Product
Catalogue
Catalogue
reconfigurable · versatile · imaginative
The complete guide to DropBot digital microfluidics.
Hardware, chips, accessories, reagents and integrations.
Hardware, chips, accessories, reagents and integrations.
— 2026 Edition · sci-bots.com —
Next-generation digital microfluidics for everyone.
Founded in 2016 and based in Toronto, Canada, Sci-Bots is the maker of DropBot, the world's most widely cited open-source droplet control system. Referenced in over 250 peer-reviewed publications, DropBot is trusted by researchers in chemistry, biology, medicine and diagnostics across the globe.
Digital microfluidics (DMF) enables picolitre-to-microlitre droplets to be moved, merged, split, and mixed under computer control, with no channels and no clogs. Applications span diagnostics, drug discovery, environmental monitoring, 2D/3D cell culture, and beyond.
Sci-Bots products provide a cost-effective, reconfigurable entry point into digital microfluidics (DMF). Unlike traditional single-application microfluidic devices, DropBot and its ecosystem of accessories can be adapted to virtually any experimental need.
Sci-Bots is a subsidiary of Blue Ocean Technologies Inc.
250+
Academic Publications
Application
Agnostic
Agnostic
Platform Design
1-yr
Product Warranty
Global
Worldwide Shipping
Section 01
DropBot
Bundles
Bundles
Curated bundles built around the DropBot v3.0 — the fastest way to get started with digital microfluidics. New users can book a complimentary DMF 101 introductory session with our expert team.
Flagship
DropBot Core
There may be imitators, but there is only one official DropBot. Referenced in over 250 academic publications and trusted across chemistry, biology and medicine, the DropBot Core is the foundation of the entire Sci-Bots ecosystem. Features an integrated high-voltage amplifier, 120 individually addressable channels, real-time capacitance feedback for droplet tracking, and a robust pogo-pin chip interface. Fully compatible with all DropBot accessories and the open-source MicroDrop software. Operable on battery (12 hours of run-time) for field applications.
Includes
- DropBot v3.0
- USB A/B Cable
- DropBot Chip Loader
- 12V Power Supply (100–240 VAC)
- Operation Manual & MicroDrop software link
Key Specifications
Control Voltage30–145 VRMS
Output Frequency100 Hz – 10 kHz (up to 50 kHz on request)
Channels120 individually addressable
FeedbackReal-time capacitance-based droplet tracking
Power100–240 VAC or battery (12 hrs)
Computer ControlMicroDrop (open source Python-based software)
Bundle
DropBot Essentials Bundle
Getting started in digital microfluidics has never been easier. The ideal entry point for new users and research labs — everything you need for precision droplet control and your first experiments, right out of the box.
Includes
- DropBot Core (with all accessories)
- 1× DropBot Test Board (calibration & diagnostics)
- 5× DropBot Glass Chips (Standard)
- DropBot Liquid Essentials (Sci-Bots Duo colours + Surfactant)
Bundle
DropBot Capture Bundle
Capture every moment of your digital microfluidics experiments. The Capture Bundle adds a Full HD USB webcam with magnetic mount and flexible arm to the Essentials Bundle, enabling real-time monitoring, documentation and video recording of your workflows.
Includes
- DropBot Essentials Bundle
- Full HD USB Webcam (autofocus)
- Magnetic Webcam Mount
- Adjustable Webcam Arm
Bundle
DropBot Extender Bundle
Expand your DropBot's reach with the Extender Bundle. Combines the Essentials Bundle with the DropBot Extender so you can operate DropBot Chips remotely — inside microscopes, spectrometers, or any specialized instrument — without moving your DropBot controller.
Includes
- DropBot Essentials Bundle
- DropBot Extender (Board + Cable Set + Device Interface)
Bundle
DropBot Magnetic Stage Bundle
Streamline magnetic particle workflows from day one. This bundle combines the Essentials Bundle with the DropBot Magnetic Stage and DropBot Magnetic Particles, giving you everything required to develop and run DMF-based magnetic bead assays immediately.
