Simplifies Processing for Less Human Error

The Hybex and Little Dipper systems work together to eliminate the conglomeration of cassettes, waterbaths, hot plates, dishes and centrifuges normally used to hybridize, wash and dry arrays. Automation eliminates the many manual steps usually performed. This improves batch to batch reproducibility, reduces mistakes and simplifies operator training.

Controls Variables for Reproducible Results

Fluctuations in temperature and time when hybridizing and washing arrays can lead to variability in results. The Hybex and Little Dipper systems use a precisely regulated, externally calibrated heating system that provides accurate temperatures when incubating and processing arrays. Forget setting and watching timers for wash steps since this parameter is entered as part of the protocol.

Operates in a Reduced Ozone Environment to Protect Sensitive Fluorescent Labels

Laboratory ozone levels in excess of 20 ppb can lead to significant degradation of Cy5 and other fluorescent dyes commonly used with microarrays (1). The NoZone® Workspace eliminates those nagging concerns by creating an ozone-safe work environment when using the Hybex and Little Dipper systems.

(1) Effects of Atmospheric Ozone on Microarray Data Quality. Fare TL,et al. Analytical Chemistry 1;75:4672-5.

Standardizes and Automates Microarray Processing in an Ozone-Safe Environment

The BriteSpot® Microarray Workstation [Cat. #1099-00-0] uses process control and robotics to reduce the human, physical, and environmental variables that negatively affect microarray data. It can also eliminate costly mistakes that ruin entire batches of array data. The Workstation is composed of three systems that work together to reliably perform incubation, washing and drying of microarrays in an ozone-safe environment.

Components of the Workstation

• Hybex® Microarray Incubation System
  Benchtop heating unit for incubating up to 16 arrays in racks ready for processing.
  
  
• Little Dipper® Microarray Processor [Self-Spotted]
  Robotic system that processes up to 24 arrays through five temperature controlled baths into an integrated centrifuge for drying.
  
  
• NoZone® Workspace (enclosure + scrubber)
  A sealed enclosure with filtration equipment that maintains a reduced ozone environment.