Agilent BioTek 405 TS Microplate Washer
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | 405 TS |
| Instrument Type | Multifunctional Microplate Washer |
| Wash Head Design | Dual-Action Wash Head |
| Fluid Channels | 96-well and 192-channel parallel dispensing/suction |
| Soak Time Range | 0–60 minutes |
| Wash Cycles | 1–250 cycles per protocol |
| Residual Volume per Well | ≤2 µL |
| Plate Shaking | Four Adjustable Intensity Levels (Low, Medium, High, Variable) |
Overview
The Agilent BioTek 405 TS Microplate Washer is an automated, benchtop liquid handling system engineered for precision, reproducibility, and operational robustness in high-throughput life science workflows. It operates on a dual-action wash head architecture—simultaneously dispensing and aspirating across all wells of standard microplates—to deliver uniform fluid exchange with minimal cross-contamination risk. Its core function supports critical assay steps in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), cell-based assays, magnetic bead separations, and multiplexed bead-based immunoassays (e.g., Luminex®-compatible workflows). Designed for compliance-driven environments, the 405 TS integrates hardware-level diagnostics and software-controlled validation protocols to support GLP/GMP-aligned laboratory practices.
Key Features
- Dual-Action Wash Head: Enables concurrent dispensing and aspiration in 96- or 192-channel mode, reducing cycle time and improving wash consistency across plate formats including 96-well and 384-well plates.
- Ultrasonic Advantage Self-Cleaning System: An integrated ultrasonic bath automatically de-clogs wash nozzles between runs without manual disassembly—eliminating downtime and preserving nozzle integrity over extended use.
- Verify Clog Detection Technology: Utilizes ultrasonic transduction to assess real-time dispense/aspirate performance; results are logged and displayed on the onboard touchscreen, with actionable alerts indicating when maintenance is required.
- Cell-Friendly Fluidics: Features angled dispensing tips, programmable dispensing/aspiration height adjustment, and variable flow rate control to minimize shear stress—critical for maintaining monolayer integrity in adherent cell assays.
- Magnetic Separation Support: Compatible with optional flat and 4-zone annular magnetic plates; enables precise bead capture and high-recovery washing in immunoprecipitation, nucleic acid isolation, and protein purification workflows.
- Vacuum Filtration Module (Optional): Supports polymeric bead-based assays requiring vacuum-driven filtration, such as polystyrene microsphere capture applications.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 405 TS accommodates ANSI/SLAS-standard microplates (96- and 384-well), including low-binding, tissue-culture-treated, and black/white opaque formats. Its fluid path is chemically inert to common assay reagents—including PBS, Tris-buffered saline, ethanol, and 0.1% Tween-20—and compatible with both aqueous and mild organic solvent wash solutions. The system meets electrical safety standards IEC 61010-1 and EMC directive 2014/30/EU. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11-compliant out-of-the-box, its audit-trail-capable firmware (v3.2+) supports configuration for FDA-regulated environments when deployed with validated networked software extensions and user access controls.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via an intuitive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface, the 405 TS runs BioTek’s proprietary firmware with embedded method storage (up to 100 protocols), parameter locking, and timestamped run logs. Protocols include soak duration (0–60 min), cycle count (1–250), residual volume optimization, and multi-solution switching (1–4 reagents). Exportable CSV logs contain cycle-by-cycle aspiration/dispense metrics, Verify diagnostic outputs, and error timestamps. Integration with BioSpa™, BioStack™, and BenchCel™ automation platforms enables unattended walk-away operation. Third-party scripting via RS-232 or USB serial interface permits custom LIMS or ELN synchronization.
Applications
- High-fidelity ELISA wash steps with optimized residual volume control (≤2 µL) to reduce background noise and improve signal-to-noise ratios.
- Cell-based functional assays requiring gentle, non-disruptive washing—e.g., calcium flux, impedance-based proliferation, and cytokine secretion profiling.
- Magnetic bead separation workflows where recovery efficiency directly impacts downstream detection sensitivity; supported by magnet geometry-optimized plate accessories.
- Multiplexed suspension array assays (e.g., xMAP® technology), where consistent bead resuspension and removal of unbound conjugates are essential.
- Vacuum-assisted filtration of polymeric microspheres in antigen capture or oligonucleotide hybridization assays.
FAQ
Does the 405 TS support 384-well plates?
Yes—it accepts standard 384-well microplates using its 192-channel wash head configuration, with programmable tip positioning to ensure full well coverage.
Can the Verify clog detection be disabled?
No—Verify is a mandatory pre-cycle diagnostic; disabling it is not permitted in firmware v3.0+, ensuring consistent fluid path integrity before each run.
Is the Ultrasonic Advantage system compatible with corrosive wash buffers?
The ultrasonic bath is rated for aqueous solutions and mild detergents (e.g., ≤0.5% SDS); prolonged exposure to strong acids, bases, or halogenated solvents is not recommended and may degrade transducer performance.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the 405 TS?
Daily: Visual inspection of wash heads and waste reservoir; weekly: ultrasonic bath cleaning with deionized water; quarterly: pump calibration verification and tubing replacement per BioTek PM guidelines.
Can the 405 TS be integrated into a robotic workstation?
Yes—via standardized deck footprint (SLAS format), gripper-accessible plate lift height, and TTL/RS-232 handshake protocols compatible with major OEM automation controllers (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter).
