Bio Break: The Role of Pipettes in Lab Workflows
In this episode of Bio Break, Nick and Joris dive into a common challenge faced by researchers and product developers: the use of pipettes in laboratory workflows and the need for alternatives in non-laboratory environments. From the precision of the trusty P200 pipette to innovative solutions like microfluidics, this discussion highlights the strengths and limitations of fluid handling tools in research and beyond.
Nick kicks things off by showcasing his favorite instrument, the P200 pipette. Renowned for its precision and ease of use, the pipette is a cornerstone in basic research, capable of transferring fluids in the range of 1–200 microliters. With its ergonomic design and disposable tips, it ensures accuracy and contamination-free sample handling, making it indispensable for laboratory scientists. However, as Joris points out, transitioning workflows out of the lab introduces unique challenges.
The conversation shifts to why developers and clients often seek alternatives to pipettes. For instance, in clinical or point-of-care settings, pipettes may not be practical due to operator inexperience or the need to handle viscous solutions like honey or biological samples. Nick illustrates this challenge with a viscosity comparison, explaining how materials like honey, with viscosity 1,000 times that of water, are difficult to handle using traditional pipettes.
Joris introduces innovative alternatives like microfluidics, a precise and controlled method for transporting small liquid volumes, and off-the-shelf transfer pipettes, which can be cost-effective but may lack the precision required for critical applications. These solutions showcase the importance of adapting workflows to specific needs, whether it’s improving accuracy, handling viscous fluids, or operating in non-lab environments.
Whether you’re a researcher, engineer, or product developer, this episode provides valuable insights into optimizing fluid handling for various scenarios. Learn about the trade-offs of replacing pipettes and how cutting-edge tools can transform workflows.
The Role of Pipettes in Lab Workflows
Related Resources
In this episode of Bio Break, Nick and Joris dive into one of the most astonishing—and real—medical innovations we’ve ever come across: osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis. Or, as Nick quickly dubs it, “tooth in eye surgery.”
In this episode of Bio Break, Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden explore a critical but often overlooked topic in healthcare innovation: prevention. While most conversations about medical devices revolve around treatment, the duo shifts the focus to technologies that help people avoid hospitalization altogether. Preventive medical devices and diagnostic tools are quietly transforming healthcare by catching diseases earlier and reducing the need for invasive procedures.
In this episode of Bio Break, Nick shares one of his favorite discoveries in the world of infectious disease research — the groundbreaking discovery of Helicobacter pylori and its role in causing peptic ulcers. This fascinating story showcases how persistence, scientific curiosity, and innovative thinking can lead to discoveries that reshape medical science.
Nick and Joris tackle a question many tech and health enthusiasts have wondered for years: Where is my cortisol-sensing smartwatch? Nick shares a nostalgic story of reading about futuristic wearable technology in Popular Mechanics as a child — devices that would one day monitor biomarkers like cortisol to track stress and overall health. Now, decades later, he and Joris break down why such a wearable device still hasn’t become a reality.