Revvity Fontus Automated Liquid Handling Workstation
| Brand | Revvity |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Fontus |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Revvity Fontus Automated Liquid Handling Workstation is an engineered platform for precision liquid manipulation in high-throughput life science laboratories. Built upon core principles of positive displacement and air displacement pipetting—selectively deployed via its dual-mode VersaTip system—the Fontus delivers traceable, reproducible liquid transfers across volumes ranging from 0.5 µL to 1,000 µL. Its architecture supports both assay-ready sample preparation and complex multi-step workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, NGS library construction (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore-compatible protocols), ELISA plate formatting, compound dilution series, and target engagement assays. Designed for integration into regulated environments, the workstation operates within defined environmental tolerances (20–25°C, 30–70% RH non-condensing) and complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (electromagnetic immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emission) standards.
Key Features
- VariSpan™ Independent Channel Spacing: Eight-channel pipetting head with motorized, software-controlled inter-channel spacing adjustable from 9 mm to 40 mm—enabling seamless transfer between tube racks (e.g., 0.2 mL PCR strips, 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes) and standard SBS-format plates (96-, 384-, and 1536-well).
- VersaTip™ Dual-Mode Pipetting: Hardware-integrated switching between fixed stainless-steel capillaries (for viscous, volatile, or low-retention reagents) and disposable polypropylene tips (for high-fidelity, cross-contamination–sensitive applications)—no manual hardware swap required.
- Quad-Valve Fluid Path Architecture: Four independently actuated solenoid valves per channel manage aspiration/dispense cycles, wash steps, and air-gap control—supporting accurate small-volume transfers (<5 µL) and robust large-volume dispensing (up to 1,000 µL) without recalibration.
- Modular High-Density Deck Layout: 450 × 300 mm configurable workspace with standardized mounting interfaces (M4/M6 threaded holes, 25-mm grid pitch); accommodates up to six third-party modules (e.g., thermocyclers, barcode readers, centrifuges, incubators) and integrates with Revvity’s LHS (Labware Handling System) for walk-away operation.
- Integrated Vision-Guided Calibration: Onboard CMOS camera system performs real-time tip detection, deck calibration, and liquid level sensing—reducing manual setup time and enabling adaptive volume compensation based on meniscus position.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Fontus handles a broad spectrum of sample types—including aqueous buffers, glycerol-containing solutions (up to 50% v/v), DMSO-based compound libraries (up to 100% v/v), whole blood lysates, plasma, serum, and fragmented genomic DNA—without modification to fluidic pathways. All wetted materials comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements and are certified free of detectable RNase/DNase activity. The system supports audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP frameworks: electronic logs record every pipette event (timestamp, volume, source/destination, tip ID, operator ID), and optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance packages include role-based access control, digital signatures, and immutable audit trails exportable as PDF/A or CSV.
Software & Data Management
Controlled by Revvity’s unified Harmony® Workflow Suite, the Fontus features a drag-and-drop protocol builder with pre-validated method templates for common applications (e.g., “qPCR Master Mix Setup,” “CRISPR gRNA Library Pooling,” “HCS Cell Seeding + Compound Addition”). Method files are version-controlled, encrypted, and stored in a central repository with change history tracking. Raw execution data—including pressure transducer readings, stepper motor encoder counts, and vision-system metadata—are retained locally and can be exported via RESTful API or SFTP to LIMS (e.g., LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) or ELN platforms (e.g., Benchling, LabArchives). Optional cloud synchronization enables remote monitoring and predictive maintenance alerts.
Applications
- High-throughput screening (HTS) assay setup for oncology, neurology, and immunology target validation
- Automated NGS library prep workflows—including tagmentation, adapter ligation, size selection, and normalization
- Diagnostic assay development requiring ISO 15189-aligned documentation and traceability
- Cell-based assay automation: cell seeding, cytokine stimulation, viability staining, and endpoint harvesting
- Biobank sample aliquoting with chain-of-custody logging and barcoded tube tracking
- Regulatory submission support for IVD kit manufacturing (ISO 13485 environment compatibility)
FAQ
Does the Fontus support serial dilution protocols with variable step sizes and replicates?
Yes—Harmony software includes a dedicated Serial Dilution Wizard that calculates intermediate concentrations, assigns tip reuse logic, and validates final CVs against user-defined thresholds before execution.
Can the system be validated for use in FDA-regulated clinical trial sample processing?
Yes—Revvity provides IQ/OQ/PQ documentation templates aligned with ASTM E2500-13 and ISO/IEC 17025; installation and operational qualification kits include calibrated gravimetric verification tools and certificate of conformance.
Is remote troubleshooting supported without exposing internal network infrastructure?
Yes—via Revvity’s Secure Remote Assist (SRA) module, which establishes end-to-end encrypted, time-limited sessions using WebRTC; no inbound firewall ports required.
What is the mean time between failures (MTBF) for the pipetting mechanism under continuous 24/7 operation?
Based on accelerated life testing at rated load, MTBF exceeds 12,000 hours; scheduled maintenance intervals are defined at 6,000-hour increments with consumable replacement kits (seals, valves, tips) and firmware update notifications.