Includes
- DropBot Essentials Bundle
- DropBot Magnetic Stage (with Extender)
- DropBot Magnetic Particles
Bundle
DropBot Imaging Bundle
Capture stunning, publication-quality images and videos of your DMF experiments. Features the DropBot Imaging Station for even, consistent lighting with Sony sensor cameras, paired with chips and reagents to elevate your imaging and documentation capabilities immediately.
Includes
- DropBot Core
- DropBot Imaging Station
- 1× DropBot Test Board
- 3× DropBot Glass Chips (Standard)
- DropBot Colours — Aurora Quintet
- DropBot Surfactant
Best Value
DropBot Ultimate Bundle
For those who want it all. The Ultimate Bundle is the complete DropBot ecosystem in a single package. Featuring the DropBot Core, Magnetic Stage, Imaging Station, and Extender, it enables precision droplet control, magnetic particle manipulation, and professional imaging — all working together seamlessly. Ideal for core labs, advanced research groups, or anyone ready to push the boundaries of digital microfluidics from day one.
Includes
- DropBot Core
- DropBot Magnetic Stage (with Extender)
- DropBot Imaging Station
- DropBot Extender – Imaging Station Adaptor
- DropBot USB Hub
- P20 Pipette
- 1× DropBot Test Board
- 3× DropBot Glass Chips (Standard)
- DropBot Colours — Aurora Quintet
- DropBot Surfactant
Section 02
DropBot
Accessories
Accessories
Extend the capabilities of your DropBot with precision-engineered accessories — from remote chip operation to magnetic particle manipulation and professional imaging.
DropBot Extender
Operate your DropBot Chips anywhere — inside an inspection microscope, within a spectrometer, or any specialized instrument. Three 60 cm braided cables connect the DropBot controller to a remote pogo-pin chip interface, maintaining full DropBot functionality at a distance.
Includes
- DropBot Extender Board (PCB interface to DropBot)
- DropBot External Device Interface (remote pogo-pin head)
- DropBot Extender Cable Set (2× 40-pin + 1× 50-pin, 60 cm each)
Key Specifications
Cable Length60 cm (braided)
Channels SupportedMin. 40 channels (50-pin cable)
Max Chip SizeUp to 3" × 3"
New
DropBot Well Plate Extender
Bring DropBot into standard laboratory workflows. Built in the universal 96-well plate footprint, this accessory integrates seamlessly with plate readers, microscopes (both upright and inverted), and robotic handlers. Precision-machined all-aluminum frame, two 60 cm braided cables, robust pogo-pin interface.
Includes
- DropBot Well Plate Extender Board (PCB interface to DropBot)
- DropBot Well Plate Extender Device Interface (remote pogo-pin head)
- DropBot Well Plate Extender Cable Set (2× 64-pin, 60 cm each)
Key Specifications
Footprint96-well plate standard
Channels60 per connector (2 independent sides)
Top Opening50 mm wide, fully open
Bottom Opening50 × 50 mm (inverted microscope access)
ConstructionPrecision-machined all-aluminum
DropBot Magnetic Stage
Unleash the full potential of magnetic particle manipulation on DMF. A motorized Z-axis stage positions a neodymium magnet with a focusing "magnetic lens" beneath the chip, enabling simultaneous parallel pulldown of magnetic particles across multiple droplets. Magnet height is software-controlled via a custom MicroDrop plugin for precise, repeatable results.
Includes
- DropBot Motorized Z-Axis Stage (precision-milled Delrin)
- DropBot Extender Tower
- DropBot Extender
- DropBot Peripheral Control Unit
- Magnet Holder Type I + Magnetic Lens
- USB A/C Cable + 12V power splitter cable
Key Specifications
Magnet TypeNeodymium with focusing lens
Z-Axis ControlMotorized, software-controlled (MicroDrop)
ConstructionPrecision-milled Delrin
Power12V (shared with DropBot via splitter)
DropBot Imaging Station
Precision-engineered for consistent, even illumination across the full chip field of view — eliminating shadows and hot spots for reliable image analysis. Equipped with Sony sensors and configurable lighting color temperature. Available in three sensor variants and three illumination options.
