WO2018015419A1

WO2018015419A1 - Pipette tip for an automated pipetting device and production method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2018015419A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/068200
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philipp Ott
Original assignee: Tecan Trading Ag
Priority date: 2016-07-22
Filing date: 2017-07-19
Publication date: 2018-01-25
Also published as: WO2018015544A1; WO2018015543A1; WO2018015545A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to pipette tips (1) for connecting to a pipette tube (2) of a pipetting device, which is used for taking up and dispensing fluids. According to the invention, a pipette tip (1) is shaped as a long tube which forms a pipette body (4), with an opening (5) on one of its ends and the other end is designed to connect to the pipette tube (2). The pipette tip (1) is characterised in that it has an electrode (7) as a volume measuring electrode of a measuring capacitor. The present invention further relates to pipetting devices with such a pipette tip (1), methods for determining the volume of a fluid sample in such a pipette tip (1), methods for recognising such a pipette tip (1) on a pipetting device, methods for producing such a pipette tip (1), uses for such a pipette tip (1) and a set of such pipette tips (1).

Description

PIPETTE TIP FOR THE AUTOMATED PIPETTING PREPARATION AND METHOD OF THEIR PRODUCTION

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority of Swiss patent application CH 00950/16 with filing date July 22, 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated into the present application

The priority of Swiss patent application CH 00159/17 with filing date 10 February 2017, the content of which is hereby incorporated into the present patent application.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical field of automated liquid processing systems, and more particularly relates to pipette tips, especially for single use (namely, disposable tips, abbreviated "DiTis"), which are for pipetting, i. for aspirating and / or dispensing or dispensing liquids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to pipetting devices with such

Pipette tips, method for determining the volume of a sample liquid in such pipette tips, method for Recognition of such pipette tips on one

Pipetting device, method for producing such pipette tips, uses of such pipette tips and a set of such pipette tips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When in medical, chemical, analytical or pharmaceutical laboratories large quantities of samples too

Today, mostly automated laboratory systems or systems are used, which ensure rapid and reliable processing of each individual sample

enable. Such laboratory systems are often called

Fluid handling systems designed to handle fluid volumes. Such

Liquid processing systems include in particular

Pipettor both for sucking and dispensing

Liquids or dispensers exclusively for dispensing liquids. Most laboratory applications require very precise pipetting operations around one

to obtain satisfactory analytical accuracy. Consequently, an accurate knowledge of the processed

Sample volumes or liquid volumes of crucial importance.

In the Swiss patent application CH 00950/16 with filing date July 22, 2016, a method which provides an accurate determination of a processed (ie aspirated or dispensed) liquid volume during pipetting, as well as a pipetting device, which uses this method for a precise determination of the processed sample quantities or liquid volumes,

proposed.

Many applications use a fresh pipette tip to handle each new sample. Such

Therefore, pipette tips are designed for single use and are commonly referred to as "disposable pipette tips" or English as "disposable tips" (abbreviated to "DiTis"). Depending on the application will be

Pipetting different pipette tips used. It is therefore important that in an automated

Pipetting device, this is able to detect, if any, a pipette tip on the pipette tube

connected, and in particular whether the correct

Pipette tip is connected.

In the Swiss patent application CH 00159/17 with filing date February 10, 2017, a method which the

Detection of a pipette tip on one

Pipetting device allowed, as well as a

Pipetting device, which can automatically detect different pipette tips by this method, proposed. There is therefore a need to provide suitable pipette tips, which in the said method for determining the volume of a sample liquid in such a pipette tip and for detecting such

Pipette tips can be used on a pipetting device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pipette tip for connection to a pipette tube of a pipetting device, with the aid of a precise determination of the volume of a

Sample liquid in the pipette tip is enabled. This object is achieved according to the invention by the set in claim 1 pipette tip.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pipetting apparatus with a pipette tube for

fluid-tight connection of a proposed

Pipette tip to provide at one end, with the help of a precise determination of the processed

