Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about microdispensing, non-contact dispensing, picoliter and nanoliter liquid handling, microarray printing, biomolecule dispensing and M2-Automation instruments. This FAQ is designed to help researchers, assay developers, diagnostic companies and OEM partners better understand which microdispensing technology, instrument platform and workflow may be suitable for their application.

What is Microdispensing?

Microdispensing is the precise dispensing of very small liquid volumes, typically in the picoliter, nanoliter or microliter range. It is used when conventional liquid handling methods are too large, too imprecise or consume too much sample. Typical applications include microarray printing, biosensor functionalization, assay miniaturization, diagnostic test development and dispensing of precious biological samples.

What is ultra-low volume liquid handling?

Ultra-low volume liquid handling refers to the controlled handling and dispensing of very small liquid volumes, usually below the microliter range and down to nanoliter or picoliter volumes. It is especially useful when samples are expensive, limited or sensitive.

In life science and diagnostic applications, ultra-low volume liquid handling can help reduce sample consumption, enable assay miniaturization and improve the reproducibility of small-volume dispensing processes.

How is microdispensing different from conventional pipetting?

Conventional pipetting is typically optimized for microliter volumes and larger liquid transfers. Microdispensing is designed for much smaller volumes and can generate droplets in the nanoliter or picoliter range.

Microdispensing is often used when precise droplet placement, reproducible spot formation or very low sample consumption is required. This is especially relevant for microarrays, biosensors, lab-on-a-chip devices and miniaturized assays.

Why is microdispensing useful for precious samples?

Microdispensing is useful for precious samples because it allows very small amounts of liquid to be dispensed accurately and reproducibly. This can reduce sample consumption and help preserve valuable materials such as proteins, antibodies, antigens, allergens, cells or other biomolecules.

For applications such as protein microarrays or diagnostic assay development, even small reductions in sample consumption can be important during research, optimization and production.

Which industries use microdispensing?

Microdispensing is used in life sciences, diagnostics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, assay development, biosensor development, lab automation and microarray production. Typical users include research laboratories, diagnostic companies, assay developers, biotechnology companies, OEM partners and organizations working with precious or low-volume biological samples.

What is non-contact dispensing?

Non-contact dispensing means that the liquid droplet is transferred to the target surface without the dispenser touching the surface. The droplet is ejected from the dispenser and lands on the target in a controlled way. This approach can reduce the risk of cross-contamination, protect sensitive surfaces and enable precise dispensing onto slides, membranes, microplates, biosensors or custom substrates.

How does non-contact dispensing work?

In non-contact dispensing, a defined liquid volume is ejected from a dispenser head and transferred through the air onto a target surface. Depending on the technology, the droplet can be generated by piezo-driven, pressure-driven or other dispensing principles. The dispensing parameters are adjusted according to the liquid properties, target material, desired volume and application requirements.

What are the advantages of non-contact dispensing?

The main advantages of non-contact dispensing are precise droplet placement, reduced contact with the target surface, lower contamination risk and suitability for sensitive or structured substrates. Non-contact dispensing is especially useful for applications where the target surface must not be touched, where many different samples are dispensed, or where reproducible droplet formation is required.

When should I use non-contact dispensing instead of contact-based dispensing?

Non-contact dispensing is recommended when contamination risk, surface damage, carry-over or inconsistent spot formation need to be minimized. It is also useful when dispensing onto delicate, coated, structured or custom substrates.

Contact-based dispensing may be suitable for some applications, but non-contact dispensing is often preferred for sensitive biological samples, microarray printing, biosensor functionalization and diagnostic assay development.

Is non-contact dispensing suitable for sensitive biological samples?

Yes, non-contact dispensing can be suitable for sensitive biological samples such as proteins, antibodies, antigens, allergens, nucleic acids or cells, depending on the sample properties and application requirements.

Because every sample behaves differently, M2-Automation recommends evaluating the liquid, buffer composition, viscosity, target surface and required dispensing parameters during an application assessment or feasibility study.

What is picoliter dispensing?

Picoliter dispensing is the controlled dispensing of liquid volumes in the picoliter range. One picoliter is one trillionth of a liter. Picoliter dispensing is used when extremely small droplets are required, for example in high-density microarray printing, surface functionalization or miniaturized assay development.

What is nanoliter dispensing?

Nanoliter dispensing is the controlled dispensing of liquid volumes in the nanoliter range. One nanoliter is one billionth of a liter. Nanoliter dispensing is commonly used for assay development, reagent dispensing, low-volume liquid handling and applications where larger droplets than picoliter volumes are required.

