Overview

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• Source: Microbioz India


• Date: 15 Jan,2025

For our latest interview, we spoke with Ms. Sagarika Adiraju, Application Manager at Sartorius, and a highly experienced professional in the field. Ms. Sagarika holds a post-graduate degree in Biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology, India, and brings over 10 years of experience as a Research Scientist and Product Specialist for Greater India at Sartorius. Her expertise spans protein biochemistry, filtration, and liquid handling technologies. In this interview, she shares her insights into the design, features, and advancements of the Picus^® 2 electronic pipette, one of the most advanced pipetting instruments available today. Designed to enhance accuracy, precision, and ergonomics, the Picus^® 2 supports a wide range of laboratory applications—from basic molecular biology to routine clinical and sports medicine diagnostics. With customizable features like adjustable channels, both programmable and non-programmable modes, and several intelligent pipetting modes, it’s built for user efficiency and comfort. Join us as Ms. Sagarika explains how the Picus^® 2 is transforming laboratory workflows worldwide, along with the innovative technologies behind its success.

Exploring Innovation in Pipetting Technology: A Conversation with Sagarika A., Application Manager at Sartorius

Can you briefly introduce the Picus^® 2 electronic pipette and its main applications in laboratory environments?

The Picus^® 2 electronic pipette is an exquisite and easy to use pipetting tool that is suited for any area where pipetting is required. It has an ergonomic shape so it’s comfortable to use for long periods. The pipette incorporates a variety of options which include multitude of pipetting modes, speed and volume adjustment, and so forth which make the pipette convenient for use in different purposes.

It operates electronically and therefore reduces muscle stress since basically all actions that need to be performed by the user such as pipetting steps and tip ejection are carried out automatically.

The time taken to conduct pipetting procedures minimizes the strain on the users and tip ejection which is entirely electronic guarantees the users comfort. It weighs 100g which is extremely small and makes it physically easy to perform pipetting.

Main applications include:

1.  Molecular Biology: For tasks such as PCR setup, DNA/RNA extraction, and cloning.
2.  Cell Culture: Used for transferring liquids, reagents, and media with precision.
3.  Clinical Diagnostics: Involved in sample preparation and assay workflows.
4.  Environmental Testing: For sampling and analyzing water and soil.
5.  Pharmaceutical Research: Aiding in formulation and testing processes.

Overall, the Picus^® 2 is designed to improve efficiency and accuracy in diverse laboratory environments.

How does the Picus^® 2 ensure high precision and accuracy in pipetting, and what technological advancements contribute to this performance?

The Picus^® 2 electronic pipette ensures high precision and accuracy through several key features and technological advancements:

1. Advanced Calibration System: The pipette incorporates a sophisticated adjustment system that allows for regular self-checks and adjustment of various liquids, ensuring consistent performance over time.
2. Optimized Mechanics: Its ergonomic design minimizes user fatigue, which can affect pipetting accuracy. The lightweight construction and balanced weight distribution enhance control.
3. Electronic Control: The electronic mechanism provides consistent liquid handling by eliminating variations that can occur with manual pipetting. Users can set and adjust pipetting speeds and volumes precisely.
4.  Multi-Channel Options: The Picus^® 2 offers multi-channel configurations, enabling simultaneous pipetting of multiple samples, which improves throughput while maintaining accuracy.
5. Smart Pipetting Modes: Features like “reverse pipetting” and “mixing” modes allow for more complex protocols, further ensuring accuracy and repeatability in tasks such as dilutions and sample preparations.
6. Intuitive User Interface: A clear display and easy navigation make it simple for users to set desired parameters, reducing the likelihood of errors during operation.

These advancements work together to deliver high precision and accuracy, making the Picus^® 2 a reliable choice for a wide range of laboratory applications.

What are some of the standout innovations or unique features in the Picus^® 2 that contribute to its versatility in different types of labs?