Sample volumes or liquid volumes is made possible. This object is achieved according to the invention by the set in claim 13 pipetting device.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method which provides a precise determination the volume of a sample liquid in one

proposed pipette tip allows. This object is achieved according to the invention by the in claim 16

proposed methods of determination.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method which comprises detecting a proposed pipette tip on a

Pipetting device allows. This object is achieved according to the invention by the recognition method proposed in claim 18.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a proposed

To provide pipette tip. This task will

solved according to the invention by the production method proposed in claim 19.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a use of a proposed pipette tip. Such an inventive use is specified in claim 21.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a set of pipette tips suitable for use with the proposed detection method,

provide. Such an inventive set of pipette tips is recited in claim 23. Specific inventive embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

A pipette tip according to the invention is provided for connection to a pipette tube of a pipetting device and formed as an elongated tube which forms a pipette body having at its one, first end an opening for aspirating and / or dispensing liquids, and at its other end to ( fluid-tight) Connect to the pipette tube

is formed, characterized in that the

Pipette tip a first electrode as

Volume measuring electrode of a measuring capacitor, which further at least part of a in the pipette tip

absorbable sample liquid comprises as a counter electrode has.

In one embodiment variant of the pipette tip, the first electrode is located on an outer surface of the pipette body or is embedded in the pipette body.

In a further embodiment, the

Pipette tip coated with a coating, which covers in particular the first electrode. In a further embodiment variant of the pipette tip, the pipette body is conical or pyramidal.

In a further embodiment variant of the pipette tip, the pipette body consists of an electric

non-conductive material, in particular a non-conductive plastic, such as non-conductive polypropylene, which acts in particular at least as part of a dielectric of the measuring capacitor.

In a further embodiment of the pipette tip, the first electrode consists of a conductive plastic, such as conductive polypropylene. The first

However, the electrode may also be made of metal, e.g. made of copper or silver.

In a further embodiment of the pipette tip, the first electrode is strip-shaped and extends axially along the pipette tip, and in particular has a width in a range of 0.8 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm, on.

In a further embodiment of the pipette tip, the first electrode is strip-shaped, extends axially along the pipette tip and is

In sections, different widths, wherein the first electrode in particular a staircase-shaped Has width profile in the axial direction, and the width of the first electrode, for example, at the first end is the lowest, and the width in the axial direction gradually becomes larger.

In a further embodiment of the pipette tip, the first electrode does not extend to the opening at the first end and is in particular of this opening

spaced in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, particularly preferably around 5 mm.

In a further embodiment variant of the pipette tip, the pipette body has a conductive at the first end

Tip with the opening for aspirating and / or dispensing liquids as immersion detection electrode, wherein the conductive tip in particular a length in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, particularly preferably 5 mm, and more particularly, consists of the same material as the first electrode.

In a further embodiment variant of the pipette tip, the first electrode does not extend to the conductive tip (or is not galvanically connected thereto) and in particular is spaced at least 0.3 mm from the conductive tip. In a further embodiment variant of the pipette tip, the pipette tip has a second electrode as

Immersion detection electrode, which is arranged in particular substantially opposite to the first electrode, and which further consists in particular of the same material as the first electrode.

In a further embodiment of the pipette tip, the second electrode is located on an inner and / or outer surface of the pipette body or forms a continuous part of a wall of the pipette

Pipette body, whereby a direct contact with a surrounding sample liquid (i.e., within and / or outside the pipette tip) is made possible.

In a further embodiment of the pipette tip, the second electrode is strip-shaped and extends axially along the tube, and in particular spans up to two-thirds of the circumference of the pipette tip, more particularly covers half of the circumference of the

Pipette tip.

