Freedom EVO 150/200 High-Throughput Primer Reconstitution and PCR Setup Automation System

Overview

The Freedom EVO 150/200 High-Throughput Primer Reconstitution and PCR Setup Automation System is a modular, benchtop liquid handling workstation engineered for precision reconstitution of lyophilized oligonucleotides and fully automated assembly of PCR master mixes and reaction plates. Built on TECAN’s proven EVO platform, it employs air displacement pipetting with multi-channel (8- or 16-channel) arms and optional fixed-tip or disposable-tip configurations to execute complex, multi-step workflows—including primer dilution series, buffer addition, template DNA aliquoting, polymerase dispensing, and plate sealing—under programmable protocol control. Its architecture supports both endpoint and real-time qPCR assay preparation across 96-well and 384-well formats, with integrated scheduling logic to minimize cross-contamination risk and maximize reproducibility in molecular biology core labs and high-volume diagnostic development environments.

Key Features

• Modular deck layout accommodating up to 28 (EVO 150) or 44 (EVO 200) standardized labware positions—compatible with TECAN’s full range of accessories including refrigerated reagent carriers, heated incubation modules, plate readers, and barcode scanners.
• High-accuracy air displacement pipetting with calibrated volume ranges from 0.5 µL to 5000 µL, supporting low-volume primer resuspension (e.g., 100 µM stock reconstitution in TE buffer) and robust bulk dispensing of master mix components.
• Dual-arm operation (pipetting + gripper) enables parallel processing: one arm handles liquid transfers while the other manages plate movement, lid removal, and deck reconfiguration—reducing cycle time per 96-well plate by up to 35% compared to single-arm systems.
• Integrated anti-droplet technology and tip collision detection ensure consistent aspiration/dispense performance across viscous or volatile reagents, critical for enzyme-containing master mixes and DMSO-based primer stocks.
• Compliance-ready firmware architecture supporting audit trails, electronic signatures, and user role-based access control—aligned with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for method validation and regulatory submissions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The system accommodates standard SBS-format consumables including PCR strips, skirted/unskirted 96- and 384-well plates, tube racks (0.2–5 mL), and vial holders. It supports lyophilized primer pellets, frozen glycerol stocks, and pre-aliquoted enzyme solutions without modification. All liquid handling protocols are validated per ISO 8655-6 for gravimetric accuracy and ISO 15195 for calibration traceability. The platform meets IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and operates within Class II biological safety cabinet footprints when configured with laminar flow-compatible peripherals.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via SWAP (Software for Workstation Automation and Protocol Development), the system provides drag-and-drop workflow design, version-controlled protocol libraries, and built-in error logging with timestamped event history. SWAP exports structured data in CSV and XML formats compatible with LIMS integration (e.g., LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager). Audit trail records include operator ID, timestamp, parameter changes, and hardware status—fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures. Optional Te-Connect cloud connectivity enables remote monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts, and centralized fleet management for multi-instrument deployments.

Applications

• Automated reconstitution of >500 oligonucleotide primers per batch with traceable concentration verification and QC flagging for failed resuspensions.
• Scalable PCR setup for NGS library prep (amplicon-based target enrichment), pathogen detection panels (e.g., multiplex RT-qPCR for respiratory viruses), and genotyping assays (TaqMan, KASP).
• Serial dilution series generation for standard curve construction with CV ≤ 2.5% at 1 µL dispense volumes.
• Integration with downstream thermal cyclers via robotic plate transfer interfaces (e.g., Hamilton STARlink or custom gripper adapters).
• Support for ISO 15189-accredited clinical labs through documented IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and vendor-supplied validation templates.

FAQ

Does the Freedom EVO support low-volume (<1 µL) primer reconstitution with acceptable precision?
Yes—using calibrated 16-channel pipetting heads with filtered low-retention tips and humidity-controlled deck environment, the system achieves ≤3.0% CV at 0.5 µL in TE buffer (n=48 replicates, gravimetric validation per ISO 8655-6).
Can the system be validated for GMP-compliant PCR master mix manufacturing?
Yes—TECAN provides IQ/OQ documentation packages, and SWAP supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance with electronic signatures, audit trails, and change control logs required for pharmaceutical QC environments.
Is third-party LIMS integration supported out-of-the-box?
Yes—SWAP includes native APIs for HL7, ASTM E1384, and RESTful webhooks; certified connectors are available for LabWare, STARLIMS, and Agilent OpenLab.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained pipetting accuracy?
Biannual calibration verification is recommended; annual preventive maintenance includes tip ejector alignment, pipetting head torque verification, and deck leveling per TECAN Service Manual Rev. 4.2.
Are there restrictions on reagent compatibility—e.g., DMSO, glycerol, or BSA-containing buffers?
No—air displacement pipetting with positive-pressure priming and variable aspiration speed settings ensures reliable handling of solutions containing up to 20% DMSO or 50% glycerol; BSA concentrations up to 1 mg/mL do not affect tip wetting or carryover performance.