TECAN EVO75 Liquid Handling Workstation for OEM Nucleic Acid Extraction, Purification, and PCR Setup

Overview

The TECAN EVO75 Liquid Handling Workstation is an open-architecture, modular automation platform engineered for high-fidelity nucleic acid extraction, purification, and downstream PCR reaction setup under OEM-integrated workflows. Designed around the principle of magnetic bead-based nucleic acid isolation—leveraging controlled magnetic field gradients for solid-phase binding, washing, and elution—the system executes fully programmable liquid handling sequences with precise aspiration, dispense, mixing, and incubation control. Its core architecture supports dual-purpose deck reconfiguration: one layout optimized for automated magnetic particle manipulation (e.g., using integrated magnetic stands), and another configured for PCR master mix preparation, primer addition, template transfer, and plate sealing. The EVO75 does not perform thermal cycling or real-time detection; rather, it serves as a pre-analytical sample-to-ready-for-amplification platform compliant with ISO 15189 and CLIA pre-examination requirements when validated per user-defined SOPs.

Key Features

• Modular deck design accommodating up to 12 standardized positions, enabling simultaneous integration of magnetic separation modules, heating-shaking units, passive refrigerated reagent carriers (4–10 °C), and barcode readers for full traceability.
• High-resolution liquid handling with dual-channel pipetting arms supporting variable tip types (including low-retention, filter, and extended-length tips) across a dynamic range of 0.5–5000 µL.
• OEM-customizable hardware interface: supports third-party peripherals via RS232, USB, or Ethernet protocols, including centrifuges, tube racks, and plate sealers.
• Integrated passive cooling module maintains reagent stability without active compression-based refrigeration—ideal for temperature-sensitive enzymes and master mixes.
• Optional manual barcode scanning unit enables bidirectional LIMS communication and audit-trail generation aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with compliant software.
• Heating-shaking module provides precise temperature control (30–95 °C) and orbital agitation (200–1500 rpm), critical for lysis efficiency and bead resuspension during nucleic acid purification steps.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EVO75 platform demonstrates broad compatibility with primary clinical and research biospecimens, including whole blood (EDTA/K₂EDTA tubes), plasma, serum, saliva, urine, and buccal swab lysates. It supports standard 96-well deep-well plates, PCR strips, and 24-position centrifuge tube racks (e.g., 1.5/2.0 mL conical tubes). All liquid handling operations adhere to ISO 8655-6 (gravimetric verification of pipettes) and ASTM E2758 (standard guide for validation of automated liquid handlers). When deployed in regulated environments, users must perform IQ/OQ/PQ validation per their internal quality management system, referencing USP , CLSI EP25-A, and GLP/GMP documentation standards.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Freedom EVOware v3.x or newer (included), the workstation supports script-based method development, drag-and-drop workflow assembly, and version-controlled protocol libraries. Audit trails record timestamped operator actions, parameter changes, and error logs. Data export options include CSV, XML, and LIMS-compatible HL7 ADT/ORU messages. For OEM deployments, TECAN provides SDK access (C#/.NET) to embed custom UI layers, integrate with enterprise ERP systems, or enforce multi-level electronic signatures required under 21 CFR Part 11.

Applications

• High-throughput genomic DNA/RNA isolation from human whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
• Automated viral nucleic acid extraction for diagnostic testing (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, HIV, HBV) in clinical microbiology labs.
• Preparation of qPCR and RT-qPCR reaction plates—including multiplex assays—with minimized cross-contamination risk via tip-wash cycles and air-gap dispensing.
• Library prep support for next-generation sequencing (NGS), including fragmentation, end-repair, A-tailing, and adapter ligation setup steps.
• Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) enrichment workflows requiring low-volume handling (<5 µL input) and stringent carryover prevention.

FAQ

Does the EVO75 include built-in thermal cycling capability?
No. The EVO75 is a liquid handling platform only; thermal cycling requires integration with external PCR instruments.
Can the system handle viscous or inhibitor-rich samples such as whole blood without clogging?
Yes—when equipped with wide-bore tips, optimized aspiration speeds, and pre-wet protocols, the system reliably processes undiluted whole blood and homogenized tissue lysates.
Is method validation support provided by TECAN for regulatory submissions?
TECAN supplies technical documentation (e.g., hardware specifications, firmware revision logs, and calibration certificates) but does not perform site-specific validation; this remains the responsibility of the end-user or OEM integrator.
What level of maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Scheduled maintenance includes quarterly tip cone cleaning, biannual pipetting accuracy verification using gravimetric methods, and annual optical encoder calibration per TECAN Service Manual Rev. 4.2.