The BioStack™ 4 Microplate Stacker from BioTek Instruments has been granted U.S. patent 9,366,686 for its unique technology associated with automatic microplate de-lidding and re-lidding, which is especially useful in cell-based assay workflows.
BioStack 4 facilitates increased throughput and greater productivity in processes involving lidded and unlidded 96-, 384- and 1536-well microplates as well as select 6- to 48-well microplates. The design incorporates a two-position carrier for ultra-fast transfer times, and the small overall footprint allows operation in biosafety cabinets. A rotational gripper enhances versatility in portrait or landscape orientation, while the unique lid gripping method minimizes exposure of the microplate’s contents during transfer. Finally, interchangeable plate storage stacks are available for throughput needs up to 30 lidded or 50 unlidded microplates with automated restacking.
Many of BioTek’s imagers, readers, washers and dispensers may be integrated with BioStack 4, which is directly controlled via the respective instrument’s integrated software. Additional BioStack models are available to suit a variety of automated workflow process requirements.