[ccp4bb]: multi-channel pipettors for crystallization

[Bostjan Kobe <kobe@biosci.uq.edu.au>]

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Dear Bulletin Board,

We have been trying to convert to 96-well plates and multichannel 
pipettors for crystallization. We have tried a few pipettors (both 
manual and automatic; Eppendorf, Genex, Biorad) with very limited 
success. Among other, we encounter the following problems:
- The channels are not well aligned with the wells (particularly 
Eppendorf; the tips are too long).
- The pipettors do not accurately pipette small volumes (0.5-1 ul), 
despite trying many different types of tips.
- The blowout feature introduces bubbles in drops.

Could people share their experience about using multi-channel 
pipettors and 96-well plates, in particular:
- What drop size do people use?
- What brands of pipettors do people recommend?

Any other information regarding this topic will also be very welcome.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Bostjan

-- 
Bostjan Kobe
Associate Professor
Wellcome Senior Research Fellow in Medical Science in Australia
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Institute for 
Molecular Bioscience
University of Queensland
Brisbane, Queensland 4072
Australia
Phone:	+61-7-3365-2132
Fax:	+61-7-3365-4699
E-mail: kobe@biosci.uq.edu.au
URL: http://www.biosci.uq.edu.au/Html/StaffInterests/BK.html
URL: http://www.biosci.uq.edu.au/bk/BKgroup.html