Formulatrix – F.A.S.T.

Innovation of the Year
for a product or service

The F.A.S.T. (Flow Axial Seal Tip) is a liquid transfer solution designed to significantly enhance efficiency and precision in the laboratory. Engineered with a pioneering 96-channel head for positive displacement, the F.A.S.T. system effortlessly handles liquids of any viscosity, positioning it as a leader in its field.

The innovative 96-tip head of the F.A.S.T. can engage with both low-volume (LV) 13 µL and high-volume (HV) 50 µL tips. This feature allows for rapid and precise sample transfers, saving valuable time and reducing reagent costs. Researchers can select from 1, 8, 12, or 96 tips for transferring reagents between various well plate formats (96—and 384-well plates), enhancing functionality in diverse experimental setups.

The system eliminates the need to program for different liquid classes, thus ensuring exceptional accuracy across all types of liquids. The positive displacement tips effectively address the challenges posed by viscosity variations, maintaining consistent performance and reliability.

Moreover, the disposable tips are specifically engineered to prevent cross-contamination, safeguarding the integrity of each sample. Equipped with state-of-the-art safety mechanisms—including tip position sensors, automatic tip arrangement, and ultra-sensitive collision detection—the F.A.S.T. liquid handler instills confidence in researchers’ automation workflows. Its open API facilitates seamless integration into broader automated systems, enhancing its utility in high-throughput research settings.

Operational efficiency is markedly enhanced by optional tip storage modules that reduce the frequency of tip box replacements, ensuring streamlined workflows essential for maintaining continuity in fast-paced research environments.

The F.A.S.T. system supports a broad range of applications and workflows—including DNA and RNA extraction, DNA, RNA, and protein purification, PCR setup and cleanup, next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, serial dilutions, cell-based assays, antibody assays, enzymatic assays, compound management via .csv picklists, and proteomics. This extensive application portfolio demonstrates its adaptability to diverse scientific needs and underscores its capacity to handle even the most complex liquid handling workflows.

Despite its compact dimensions (532 mm x 403 mm x 596 mm), the F.A.S.T. fits seamlessly within various biosafety cabinets and is designed for both standalone use on a desktop and integration with existing lab automation systems.

In a nutshell, the F.A.S.T. liquid handler by Formulatrix embodies the pinnacle of efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in liquid handling technology—making it a strong contender for the 'Innovation of the Year' award. This transformative innovation propels research capabilities forward, setting a new standard in automated liquid handlers and promising to be an invaluable asset in laboratories around the world.