Includes
- DropBot Imaging Station unit
- 12V power splitter cable
Sensor Options (Customizable)
Default (16 MP)Sony IMX298, 30 FPS @ 2320×1744
High FPS (11.6 MP)Sony IMX577, 120 FPS @ 1080p
8K Ultra (48 MP)Sony IMX586, 5 FPS @ 8000×6000
Illumination (Customizable)
Warm3000K
Neutral (default)4200K
Cool6000K
New
DropBot Heater
Add closed-loop heating to your DMF workflows. The DropBot Heater provides rapid warm-up, uniform temperature distribution across the chip surface, and repeatable results through five integrated spatial sensors and active PID control. Enables incubation, isothermal reactions and temperature-assisted protocols directly on-chip.
Includes
- Modified chip slider with integrated resistive heater & 5 sensors
- Heater control board (Raspberry Pi Pico, MicroPython)
- Flexible power/data cable
- USB A/Micro Cable + 12V power splitter
Key Specifications
Heating MethodResistive surface + thermal spreader
ControlPWM or PID via Raspberry Pi Pico
Operating RangeAmbient to 65 °C (chip surface)
Sensors5 embedded (spatial averaging)
Power12V DC
Section 03
DropBot
Chips
Chips
Consumable glass DMF chips and top plates, rigorously QC-tested to guarantee defect-free performance. Each chip features 84 addressable electrodes. Custom designs available on request.
DropBot Glass Chip
The standard two-plate DMF chip for a wide range of applications — droplet movement, merging, splitting, dispensing, and magnetic separation. Every chip undergoes rigorous QC to ensure zero pinholes or hydrophilic defects. Available in Standard (0.9 mm) and Slim (0.5 mm) variants. The Slim variant offers improved thermal transfer (for heating) and closer magnet proximity (for magnetic bead workflows).
Key Specifications
Total Electrodes84 (60 active + 8 reservoirs + 16 others)
Electrode Size~2.15 mm side (~4.6 mm²)
Reservoir Volume5–6 µL
Droplet Volume~1.1 µL per electrode
Standard Bottom0.9 mm Soda Lime glass
Slim Bottom0.5 mm Soda Lime glass
Compatible WithAir, oil, or hybrid DMF environments
New
DropBot ITO Glass Chip
A fully transparent two-plate DMF chip using Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) for both the bottom and top plates. Retains the same 84-electrode layout as the standard chip while offering superior optical access from both sides — ideal for fluorescence, absorbance, live-cell imaging and any application where traditional chromium electrodes might interfere with optics.
Key Specifications
Bottom Plate0.7 mm ITO-coated glass (transparent)
Top Plate0.7 mm ITO-coated glass
Total Electrodes84 (same layout as Standard)
Best ForFluorescence, absorbance, cell culture, optical transmission
DropBot Chip Top Plates — Pack of 5
Replacement transparent top plates, identical to those supplied with standard DropBot Glass Chips. Essential for maintaining chip performance when top plates show wear. Each plate is QC-tested for consistent hydrophobic coating and optical clarity. Pack of 5.
Key Specifications
Dimensions50 × 25 mm, 0.7 mm thick
ElectrodeITO-coated glass (8–12 Ω/sq)
CoatingHydrophobic fluoropolymer (top & edges)
Pack Size5 plates
DropBot Passive Dispensers — Pack of 5
Unlock passive dispensing on digital microfluidics — a technique widely used for reagent metering and 2D/3D cell culture. A specialized top plate variant with precisely positioned hydrophilic sites (virtual microwells). When droplets pass over these sites, sub-droplets spontaneously form with high reproducibility. Pack of 5.
Key Specifications
Dimensions50 × 25 mm, 0.7 mm thick ITO glass
Hydrophilic SitesFour 2 mm diameter spots per plate
Spot Locations10.69, 19.49, 30.49, 39.29 mm from edge
Pack Size5 dispensers
DropBot Chip Template for Custom Design
Design your own DropBot-compatible chip using this official template. Available in DXF (with DWG and SVG formats also provided). Fully documented to help you design and manufacture chips compatible with the DropBot pogo-pin interface. Simply add to cart for a download link.
