MRC-LMB Crystallisation Facility: small Tecan 150 (custom matrices)

A Tecan Genesis 150 liquid handler is used to generate 2D linear gradients from four corner solutions A, B, C and D. A is top left in all formats (A1).

Please note that this instrument is much less accurate when attempting to fill MRC plates. It is most useful for larger formats such as Linbro or VDX plates.

Available programs

all standard programs are located in a folder called "MRC four corner programs":

MRC_96_V means: MRC plate, 96 wells, viscous

Currently available:

MRC 96 well plate (96 and 48 wells, 1 or two 4-corner gradients)

LINBRO (24 or 48, 1 4 corner gradient using 1 or two plates) - large hanging drop plate

EASYXTAL (24 or 48, 1 4-corner gradient using one or two plates) - QIAGEN large screw-top hanging drop plate

CRYSCHEM (24 or 48, 1 4-corner gradient using one or two plates) - large sitting drop plate

Download corresponding excel worksheets.

Getting started

• Write your name in logbook
• fill system liquid container with demin. water (needs refilling every 2-4 plates) and immerse tubing so the rubber bands stop it from sliding out.
• switch Genesis on (top right)
• start Gemini software on computer
• press 'flush instrument' button:
• instrument will initialise (slow)
• the form coming up should contain a wash command with 40 ml wash and 20ml cleaner. Hit return.
• The instrument is ready to use.
• If you are paranoid about contamination, run deepclean.gem to clean tips on outside, wipe dry afterwards (careful not to bend the tips)

Running

• put desired plate(s) in place.
• MAKE SURE they are in the right orientation as tips can break otherwise.
• fill four troughs with your solutions A, B, C and D. Make sure they are clean and dry.
• put the troughs into the rack on the left hand side in the indicated order.
• load corresponding program (see above).
• be careful not to change the programs as they are NOT write protected at the moment. If the program asks you to save, reply: NO!
• start the program by hitting:
• 6x4's take about 6min, 6x8 about 8, 12x8 takes about 13 min.
• If you hear the airgap come out while dispensing into the plate, please let us know immediately and note the corner solution composition as we may have to adjust the liquid properties.
• Also, if you notice liquid dripping from the tips, please let us know.
• Remove the plate when the program is finished and seal.

Finishing

• please wipe any spilled liquids as some solutions are very corrosive.
• immerse the system liquid tubing in 20% EtOH
• and flush instrument as above:
• leave Gemini and switch Tecan off.
• Good luck!:

Specifications & Tools

The highest possible viscosity successfully tested is 40% PEG 8000. Above that you will get dilution with system liquid and inaccurate results.

Corner solutions are most conveniently setup in 15ml Falcon tubes at either 10ml or 15ml volumes. 10ml is enough for one 6x4 plate or 2 96-well plates. 15ml is enough for 2 6x4 plates or 4 96-well plates.

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Last Updated 2/12/15