Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform: 384-Channel 70 μL Tip Accuracy and Precision

Importance of the Topic

The ability to dispense small liquid volumes accurately and precisely is critical for high-throughput biochemical and genomic workflows. Automated liquid handlers reduce human error, improve reproducibility, and enable scaling of assays to hundreds or thousands of samples without compromising data quality.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the performance of the Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform fitted with a 384-channel small-transfer (ST) disposable tip head and 70 µL tips at the lower end of its volume range (0.75–5 µL). The goal is to quantify accuracy, precision, and error rates to confirm suitability for low-volume dispensing tasks.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A tartrazine dye solution in DMSO was dispensed into dry 384-well plates, diluted with water, and then mixed by centrifugation. Absorbance at 405 nm was measured to determine dispensed volumes. Accuracy was derived from a calibration curve, while precision was expressed as coefficient of variation (CV). Each condition was tested in triplicate plate runs.

• Instrument: Agilent Bravo with 384-channel ST head, 70 µL disposable tips.
• Liquid classes: Optimized in VWorks software for 0.75–1 µL and 1–5 µL volumes.
• Detection: UV/Vis spectrophotometer with 405 nm filter.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance metrics at target volumes:

• 0.75 µL: 2.7 % CV, ±2.7 % accuracy; 54 outliers (>5 %), 3 outliers (>10 %); 28 s/plate.
• 1 µL: 2.3 % CV, ±1.0 % accuracy; 33 outliers (>5 %), 0 outliers (>10 %); 28 s/plate.
• 5 µL: 0.9 % CV, ±0.8 % accuracy; no outliers at 5 % or 10 %; 40 s/plate.
• >5 µL: Meets or exceeds 5 µL performance (CV ≤5 %, accuracy ±10 %).

These results demonstrate consistent low-volume dispensing with minimal error rates, supporting the Bravo’s application in sensitive assays.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Bravo’s precise low-volume capability enables automated compound transfers, high-density plate processing, genomic library preparation, cell plating, and other cell-based assays. Its flexible deck configuration and compatibility with multiple plate formats (96-, 384-, and 1536-well) increase laboratory throughput and workflow robustness while maintaining a compact footprint.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging applications in synthetic biology, single-cell genomics, and high-content screening will demand even lower volumes and tighter tolerances. Integration with on-deck thermal control, real-time quality monitoring, and adaptive software algorithms may further enhance performance. Miniaturization of assays and integration with mass spectrometry are promising directions.

Conclusion

The Agilent Bravo with a 384-channel ST head and 70 µL tips delivers high accuracy and precision down to sub-microliter volumes. Its reliable performance and flexible configuration make it well suited for a wide range of high-throughput laboratory applications requiring stringent liquid handling control.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform
• 384-channel ST disposable tip head, 70 µL tips (Agilent part 19133-102)
• Agilent VWorks automation control software
• 384-well polystyrene plates (Greiner 781101)
• UV/Vis spectrophotometer with 405 nm filter

References

1. 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):540–548.