In a further embodiment of the pipette tip, the second electrode extends to the opening at the first end. In a further embodiment, the

Pipette tip a disposable pipette tip, which

is intended especially for single use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a pipetting device comprises a pipette tube, a pressure generating means and a (capacitance) measuring unit, wherein the pipette tube at its one, first end for fluid-tight connection of a proposed

Pipette tip is formed, and connected at its other end to the pressure generating means, wherein in a region for connecting the pipette tip a

electrical contact for producing an electrical connection, in particular a galvanic connection, with a first electrode as a volume measuring electrode on the

Pipette tip, which is connected to the (capacitance) measuring unit, whereby the (capacitance)

Measuring unit is designed to in response to a measured capacitance of a measuring capacitor, which by the first electrode and at least a portion of a recordable in the pipette tip sample liquid as

Counter electrode is formed to determine a volume of a sample liquid located in the pipette tip.

In an embodiment variant of the pipetting device, the (capacitance) measuring unit is further configured to use a conductive tip on the pipette tip and / or a second electrode on the pipette tip as

Immersion detection electrode (or immersion contact) Immerse immersion of the pipette tip in the sample liquid.

In a further embodiment, the

Pipetting device further comprises a detection unit for detecting whether the pipette tip at the first end of

Pipette tube is connected, and / or for detecting a characteristic feature of the pipette tip based on a measurement of a further capacitance, wherein the further capacity is dependent on one or more of the following characteristics:

- a material from which the pipette tip is made;

- A geometry of the pipette tip, in particular a shape of the pipette tip, further in particular one

Diameter and / or a length of the pipette tip;

- A coating of the pipette tip, in particular

a material from the the coating of

Pipette tip exists, more particularly one

Extent or thickness of the coating of the

Pipette tip;

- A material from the first and / or second

Electrode and / or the conductive tip consists;

a geometry (such as a length, width, thickness

or area) of the first and / or second electrode and / or the conductive tip. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for determining a volume of a sample liquid in a proposed pipette tip comprises the following steps (= determination method):

Measuring a capacitance of a measuring capacitor comprising a first electrode at the pipette tip and a counter electrode formed by at least a portion of a sample liquid located in the pipette tip;

Determining the volume of the sample liquid in the

Pipette tip depending on the measured capacitance.

In one embodiment, this includes

Determination process continues the step:

Detecting immersion of the pipette tip in the sample liquid by means of a conductive tip on the pipette tip and / or a second electrode on the pipette tip as immersion detection electrode (or as immersion contact).

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting (= recognition method) a proposed pipette tip on a

Pipetting device with a pipette tube, which at its one, first end for releasably receiving a

Pipette tip is designed for aspirating or dispensing a liquid, and at its other end it is operatively connected to a pressure generating means, wherein the method comprises measuring a capacitance that is dependent on one or more of the following

Properties :

- a material from which the pipette tip is made; - A geometry of the pipette tip, in particular a shape of the pipette tip, further in particular one

Diameter and / or a length of the pipette tip;

- A coating of the pipette tip, in particular

a material from the the coating of

Pipette tip exists, more particularly one

Extent or thickness of the coating of the

Pipette tip;

- A material from the first and / or second

Electrode and / or the conductive tip consists; a geometry (such as a length, width, thickness

or area) of the first and / or second electrode and / or the conductive tip.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing (= manufacturing method) a proposed pipette tip comprises forming the pipette tip as an elongated tube of a first material and forming a first electrode of a second material on the pipette tip, in particular on an outer surface of the pipette tip Tube or embedded in the tube, this by means of a

Multi-component injection molding process takes place. In another embodiment, the manufacturing method further includes attaching a conductive tip to the first end of the tube and / or forming a second electrode on the pipette tip, particularly on an inner and / or outer surface of the tube or as a continuous portion of a wall of the tube This is done by means of the same multi-component injection molding process, and in particular simultaneously with the molding of the first electrode.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a use of the proposed pipette tip for determining a volume of a sample liquid, which is located in the pipette tip, is provided by means of a first electrode as Volumenmesselektrode at the pipette tip.

