RESOLVEX® i300 ON FLUENT® Sample Preparation Workstation

Overview

The RESOLVEX® i300 ON FLUENT® is a modular, walk-away sample preparation workstation engineered for high-integrity liquid handling and multi-step assay setup in regulated and research-intensive laboratory environments. Built upon TECAN’s FLUENT® automation platform, it integrates robotic arm-based deck navigation with precision liquid handling modules—including 8-channel and 96-channel pipetting heads, positive displacement pipettes for viscous or volatile reagents, and integrated thermoelectric control units for temperature-sensitive workflows. Its core operational principle relies on air displacement and positive displacement pipetting combined with real-time liquid level sensing (LLS) and adaptive aspiration/dispense algorithms to ensure volumetric accuracy across diverse sample matrices (e.g., whole blood, plasma, saliva, cell lysates, and PCR master mixes). Designed for ISO 15189-accredited clinical labs, GLP-compliant toxicology studies, and high-throughput screening (HTS) facilities, the system supports end-to-end traceability through embedded audit trails and electronic lab notebook (ELN) interoperability.

Key Features

• Modular deck configuration supporting up to 48 deck positions for customizable layout of SBS-standard microplates, tubes, reservoirs, and accessories
• Dual-arm architecture: One robotic arm for plate/tube manipulation; second arm dedicated to pipetting head exchange and maintenance routines
• Integrated liquid handling options: Air displacement (0.5–1,000 µL), positive displacement (1–1,000 µL), and low-volume acoustic dispensing (optional add-on)
• On-deck thermal control: Peltier-cooled and heated blocks (4–95 °C) with ±0.5 °C stability for incubation, lysis, and enzymatic reaction steps
• Real-time liquid level sensing and bubble detection for adaptive aspiration in variable-viscosity samples
• Automated tip washing, decontamination, and waste management with HEPA-filtered exhaust and UV-C sterilization cycles
• Compliance-ready firmware: Full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance support including electronic signatures, role-based access control (RBAC), and immutable audit logs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RESOLVEX® i300 ON FLUENT® accommodates primary and secondary sample containers ranging from 0.2 mL PCR tubes to 15 mL conical tubes and standard 96-/384-well microplates. It handles challenging biological matrices—including anticoagulated whole blood (EDTA, citrate), serum, plasma, buccal swabs, FFPE tissue homogenates, and nucleic acid extracts—without cross-contamination or carryover (<0.001% as verified per CLSI EP26-A guidelines). All fluidic pathways are constructed from chemically inert, USP Class VI-certified polymers. The system meets CE marking requirements under IVD Directive 98/79/EC (with CE-IVD classification for in vitro diagnostic preparatory use), complies with ISO 13485:2016 quality management standards, and supports validation documentation packages aligned with ASTM E2500-13 and EU Annex 11 principles.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via the FLUENTControl™ software suite, the workstation provides intuitive drag-and-drop protocol building, version-controlled method libraries, and dynamic scheduling of parallel workflows. All executed protocols generate structured metadata compliant with ISA-Tab and MIAME standards. Raw instrument data—including pipette pressure traces, motor current logs, and environmental sensor readings—are archived in encrypted SQLite databases with SHA-256 hashing. Integration with LIMS (e.g., LabWare, STARLIMS) and ELN platforms (e.g., Benchling, LabArchives) is achieved via RESTful APIs and HL7 v2.x messaging. Audit trail records include user ID, timestamp, action type, before/after values, and reason-for-change fields—all retained for ≥10 years per ALCOA+ principles.

Applications

• Automated nucleic acid extraction and library preparation for NGS workflows (Illumina, Ion Torrent, Oxford Nanopore)
• High-fidelity qPCR and digital PCR setup with normalization and serial dilution capabilities
• Cell-based assay preparation: Cell seeding, cytokine stimulation, viability staining, and multiplexed ELISA plate coating
• Clinical chemistry pre-analytical processing: Serum separation, aliquoting, and freeze-thaw cycle management
• Biobanking operations: Long-term sample inventory management, QC sample retrieval, and cryovial barcode scanning
• Regulatory submissions: Fully documented SOP execution for FDA IND/IDE applications and EMA scientific advice dossiers

FAQ

Is the RESOLVEX® i300 validated for GMP environments?

Yes—TECAN provides IQ/OQ/PQ documentation templates and supports third-party qualification services aligned with Annex 15 and ASTM E2500.
Can the system be integrated with existing laboratory informatics infrastructure?

It supports bi-directional integration with major LIMS, LIS, and ELN systems via certified connectors and custom API development.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?

Preventive maintenance is scheduled every 6 months; tip wash station filters require replacement every 3 months under continuous operation.
Does the workstation support unattended overnight runs?

Yes—equipped with power-loss recovery, door-open safety interlocks, and automated error escalation to designated IT administrators via SNMP traps.
Are consumables supplied directly by TECAN or through authorized partners?

All OEM tips, plates, and fluidics kits are distributed exclusively through TECAN-authorized channels with lot-specific CoA and shelf-life tracking.