Life science research is becoming increasingly complex. Across NGS library prep, qPCR setup, single-cell workflows, and compound screening, one step appears again and again: Reagent Dispensing. Whether adding master mix, transferring samples, or plating compounds, dispensing steps make up the majority of hands-on time in these assays. They're also where variability is most likely to creep in, especially at sub-microliter volumes where precision is paramount.
For decades, manual pipetting has been the backbone of liquid transfer in research labs. However, as experiments shift toward smaller volumes, higher throughput, and more complex assays, manual methods have become inefficient. Even the most skilled hands struggle to maintain consistency at small volumes, where precision is critical. Moreover, rising reagent costs, growing plastic waste, and the risk of cross-contamination are pushing traditional tools to their limits. To meet the growing demand for precision, consistency, and sustainability, automation is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The Solution: Automated Liquid Dispensing
Automated liquid dispensing systems are engineered to address these pressing challenges directly. By replacing manual pipetting with robotic precision, they transform a major source of variability into a pillar of reliability. These systems deliver accuracy and reproducibility, even at the nanoliter scale, ensuring that precious samples and expensive reagents are dispensed with consistency. This not only enhances data integrity but also significantly reduces reagent usage and plastic tip waste, resulting in substantial cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint. Furthermore, automation frees researchers from tedious, repetitive tasks, enabling higher throughput, eliminating cross-contamination risks, and allowing them to focus on data analysis and experimental design.
Formulatrix Liquid Dispensing: Micro-Diaphragm Pumping Technology
Mantis Microfluidic Chip
These microfluidic chips use patented microdiaphragms and valves that are pneumatically controlled to deliver metered droplets, enabling precise, non-contact dispensing. The dispensing cycle begins when vacuum is applied to the input valve, drawing a fixed volume of liquid into the microdiaphragm. Pressure then closes the input valve to isolate the measured volume; after which, the output valve opens, and pressure is applied to the diaphragm, which expels the droplet through the nozzle. This innovative design enables the dispensing of fixed discrete volumes, even for challenging liquids such as volatile and viscous solutions.
Sustainable, Tipless Dispensing
High-throughput assays consume enormous amounts of plastic tips, incurring both financial and environmental costs. Our microfluidic chips make tipless dispensing the new standard for modern laboratories. Their reusable design cuts consumable cost, while built-in RFID tracking monitors chip usage to ensure consistent performance. Each chip is optimized for reliability and longevity, turning sustainability into a core design principle rather than an afterthought.
No Cross-Contamination
In high-value assays, cross-contamination is a critical failure point, causing batch loss, increased costs, and compromised results. Formulatrix microfluidic chips are built to eliminate cross-contamination. Each reagent travels through an isolated fluid path and is dispensed non-contact, preventing reagent carryover between dispenses. The chip is designed for reuse—simply wash it to clear the fluid path of any residual material. Together, these features protect even the most sensitive assays, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of every result.
Miniaturization with Precision and Efficiency
As modern workflows move toward smaller reaction volumes, every drop counts. Traditional systems struggle, wasting reagents through dead volume and losing accuracy at sub-microliter scales. Formulatrix microfluidic chips solve these challenges by dispensing volumes down to 100 nL with < 2% CV, even into 384- and 1536-well plates with the dead volume as low as 6 µL*. This minimizes waste and maximizes the value of every reagent and enzyme, enabling true assay miniaturization without sacrificing accuracy.
Chemical Compatibility
Formulatrix offers a wide range of microfluidic chips to support the diverse needs of modern laboratory workflows. Standard silicone chips handle everyday reagents (enzymes, buffers, cell media, DNA/RNA solutions, most master mixes, beads) with ease, and PFE chips are optimized for DMSO and organic solutions.
As workflows evolve into more demanding applications such as plate-based chemistry like HTE (High Throughput Experimentation), which often involve dispensing 100 - 500 µL of harsh reagents (acids, bases, and aggressive solvents), chemical durability and higher per-actuation volume become key requirements. The Mantis XL chips, built with a chemically resistant FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) body, are engineered to support these reagents while delivering the same micro-diaphragm precision, non-contact dispensing, and reproducibility as the rest of our microfluidic chip portfolio. With a single, large-volume diaphragm capable of dispensing 50 µL in one actuation, the XL chip is well-suited for the higher volumes common in plate-based chemistry workflows.
High Throughput without Compromise
The Tempest chips take the micro-diaphragm technology to the next level by extending precision into true parallel performance. Each chip houses eight independently controlled nozzles, powered by its own micro-diaphragm valve cluster. This architecture allows every nozzle to dispense a different reagent volume into each well — simultaneously, rapidly, and with exceptional precision. Additionally, the automated recirculation feature helps maintain homogeneous suspensions, ensuring uniformity even in complex assays. A fully configured Tempest system combines twelve chips to deliver 96 active nozzles working in perfect coordination to dispense up to 12 different reagents simultaneously — transforming high-throughput dispensing from a compromise into the standard.
In essence, Formulatrix micro-diaphragm pumping technology sets a new benchmark for liquid dispensing. By removing the limitations of tip-based automation, our systems deliver nanoscale, non-contact dispensing while ensuring exceptional precision. Whether you’re optimizing assays or scaling throughput, our technology ensures reproducibility without compromise.