In one embodiment, the use of the

proposed pipette tip for detecting a

Immersing the pipette tip in the sample liquid by means of a conductive tip and / or a second

Electrode as immersion detection electrode at the

Pipette tip provided.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a set of proposed pipette tips comprises at least two types of pipette tips, wherein the at least two types differ in that when

Applying the proposed method of detecting a pipette tip, a capacity of a first type of

Pipette tips located in a first area and the

Capacitance of a second type of pipette tips is in a second region, wherein the first and second regions are non-overlapping, and wherein the at least two types differ in particular by one of the following features:

- volume of volume;

- Spit zenöffnungsgrösse / diameter for aspirating and dispensing a liquid;

- with or without filter to prevent

Contaminations of the pipette tube during aspiration of a sample, and in particular a type of filter;

- purity category;

- Usage;

- Volume measurement function;

- Sealing ability of a connection of the pipette tips to the pipette tube, and wherein in particular the outer geometry of the at least two types can be identical.

It should be noted that combinations of the above embodiments are possible, which in turn to more specific embodiments of the present

Invention lead.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to figures. Show it:

Fig. La) is a schematic representation of a first

Embodiment of an inventive pipette tip with a strip-shaped

Volume measuring electrode in a view from the side; b) a schematic representation of the first

Embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in a cross-sectional view from above; c) a schematic representation of the first

Embodiment of an inventive

Pipette tip in a front view (on the volume measuring electrode); d) a schematic representation of a second

Embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention with a stepped step-shaped

Volume measuring electrode in a front view; e) a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention with a coating over the volume measuring electrode in a cross-sectional view from above;

Fig. 2a) is a schematic representation of a fourth

Embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention with a volume measuring electrode embedded in the pipette body in a view from the side; b) a schematic representation of the fourth

Embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in a cross-sectional view from above; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a fifth

Embodiment of an inventive pipette tip with a conductive tip in a view from the side;

Fig. 4a) is a schematic representation of a sixth

Embodiment of an inventive

Pipette tip with a

Immersion detection electrode on the outer surface of the pipette body in a side view; b) a schematic representation of the sixth

Embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in a cross-sectional view from above; c) a schematic representation of a seventh

Embodiment of an inventive pipette tip with a

Immersion detection electrode on the inner

Surface of the pipette body in one

Cross-sectional view from above; d) a schematic representation of an eighth

Embodiment of an inventive pipette tip with a

A dip detection electrode forming a continuous part of the wall of the pipette body in a cross-sectional view from above;

Fig. 5a) is a schematic representation of a dip and

Exchange process of the sixth

Embodiment of an inventive

Pipette tip in a container with a sample liquid;

b) an illustrative time course of

Capacitance of a measuring capacitor with

Signal jumps when immersing and dipping the

Pipette tip into or out of the sample liquid;

6a) a schematic representation of an aspiration and dispensing process of the sixth embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in the container with the

Sample liquid; b) an illustrative time course of

Capacitance of a measuring capacitor with a linear rise and fall in signal Aspirate and dispense from the

Sample liquid with the pipette tip;

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a

Embodiment of an inventive

Pipetting or a

invention

Liquid processing system; and

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of three

exemplary inventive pipette tips a), b) & c) with electrodes of different widths, which form a set of three distinguishable types of pipette tips.

In the figures, like reference numerals represent like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In Fig. La) is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a pipette tip 1 with a strip-shaped Volumenmesselektrode 7 shown in a view from the side. The elongate tube forming the pipette body 4 has a substantially conical shape. The pipette body 4 could also be pyramidal, for example. At its one, first end, the pipette body 4 has an opening 5 for aspirating and / or dispensing liquids. The other End is formed for fluid-tight connection to the pipette tube 2, wherein the pipette tube 2 thereto

for example, has a cone as an adapter. The

Volumenmesselektrode 7 acts as a first electrode of a measuring capacitor, which further comprises at least a portion of a recordable in the pipette tip 1 sample liquid as a counter electrode. In this case, the pipette body 4 forms the dielectric of this measuring capacitor. The

Volume measuring electrode 7 is arranged here as a narrow strip on the outer surface of the pipette body 4 and extends axially along the pipette tip 1 (with central axis a). The volume measuring electrode 7 has e.g. a width in a range of 0.8 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm. At its upper end, the

Volume measuring electrode 7 on an electrical contact 18, by means of the volume measuring electrode 7 with the

Pipette tube 2 is electrically connected. FIG. 1b) shows this first exemplary embodiment of the pipette tip 1 in a cross-sectional view from above, and in FIG. 1c) in a view from the front onto the volume measuring electrode 7.

