Cost-Effective Addition of High-Throughput Colony Picking Capability to a Standard Liquid-Handling Platform

Abstract

We have developed a general strategy for the addition of high-throughput colony picking capability to most standard liquid-handling robotic platform. This strategy is easily implemented and requires minimal capital outlay (less than $2500.00). To illustrate this strategy, we describe the modification of a Caliper Life Sciences Sciclone ALH (Automated Liquid Handler) 3000 together with a general calibration methodology that can be applied to most liquid-handling robot capable of X, Y, Z positioning. This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, under contract N01-CO-12400. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.