Aurora Biomed Inc. offers the VERSA automated PCR Set-up workstation, a pipetting workstation for high throughput and low volume applications. When processing a large number of PCR reactions, the system is configured to provide high levels of reliability and standardization by eliminating repetitive reaction setup, liquid handling tasks and variations due to handling errors. Highly reproducible PCR amplifications can thus be achieved with no detectable cross-contamination at reaction volumes as low as 1µL.

Applications	VERSA Mini PCR Flyer  pdf 1.18MB
• Single and multiplex PCR Set-up • Real time PCR • Sequencing reaction set-up and clean-up • PCR Clean-up • Restriction Digestion Set-up
Features
• High throughput, 1000 PCR reaction set-up/day • High speed, accurate, contact-free delivery • True aspirate and dispense capability • User friendly software interface • Hands-free process • Micro-fuge tubes, 96 and 384-well compatible • Normal volume to low (1µL) reaction volumes

Performance Details

• Customized semi-automated high-throughput applications in micro-fuge tubes and 96-well formats for a wide range      of sample types.
• Reproducible results between experiments through standardized sample preparation and reaction setup.
• Fast startup with optimized protocols for various PCR setup conditions.
• Now compatible with carousel-based thermocyclers

view PCR application video

For more information on the PCR carousel workstation, contact us at info@aurora-instr.com.com

Software Interface

VERSAware PCR Set-up software has been designed specifically for the preparation of PCR reactions. It can perform most common pipetting routines including master-mix preparation, reagent additions, plate-to-plate primer / DNA transfers. The software can be upgraded as new modules are developed specifically for other applications.

The VERSA Mini PCR Setup is a small, automated liquid handling workstation designed to perform virtually every task for setting up PCR reactions, and more!

Whether processing a small batch or up to a thousand PCR reactions a day, this system can automate the procedure with high precision, throughput and accuracy. This workstation can conserve expensive reagents, completely eliminate concerns associated with volumetric variations caused by handling errors, as well as remove all repetitive pipetting protocols.

VERSA Mini PCR Carousel Flyer 
pdf 1.18MB

The VERSA Mini is extremely easy to use and is configured to automatically prepare PCR master mixes, add DNA/RNA templates and load samples into reaction plates/capillary tube carousels. While the system and software have been designed for applications revolving around PCR reaction setups, the unit is capable of performing generic liquid handling tasks; such as: serial dilution, cherry picking, plate reformatting, plate replication and array printing.

Features (PCR Setup)

• Throughput for setting up 1000 PCR reactions/day
• User friendly software interface
• Micro-fuge tubes, 96 - and 384 plate, capillary tube
holder carousel formats
• Liquid level sensing capabilities (optional)

Features (General Liquid Handling)

• Controlled sample mixing
• Tip changer
• Integrated time controlled liquid handling
• Optional shaker and plate-transporter
• Interchangable deck positions

Applications

• Single and multiplex PCR reaction setup
• Real-time PCR reaction setup
• Sequencing reaction setup
• DNA\RNA isolation
• Genomic library screening
• PCR clean-up
• Colony PCR screening
• Master-mix preparation
• Cherry picking and reagent pooling
• Serial and parallel dilution
• Plate reformatting

System Configuration

Workstation:
With one robotic arm and a dual single-channel SyringePipettor module, the system can generate a series of PCR reaction setups ranging in volume from 1µL to 1000µL (uses 10µL, 20µL, 200µL & 1000µL tips).

Speed:
Reaction setup time for one 96-well reaction plate is 30 minutes.

Cross-contamination:
• Integrated tip changer and autoclaveable tubes and parts reduce cross-contamination issues. The capability of    using filter-tips / barrier tips for all pipetting applications ensures 'zero' cross-contamination.
• UV\HEPA Hood is optional

Instrument Integration:
This VERSA workstation can be easily integrated with complimentary accessories such as orbital shakers, incubators, micro plate readers, heat blocks and others.

Specifications

The VERSA Mini Liquid-Liquid Extraction workstation is a small, automated liquid handling workstation designed to perform liquid-liquid extraction, from sample addition to organic phase removal, with high precision, throughput and accuracy.

With a built-in temperature-controlled reservoir for solvents and a shaking block for sample mixing, the VERSA Liquid-Liquid Extraction can automate procedures to partition samples for downstream applications. This workstation can conserve expensive reagents, eliminate concerns associated with volumetric variations caused by handling errors, as well as handle all repetitive pipetting protocols.

