Eppendorf epMotion 5075t / 5075m Nucleic Acid Purification Workstation

Overview

The Eppendorf epMotion 5075t and 5075m are fully automated liquid handling workstations engineered for high-precision nucleic acid purification, sample preparation, and assay setup in regulated and research-intensive laboratory environments. Based on Eppendorf’s proven epMotion platform architecture, these systems integrate advanced pipetting mechanics with modular functional units—including thermal control, orbital mixing, and magnetic bead separation—to deliver end-to-end automation for molecular biology workflows. The core operational principle relies on air-displacement pipetting with real-time optical liquid level detection, ensuring reproducible liquid transfer across volumes from 0.2 µL to 1,000 µL. Unlike benchtop-only solutions, the 5075 series supports full walk-away operation for multi-step protocols—particularly those involving magnetic bead-based extraction, enzymatic reactions, and thermal cycling preparation—without manual intervention between steps.

Key Features

• Fully automated tool exchange: seamless switching between single-channel, 4-channel, and 8-channel pipetting heads under software control
• Integrated functional modules: the 5075m variant includes an Eppendorf ThermoMixer module (temperature-controlled shaking) and a 3D-MagSep magnetic separation unit, enabling simultaneous or sequential mixing, heating/cooling, and bead capture within a single deck position
• Optical liquid level sensing: detects liquid volume, tip presence, and consumable type (e.g., tubes, plates, reservoirs) prior to aspiration
• Universal deck compatibility: accommodates ANSI/SLAS-standard labware including 0.2 mL PCR tubes, 15–50 mL conical tubes, and microplates up to 384-well format
• Pre-installed epBlue software suite on MultiCon controller: intuitive touchscreen interface with drag-and-drop protocol builder and preconfigured method templates
• Modular PrepRack and ReagentRack accessories: standardized mounting system for reagents, tips, and waste containers; minimizes manual setup time and improves traceability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The epMotion 5075t/5075m is validated for use with Eppendorf MagSep magnetic bead-based nucleic acid purification kits, supporting batch processing of 1–24 samples per run. It handles viscous, volatile, and low-volume biological samples—including whole blood, saliva, tissue lysates, and cell culture supernatants—with consistent recovery and minimal cross-contamination risk. From a regulatory perspective, the system supports upgrade paths to 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software (with electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls), GLP/GMP-aligned workflow documentation, and integration with LIMS and ELN platforms via standardized API interfaces. All hardware components comply with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emission) standards, and are CE-marked for use in EU laboratories.

Software & Data Management

epBlue software provides role-based user management, version-controlled protocol libraries, and real-time execution monitoring. Predefined “Prep” assistants streamline nucleic acid isolation (e.g., DNA, RNA, plasmid, viral RNA), while “PCR Assistant” modules automate master mix preparation, primer dilution, and plate setup for endpoint PCR, qPCR, and NGS library construction. Software upgrades enable barcode scanning of consumables and samples, automatic log generation, and secure data export in CSV, PDF, or XML formats. Audit trail functionality records all user actions, parameter changes, and instrument events with timestamps and operator IDs—fully compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Nucleic acid isolation: magnetic bead-based purification of genomic DNA, total RNA, miRNA, plasmid DNA, and viral nucleic acids from diverse sample matrices
• NGS library preparation: fragmentation, end-repair, A-tailing, adapter ligation, and size selection workflows
• qPCR and RT-qPCR setup: precise dispensing of master mixes, templates, and controls into 96- or 384-well plates
• Cell-based assays: automated seeding, media exchange, and reagent addition for adherent and suspension cultures
• ELISA and immunoassay development: serial dilution, coating, blocking, and detection step automation
• Enzymatic reaction assembly: restriction digests, ligations, phosphorylations, and dephosphorylations under temperature-controlled conditions

FAQ

What is the difference between the epMotion 5075t and 5075m models?

The 5075t is optimized for general-purpose liquid handling with expanded deck space and optional thermal modules. The 5075m integrates a dedicated 3D-MagSep magnetic separation unit and Eppendorf ThermoMixer module as standard, making it purpose-built for magnetic bead-based nucleic acid workflows.
Does the system support third-party reagents and consumables?

Yes—the platform accepts any ANSI/SLAS-compliant labware and non-proprietary magnetic beads. However, Eppendorf MagSep kits are fully validated for performance, reproducibility, and software-assisted protocol execution.
Can the epMotion 5075 series be integrated into existing laboratory informatics infrastructure?

Yes—via optional software licenses, the system supports HL7, ASTM E1384, and RESTful API integrations for bidirectional communication with LIMS, ELN, and MES systems.
Is remote monitoring or troubleshooting supported?

The MultiCon controller supports secure remote desktop access (with customer-configured firewall policies) and diagnostic logging export for technical support escalation.
What validation documentation is provided with the instrument?

Eppendorf supplies IQ/OQ documentation packages, including installation checklists, operational test protocols, and calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards. PQ support is available upon request for application-specific performance verification.