Includes
- DXF chip design template (DWG and SVG also available)
- Design documentation and GitHub link
Section 04
Calibration,
Replacement & Parts
Replacement & Parts
Individual components to maintain, repair or expand your DropBot system. Whether you've misplaced something or need backup hardware, we have you covered.
DropBot Test Board
An essential calibration and diagnostics tool. The Test Board replicates the capacitance of liquid-covered electrodes across all 120 channels, enabling precise system verification without a microfluidic chip. Included in all DropBot Starter Packs. Do not touch during operation (high voltage).
Key Specifications
Channels120 actuation channels
Capacitance10 pF per channel
DropBot Chip Loader
Ensures secure, reliable pogo-pin contact between DropBot and your chip. A precision-milled sliding mechanism moves the chip into optimal alignment. Available in two variants: Standard (for 0.9 mm chips, white) and Slim (for 0.5 mm chips, black). Included with every DropBot Core.
Variants
Standard (white)For 0.9 mm thick bottom plates
Slim (black)For 0.5 mm thick bottom plates
DropBot Extender Board
The PCB interface between DropBot and the Extender cable system. Exposes all 120 actuation connections and ground via three expansion slots for connecting Extender Cable Sets. Required for remote chip operation.
Key Specifications
ConnectionsAll 120 electrode channels + ground
Expansion Slots3 cable slots
DropBot Extender Cable Set
High-quality braided cables connecting the Extender Board to the External Device Interface. Ensures stable signal transmission with no loss across all actuation channels over the full 60 cm cable length.
Includes
- 2× 60 cm 40-pin cables (braided)
- 1× 60 cm 50-pin cable (braided)
DropBot Extender – Imaging Station Adaptor
Securely couples the DropBot Imaging Station to the DropBot Extender for remote, extended imaging workflows. Required for use in the DropBot Ultimate Bundle and any setup combining both the Extender and the Imaging Station.
Section 05
Reagents
Optimized surfactants, colour solutions and magnetic particles formulated specifically for DropBot and digital microfluidics workflows. Ready-to-use, Canadian-inspired.
DropBot Colours — Aurora Quintet
Elevate your digital microfluidics with all five vibrant, Canadian-inspired ready-to-use DropBot Colours. Mix and match on or off the chip for endless colour combinations. Perfect for protocol documentation with the Imaging Station or Webcam.
Includes (1 mL each)
- 🍁 Maple Red (λmax 524 nm)
- 🌾 Yukon Yellow (λmax 430 nm)
- 🌲 Jasper Green (λmax 419, 630 nm)
- 💧 Niagara Blue (λmax 629 nm)
- ⚫ Nanaimo Black (λmax 410, 502, 630 nm)
DropBot Colours — Muskoka Trio (RGB)
Canada's outdoors meets the lab. Three primary colours — Maple Red, Jasper Green and Niagara Blue — for basic RGB droplet visualization. Ideal for simple colour mixing experiments and protocol demonstrations.
Includes (1 mL each)
- 🍁 Maple Red (λmax 524 nm)
- 🌲 Jasper Green (λmax 419, 630 nm)
- 💧 Niagara Blue (λmax 629 nm)
DropBot Colours — Sci-Bots Duo
Two bold, high-contrast colours for droplet visualization. Jasper Green and Nanaimo Black are included in the DropBot Liquid Essentials and provide easy-to-see contrast for protocol development and demonstration.
Includes (1 mL each)
- 🌲 Jasper Green (λmax 419, 630 nm)
- ⚫ Nanaimo Black (λmax 410, 502, 630 nm)
DropBot Liquid Essentials
Everything you need to get started with reagents in a single bundle — the Sci-Bots Duo colours for visualization and the DropBot Surfactant for smooth droplet movement. Included in the Essentials Bundle. The perfect companion for first experiments.
