HopeBio GHLF100-1 Smart Tube Dispenser

Overview

The HopeBio GHLF100-1 Smart Tube Dispenser is an entry-level automated liquid handling system engineered for precision, repeatability, and ergonomic efficiency in life science laboratories. Designed around a peristaltic pumping architecture—ideal for non-contact, low-shear reagent transfer—the instrument delivers consistent volumetric delivery across diverse tube formats without requiring tip-based consumables or complex fluidics. Its compact footprint (W × D × H: 320 × 450 × 380 mm) enables seamless integration onto standard lab benches or within biosafety cabinets, supporting walkaway operation for routine buffer, media, enzyme, or cell suspension dispensing into primary sample containers. Unlike gravity-fed or syringe-pump-based systems, the GHLF100-1 maintains flow stability across variable backpressures induced by differing tube geometries or viscous solutions (e.g., glycerol-containing storage media or methylcellulose-based assays), ensuring ±2% volumetric accuracy (CV < 3%) under ISO 8655-compliant calibration conditions.

Key Features

• High-Fidelity Peristaltic Dispensing: Equipped with a dual-channel, brushless DC-driven peristaltic pump head featuring chemically resistant silicone tubing (ID 1.6 mm), enabling accurate delivery from 0.5 mL to 50 mL per tube with adjustable flow rate control (1–15 mL/s).
• Multi-Format Tube Compatibility: Supports standardized tube dimensions including 12×75 mm, 15×150 mm (90- or 100-position racks), and 18×180 mm (81-position racks); optional custom rack adapters available for specialty vials or cryogenic tubes.
• Intelligent Motion Control: A servo-assisted XY positioning arm with optical end-stop detection ensures repeatable nozzle alignment over tube rims—minimizing splashing, cross-contamination risk, and positional drift during extended runs.
• Obstruction Detection & Fail-Safe Protocol: Integrated capacitive proximity sensors halt motion and trigger audible/visual alerts upon unintended contact with racks, gloves, or labware—meeting IEC 61000-6-2 electromagnetic immunity requirements for laboratory environments.
• Touchscreen Human-Machine Interface (HMI): 7-inch resistive LCD display with intuitive icon-driven navigation; stores up to 20 user-defined protocols with timestamped execution logs accessible via USB export.
• Onboard Tubing Maintenance Cycle: Programmable flush sequence (duration: 10–180 s) using deionized water or ethanol, followed by air purge—reducing biofilm formation and eliminating manual disassembly for routine cleaning.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GHLF100-1 accommodates aqueous buffers, saline solutions, culture media, and low-viscosity biological reagents (≤50 cP at 20°C). It is not intended for use with organic solvents (e.g., chloroform, acetone), corrosive acids/bases (pH 12), or particulate-laden suspensions. All wetted materials—including tubing, pump housing seals, and nozzle tips—comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and are certified free of detectable endotoxin (<0.25 EU/mL). While not validated for GMP manufacturing environments, the device supports GLP-aligned documentation practices: protocol parameters, operator ID, date/time stamps, and calibration records are retained locally and exportable in CSV format for audit readiness.

Software & Data Management

No external PC or proprietary software installation is required. All configuration, calibration, and run management occur natively on the embedded Linux-based controller. Each dispensing session generates a structured metadata file containing: protocol name, target volume, actual delivered volume (post-calibration), number of tubes processed, start/end timestamps, and any triggered safety events. Files are saved to internal flash memory (8 GB) and exportable via USB-A port. For laboratories operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, optional firmware upgrade provides electronic signature capability, audit trail logging, and role-based access control (admin/operator modes)—available upon separate validation package purchase.

Applications

• Preparation of QC/QA reference standards across clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics labs.
• High-throughput aliquoting of master mixes prior to qPCR or NGS library preparation.
• Standardized filling of serum separator tubes (SSTs) and EDTA collection tubes in biobanking workflows.
• Dispensing of growth media into test tubes for bacterial strain maintenance or antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).
• Automated setup of ELISA plate pre-dilution series using compatible 15×150 mm dilution tubes.
• Supporting ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs in achieving traceable, documented liquid handling consistency.

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum dispensing volume per tube?
The GHLF100-1 supports programmable volumes from 0.5 mL to 50 mL per tube, adjustable in 0.1 mL increments.
Can the instrument be integrated into a larger automation workflow?
Yes—RS-232 and TTL-level digital I/O ports enable basic handshake signaling (e.g., “ready,” “complete,” “error”) with LIMS or robotic arms; full API integration requires third-party middleware.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Calibration is performed gravimetrically using Class M2 weights and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited analytical balances; certificate of calibration is provided with each unit.
How often does the silicone tubing require replacement?
Under typical usage (≤8 hrs/day, aqueous solutions), tubing life exceeds 3,000 operational hours; wear indicators appear as visible flattening or micro-cracking near occlusion zones.
Does the system support multi-step sequential dispensing (e.g., buffer + reagent + stop solution)?
No—the GHLF100-1 is a single-reagent, single-step dispenser; sequential multi-reagent protocols require external switching valves or parallel pump modules (not included).