Beckman Coulter Biomek i5 Automated Liquid Handling Workstation

Overview

The Beckman Coulter Biomek i5 Automated Liquid Handling Workstation is an engineered platform for mid-to-high-throughput laboratory automation, designed to deliver reproducible, walk-away liquid handling across diverse life science workflows. Built upon Couette-based fluidic control architecture and precision stepper-motor-driven mechanics, the Biomek i5 employs positive displacement pipetting with both multi-channel (96/384) and Span-8 configurations—enabling consistent aspiration and dispensing from 0.5 µL to 5,000 µL across a broad spectrum of consumables. Its open-grid deck accommodates up to 25 standardized labware positions, supporting seamless integration of third-party modules such as thermal cyclers, centrifuges, plate readers, or barcode scanners. The system operates under Windows 10 OS and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for method validation in accredited testing laboratories, while its hardware design meets IEC 61000-6-2/6-3 electromagnetic compatibility standards.

Key Features

• Modular open-deck architecture with 25 programmable deck positions and DeckOptix real-time camera system for remote monitoring and error video capture
• Dual pipetting configurations: high-density 96/384-channel head and flexible Span-8 head with independent channel calibration and 8-channel liquid level sensing
• Precision liquid handling from 0.5 µL (CV < 7% at 1 µL) to 5,000 µL using disposable tips or fixed stainless-steel needles—including piercing probes for sealed tubes and vials
• Integrated Auto-Labware Positioner (ALP) for automatic detection and compensation of labware placement variance
• 360° rotating gripper arm enabling unrestricted access to any deck position without reconfiguration
• Infrared light curtain safety system compliant with ISO 13857 and EN 61508 functional safety standards
• Optional enclosed configuration with HEPA filtration (ISO Class 5) for particulate-sensitive applications including CRISPR editing and single-cell genomics
• Onboard LED illumination and status indicator lights for intuitive operational feedback

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Biomek i5 handles a comprehensive range of labware formats—from 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes and PCR strips to 1,536-well plates—without mechanical adaptation. It supports ANSI/SLAS-compliant plates, deep-well blocks, reservoirs, and custom fixtures via user-defined deck maps. All liquid handling protocols are traceable and auditable per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with Biomek Method Editor and associated electronic signature modules. The platform is validated for GLP/GMP environments and aligns with ASTM E2731-21 (Standard Guide for Validation of Automated Liquid Handling Systems) and ISO 20387:2018 (Biobanking requirements). Routine calibration verification follows Beckman Coulter’s IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages, supporting regulatory submissions in pharmaceutical development and clinical diagnostics.

Software & Data Management

Controlled by Biomek Software v6.x, the system provides icon-driven workflow authoring, drag-and-drop protocol building, and dynamic scheduling for extended unattended operation. Integrated audit trail functionality logs all user actions, parameter changes, and instrument events with time stamps and operator IDs. Native LIMS connectivity is supported via HL7 and RESTful API interfaces, enabling bidirectional sample tracking and result ingestion. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and PDF reports compliant with ALM (Analytical Laboratory Management) frameworks. Optional Biomek Dashboard enables centralized fleet monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts, and usage analytics across multi-instrument deployments.

Applications

The Biomek i5 serves as a foundational automation engine across discovery research and regulated production environments. In genomics, it executes end-to-end NGS library prep—including fragmentation, adapter ligation, size selection, and qPCR normalization—for Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore workflows. In drug discovery, it performs compound plating, cell-based assay setup (e.g., viability, apoptosis, reporter gene), transfection optimization, and 3D spheroid dispensing with positional accuracy ≤ ±0.2 mm. For proteomics and metabolomics, it enables automated SPE cleanup, fraction collection, and internal standard spiking with sub-microliter precision. Additional validated use cases include RNA extraction from FFPE tissues, HLA typing sample prep, digital PCR partitioning, and QC testing of biologics raw materials.

FAQ

What consumables are compatible with the Biomek i5?
The system supports all ANSI/SLAS-standard plates (96-, 384-, 1536-well), tube racks, deep-well blocks, PCR strips, and custom labware defined via deck mapping.
Does the Biomek i5 support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when configured with Biomek Software’s electronic signature module, audit trail logging, and role-based access controls, the system meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures.
Can the Biomek i5 integrate with third-party instruments?
Yes—the open deck design and standardized communication protocols (RS-232, TCP/IP, USB HID) allow integration with plate readers, incubators, centrifuges, and thermal cyclers via Beckman Coulter’s Interchange interface or custom middleware.
Is method transfer between Biomek platforms possible?
Protocols created in Biomek Software are backward-compatible across i-Series and FX platforms, though hardware-specific parameters (e.g., tip type, deck layout) require validation upon migration.
What service and support options are available?
Beckman Coulter offers on-site preventive maintenance contracts, application-specific workflow consulting, IQ/OQ/PQ qualification services, and remote diagnostics through the Biomek Connect portal.