The FLO i8 PD delivers comprehensive protection against contamination (both biological and cross-contamination), safeguarding experimental integrity from deck setup to final transfer.
Biological Contamination Control
The FLO i8 PD can be configured with optional modules designed to protect your experiments from biological contamination before, during, and after each run. From pre-run decontamination to maintaining a controlled environment during operation, these purpose-built accessories help meet the demands of sensitive applications.
UV Decontamination Module
Start Every Run with a Clean Deck
An optional UV decontamination module uses integrated UVC LED strips to irradiate the full deck surface, reducing biological contaminants, including microbes and nucleic acids, while inactivating nucleases between runs. Internal validation demonstrates >90 % reduction in DNA after 10 minutes of exposure, making it well suited for PCR workflows, NGS prep, and shared instrument environments.
The UV cycle operates only when the system is idle, isolating it from active protocols and eliminating the risk to samples or reagents. UV-resistant panels and automatic shut-off on door opening protect the operator from UV exposure.
DNA decontamination using UV exposure
HEPA Filtration Module
Maintain a Clean-Bench-Like Environment
The optional HEPA filtration module establishes positive pressure within the enclosure, limiting ingress of airborne contaminants during operation. A replaceable HEPA H14 filter continuously removes particulates, including microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, from recirculated air.
Sterile Tips
When Sterility Matters
For cell culture, sterility testing, and other contamination-critical assays, the FLO i8 PD uses ethylene oxide (EtO)-sterilized pipette tips, providing a validated sterile fluid path from first aspiration to last dispense.
Cross-Contamination Control
Positive Displacement Technology - Inherent Defense against Cross-Contamination
Unlike conventional air-displacement systems, FLO i8 PD uses disposable positive displacement tips that bring the liquid into direct contact with the plunger, thereby eliminating internal headspace. This design prevents aerosol generation, vapor-pressure-driven dripping, and the contamination risks associated with forced blow-out ejection.
Non-Contact Dispensing (NCD)
Tip reuse in contact dispensing is not possible as it will result in cross-contamination. The Non-contact dispensing feature allows the same tips to be reused while maintaining the well-to-well contamination risk at its lowest.
Don't Let Contamination Take the Final Shot
A septum-separated waste station physically isolates discarded consumables from the active workdeck. Only the pipetting channels pass through the barrier, ensuring that used tips are immediately sealed off upon ejection and cannot reintroduce contaminants into the workflow.