Adding a Normalization, Cherry Picking, or Sample Pooling Protocol to PipettePilot®

Normalization, cherry picking, and sample pooling typically require volume adjustments between each sample, making the process tedious and error-prone. Gilson has created PipettePilot®, an app for self-adjusting electronic pipettes. Upload a CSV file and PipettePilot will automatically set the pipette volume for each transfer.

Typical automation systems can perform these tasks; however, for many labs, the cost is prohibitive. PipettePilot bridges the gap between manual pipetting and full automation, providing a solution that is flexible, fast, traceable, and accessible for most budgets.

This tutorial, based on this example spreadsheet, will show you how to use PipettePilot to create quick and flexible protocols and processes. Learn how by following the steps below.

Step 1: Load Inputs

In this example, 18 samples are pooled from a 96-well plate to a single tube. Import your Sample IDs, well positions, and volumes as a CSV file.

We’ve created a spreadsheet that will help you convert a pick list to a CSV format that can be loaded into the PipettePilot app. Download the template here.

Step 2: Import CSV to PipettePilot

Once the protocol is organized into the CSV format, you are ready to import the file into the PipettePilot app.

Export CSV from the Spreadsheet and Transfer to the Tablet

  • From the spreadsheet page formatted for PipettePilot, save as a CSV file on your computer.
  • *Note: Save these files as a standard CSV format—not a CSV UTF-8 format

  • Transfer the file from your computer to the “Download” directory of your AndroidTM tablet that you’re using to run the PipettePilot app.

Import CSV into PipettePilot

  • From the main screen of PipettePilot, press Load plan.

  • Tap the import icon in the lower left-hand corner of the load screen.

  • From the import pipetting plan pop-up, select Tablet storage (.csv) and press Import.

  • From the file manager, select the CSV file you want to import. The complete protocol will load into PipettePilot.

Step 3: Execute Your Protocol

You are now ready to execute the protocol using PipettePilot. Working with Gilson’s PIPETMAN® M Connected motorized pipettes, the app will guide you through each task. PipettePilot automatically configures your pipettes and illuminates each well so all you need to do is position the tip and press the button. Once you have completed the protocol, you will receive a detailed report of all transfers. The report and protocol can be exported to an Electronic Lab Notebook, such as SciNote’s top-rated Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) for labs in industry and academia, for further collaboration.

Your Custom Solution

This tutorial shows one example of how you can convert a pick-list to a PipettePilot protocol. For more information or to purchase the TRACKMAN® Connected solution, which includes PipettePilot, visit the Gilson Connect home page or contact us directly.

Designing Smarter Tools for More Productive Research

The Gilson Connect platform is designed to track activity at the bench making it more convenient for you to reproduce, report, and share your findings. Through working with the scientific community, we will continue to develop smarter, next-generation devices so you can spend less time on data management and more time focusing on your research.

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