The Picus^® 2 electronic pipette boasts several standout innovations and unique features that enhance its versatility across various laboratory environments:

1. Customizable Pipetting Modes: The Picus^® 2 offers multiple pipetting modes, including standard, reverse, and multi-dispensing, which accommodate a wide range of applications, from simple transfers to complex protocols.
2. Ergonomic Design: Its lightweight and ergonomic structure reduces hand fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged use in high-throughput labs.
3. Volume Range Variety: The Picus^® 2 is available in different volume ranges, catering to a variety of tasks—from microliters to milliliters—making it adaptable to diverse laboratory needs.
4.  Multi-Channel Configurations: Options for 8-, 12-, channel setup allow for simultaneous pipetting, increasing throughput and efficiency in applications like plate assays.
5.  Bluetooth & USB: The ability to connect to computers for software updates and data management facilitates easy integration into digital lab environments.
6. Lightweight Construction: The materials used in its design make it easy to handle, enhancing user comfort without compromising durability.

These features collectively contribute to the Picus^® 2‘s adaptability in various lab settings, from clinical diagnostics to research and environmental testing.

Could you highlight how the battery life has been optimized in Picus^®2? What maintenance practices should users follow to ensure longevity?

The Picus^® 2 electronic pipette has been developed with excellent battery life allowing it to be used more effectively in laboratory applications. Some of the details regarding its battery optimization are as follows:

1. Low Power Consumption: The pipette is designed with low power component which help to lessen the energy used when in operation, thus increasing time between the recharging the battery.
2. Intelligent Sleep Mode: After a period of inactivity, the Pipette^® 2 will automatically go into a sleep mode that will save battery while ensuring it is ready for use.
3. Short Recharge Time: It is fitted with rapid charging capability which ensures that the users do take a lot of time to recharge the battery.
4. Battery Charge Indicator: A battery power display system that is easy to see has been installed to warn the users when power is low to avoid cut-off during critical tasks.

Maintenance Practices for Longevity – To promote the life of the Picus^® 2, these maintenance practices are advisable:

1. Verification of Calibration: Recalibrating the pipettes regularly is the only way to ensure that the volumes delivered are accurate and repeatable.
2. Use Compatible Tips: Recommended pipette tips must be used at all times as failure to do so can impact on the accuracy and the precision of the results.
3. Follow User Guidelines: Follow the guidelines that the manufacturer has given for usage and maintenance and which designates that the pipette is used effectively.

If these measures are executed, Picus 2 electronic pipette performance and durability will be properly taken care of.

How does Picus^®2 help users manage and store their data, and are there connectivity features for integrating with lab software?

The Picus^® 2 electronic pipette offers several features to help users manage and store their pipette settings effectively, along with connectivity options for integrating with laboratory software:

Data Management Features:

1. Memory Storage: The Picus^® 2 can store pipetting protocols, making it easy to switch between different settings for various experiments. 
2. Display of Data: The intuitive display provides real-time data display, including pipetting volume, speed, and user settings, enhancing transparency during use.

Connectivity Features:

Sartorius Pipetting software:

The Sartorius Pipetting is your trusty companion for sample preparation workflows. For Sartorius Picus^® 2 pipette users it is a must-have. This intuitive and user-friendly software is designed for pipetting workflow planning and to provide step-by-step guidance for various pipetting workflows. Whether you are an experienced scientist or a novice in the lab, this app offers a comprehensive and easy-to-use platform for ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of your sample preparation and other pipetting workflows.

How does it work?

1. Plan a pipetting workflow or edit one of the existing example workflows with the Sartorius Pipetting workflow editor. The editor is accessed via the web browser, and it is best used with a PC/laptop. You can also share workflows with colleagues!
2. Your workflows are visible in your Sartorius Pipetting mobile application, where you can start runs. Some workflows have adjustable parameters, like number of samples or pipetted volume, making them very versatile for everyday lab work.
3. Pipetting settings are automatically transferred to the best fitting Picus^® 2 pipette in your pipette set.
4. Completely removing the need for manual pipette adjustment and making sure the steps are performed with the same settings every time.
5. A run report is created automatically for each workflow execution, which can be downloaded from the Sartorius Pipetting workflow editor as PDF file.

