The functionality associated with the Equator HTS product makes it an ideal tool for assay development. Some of the key features available on this liquid handling device for assay development include:

Gradient dispensing
Using the gradient function in the software it is possible to run column, row or full plate gradients with different volumes in all wells to obtain the ideal conditions for an assay to be performed.

Independent channel control
As each channel of the Equator can be controlled independently it is feasible to turn on and off tips during dispensing (e.g. use only one of the eight available tips to aspirate and dispense sample). It is also possible to dispense up to 8 different liquids in one method using this feature in the software.

Spotting
For assays involving the addition of a number of components into the same well at the same or different locations it is possible to create a single method through simple software set-up that will perform the required dispense pattern. For example it is feasible to spot up to 25 50nL drops into a single well of a 96 well plate.

Wide volume range
Dispensing such a wide volume range of 50nL-20µL enables miniaturized assays to be scaled down and validated in assay development and directly transferred into high throughput screening using the same products and technology. This also offers a seamless transfer mechanism from assay development to HTS.