Tecan HYDROFLEX™ Multifunctional Microplate Washer

Overview

The TECAN HYDROFLEX™ Multifunctional Microplate Washer is an engineered platform for high-precision, multi-modal liquid handling in 96-well microplate formats. Unlike conventional plate washers limited to aspiration and dispensing, the HYDROFLEX™ integrates three distinct operational modes—standard ELISA-style washing, magnetic bead separation, and vacuum filtration—within a single, compact architecture. Its core functionality relies on precise fluidic control: multi-point aspiration ensures uniform residual volume removal across wells, while drop-wise dispensing enables sub-microliter accuracy in reagent delivery, minimizing shear stress on sensitive biological substrates such as adherent cells or immobilized protein arrays. Developed by TECAN Austria GmbH—a leader in laboratory automation—the system is purpose-built for reproducible sample preparation in regulated and research-intensive environments, including clinical diagnostics laboratories, academic core facilities, and biopharmaceutical QC labs.

Key Features

• Tri-Modal Operation: Supports standard microplate washing (e.g., ELISA), magnetic bead capture/wash cycles (for immunoassays and nucleic acid purification), and vacuum-driven filtration (e.g., for membrane-based assays or cell lysate clarification).
• Modular Hardware Architecture: Configurable with optional modules—including magnetic separation trays and vacuum manifolds—allowing users to adapt the system to evolving assay requirements without hardware replacement.
• Multi-Point Aspiration Technology: Uses spatially distributed aspiration nozzles per well to minimize cross-well carryover and achieve consistent residual volume performance across heterogeneous sample matrices.
• Drop-Wise Dispensing: Delivers liquids in discrete, calibrated droplets (typically <10 µL resolution), reducing hydrodynamic disruption during delicate procedures such as adherent cell monolayer washing or antibody-coated surface rinsing.
• Intelligent Vacuum Control: Integrated pressure-sensing pump automatically modulates vacuum intensity based on filter type and liquid viscosity, eliminating manual pressure calibration and improving inter-run consistency in filtration applications.
• Dual Control Interface: Operable via built-in keypad for rapid protocol execution or through HydroFlex Control Software on Windows-based PCs for advanced scheduling, parameter logging, and audit trail generation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HYDROFLEX™ accommodates standard ANSI/SLAS-format 96-well plates—including flat-bottom, U-bottom, V-bottom, and filter-bottom variants—as well as strip plates and custom microplate geometries with compatible adapters. It supports common assay consumables: paramagnetic beads (1–5 µm diameter), nitrocellulose and PVDF membranes, tissue culture-treated surfaces, and functionalized protein microarrays. From a regulatory standpoint, the platform is designed to align with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation expectations. When paired with validated software configurations—including electronic signature support and full audit trail functionality—the system meets foundational requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance in regulated bioanalytical settings. It does not inherently include pre-certified validation packages; end-user qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) remains the responsibility of the deploying laboratory.

Software & Data Management

HydroFlex Control Software provides a Windows-native interface for method development, run scheduling, and real-time monitoring. Protocols are stored as encrypted XML files with versioned metadata, supporting traceability across instrument users and shifts. The software logs all critical parameters—including aspiration/dispense volumes, cycle counts, vacuum pressure profiles, and error timestamps—with timestamped export to CSV or LIMS-compatible formats. Optional integration with TECAN’s FluentControl™ or Freedom EVO® ecosystem enables seamless handoff to downstream liquid handling or detection platforms. Audit trail features include user login tracking, parameter change history, and electronic signature prompts for critical steps—facilitating alignment with data integrity frameworks such as ALCOA+.

Applications

• ELISA and Immunoassay Workflows: High-stringency washing of coated plates prior to substrate addition, with programmable soak times and variable wash cycles.
• Magnetic Bead-Based Assays: Automated binding, washing, and elution steps in nucleic acid extraction, cytokine capture, and circulating tumor cell isolation protocols.
• Vacuum Filtration Applications: Rapid processing of clarified lysates, buffer exchange in protein purification, and spot-based detection on membrane arrays.
• Cell-Based Assays: Gentle washing of adherent cell lines in 96-well plates without detachment—enabling post-treatment fixation or staining workflows.
• Protein Microarray Processing: Low-shear rinsing of spotted antibody or antigen surfaces to preserve epitope integrity and reduce non-specific binding.

FAQ

Does the HYDROFLEX™ require external vacuum or compressed air sources?
No. It includes an integrated, self-regulating vacuum pump with real-time pressure feedback; no auxiliary gas supply is needed.
Can the system be validated for GMP use?
Yes—though TECAN supplies the hardware and base software, formal IQ/OQ/PQ validation must be performed by the end user or qualified third party in accordance with internal SOPs and regulatory guidance.
Is drop-wise dispensing programmable per well or only per plate?
Dispense parameters—including droplet count and timing—are defined at the plate level within a method; per-well variability requires external scripting via API integration.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine tasks include weekly cleaning of aspiration manifolds, quarterly calibration of pressure sensors, and annual inspection of tubing integrity—detailed in the manufacturer’s Preventive Maintenance Manual.
Are firmware updates provided free of charge?
TECAN offers firmware revisions and security patches at no cost to registered customers via their official support portal; registration requires valid instrument serial number and proof of purchase.