 Example workflows contain some of the common pipetting tasks in laboratory, including:

1. Serial dilution in plates and tubes
2. Various reformatting workflows
3. Media exchange and compound addition workflows

More example workflows will be published regularly. And remember, it’s always possible to create a custom one for your needs. Sartorius Pipetting software is perfect for repetitive pipetting workflows, like the ones you use when screening compounds and in QC. It is also perfect for long and tedious workflows, where the potential to make mistakes is high. Moreover, versatile, yet strict when necessary, protocols help eliminate user-to-user variance.

Experience the incredible Sartorius Pipetting software at no cost!

1. USB Connectivity & Bluetooth: the pipette includes USB port and Bluetooth that facilitate easy connection to computers for data transfer and software updates. This feature allows for seamless integration into digital lab environments.
2. Lab Software Integration: Thanks to open communication system used, the Picus^® 2 can connect with various laboratory management software systems, enabling users to record, analyze, and manage their pipetting data more efficiently.
3. Data Export Options: Users can export pipetting data for further analysis or record-keeping, allowing for easy documentation and compliance with laboratory protocols.

These data management and connectivity features enhance the functionality of the Picus^® 2, making it a valuable tool for improving workflow efficiency and accuracy in laboratory settings.

Can you provide examples of how laboratories have improved their efficiency using Picus^®2 pipettes, particularly in terms of speed and accuracy?

Many laboratories have reported significant improvements in efficiency by integrating Picus^® 2 pipettes into their workflows.

Here are some examples highlighting enhancements in speed and accuracy:

High-Throughput Screening:

In drug discovery labs, researchers utilizing the Picus^® 2’s multi-channel capability are able to work on various samples concurrently. This improvement means that the time taken to run an assay using the multi-channel pipetted is lesser than that of traditional single channel pipetting, leading to acceleration in data generation and decision making.

Molecular Biology Applications:

In molecular biology laboratories, the option brought by programmable pipetting modes however reverse pipetting facilitates the handling of viscous liquids. This in turn leads to yield and quality improvement in processes such as PCR set up or DNA cloning which helps in reducing the chances of error and enhancing the chances of replicability. 

Clinical Diagnostics

1. Clinical laboratories have found that the precision and reliability of the Picus^® 2 enhance their diagnostic testing workflows.
2. For example, consistent pipetting accuracy in sample preparation reduces variability in results, ensuring higher confidence in patient outcomes.

Environmental Testing

1. Labs conducting environmental assessments have improved sample processing times by using the Picus® 2’s rapid pipetting features.
2. The pipette’s ability to quickly and accurately dispense reagents for water or soil testing leads to more efficient analyses and quicker reporting.

Research and Development

1. In R&D settings, scientists can automate complex protocols with the Picus^® 2, minimizing manual pipetting time and potential human error.
2. This allows researchers to focus on interpretation and innovation rather than repetitive tasks, speeding up the overall research timeline.

Training and Usability

1. Laboratories that invest in the Picus^® 2 have noted that its intuitive interface and ergonomic design reduce training time for new staff. As a result, labs can maintain productivity levels even during transitions or onboarding processes.
2. Overall, the Picus^® 2 pipette has helped laboratories enhance both speed and accuracy, leading to improved efficiency across various scientific disciplines.

What makes the Picus^®2 ideal for specialized applications like molecular biology, cell culture, or analytical chemistry?

The Picus^® 2 electronic pipette is particularly well-suited for specialized applications like molecular biology, cell culture, and analytical chemistry due to its tailored features and functionalities. Here’s how it excels in these areas:

 Molecular Biology

1. Precision and Accuracy: The Picus^® 2 provides high precision, essential for tasks like PCR setup and DNA/RNA quantification, where even minor inaccuracies can lead to significant errors.
2. Customizable Pipetting Modes: Features like reverse pipetting and mixing modes are crucial for handling viscous solutions or performing serial dilutions, enhancing experimental outcomes.
3. Volume Range Options: Available in various volume ranges, it can accommodate both microliter and milliliter requirements, making it versatile for different molecular biology protocols.

