Agela BioGantry Automated Liquid Handling Workstation

Overview

The Agela BioGantry Automated Liquid Handling Workstation is a benchtop precision liquid handling platform engineered for reproducible, traceable, and operator-independent pipetting in analytical laboratories, quality control environments, and early-stage drug discovery workflows. Based on positive displacement and air displacement pipetting principles—configurable per application—the system delivers calibrated volumetric accuracy across its operational range of 10–1000 µL. Designed to replace manual multichannel pipetting in high-throughput microplate-based assays, the BioGantry integrates three-axis Cartesian motion control with programmable deck layout management, enabling precise tip positioning over diverse labware including SBS-standard 96-well plates, deep-well plates, PCR tubes, and custom rack formats. Its fully sealed mechanical architecture minimizes aerosol contamination and ensures long-term calibration stability under routine laboratory conditions.

Key Features

• Computer-controlled X/Y/Z motion system with sub-millimeter positioning repeatability and accelerated acceleration profiles for rapid deck traversal
• Adjustable pipetting volume range (10–1000 µL) supported by interchangeable pipetting modules; each module calibrated per ISO 8655 and verified using gravimetric methods
• Multi-solvent mixing capability with sequential aspiration and dispensing protocols, enabling homogeneous solution preparation without external vortexing or manual intervention
• Wireless operation via Microsoft Surface-compatible interface, supporting real-time method editing, live deck visualization, and remote status monitoring
• Bilingual software environment (English/Chinese) with full method versioning, electronic signature support, and configurable user access levels
• Integrated audit trail functionality compliant with GLP documentation requirements—including timestamped event logs for every aspirate/dispense action, tip ejection, deck movement, and error recovery sequence
• Modular deck configuration with preloaded templates for common labware (e.g., Corning Costar 96-well plates, Eppendorf twin.tec PCR plates); custom template creation supported via CSV-based deck mapping

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BioGantry accommodates standard ANSI/SBS-compliant labware as well as non-standard tube racks through user-defined coordinate mapping. It supports low-retention, filtered, and sterile-filtered tips compatible with aqueous, organic, and mildly viscous solutions (e.g., DMSO-diluted compound stocks). All liquid handling operations generate immutable digital records—including tip lot numbers, calibration dates, environmental temperature/humidity metadata (when integrated with optional sensors), and operator ID—ensuring alignment with OECD GLP Principles, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements, and internal QA/QC documentation policies. The sealed enclosure meets IEC 61000-6-3 electromagnetic compatibility standards for laboratory instrumentation.

Software & Data Management

The workstation runs on Agela’s proprietary LiquidLogic™ software suite, which provides a validated method development environment with drag-and-drop protocol building, conditional logic branching (e.g., “if volume > 500 µL, switch to wide-bore tip”), and real-time execution monitoring. Methods are stored in encrypted SQLite databases with SHA-256 hashing; report exports support PDF/A-1b and CSV formats with embedded digital signatures. Audit trails are exportable as tamper-evident XML files containing cryptographic hashes of all associated method versions and raw event logs. Data retention policies can be configured to comply with institutional archiving mandates (e.g., 15-year retention for regulated bioanalytical studies).

Applications

• Automated standard curve generation for LC-MS/MS bioanalysis (e.g., calibration standards from stock solutions into 96-well plates)
• Serial dilution series preparation for ELISA, qPCR, and cell-based assay dose-response profiling
• Compound reformatting from source plates to assay-ready plates in high-throughput screening (HTS) pipelines
• Reagent addition in enzymatic activity assays requiring strict stoichiometric control (e.g., NADH/NADPH cofactor addition)
• Sample pooling and normalization workflows in metabolomics and proteomics sample preparation
• GLP-compliant sample preparation for regulatory submissions where process traceability is mandated

FAQ

Is the BioGantry still commercially available?
No—the BioGantry platform has been formally discontinued by Agela Technologies as of Q4 2023. Service and spare parts support remain available for existing installations under extended maintenance agreements.
Does the system support 384-well plate handling?
While optimized for 96-well formats, the BioGantry can accommodate 384-well plates using custom deck templates and high-precision tip carriers; however, maximum throughput is reduced due to increased positional overhead and tip exchange frequency.
Can the software be validated for GxP environments?
Yes—LiquidLogic™ includes a vendor-provided IQ/OQ documentation package and supports installation qualification under client-specific PQ protocols aligned with ASTM E2500 and Annex 11 guidelines.
What calibration standards are applied during factory verification?
Each unit undergoes gravimetric verification per ISO 8655-2 and ISO 8655-5 using Class A volumetric glassware and certified reference weights traceable to NIST SRM 31a; calibration certificates are provided with shipment.
Is remote diagnostics supported?
Remote desktop access is permitted only under signed support contracts and requires prior network security review; no persistent cloud connectivity or telemetry is enabled by default.