors

    Messages  (30)

    AliquotContainerOccupied  (1)

    If the AliquotContainer option is specified as a plate object, the plate must be empty:

    AmountOutOfRange  (1)

    The Amount defined in the input primitives must be withing the volume range supported by the instrument:

    CalibrationAndMeasurementTypeMismatch  (1)

    The options FluidTypeCalibration and FluidAnalysisMeasurement cannot conflict each other:

    ContainerWithNonInputSamples  (1)

    Throws a warning message if source container has non-input samples:

    DeprecatedDestinationContainerModel  (1)

    Destination containers whose models are deprecated cannot be provided:

    DeprecatedSourceModels  (1)

    Source samples whose models are deprecated cannot be provided:

    DiscardedDestinationContainer  (1)

    Destination containers that are discarded cannot be provided:

    DiscardedSourceSamples  (1)

    Source samples that are discarded cannot be provided:

    FluidAnalysisMeasurementMismatch  (1)

    It is recommended that FluidAnalysisMeasurement be set to a value not intended for the composition of samples:

    FluidTypeCalibrationMismatch  (1)

    It is recommended that FluidTypeCalibration be set to a value not intended for the composition of samples:

    GlycerolConcentrationTooHigh  (1)

    If the samples contain glycerol, the concentration cannot exceed 50 VolumePercent:

    IncompatibleDestinationContainer  (1)

    Destination containers whose models are incompatible with an acoustic liquid handler cannot be provided:

    IncompatibleSourceContainer  (1)

    Source samples are required to be in a container compatible with an acoustic liquid handling:

    InputLengthMismatch  (1)

    The length of Amounts Key values defined in input primitives much match the length of Sources in Aliquot primitive and Destinations in Consolidation primitive:

    InsufficientSourceVolume  (1)

    The source samples with insufficient volume to satisfy all manipulations cannot be provided:

    InvalidDestinationWellAcousticLiquidHandling  (1)

    Destination Wells that are not in the AllowedPositions of the container cannot be provided:

    InvalidFluidAnalysisMeasurement  (1)

    FluidAnalysisMeasurement cannot be set to Glycerol when a low-dead-volume plate is used:

    InvalidFluidTypeCalibration  (1)

    FluidTypeCalibration cannot be set to Glycerol when a low-dead-volume plate is used:

    InvalidInWellSeparationOption  (1)

    The InWellSeparation Option cannot be set to True when physical separation of droplets in the destination well is not possible to achieve:

    MissingLabwareDefinitionFields  (1)

    Destination containers whose models are missing required Fields for creating labware definition cannot be provided:

    MultipleDestinationContainerModels  (1)

    All destination containers must have the same model:

    MultipleSourceContainerModels  (1)

    All source containers must have the same model:

    NonLiquidSourceSamples  (1)

    Source samples whose states are not liquid cannot be provided:

    ObjectDoesNotExist  (2)

    Throws an error and fails cleanly if an object is specified in the unit operations that does not exist (ID form):

    Throws an error and fails cleanly if an object is specified in the unit operations that does not exist (name form):

    OverFilledDestinationVolume  (1)

    Destination Wells cannot be over-filled:

    PrimitivesWithContainerlessSamples  (1)

    Source samples are required to be in a container:

    SamePlateTransfer  (1)

    Transfer between wells in the same container is not supported by ExperimentAcousticLiquidHandling:

    TotalAliquotVolumeTooLarge  (1)

    If the Aliquot option is True, the sample must have enough volume to be aliquoted:

    UnsafeDestinationVolume  (1)

    Destination containers with volumes that may spill during manipulation cannot be provided:

Possible Issues

    Dispensing dead volumes

    It is recommended that sample volumes be at least 1μL greater than the dead volumes (MinVolume) of the source plate to avoid unsuccessful droplet ejection.

    Inconsistent or unsuccessful droplet ejection

    Samples with high glycerol content may prevent liquid droplets from being formed precisely from the surface of the source samples. ExperimentAcousticLiquidHandling checks the glycerol composition of each samples and does not allow samples with higher than 50% glycerol to be transferred.

    Sample evaporation

    Sample evaporation may occur when transferring extremely small volumes into an empty destination plate or when handling samples DMSO concentration higher than 80%.
Last modified on Fri 5 Sep 2025 20:48:40

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