Saving Samples: 6 Ways Automated Aliquoting Benefits Sample Preservation
Sample preservation is fundamental to scientific studies across various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, environmental science, and beyond. Researchers employ preservation techniques to maintain the stability, integrity, and viability of materials used in scientific studies. The preserved materials can be kept over extended periods. In many cases, samples like DNA used in genomic research are limited, so sample preservation is necessary for the material to be analyzed throughout the course of the study.
Aliquoting is a commonly used technique in scientific sample preservation. Division of a sample into smaller, identical portions helps to avoid depletion of the original source. Sample libraries created from aliquoting can be stored away in appropriate conditions for further experimentation. Reliable data and research reproducibility are important benefits of precise aliquoting.
Traditionally, the task of aliquoting has been performed manually by lab personnel, which consumes valuable time and introduces the potential for human error. Inconsistent volumes, air bubbles, or other errors frequently happen during repetitive pipetting. These inaccuracies can skew results and compromise scientific credibility. Many researchers implement automated aliquoting systems to ensure precision and accuracy when preserving scientific samples.
How do automated aliquoting systems benefit sample preservation?
Minimization of Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Many scientific samples, particularly biological samples, are sensitive to freeze-thaw cycles. The process of thawing and refreezing causes damage and degradation. Aliquoting materials into multiple, small samples avoids the “in and out” of storage conditions. By minimizing exposure to temperature fluctuations, stored samples preserve quality.
Reduced Contamination Risk: Automated aliquoting systems are designed with tools that minimize human intervention. Robotic devices divide samples within a contained environment shielded from microbes and other contamination risks. These integrated automation tools also prevent dispensing errors that can affect data integrity. The Scinomix AQ Aliquoting System utilizes an air displacement pipettor that aliquots samples with precise control down to a percentage of a microliter.
Customization of Sample Handling: Different experiments may require samples to be treated or stored in specific ways. Aliquoting allows researchers to customize how each aliquot is handled based on experimental requirements. One aliquot may be stored at a particular temperature for short-term use, while another may be preserved for long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures or in specialized preservation solutions.
Facilitation of Reproducibility: Scientific experiments must be reproducible to be validated and ultimately lead to real-world applications like medications. The precision of automated aliquoting systems ensures that each aliquot contains the same composition and concentration of substances as the original sample. This consistency facilitates comparisons between studies where different research teams can replicate experiments with the same level of accuracy. New insights are often found by reproducing experiments.
Optimization of Sample Usage: Samples that are difficult to obtain, costly to produce, or available only in small quantities are considered limited or precious. DNA, biofluids, rare chemical compounds, and unique environmental samples are commonly used in scientific studies and are all deemed precious. Aliquoting these types of samples into small portions for proper storage allows researchers to use them efficiently without unnecessary waste. Sample preservation also enables researchers to share samples with collaborators.
Accurate Documentation: Samples must be accurately identifiable, tracked, and managed throughout their lifecycle. Proper labeling on stored aliquots facilitates organization, preventing errors, confusion, and misinterpretation of data. Some automated aliquoting systems, like the Scinomix AQ, incorporate label printing and application with barcode scanner validation for sample tracking. Keep organized records with label data reflecting sample contents along with unique identifiers like barcodes or serial numbers. Automation technology legibly prints this information and applies it consistently to aliquot tubes for simple tracking and retrieval.
Preservation is not just keeping samples intact, but maintaining the integrity of materials over time. Automated aliquoting systems work to streamline sample management, improving reproducibility of scientific studies. Large sample sets can quickly and exactly be divided into smaller volumes ready for storage in respective conditions. Researchers will store aliquots in specific temperatures, humidity levels, oxygen levels, etc. to preserve samples long-term in original form. Precise aliquoting and proper storage combine for efficient sample preservation, paving the way for scientific breakthroughs.
At Scinomix, we strive to simplify lab processes while ensuring top-quality results. Our innovative solutions in laboratory automation continue to eliminate repetitive and tedious tasks. By automating lab processes using efficient benchtop solutions, we help to free valuable time and resources, allowing researchers to focus on groundbreaking discoveries. We understand that data accuracy and quality are essential for scientific progress, and that is why we are dedicated to providing automation solutions that guarantee reliable and accurate results. With Scinomix, you can expect lab automation that simplifies processes and ensures quality results every time.
Learn how Scinomix’s all-in-one benchtop laboratory automation system can help your sample preservation efforts.