Microarray production tool

The PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences Piezorray is a second-generation, non-contact microarray production tool.

Based on PerkinElmer's PiezoTipnology, Piezorray has the ability to pipette into and aspirate out of a number of standard plate formats and dispense to a variety of non-porous and 3D substrates, such as Hydrogel, for creating genomic and protein arrays.

Piezorray features all new software with a Windows XP-based graphical user interface similar to SpotArray and ScanArray technologies. This interface enhances ease of use and reduces set-up time, allowing users to focus more of their time on research. The software offers a robust package for customisation of array layout. GAL file compatibility allows for communication with data analysis software such as ScanArray Express.

Newly designed hardware and motion control systems offer improved performance and efficiency for array production. Optimised for both throughput and array quality, the system offers maximum reproducibility and yield.

Standard features include four PiezoTip dispensers, a flexible deck layout scheme which allows for one source-plate holder, and printing for up to 25 slides or five 96 well plates and a Windows XP operating system on an external PC.

Options include temperature control manifold for the substrate and plate holders, helium sparging for degassing system liquid, an environmental enclosure, and an additional camera for targeting the dispensed samples.