Accessories catalog for the Bravo liquid handling platform

Significance of the Topic

The move from manual pipetting to automated liquid handling platforms is transformative for research laboratories focused on genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, pharmaceutical development, and cell biology. By automating repetitive and precise liquid transfers, instruments like the Agilent Bravo minimize human error, improve data consistency, and free scientists to concentrate on experimental design and interpretation rather than routine sample setup.

Objectives and Overview of the Catalog

This accessory catalog presents a comprehensive guide to customizing and expanding the capabilities of the Agilent Bravo automated liquid handling platform. It is intended to help laboratory managers, application scientists, and engineers select the right combination of liquid handling heads, deck accessories, temperature control modules, separation stations, and integration tools to tailor the Bravo system to diverse workflows.

Used Instrumentation

Key instruments and modules described include:

• Agilent Bravo automated liquid handling base platform (standard and SRT models)
• Disposable-tip pipette heads (96- and 384-channel, small and large transfer)
• AssayMAP microchromatography head (96AM) with positive-displacement syringes
• On-deck accessories: gripper, risers, mirrored barcode reader, platepads, and nested inserts
• Reagent reservoirs and wash stations (open, overflow, and chimney-style tip wash)
• Peristaltic pump and weigh station for automated refill control
• Separation modules: vacuum filtration station and magnetic bead accessory
• Shaking and temperature control: orbital shaker, plate heater, heating shaker, Peltier thermal station, and recirculating chiller
• Deck position trash for tip disposal

Methodology and Integration

The catalog outlines an open-deck design with nine configurable positions on the Bravo platform. Accessories communicate via serial or USB connections under Agilent’s VWorks Automation Control software. Integration options include:

• Power control through an AC relay
• Safety interlock using a light curtain
• Serial or I/O connections for heating, cooling, shaking, and pump modules
• Use of standardized platepads and risers for precise positioning
• Gripper tools for automated plate and tip box transfer

This modular approach enables users to automate workflows ranging from simple single-plate assays to complex multi-step sample preparations.

Key Features and Performance

The Bravo platform’s liquid handling precision spans 100 nL to 250 µL with coefficient of variation (CV) typically better than 5%, even with viscous solvents such as DMSO. Highlights include:

• Disposable tips and positive-displacement heads to eliminate carryover
• AssayMAP cartridges for affinity purification with sub-microliter dead volumes
• On-deck weight monitoring to ensure accurate reagent fill levels
• Vacuum filtration and magnetic bead separation for high-throughput sample cleanup
• Integrated shaking (100–2,000 rpm) and thermal cycling (4–100 °C) for enzymatic reactions and PCR setup

Benefits and Practical Applications

By providing flexible configuration options, the Bravo system enables laboratories to:

• Scale up next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation with AssayMAP
• Standardize proteomics sample cleanup and enzymatic digestions
• Automate ADME and cell viability assays with precise tip handling and temperature control
• Integrate into larger robotic cell-handling or screening workstations
• Reduce manual labor, decrease variability, and improve reproducibility across routine and complex workflows

Future Trends and Opportunities

Automation platforms are expected to evolve with tighter integration of artificial intelligence for protocol optimization, advanced sensor-based feedback for real-time error correction, and expanded compatibility with microfluidic and single-cell assay formats. Emerging trends include closed-loop reagent management, on-deck analytics (e.g., UV/Vis or fluorescence detection), and greater interoperability with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Conclusion

The Agilent Bravo liquid handling platform, supported by a broad catalog of accessories, delivers a highly versatile, accurate, and scalable solution for life science laboratories. By leveraging on-deck separation, temperature control, and integrated sensing, researchers can streamline workflows, improve data quality, and accelerate discovery in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, pharmaceutical development, and cell biology.