Includes
- DropBot Colours — Sci-Bots Duo (Jasper Green + Nanaimo Black)
- DropBot Surfactant (0.2 mL, 5% w/w solution)
DropBot Surfactant
A small amount of surfactant makes a big difference. Add to any aqueous reagent to dramatically improve droplet movement across DropBot Chips. Use at 0.01–0.1% w/w concentration range for optimal performance. Compatible with all DropBot Glass Chips.
Key Specifications
Formulation5% w/w aqueous surfactant solution
Volume0.2 mL
Use Concentration0.01–0.1% w/w
New
DropBot Magnetic Particles
Ready-to-use superparamagnetic particles engineered for compatibility with the DropBot Magnetic Stage and DropBot Chips. Ideal for protocol development — optimizing magnet height, evaluating droplet dynamics and establishing timing parameters. For demonstration and development use only; not for research assays.
Key Specifications
CompositionSilanized iron oxide
Concentration~5 mg/mL
Bead Size1–4 µm diameter
Magnetization25–35 EMU/g (superparamagnetic)
Particle Density1 × 10⁸ beads/mg
Section 06
Ecosystem Extensions
& Lab Equipment
& Lab Equipment
Integrate DropBot with third-party platforms and complete your lab setup with essential equipment.
New
Opentrons OT-2 Adaptor
Unlock seamless integration between DropBot and the Opentrons OT-2 liquid handling robot. This 3D-printed PLA mount securely positions your DropBot on the OT-2 deck and includes an integrated 6-position tube holder for reagent management. Both systems are Python-based and open-source — combine microliter-scale OT-2 pipetting with DropBot's nanoliter-scale DMF for end-to-end automated workflows. Tool-free installation.
Includes
- Opentrons Adaptor Mount (3D-printed PLA)
- Integrated 6-position tube holder (1.5–2 mL tubes)
Key Specifications
MaterialPLA (precision 3D-printed)
Compatible WithOpentrons OT-2 deck + DropBot
Tube Holder6 positions, 1.5–2 mL tubes
ControlOpentrons API + MicroDrop (Python)
InstallationTool-free
P20 Pipette
The ideal single-channel pipette for DropBot reagent preparation and chip loading, covering the 2–20 µL volume range. Autoclavable, compatible with standard tips, and quality-tested per ISO 8655/DIN 12650 with a calibration certificate included. Smooth, reliable pipetting for every DMF experiment.
Includes
- 1× Pipettor (2–20 µL adjustable)
- 1× Pipette tips
- 2× Filters (0.1–2.5 µL and 0.5–10 µL)
- Calibration tool, silicone grease, stand, guide, certificate
Key Specifications
Volume Range2–20 µL (0.02 µL increments)
Accuracy (20 µL)±0.20 µL (±1.0%)
MaterialPolypropylene, autoclavable (121°C, 20 min)
StandardsISO 8655 / DIN 12650
How to Order & Key Information
Online Store
Items with a listed price can be ordered directly at sci-bots.com. We accept credit card, wire transfer and cheque. Payment information is processed securely.
Quotes & Custom Orders
Bundles, accessories and custom items require a quote. Contact sales@sci-bots.com for pricing, volume discounts, custom chip designs, OEM and institutional purchase orders.
Worldwide Shipping
We ship to any country. Customer carrier accounts may be used upon request. Lead times vary by product and region — contact us for estimates.
1-Year Warranty
All hardware products carry a full one-year warranty from the date of delivery. This excludes damage from misuse, negligence or accidents.
DMF 101 Onboarding
New DropBot users can book a complimentary introductory technical session with our expert team. Email sales@sci-bots.com to schedule.
Technical Support
Dedicated technical support available Monday–Friday. Contact support@sci-bots.com for hardware, software (MicroDrop) and experimental guidance.
Note on Pricing: Prices shown are in USD. Products marked "Contact for pricing" are custom-configured or require a formal quote — please email sales@sci-bots.com. Prices are subject to change without notice. Volume discounts available for institutional orders.
