Liquid Handling System

The Opentrons Flex is an advanced liquid-handling automation platform designed to increase laboratory efficiency, reproducibility, and throughput. Its modular and open architecture enables the automation of a wide range of molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and sample preparation workflows.

At UCIBIO BioLab, the Opentrons Flex supports automated pipetting, PCR setup and other routine laboratory procedures. The system is compatible with 1-, 8- channel pipettes, allowing flexible operation across different scales and applications.

A key advantage of the Flex platform is its integration with on-deck modules, enabling fully automated workflows with minimal hands-on intervention. The system can be programmed through the Opentrons Protocol Designer or customized using the open-source Python API, providing both accessibility for new users and flexibility for advanced protocol development.

Available Modules

Thermocycler Module

• Automated on-deck PCR amplification and thermal cycling.
• Compatible with 96-well PCR plates.
• Enables seamless integration of PCR workflows within automated protocols.

Magnetic Block

• Designed for magnetic bead-based applications such as DNA/RNA purification, clean-up, and size selection.
• Supports automated nucleic acid extraction and NGS library preparation workflows.

 HEPA/UV Module

Resources

• Opentrons Flex overview: https://opentrons.com/robots/flex/
• Protocol Library: https://protocols.opentrons.com/
• Flex Documentation: https://docs.opentrons.com/flex/
• Thermocycler Module Documentation: https://docs.opentrons.com/flex/modules/thermocycler/
• Flex Modules Documentation: https://docs.opentrons.com/flex/modules/