VERSA Mini Liquid-liquid Flyer 
pdf 485KB

The VERSA Mini Liquid-Liquid Extraction workstation and software have been specifically designed to perform most common liquid- liquid extraction protocols. In addition, this system offers the flexibility and ease of use to allow researchers to customize their own extraction applications.

While the system and software have been designed for applications revolving around liquid-liquid extraction (partition chromotagraphy) the unit is capable of performing many generic liquid handling tasks; such as: serial dilution, cherry picking, plate reformatting and plate replication.

Features (Liquid-Liquid Extraction)

• Programmable tip height adjustment for organic phase aspiration
• Powerful shaker for mixing organic solvent and sample
• Unique TripleHead liquid handling module with SyringePipettor and dual channel ReagentDrop
    for all extraction steps
• Reservoir for holding large volumes of extraction solvent
• User friendly software interface
• Nitrogen manifold option
• Plate heating block option

Features (General Liquid Handling)

• Tip changer
• Tubes, vials, capillaries, micro-fuge tubes, 96-well standard and deep-well plates
• Controlled sample mixing
• Integrated time controlled liquid handling

Applications

• Liquid-liquid extraction
• Other partition chromotography
• Cherry picking and reagent pooling
• Serial and parallel dilution
• Plate reformatting

Software & Deck

VERSAware Mini Liquid-Liquid Extraction software has been designed specifically for liquid-liquid extraction (partition chromatography) protocols.

It can perform the most common extraction routines including sample addition, aqueous and organic extraction solvent addition, mixing of samples, removal of the organic phase, and transfer to a target vial. This software is also capable of general liquid handling procedures.

The deck configurations shown are a general representation for setting up and running liquid-liquid extraction protocols. Additional labware maybe required depending on the setup and the individual method being performed.

Specifications

The VERSA Mini NAP/PCR Setup is a small, automated liquid handling workstation designed to perform virtually every task for nucleic acid preparation with high precision, throughput and accuracy.

With built-in shaker, temperature control, and optional magnetic block and vacuum manifold, the VERSA Mini NAP/PCR Setup can isolate nucleic acids and prepare nucleic acid samples for PCR. This workstation can conserve expensive reagents, eliminate concerns associated with volumetric variations caused by handling errors, as well as handle repetitive pipetting protocols.

VERSA Mini NAP/PCR Flyer 
pdf 1.2MB

The VERSA Mini NAP/PCR Setup workstation and software have been specifically designed to easily automate commercially-available extraction kits (magnetic bead and vacuum manifold techniques) and industry recognized protocols. Moreover, it provides customization solutions for researchers interested in creating their own nucleic acid preparation protocols.

In addition to nucleic acid and PCR preparation applications, this system can also be programmed to carry out general liquid- handling tasks, such as: serial dilution, cherry picking, plate reformatting and plate replication.

System Configuration

The Workstation:

With one robotic arm, equipped with a single channel dual SyringePipettor and two-channel ReagentDrop, and a plate transporter, this system can generate nucleic acid isolations and series of PCR reaction setups ranging in volumes from 1µL to 1000µL.

Instrument Integration:

This VERSA workstation can be easily integrated with complimentary accessories such as incubators, micro plate readers, thermocyclers, and others.

Software & Deck Layout for Nucleic Acid Preparation

VERSAware Mini NAP/PCR Setup software is easily programmable for the preparation of nucleic acid samples. It can be customized to isolate DNA/RNA, prepare PCR master mixes, add nucleic acid templates, move plates from temperature control block to magnetic blocks, and load samples into PCR plates and strips.

The deck configurations shown are a general representation for setting up reactions for nucleic acid preparation using commercially available kits. Additional labware may be required depending on the setup and the individual method being performed.

Specifications:

The VERSA GENE workstation is designed to automate nucleic acid extraction and PCR set up for end point or real time PCR. Offering high precision, accuracy and throughput, this system is capable of complete workup of RNA or DNA samples from extraction to preparation of the PCR plate for a thermocycle.

