Phoenix™ RE: Protein dispense system

The Phoenix RE (Rigaku Edition) liquid handling robot is a modified Art Robbins Instruments Phoenix liquid handler employed with a number of Rigaku innovations for integration with other crystallization robotics and software. The system couples a low-volume non-contact liquid dispense unit with a 96-channel dispense head to rapidly make sitting drop crystallization plates. The Phoenix RE sets up complete crystallization plates, from reservoir filling to drop setting.

The syringe head of the Phoenix RE can dispense from 100 nL to 100 μl. Each syringe uses a flexible nitinol needle that can bend without damage. The highly accurate non-contact head dispenses volumes down to 100 nL and works without system liquid, allowing complete recovery of any unused protein. Both heads will dispense their minimum volumes with less than 5% variation. The Phoenix RE excels at high-throughput, low-volume protein crystallization plate experiment production.

Features

• Rapid, complete crystallization plate setup, from reservoir filling to drop setting
• Exact drop-on-drop dispensing
• Protein volumes down to 100 nl
• Reliable dispensing of liquids with different viscosities
• No disposables or pipette consumables
• Six source or destination plate positions
• Flexible nitinol needles for worry free operation
• 96-channel head transfers identical volumes with touch-off dispensing
• Single channel, non-contact protein dispensing down to 100 nl
• Peltier cooled sample block for up to 16 proteins, including an ambient block for up to two chemical compounds
• Two plumbed chimney wash stations to reduce potential crossover contamination between wells and different screens.
• Chilled plate nest to keep plates or deep well blocks cold during setup.

The Phoenix RE is available with the following options:

• Special software modifications for integration with CrystalTrak™
• Full enclosure for safety and protection from environmental changes
• CrystalMation™ integration option:
  • Active Nesting™ with Plate Sensors for automated plate positioning
  • Anti-static curtain for reliable drop positioning
  • Full enclosure for safety and protection from environmental changes
  • Hands-off operation as part of CrystalMation system

Electrical & safety features

• Stand-alone Phoenix RE:
  • Voltage: 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 674 VA, Max: 2210 VA
• CrystalMation Integration with Enclosure:
  • Voltage: 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 400 VA, Max: 960 VA
  • Emergency stop button
  • Interlocked Safety Access Doors
  • Status Light

Physical parameters

• Stand-alone Phoenix RE:
  • Weight: 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Unit height: 26.1" (66.3 cm), depth 27.3" (69.3 cm), width 24.9" (63.1 cm)
  • Other components:
    • Deionized water control module: height: 7.92" (20.1 cm), depth 16.5" (41.9 cm), width: 23.5" (59.8 cm)
    • Nano-Dispense Controller: height: 8" (20.3 cm), depth 15" (38.1 cm), width: 15" (38.1 cm)
    • Temperature Control Unit: height: 5.5" (14 cm), depth 10.5" (26.7 cm), width: 6" (15.2 cm)
    • PC: measurements vary
    • Total system weight: 250 lbs.
• CrystalMation integration with enclosure:
  • Weight: 720 lb (327.3 kg)
  • Unit height: 65.7" (166.9 cm), depth 34.6" (87.9 cm), width 34.3" (87.1 cm)

The Phoenix RE is available as either an independent workstation or as a fully integratable system into the CrystalMation protein crystallization platform. Discover how the Phoenix RE can transform the way crystallization experiments are done.