In FIG. 1 d), a second exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip 1 with a staircase-shaped volume measuring electrode 7 in a view from the front is shown in a schematic representation. When using such a volume measuring electrode 7, capacitive jumps (in the volume characteristic, i.e. the volume of the volume) occur

Sample liquid in the pipette tip 1 in dependence from the measured capacitance) when the level of the pipette tip 1 is one of the steps of the

Volume measuring electrode 7 exceeds. Thus, e.g. the level or the volume of the sample liquid in the pipette tip 1 largely independent of the

Conductivity of the sample liquid at least roughly

can be determined, e.g. in steps of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 full (or even finer as in tenths).

Fig. Le) shows a third embodiment of

Pipette tip 1 in a cross-sectional view from above with a coating 8 above the volume measuring electrode 7 and over the remaining pipette body 4 (i.e., above the outer surface of the pipette tip 1). These

For example, coating 8 may be present only in a region of the volume sensing electrode 7, e.g. in order to

prevent the volume measuring electrode 7 with the

Sample liquid comes into contact when the

Pipette tip 1 is lowered too far into the sample liquid. On the other hand, the entire pipette tip 1 may be coated with a coating 8, e.g. with a hydrophobic, oleophobic or antibacterial coating 8.

In Fig. 2a) is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a pipette tip 1 with an embedded in the pipette body 4

Volume measuring electrode 7 shown in a view from the side. The volume electrode 7 can be almost up to this extend to the opening 5. The same pipette tip 1 is shown in Fig. 2b) in a view from above. In this case, the volume measuring electrode 7 is enveloped on all sides by the material of the pipette body 4 and enclosed therein.

3 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a pipette tip 1 in a view from the side, which, in contrast to the first embodiment, has a conductive tip 9 with the opening 5 for aspirating and dispensing the sample liquid. This conductive tip serves as

Immersion detection electrode (or contact), with the help of which it can be determined when the pipette tip 1 touches the surface of the sample liquid or

penetrates and dives into it (-> "capacitive liquid level detection", cLLD). For example, the conductive tip 9 has a length in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, particularly preferably 5 mm, and consists e.g. from the same material as the volume measuring electrode 7.

FIG. 4 a) shows a schematic representation of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip 1 which, in addition to the volume measuring electrode 7, has a second electrode as the immersion detection electrode (or contact) 10

having. With the aid of this immersion detection electrode 10 can be (as with the conductive tip 9) to determine when the pipette tip 1, the surface of the

Sample liquid touched or pierced and in this dips (-> cLLD). The immersion detection electrode 10 is disposed substantially opposite to the volume sensing electrode 7 and is made of the same material as the first electrode 7, for example. As shown in FIGS. 4b), 4c) and 4d), the immersion detection electrode 10 may be formed on an outer (= sixth) Embodiment) or inner (= seventh embodiment) surface of the pipette body 4 may be arranged (or on both surfaces connected to the opening 5) or a

form continuous part of a wall of the pipette body 4 (= eighth embodiment). As is also apparent from FIGS. 4b), 4c) and 4d), the

Immersion detection electrode 10 may be strip-shaped and run axially along the pipette body 4 as well as e.g. spanning half of the circumference of the pipette tip 1. Next extends the

Immersion detection electrode 10 to the opening 5 so that it comes into contact with the sample liquid during immersion. In contrast, the

Volume measuring electrode 7 does not come into contact with the sample liquid, so that this e.g. not until the

Opening 5 extends and is spaced therefrom, as shown in Fig. 4a).