The specially-designed multi-channel head, consisting of switchable 8-channel and single channel operation with 5 channel reagent addition, allows for fast, accurate, and precise pipetting for mastermix preparation, dilution series for real-time PCR and sample addition. Combined with a range of build-in modules, the VERSA GENE workstations allows for all-in-one automation of RNA and DNA sample preparation.

VERSA Mini GENE Flyer 
pdf 496KB

The VERSA GENE is the perfect system for nucleic acid preparation that can be used in a wide range of research areas. From disease control (avian flu, SARS, HIV) to forensics (DNA fingerprinting) to molecular pathology (cancer, genetic susceptibility), this system offers higher throughpu for sample preparation, reduces reagent costs, minimizes sample volumes, eliminates concerns associated with handling errors, and handles repetitive pipetting protocols while allowing walk-away control.

While this system has been designed specifically for extraction and isolation of nucleic acids, it is capable of performing a variety of other genomic, proteomic, and general liquid handling tasks; such as: PCR set up, gene synthesis from oligonucleotides, serial dilution schemes, cherry picking, plate reformatting, and plate replication.

Features:

• 96 well format microplate or fully automated column format
• Compatible with most commercial available kits
• VERSA GENE Multi-channel head, including:
• 8 channel SyringePipettor (one channel can be used independently for mastermix preparation,
    cherry picking,etc)
• A cluster of 5 channel ReagentDrop for dispensing reagents
• Integrated tip changer and autoclavable tubes to reduce cross-contamination issues
• Magnetic block / Vacuum manifolds on the deck
• Shaker
• Plate transport system
• Reagent cooling block
• Temperature block
• Operates with user-friendly VERSAware
• UV/HEPA-filter hood option

Applications:

• Nucleic acid extraction and isolation
• Oligo-based gene synthesis
• ELISA
• Protein purification
• Solid phase extraction
• Real-time and end-point PCR setup
• General liquid-handling applications

Instrument Integration:

Thus VERSA workstation can be easily integrated with complimentary accessories, such as orbital shakers,
incubators, plate readers, and others

Software and Deck:

VERSAware GENE software is easily programmable for nucleic acid sample preparation. It can be customized to isolate DNA & RNA, prepare PCR mastermixes, add nucleic acid templates, move plates among temperature control block, magnetic block, and shaker block, and load samples into PCR.

The deck configurations shown are a general representation for setting up reactions for nucleic acid preparation using commercially available kits. Additional labware may be required depending on the setup and the individual method being performed.

Features:

This versatile single-arm workstation brings automation into small laboratory spaces. With it's nanolitre to milliliter pipetting and customization capabilities, the VERSA 100 is perfect for low-to-medium throughput applications.

The VERSA 1000 builds on the VERSA 100 by offering increased throughput and assay complexity while remaining cost-effective. This single-arm, multi-channel workstation offers researchers a flexible platform for medium to high throughput applications.

Featuring two arms capable of either liquid-handling or plate movement, the VERSA 2000 expands on the capabilities of the smaller systems allowing researchers more application control and higher throughput. A larger deck footprint can accommodate a variety of modules necessary for many cell-based assays.

With three robotic arms and an expanded deck size over the VERSA 2000, the VERSA 3000 is able to fully automate a wide range of applications, allowing researchers the freedom to “walk-away” during the protocols. Full-integration with other equipment (including incubators, bar-code readers and plate stackers) enables the highest degree of automation available within the VERSA Series.

  
Single Channel Pump Syringe

Single-channel syringe pump module: controls the aspiration and dispensation of liquids in the 1-20ul and 20-1000ul ranges from the single channel head.

  
8 Channel Syringe Pump

The 8-channel syringe pump module controls the aspiration and dispensation of liquids in the range of 20-200ul.

Shaker

Controls 96-well plate agitation in the range of 100-2000 rpm in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions for specified periods of time.

Videos:
1. Fast Shake
2. Slow Shake

  
Temperature Regulating Block

The Temperature Regulating Block controls the block/plate at a specified temperature ranging from 1˚C up to 80˚C.

  
Magnetic Bead Separator

The Magnetic Bead Separator is a 96-well format adapter that is used to separate beads used during nucleic acid isolation protocols.

  
Plate Mover

The Plate Mover is used to move plates from one deck position to the adjacent deck position on the platform along a linear path.

Video: Plate Transport Movement

The Gripper

The Gripper controls plate movement from one deck position to any other deck position on the platform.

Video: Gripper Movement