 Cell Culture

1. Ergonomic Design: The lightweight and ergonomic structure reduces hand fatigue, which is important during prolonged use in tasks like media preparation and sample transfers.
2. Multi-Channel Capability: This feature allows for simultaneous pipetting into multiple wells of plates, improving throughput in cell culture experiments.
3. Gentle Dispensing: The ability to adjust pipetting speeds ensures gentle handling of sensitive cell suspensions, minimizing cell damage.

Analytical Chemistry

1. Consistency in Reproducibility: The Picus^® 2’s accuracy ensures reliable results in analytical methods such as titrations and sample preparations, which are critical for high-quality analytical outcomes.
2. Integration with Lab Software: Its USB and Bluetooth connectivity allows integration with analytical software, facilitating data management and compliance with regulatory standards.
3. Advanced Calibration Features: Regular calibration helps maintain accuracy, which is vital for experiments requiring stringent adherence to protocols and standards.

Cross-Disciplinary Flexibility

1. Adaptable Protocols: Users can save and switch between multiple protocols easily, making it suitable for labs with diverse applications and research focuses.
2. User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive display shows researchers of all needed to operate the pipette effectively, enhancing efficiency and reducing training time.

These features make the Picus^® 2 an ideal tool for the nuanced requirements of specialized applications in molecular biology, cell culture, and analytical chemistry, ensuring high-quality results and streamlined workflows.

What do you see as the future direction for pipetting technology, and how does Sartorius plan to stay ahead in this evolving market?

It is likely that with the new advancement and innovation though the market is evolving, Sartorius will continue to be on top of the game.

Below are some expected evolution and the strategies of Sartorius:

1. Intelligent Technology and Integration: Smart pipettes are fitted with IoT technologies that enable, amongst others, real time data collection, remote abilities and interconnectivity with LIMS.
2. This will improve logic and procedures for the management of information and data.

Increased focus on Sustainability:

There is a rising need for best practices that promote green laboratory environments. Pipetting technology will probably move towards sustainable boards including design strategies and to minimize on the use of plastic by integrating green technologies.

Innovation and R&D Investment:

Sartorius carries out active research and development investments towards the development of the next generation of pipetting solutions with connectivity, smart features and intuitive interfaces.

Design with the User in Mind:

Through understanding user needs, Sartorius can improve its pipettes so that they are more in tune with scientists/pipette users and ease the operating experience of the device.

Co-Development with Clients and Partners:

Technologies integrations with partners and improving software solutions provide better functionality of pipetting products.

What are the primary strategies used by Sartorius to assist new Picus^® 2 users in harnessing the device’s full features and functions?

Sartorius goes on to offer extra support and training to new Picus^® 2 users to make sure that they are able to take advantage of all the features and functions of the device. Some of the key ways they achieve this are as follows:

User Manuals and Documentation

1. Detailed Guides: As part of the services provided by Sartorius, there are also user guides and/ or other documents related to the use of the device which includes operations and maintenance of the Picus^® 2 Such material helps the users appreciate what the various components of the pipette do.
2. Webinars and Tutorials: Online access is provided by Sartorius to some training resources such as webinars and tutorial videos explaining the correct use, problems, and other relevant issues to do with the Picus^® 2.
3. Workshops and Demonstrations: There are users of Sartorius products who may conduct work training or workshops at their premises exposing participants to practical skills with microscopes. This may be useful for laboratories with specific processes.

Assistance in the development of the protocol: Sartorius can assist users in developing and customizing pipetting protocols tailored to their specific applications, ensuring they get the most out of their pipetting tasks. By combining these support and training initiatives, Sartorius ensures that new users of the Picus^® 2 can maximize its potential, leading to improved productivity and accuracy in their laboratory work.