Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform: 96-Channel 30 μL Tip Accuracy and Precision

Significance of the Topic

Accurate and precise dispensing at low microliter volumes is critical in high-throughput screening, genomic assays, and cell-based applications.
Automation minimizes operator variability, increases throughput, and ensures reliable results across pipelines.

Aims and Study Overview

This technical overview evaluates the performance of the Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform fitted with a 96-channel ST disposable tip head and 30 μL tips.
The study assesses accuracy and precision at challenging low volumes (0.5 to 5 μL) using a colorimetric tartrazine/DMSO assay.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Instrumentation: Agilent Bravo platform with interchangeable 96-channel ST head, manual fill reservoir, Agilent 30 μL tip box, UV/Vis spectrophotometer (405 nm filter).
• Materials: Tartrazine solution (0.25% w/v in DMSO), 384-well polystyrene plates, water for dilution.
• Procedure: Preaspirate defined volumes, aspirate tartrazine solution, dispense into microplate quadrants, dilute to 50 μL, centrifuge, and measure absorbance at 405 nm.
• Data analysis: Construct calibration curve across 0.3–7 μL, calculate accuracy and precision, and identify outliers.

Main Results and Discussion

• Precision (CV): 2.9% at 0.5 μL, 1.9% at 1.0 μL, and 0.9% at 5.0 μL, all surpassing the 5% target.
• Accuracy deviations: ±4.8% at 0.5 μL, ±2.0% at 1.0 μL, and ±1.1% at 5.0 μL, within the ±10% specification.
• Outlier rates: 18% at 0.5 μL for a 5% threshold, improving at higher volumes; zero outliers at 5 μL.
• Transfer time per plate: 22 s for 0.5 and 1.0 μL, and 37 s for 5.0 μL, demonstrating efficient throughput.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Bravo system delivers consistent low-volume transfers ideal for compound libraries, genomic workflows, and cell-based assays.
Modular deck configuration with heating, cooling, and shaking modules enables integrated protocols and reduces manual interventions.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Integration with AI-driven liquid class optimization and real-time sensor feedback will further enhance performance.
Expansion to submicroliter volumes, increased multiplexing, and closed-loop automation will support next-generation screening and cell culture workflows.

Conclusion

The Agilent Bravo platform with a 96-channel ST head and 30 μL tips achieves high precision and accuracy at low microliter volumes.
Its configurability and compact footprint make it a versatile solution for diverse laboratory applications.

Reference

• Holman JW, Mifflin TE, Felder RA, Demers LM. Evaluation of an automated preanalytical robotic workstation at two academic health centers. Clin Chem. 2002 Mar;48(3):540-8.