The QPatch screening station includes the various hardware and software elements that are used to conduct the actual screening measurements.
Plates
The system can be loaded with measurement plates (QPlates) and compound plates, either in SBS MTP-96 or 384 format. QPlates and compound plates for many hours of operation can be loaded in the plate elevation units.
Cell preparation unit
In order to ensure unattended operation and a high and uniform cell quality for the patch clamp experiments, a unique cell handling unit has been developed for the QPatch systems. The cell handling unit consists of a cell storage container and a micro centrifuge. Cells suspended in a growth medium are kept in the storage container under continuous gentle stirring until just before use. Prior to the experiment, cells in suspension are automatically transferred to the micro centrifuge, where they are spun down and washed twice in saline solution to remove growth medium and debris. Cells are finally re-suspended in extra-cellular buffer and are then ready for application into the wells of the QPlate.
Liquid handling system
A liquid handling system with four or eight pipettes provides solution and compound application to the 16 measurement positions of QPlate 16 or the 48 measurement sites on QPlate 48, the consumable measurement plate for QPatch 16 and QPatch HT respectively.
For each of the measurement positions, the system continuously monitors that the measurement condition is appropriate. The “cherry picking” feature of the liquid handling system ensures that compound application only takes place when the correct measurement condition is established. This increases overall throughput and saves valuable compound.
Touch screen
QPatch features a touch screen for communication with the system. From the touch screen it is possible to execute/terminate the screening jobs. The touch screen also provides experimental overviews in a graphical format with a possibility to “zoom in” on the individual measurement positions. Finally, the touch screen can display a detailed log of the experiments.
Technical specifications
Dimensions
- Width Closed: 104. Open: 200 cm
- Depth: 95 cm
- Height: 169 – 201 cm
- Weight: max 351 kg
Requirements
- Mains supply: 100 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz
- Power: Max 1500 W
- Pressure range: 4.5 – 8 bar
Test compounds
- Volume applied: 5 µl
- Compound plate formats: MTP-96 and MTP-384 (SBS-standard)
Parallel recordings
- 16 (QPatch 16) and 48 (QPatch HT)
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