5a) illustrates in a schematic representation a use of the pipette tip 1 according to the sixth embodiment for immersion detection (-> cLLD), ie for the determination of the time when the pipette tip 1 into a sample liquid 6, which is in a container 19, such as a tub, a sample tube or a

"Well" is located in a microplate, dips (and emerges). As can be seen from the time course of the measured capacitance in FIG. 5 b), the capacitance increases abruptly as soon as the immersion detection electrode 10 touches and dips into the sample liquid 6 and then suddenly drops again as soon as the immersion detection electrode 10

Immersion detection electrode 10 is pulled out of the sample liquid 6.

Fig. 6a) illustrates the use of the pipette tip 1 according to the sixth embodiment for measuring the volume of the sample liquid 6, which in the

Pipette tip 1 is located during aspiration and dispensing. As can be seen from the time course of the measured capacitance in FIG. 6b), the capacitance increases abruptly as soon as the immersion detection electrode 10

Sample liquid 6 touches and immersed in this, then increases linearly (depending on the shape of the pipette tip 1 and the geometry of the volume measuring electrode 7) due to the ever higher sample liquid column in the pipette tip 1, which forms an increasing counter electrode to Volumenmesselektrode 7, then falls when dispensing linearly and finally makes a jump down once the immersion detection electrode 10 is pulled out of the sample liquid 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates in a simplified schematic representation an embodiment of a Pipetting device according to the invention. This illustration shows the pipette tube 2 with an attached

Pipette tip 1, which was previously removed from a receptacle 16 of a pipette tip holder 15 and now moved by a robot arm 14 on a liquid processing system 3 vertically upward and thus of the

Pipette tip holder 15 is removed. In this case, a capacitance measuring unit 11, which with the pipette tube 2 and thus also with the pipette tip 1 as a first electrode and the work table or the work surface 17 and thus also with the pipette tip holder 15 (or a component thereof) as a second (counter) electrode connected, determine the (absolute) capacity of the measuring capacitor comprising these two electrodes. Depending on the type or type (e.g., size / volume) of the pipette tip 1, the measured value of the capacitance will be different.

For this purpose, the measured value of the capacity in one

Detection unit 12 compared to various reference values, each reference value is characteristic of a particular type or type of

Pipette tip 1. The detection unit 12 then gives information about whether a pipette tip 1 at the

Pipette tube 2 is connected, and if so what type or type of pipette tip 1 it is, to a control unit 13 of a drive for the robot arm 14 on.

Such a Pipettenspit zenhalterung 15 may for example be part of the liquid processing system 3, wherein the robot arm 14 for determining the capacity and thus for detecting the pipette tip type or the

Pipette tip the pipette tube 2 with

connected pipette tip 1 each to

Pipette tip holder 15 moved to and

Capacitance measurement in the recording 16 lowers. Thus, the pipette tip holder 15 is a separate / dedicated "measuring station" for Pipettenspit zenerkennung within the liquid processing system 3.

Finally, FIGS. 8a) -c) show, by way of example, three pipette tips 1 with electrodes 7 (or 10) of different widths, which comprise a set of three distinguishable types

Form pipette tips 1, which by means of

proposed recognition method based on the different capacities, which result from the different widths b _a <b <b _{c of} the electrodes 7 (or 10), can be distinguished from each other and recognized.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 pipette tip

2 pipette tube 3 pipetting device

4 pipette bodies

5 opening at one, first end of the pipette body

6 (sample) liquid

7 first electrode, volume measuring electrode 8 electrically insulating layer / coating (above the first electrode and the pipette body)

9 conductive tip, immersion detection electrode / contact

10 second electrode, strip-shaped immersion detection electrode / contact 10 'second electrode, half-circumference of the pipette tip comprehensive immersion detection electrode / contact

11 (capacity) measuring unit

12 detection unit

13 Control unit for controlling the movement of the drive of the pipetting robot

14 pipetting robots incl. Drive

15 pipette tip holder / carrier

16 Pickup for a pipette tip 7 Worktable / surface 18 electrical contact

19 container, eg a microplate with wells a axis of the pipette tip b _a electrode width from electrode width bb _c electrode width cx first horizontal axis of movement of the pipetting robot (eg forward and backward) y second horizontal axis of movement of the pipetting robot

