Q: What type of liquids can I use with my DropBot?
A: Any polar liquids can be used! The only requirement is to be able to electrostatically charge and pull the liquid.

Q: Why are my aqueous solutions not loading into the device?
A: Any aqueous solutions that you plan to load into your DMF chip must contain a small amount of surfactant, or else it will not go in. Sci-Bots Surfactant in the range of 0.01 to 0.1% w/w allows for proper loading and efficient droplet movement. Non aqueous samples like methanol, iso-propyl alcohol, acetonitrile or DMF can be used without any surfactant.  Contact us at info@scibots.com if you require more information or different surfactant options for compatibility with your reagents. 

Q: I’ve heard about two types of DMF chip layouts – Open and Closed. Which one is better for my application?
A: The open chip layout can handle larger droplet volumes 10-30 μL and is ideal for preparative applications where analytes are recovered after droplet actuation. The closed chip layout’s main advantage is the range of droplet operations, like dispensing, splitting and passive dispensing, which are not possible in open format devices. This layout also reduces the risk of contamination and droplet evaporation compared to the open layout. 

Q: Why is MicroDrop not establishing proper connection with DropBot (i.e. the DropBot icon remains red on MicroDrop)?
A: When your DropBot icon on MicroDropremains red that is an indication that the instrument fails to connect. To force DropBot to reconnect, disconnect first the USB cable and then the power cable and reconnect them in the reverse order (power first and USB after). Sometimes if a chip is loaded in DropBot, reconnecting may take additional time.We recommend ensuring that the slider is removed during the power cycle to ensure efficient reconnection.

Q: Why is MicroDrop not establishing proper connection with the DMF chip loaded in the DropBot (i.e. the DropBot icon remains yellow on MicroDrop)?
A: When your DropBot icon on MicroDropis not turning green, there are a few of fast and easy troubleshooting techniques to try on your own. (1) Remove the slider, slide the DMF chip towards the rear corners, and insert the slider back in to ensure engagement of the pogo pins with the contact pads on the chip. (2) Disconnect first the USB cable and then the power cable and reconnect them in the reverse order (power first and USB after). (3) Restart the MicroDrop software.

Q: When I start up MicroDrop, my device window is not appearing on my desktop. What do I do?
A: This happens when the device window is offscreen. Press “alt” + “space”, then “x” to maximize the window, then adjust the size and placement to your liking.

Q: My magnetic stage/imaging station is not responding. How do I fix it?
A: Make sure that the accessory is plugged into 12V power using the included barrel plug splitter and is connected to the computer by USB. Note that you will need to restart the MicroDrop software to reconnect to the magnetic stage.

Q: How many times can I use a DropBot chip?
A: This can vary depending on your application.There is always the risk of surface fouling and cross-contamination when reusing the DropBot chip. Including amphiphilic surfactant additives in your droplets can reduce fouling issues, and running an ethanol solution through the chip to disinfect the area will reduce the contamination risks.However,overuse of the chipsbeyond 3-4 hours of operation will cause the coatings to wear out, resulting in hydrophilic spots and electrolysis.

Q: Are DropBot chips tested?
A: Each DropBot chip undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure: Proper droplet dispensing Every single electrode on the chip is connected Proper coating of dielectric and hydrophobic layers