Simultaneous well washing without plate indexing or quadrant processing
Completely programmable via touch screen interface
No external pumps or computer
Comprehensive, automated cleaning utilities
Robotics-friendly design
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AquaMax® Microplate Washers from MDS Analytical Technologies are fully self-contained systems, configurable for both 96- and 384- well microplate washing applications. For biochemical assays, the washers are primarily used to remove unbound material and unreacted reagents in microplate wells, and are compatible with SBS-conforming polystyrene and polypropylene flat, round, and V-bottom microplates. For cell-based assays, the AquaMax Microplate Washer has the option for a cell wash head with angled pins to allow extremely gentle washing of weakly adherent cell types.
Unique Design
AquaMax Washers do not require external pumps or a computer to operate, thereby minimizing bench space requirements. The 96 and 384 interchangeable wash heads can be installed in seconds, without tools, calibration, or alignment. (See Figure 1.) Aspiration and dispensing of all 96 and 384 wells occurs simultaneously leading to high-precision assays and faster microplate processing without mechanical plate indexing or quadrant processing. Comprehensive cleaning protocols can be activated at the touch of a button to maintain trouble-free operation. A Standby feature keeps the system primed and probe tips submersed in buffer for instant startup. AquaMax Washers are available in two different configurations: The AquaMax 2000 Washer has two fluid inlets; the AquaMax 4000 Washer has four fluid inlets and additional programming capabilities.
Figure 1: User-Interchangeable Heads
The user-interchangeable 96 and 384 wash heads can be exchanged and re-attached very quickly to the washer manifold using a simple lever mechanism.
Flexibility
By using interchangeable 96 and 384 wash heads on a single instrument, the AquaMax Washers configure easily to meet current and future, higher- density microplate application requirements. Two- or four-fluid inlets with matching color-coded tubing facilitate quick assembly of the buffer and solution bottles and allow multiple wash protocols to be run without switching bottles. (See Figure 2.)
Figure 2: Color-Coded Inlet Connectors
Color-coded inlets with quick connects decrease assembly time and allow the use of multiple buffers and solutions without bottle switching. The level sensors, when connected to the reservoir bottle sensors, detect if bottles are empty or full.
Versatility
Using the intuitive touchscreen user interface, up to 99 different programs, each containing up to 50 program steps, can be configured to wash plates and perform system maintenance. (See Figure 3.) Various system head designs and control features optimize the ability to run biochemical and cell-based microplate washing applications. Precise dispense and aspiration control allows both fast processing of robust biochemical assays and gentle processing of cell-based assays without cell disruption. (See Figure 4.) Fast sequential washing, continuous washing, and bottom washing options allow the AquaMax Washer to be set up to meet specific assay needs while reducing the wash time to a minimum.
Figure 3: Touchscreen System Control
Using the front panel LCD, program control features can be easily selected to set up, edit, delete, copy, and rename wash protocols, create new microplates in the microplate library, or perform washer maintenance.
Figure 4: Washing Cell-Based Assays
HEK293 cells were seeded at 10,000 cells/well and incubated overnight. The cells were then labeled with Calcein AM dye. Cells were prewashed to remove most of the dye using the AquaMax 4000 Washer with the 96 Well Cell Wash Head. Cells were washed 2 times with 200 µL of wash buffer containing 1X PBS and at 5 mm above plate bottom. Cells were imaged using an IsoCyte Laser Scanning Cytometer. Cells were washed again 3 times with 300 µL of wash buffer at 3 mm above plate bottom. Cells were then imaged again to measure post-wash cell area. 95% of cells were retained in wells after washing.
Automation
AquaMax Washer systems are easy to integrate with the latest automation tools. AquaMax Washer systems are compatible with MDS Analytical Technologies' StakMax® microplate handling system and many robotic plate handlers.
Technical Specifications
Performance Specifications (Plate Wash Heads)
Precision (96-well)
< 4% CV @ 300 µL
Precision (384-well)
≤ 3% CV @ 100 µL
Washing times 96 wash head, 300 µL/well
Single cycle:
11 sec.
Three cycles:
26 sec.
Washing times 384 wash head, 100 µL/well
Single cycle:
12 sec.
Three cycles:
28 sec.
Dispense volume
10-350 µL per well
FastWash times (optimized for speed)
96 Wash Head, 300 µL/well, three cycles: 14 sec.
384 Wash Head, 100 µL/well, three cycles 16 sec.
Process time with integrated, optional StakMax® Microplate Handling System (Fast Wash, 96 Wash Head, 300 µL/well, three cycles)
< 13 min. for 20 plates
Wash volume
100-3000 µL
Residual volume, 96
≤ 5 µL
Residual volume, 384
≤ 2 µL
General Specifications
Dimensions (in.)
8.3 (H) x 18.3 (W) x 20.3 (D)
Dimensions (cm)
21 (H) x 46.6 (W) x 51.7 (D)
Weight (instrument)
40.8 lbs. (18.5 kg)
Power supply
Auto-switching
Wash head
PET (polyethylene terephthalate), 304 stainless steel
Liquid contact materials
Nylon, Polypropylene, Teflon, Polyethylene, Stainless Steel, and Silicone
Compatible microplates
SBS-conforming 96- and 384-well; flat, U-, or V-bottom plates
Liquid inlets
2 or 4
Outlets
Waste to drain or vented container
Interface connections
USB and proprietary StakMax connect
Shake options
3 speeds Up to 600 sec. max.
Regulatory certifications
cTUVus mark IVD directive compliant
Ordering Information
AquaMax 2000 Microplate Washer
Part Number: 0310-5363
AquaMax modular washer (two fluid inlets)
1-year warranty covering parts & labor
AquaMax 4000 Microplate Washer
Part Number: 0310-5227
AquaMax modular washer (four fluid inlets)
1-year warranty covering parts & labor
96-Well Microplate Wash Head
Part Number: 0310-5216T
384-Well Microplate Wash Head
Part Number: 0310-5219T
96-Well Cell Wash Head
Part Number: 0310-5217T
4-Liter Bottle without Level Sensor
Part Number: 9000-0292
4-Liter Bottle with Level Sensor
Part Number: 9000-0291