Pipetting robot (for example to the left and right) z vertical movement axis of the pipetting robot (down and up)

Claims

1. Pipette tip (1) for connection to a

Pipette tube (2) from a pipetting device (3), wherein the pipette tip (1) is formed as an elongate tube which forms a pipette body (4) having at its one, first end an opening (5) for aspirating and / or dispensing Liquids (6), and is formed at its other end for connection to the pipette tube (2), characterized in that the

Pipette tip (1) a first electrode (7) as

Volume measuring electrode of a measuring capacitor has.

2. pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (7) on an outer surface of the

Pipette body (4) is or embedded in the pipette body (4).

3. pipette tip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pipette body (4) made of an electrically non-conductive

Material, in particular a non-conductive plastic, such as non-conductive polypropylene, which acts in particular at least as part of a dielectric of the measuring capacitor.

4. pipette tip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrode (7) is strip-shaped and extends axially along the pipette tip (1), and in particular a width in a range of 0.8 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably of 1 mm.

5. pipette tip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrode (7) is strip-shaped, axially along the pipette tip (7) and sectionally different width, wherein the first electrode (7) in particular a stair-step-shaped

Has width profile in the axial direction, and the width of the first electrode (7), for. at the first end is the lowest, and the width in the axial direction is gradually increased.

6. pipette tip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first electrode (7) does not extend to the opening (5) at the first end and in particular from this opening (5) is spaced in a range of 3 mm 6 mm, preferably in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, particularly preferably around 5 mm.

7. pipette tip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pipette body (4) at the first end a conductive tip (9) with the opening (5) for aspirating and / or dispensing liquids (6) as

Immersion detection electrode, the conductive tip (9) in particular having a length in the range from 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably in the range from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, particularly preferably 5 mm, and further in particular consists of the same material as the first electrode (7).

8. pipette tip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pipette tip (1) has a second electrode (10) as immersion detection electrode, which in particular substantially opposite to the first electrode (7)

is arranged, and which further in particular

the same material as the first electrode (7).

9. pipette tip (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second electrode (10) on an inner and / or outer surface of the pipette body (4) or forms a continuous part of a wall of the pipette body (4).

10. pipette tip (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second electrode (10) is strip-shaped and extends axially along the tube, and in particular up to two thirds of the circumference of the pipette tip (1) spans, more particularly half of the circumference of the

The pipette tip (1) spans.

11. The pipette tip (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second electrode (10) extends to the opening (5) at the first end.

12. pipette tip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pipette tip (1) is a disposable pipette tip ze, which is provided in particular for single use.

13. Pipetting device (3) comprising a pipette tube (2), a pressure generating means and a measuring unit (11), wherein the pipette tube (2) at its one, first end for fluid-tight connection of a pipette tip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 formed is connected to the pressure generating means at its other end, wherein in an area for connecting the pipette tip (1) an electrical contact (18) for producing an electrical connection, in particular a galvanic connection, with a first electrode (7) as

Volume measuring electrode at the pipette tip (1) is present, which is connected to the measuring unit (11), wherein the measuring unit (11) is formed in response to a measured capacitance of a measuring capacitor, which by the first electrode (7) and at least a part one in the pipette tip (1) recordable

Sample liquid (6) is formed as a counter electrode to determine a volume of in the pipette tip (1) located sample liquid (6).

14. The pipetting device (3) according to claim 13, wherein the measuring unit (11) is further configured to move by means of a conductive tip (9) on the pipette tip (1)

Claim 7 and / or a second electrode (10) on the The pipette tip (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11 as immersion detection electrode immersing the

Pipette tip (1) into the sample liquid (6) too

detect.

