apricot DC1 for Versatile Pipetting

The capability of four pipette tools is combined in one adaptable and economic pipetting platform, thanks to unique dual-core pipetting technology. The compact apricot DC1 is well equipped to solve many applications and pipetting operations, with nine variable deck positions and automatic tip exchange.

Powerful Automated Pipetting From Tubes to Plates

The flexible apricot DC1 offers plenty of advantages for laboratories making their initial steps into liquid handling automation. The apricot DC1 empowers laboratory personnel by providing a highly accessible platform that allows teams to benefit quickly from greater productivity, dependable standardization, and improved data quality when copying, mixing, pooling, aliquoting, and making serial dilution of liquids.

Full Walk-Away Automation

The apricot DC1 incorporates four distinct pipetting tools within a single instrument and incorporates innovative dual-core pipetting technology to allow for high-volume and low-volume, single and multichannel pipetting. The built-in automation provides laboratories with full walk-away capabilities without the requirement for costly automation expertise or further investment in application-specific functionality.

Image Credit: SPT Labtech

Improved Data Quality

Compared to manual or semi-manual pipetting processes, the apricot DC1’s best-in-class pipetting capabilities generate reliable data quality and effortless standardization of results, reducing the variability between scientists and improving assay reproducibility.

Image Credit: SPT Labtech

Better Lab Ergonomics

The small benchtop unit provides many laboratories with affordable alternatives to streamline and automate their workflows, relieving laboratory personnel of tiresome and error-prone manual operations and lowering the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) related to manual pipetting.

Image Credit: SPT Labtech

Video Credit: SPT Labtech

Dual-Core Pipetting Head

Pipetting across the 1–1000 μL volume range is made possible by dual high-volume and low-volume pipetting cores. For varied pipette steps, the automatic and flexible tip loading system allows the user to pipette with single pipette tips, a column of eight pipette tips, or even a row of 12 pipette tips. For low-volume, high-volume, single and multi-channel automated pipetting, get the equivalent of four liquid handling instruments in a single accessible instrument.

9 + 1 Position Deck

The deck has more than enough place for various plates, labware, and tips. To pipette by row or column, choose between portrait and landscape plate orientation. Add on-deck modules include plate heaters, shakers, a magnetic bead separator, or a tip washing station. The fully automated operation is completed with a waste chute for storing disposable tips.

Wide Range of Compatible Labware

Compatible with 96/384 well plates, PCR plates and deep well blocks, microcentrifuge tubes (1.5/2.0/5.0 mL), PCR tubes and PCR tube strips, and liquid reservoirs for various applications.

Optional Protective Enclosure

A protective enclosure protects the instrument and reagents from outside influences while shielding the user from unintentional interaction. Although not as effective as a biological safety hood, the enclosure provides a shielded environment ideal for assays such as PCR without compromising hood space.

Affordable Technology From a Trusted Vendor

Get an easily accessible liquid handling device from a provider known for its world-class lab automation solutions. Take advantage of the outstanding value of a solution from the pioneering SPT Labtech product line.

SPT Labtech Revolutionizes Liquid Handling

The apricot DC1 enables a wide range of pipetting tasks and applications for laboratories taking their first steps toward liquid handling automation.

Pipetting Operations

Each pipetting function can be used in single-channel or multichannel (8/12) operation, with either the high-volume (10–1000 µL) or low-volume (1–125 µL) core of the distinctive 4-in-1 head:

• Copy/transfer
• Aliquot
• Pool
• Aspirate/multi-aspirate
• Dispense
• Mix
• Serial dilution
• Compress/decompress plates (96↔384)

Applications

The variable configuration of the apricot DC1 allows for a vast number of applications, including:

• Serial dilution
• PCR/qPCR setup
• ELISA

Because of its unique 4-in-1 technology, the apricot DC1 simplifies the automation of complex or multi-step protocols:

• The single-channel pipetting mode is appropriate for transferring reagents from individual kit tubes to PCR strips or plates while reducing dead volumes
• The 8/12-channel pipetting mode distributes reagents across plates quickly and copies unique samples
• Without user intervention, automated tip loading and unloading links pipetting operations

With a large 9-position deck and a verified range of software-controlled accessories, walk-away automation has never been easier or more economical.

Pipette Tips

For automated tip loading and disposal, apricot DC1 is compatible with apricot AL pipette tips. All apricot tips are made of high-quality polypropylene and come in non-sterile (NS), sterile (S), and filtered sterile (FS) variants.

Table 1. Source: SPT Labtech

On-Deck Accessories

The apricot DC1 is compatible with a variety of third-party accessories, including heaters, shakers, and tip wash stations, all of which are controlled through the simple graphical user interface.

Easy-to-Use Software

Controlling the instrument’s intuitive software from a PC or laptop controller requires no prior automation experience.

Transferrable files (protocols), log generation, user account management, and an API for third-party robotic integration are all useful elements of the apricot DC1’s software.

apricot Liquid Handler Citations

5/5 for easy to import, create or edit workflows/protocols. Our apricot works really well for NGS protocols. 5/5 for easy to calibrate and re-initialize. 5/5 for great after sales-care & customer services."

Stella Huang | R&D Scientist

Amazing to see [the apricot] unboxed and contributing to more efficient NGS workflows on the same day! We’re all about that kind of turnaround…"

Sequencing Technologies Director, Day Zero Diagnostics

The apricot is a very efficient tool for us. We work with high-throughput 384-well low-volume plates that don't leave a lot of room for error when handling. Using the apricot for media changes and other aspects of cell culture cut down our wet lab time tremendously and make our treatments much more consistent than they would be by hand. The apricot is our most heavily used piece of equipment in our lab."

Jake Buford | Assistant Lab Manager, PhenoVista Biosciences

In the start of the pandemic PP5+1 saved the day! It is easy to create reproduce-able results. I created Covid extraction protocols with this instrument “6 PP5+1” paralleling the process allowing lab staff to easily run RNA extractions and get the same results every time. With the open platform it makes it intuitive to control the throughput. It can handle higher throughput or partial allowing us to keep one instrument for all our needs."

Samuel Gonzalez | Field Engineer, Pandemic Response Lab

Technical Specification

Table 2. Source: SPT Labtech