Sartorius Picus® 2 Electronic Pipette
| Brand | Sartorius |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | Picus® 2 |
| Instrument Type | Multi-channel Electronic Pipette |
| Automation Level | Motorized |
| Channel Options | 1, 8, or 12 channels |
| Volume Range | 0.5–10,000 µL (single-channel) |
| Maximum Capacity | 10,000 µL |
| Compliance | ISO 8655:2022 compliant |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Weight | 100 g (1,000 µL single-channel variant) |
Overview
The Sartorius Picus® 2 Electronic Pipette is an ISO 8655:2022-compliant motorized liquid handling instrument engineered for precision, repeatability, and ergonomic sustainability across diverse laboratory environments. Unlike traditional manual pipettes, the Picus® 2 employs a closed-loop brushless DC motor system to deliver consistent aspiration and dispensing forces—minimizing user-induced variability and enabling accurate volumetric delivery across its full range (0.5–10,000 µL for single-channel configurations; 0.5–1,200 µL for 8- and 12-channel variants). Its modular architecture supports three interchangeable channel formats, allowing seamless transition between low-volume assay setup and high-throughput microplate processing. Designed in Germany and manufactured under stringent quality control protocols, the Picus® 2 integrates advanced fluidics calibration algorithms, real-time torque monitoring, and programmable blow-out profiles to ensure traceable performance in regulated settings—including those governed by GLP, GMP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
Key Features
- Ergonomic lightweight design (100 g for 1,000 µL single-channel model) with balanced center-of-gravity distribution and ambidextrous tactile controls
- Motorized tip ejection with adjustable force threshold to reduce repetitive strain injury (RSI) risk during extended use
- Intuitive rotary dial interface with haptic feedback and OLED display for rapid volume selection and parameter navigation
- Password-protected configuration access for calibration logs, service reminders, and program editing—supporting audit trail compliance
- Modular lower assembly compatible with UV sterilization, chemical disinfection (e.g., 70% ethanol), and autoclaving (excluding 1,200 µL multi-channel models)
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity enabling bidirectional data exchange with the Sartorius Pipetting mobile application
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Picus® 2 is validated for use with Sartorius Optifit™ universal pipette tips and Safetyspace® filter tips—ensuring optimal seal integrity, minimal carryover, and contamination control across aqueous, viscous, and volatile samples. All tip types are certified to meet ISO 8655:2022 mechanical and metrological requirements for electronic pipettes. The device supports routine verification per ISO 8655-6 and facilitates documentation of calibration events through encrypted onboard logging. For laboratories operating under regulatory oversight, the Picus® 2’s password-protected firmware update capability and configurable audit trail settings align with data integrity expectations outlined in ALCOA+ principles and EU Annex 11 guidelines.
Software & Data Management
The Sartorius Pipetting ecosystem comprises two interoperable components: the native iOS/Android mobile application and the browser-based Pipetting Workflow Editor. The mobile app delivers guided workflows—including serial dilution, plate replication, and gradient preparation—with automatic transfer of protocol parameters directly to the connected Picus® 2 unit. Each executed workflow generates a timestamped, tamper-evident log file containing operator ID, volume settings, tip type, and environmental metadata (e.g., ambient temperature). The Workflow Editor enables advanced customization of well-order sequences, plate layouts, and step-specific delay times—exportable as JSON files for cross-laboratory sharing or LIMS integration. Firmware updates are delivered over-the-air via the app, ensuring continuous alignment with evolving metrological standards and cybersecurity best practices.
Applications
The Picus® 2 serves as a primary liquid handling platform in molecular biology (qPCR setup, NGS library prep), clinical diagnostics (ELISA, immunoassay plate filling), pharmaceutical QC (dissolution testing, standard curve generation), and academic research (cell culture passaging, reagent aliquoting). Its multiple dispensing modes—including reverse pipetting, sequential dispensing, and multi-dispense with variable spacing—accommodate complex experimental designs such as CRISPR guide RNA transfection or cytokine array spotting. The built-in plate wizard enhances reliability in 96- and 384-well microplate applications by dynamically adjusting aspiration speed and air gap volume based on liquid density and surface tension characteristics.
FAQ
Is the Picus® 2 compatible with non-Sartorius pipette tips?
While third-party tips may physically fit, Sartorius recommends using only certified Optifit™ or Safetyspace® tips to maintain ISO 8655:2022 conformance and guarantee accuracy specifications.
Can the Picus® 2 be calibrated in-house?
Yes—the device supports user-performed gravimetric calibration using certified weights and distilled water, with results stored in encrypted memory alongside date, operator ID, and environmental conditions.
Does the Picus® 2 support LIMS integration?
Through the browser-based Workflow Editor, users can export structured JSON workflow definitions and import execution logs into LIMS platforms supporting RESTful API ingestion.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Sartorius advises quarterly functional verification and annual full calibration; service reminders are configurable within the device menu and synchronized via the mobile app.
Is firmware update history retained after resetting the device?
Yes—firmware version timestamps and update logs persist in non-volatile memory independent of user reset actions, supporting long-term traceability requirements.