15. The pipetting device (3) according to claim 13, further comprising a detection unit (12) for detecting whether the pipette tip (1) is connected to the first end of the pipette tube (2) and / or for detecting a

characteristic feature of the pipette tip (1)

based on a measurement of a further capacity, wherein the further capacity is dependent on one or more of the following properties:

- A material from which the pipette tip (1) consists; - A geometry of the pipette tip (1), in particular

a shape of the pipette tip (1), more particularly a diameter and / or a length of

Pipette tip (1);

a coating (8) of the pipette tip (1),

in particular a material from which the coating (8) of the pipette tip (1), in particular an extension or thickness of the coating (8) of the pipette tip (1);

- A material from the first and / or second

Electrode (7, 10) and / or the conductive tip (9); - A geometry of the first and / or second electrode (7, 10) and / or the conductive tip (9).

16. A method for determining a volume of a

Sample liquid (6) in a pipette tip (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps:

Measuring a capacitance of a measuring capacitor comprising a first electrode (7) on the pipette tip (1) and a counterelectrode passing through at least part of a sample liquid (6) which is located in the

Pipette tip (1) is formed;

- Determining the volume of the sample liquid (6) in the pipette tip (1) in dependence of the measured

Capacity.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:

- Detecting a dipping the pipette tip (1) in the sample liquid (6) by means of a conductive

Tip (9) on the pipette tip (1) according to claim 7 and / or a second electrode (10) on the

A pipette tip (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11 as a dip detection electrode.

18. A method for detecting a pipette tip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 on a pipetting device (3) with a pipette tube (2), which at its one, first end for releasably receiving a pipette tip (1) for aspirating or dispensing a liquid (6)

is formed, and which is operatively connected at its other end with a pressure generating means, wherein the

Method comprises measuring a capacitance that is dependent on one or more of the following properties:

- A material from which the pipette tip (1) consists;

- A geometry of the pipette tip (1), in particular

Pipette tip (1);

a coating (8) of the pipette tip (1),

- A material from the first and / or second

Electrode (7, 10) and / or the conductive tip (9);

- A geometry of the first and / or second electrode (7, 10) and / or the conductive tip (9).

A method of manufacturing a pipette tip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising forming the pipette tip (1) as an elongated tube of a first material and forming a first electrode (7). of a second material on the pipette tip (1), in particular on an outer surface of the tube or embedded in the tube, by means of a

Multi-component injection molding process takes place.

20. The method according to claim 19 for the preparation of a

The pipette tip (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising attaching a conductive tip (9) to the first end of the tube and / or forming a second electrode (10) on the pipette tip (1), in particular on an inner and or the outer surface of the tube, or as a continuous part of a wall of the tube, by means of the same multi-component injection molding process, and in particular simultaneously with the molding of the first electrode (7).

21. Use of the pipette tip (1) according to one of

Claims 1 to 12 for determining a volume of a

Sample liquid (6), which is located in the pipette tip (1), with the aid of a first electrode (7) as Volumenmesselektrode at the pipette tip (1).

22. Use according to claim 21 of the pipette tip (1) according to one of claims 7 to 11 for detecting immersion of the pipette tip (1) in the sample liquid (6) by means of a conductive tip (9) and / or a second electrode (10). as a dip detection electrode on the pipette tip (1).

A set of pipette tips (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising at least two types of

Pipette tips (1), wherein the at least two types differ in that when applying the method for detecting a pipette tip (1) according to claim 18, a capacity of a first type of pipette tips (1) in a first area and the capacity of a second type of pipette tips (1) is in a second region, wherein the first and second regions are non-overlapping, and wherein the at least two types of

Pipette tips (1) in particular by one of the following features:

- volume of volume; - Spit zenöffnungsgrösse / diameter for aspirating and dispensing a liquid;

- with or without filter to prevent

Contaminations of the pipette tube (2) during aspiration of a sample liquid (6), and in particular a type of filter;

- purity category;

- Usage;

- Volume measurement function;

- Sealing ability of a connection of the pipette tips (1) to the pipette tube (2), and wherein in particular the outer geometry of the at least two types of pipette tips (1) may be identical.