When should I use pico- or nanoliter dispensing?

Picoliter dispensing is suitable when very small and reproducible droplets are required. Typical use cases include microarray printing, protein array production, biosensor functionalization, miniaturized assays and applications where sample consumption must be minimized. Picoliter dispensing is especially relevant when working with precious biomolecules or when many individual spots need to be printed on a limited surface area.

Nanoliter dispensing is suitable when the required volume is larger than a typical picoliter droplet but still much smaller than conventional pipetting volumes. It can be useful for reagent dispensing, assay miniaturization, dispensing into microplates, lab-on-a-chip applications or low-volume diagnostic workflows. The choice between picoliter and nanoliter dispensing should be based on the assay format, target surface, sample properties and required throughput.

What affects droplet size in microdispensing?

Droplet size can be affected by the dispensing technology, nozzle or tip geometry, liquid viscosity, surface tension, buffer composition, dispensing parameters, environmental conditions and target surface. For reliable results, dispensing parameters should be optimized for the specific liquid and application. This is especially important for biological samples such as proteins, antibodies, antigens, allergens or cells.

Which sample types can be used with M2-Automation microdispensing systems?

M2-Automation microdispensing systems can be used for many types of liquids and biological samples, depending on the application and liquid properties. Typical examples include biomolecules, proteins, antibodies, antigens, allergens, nucleic acids, cells, reagents and assay components.

The suitability of a sample depends on factors such as viscosity, stability, buffer composition and required dispensing volume. For specific samples, M2-Automation can evaluate the application requirements. Get in touch with our application specialists.

Which biological samples can be dispensed with M2-Automation microdispensing systems?

M2-Automation microdispensing systems can be used for a wide range of biological samples, depending on the liquid properties, formulation, required volume and target surface.

Typical sample types include:

Sample type	Typical applications	Important factors
Proteins	Protein microarrays, immunoassays, biosensor functionalization, diagnostic assay development	Protein stability, buffer composition, surface interaction, spot morphology, reproducibility
Antibodies	Antibody microarrays, immunoassays, biosensors, multiplex diagnostics	Formulation, concentration, viscosity, target surface, droplet consistency
Antigens	Antigen arrays, diagnostic test development, immunoassays	Compatibility with dispenser, stability, surface binding, assay performance
Allergens	Allergen microarrays, multiplex allergy diagnostics	Reproducible spot formation, low sample consumption, stable immobilization
Cells	Cell-based assays, cell dispensing, cell printing applications	Cell size, concentration, sedimentation, viability, shear sensitivity
Viscous liquids	Special reagents, buffers or biological formulations	Dynamic viscosity, surface tension, dispenser technology, dispensing parameters

For sensitive or complex samples, M2-Automation recommends an application assessment or feasibility study. This helps determine suitable dispensing parameters, dispenser configuration and substrate compatibility before selecting the final system.

What is microarray printing?

Microarray printing is the process of placing small and defined liquid spots onto a target surface in an ordered pattern. The printed spots can contain biomolecules such as proteins, antibodies, antigens, allergens, DNA, RNA or other assay components. Microarray printing is used in research, diagnostics, biosensor development and multiplex assay formats.

Protein microarray printing is the precise deposition of protein-containing droplets onto a surface, such as a slide, membrane, chip or other substrate. The goal is to create an array of protein spots for analytical or diagnostic applications. Important parameters include spot size, spot morphology, protein stability, surface chemistry, humidity, dispensing volume and reproducibility.

An allergen microarray is a multiplex assay format in which different allergen components are immobilized as small spots on a surface. This enables the analysis of multiple allergen-specific responses in a compact test format.

How does microdispensing support diagnostic assay development?

Microdispensing supports diagnostic assay development by enabling precise placement of small liquid volumes, reducing sample consumption and supporting miniaturized assay formats. It can be used for protein arrays, antigen arrays, allergen arrays, biosensors, lab-on-a-chip devices and multiplex immunoassays.

How can microdispensing help with assay miniaturization?

Microdispensing helps with assay miniaturization by reducing the required sample and reagent volumes while maintaining controlled liquid placement. Smaller volumes can make it possible to increase assay density, reduce costs and test more conditions with limited sample material. Assay miniaturization requires careful optimization of dispensing parameters, target surfaces, evaporation control and assay readout.

What should I consider before buying a microdispensing instrument?

Before buying a microdispensing instrument, you should define the required volume range, sample types, target substrates, number of samples, throughput, automation needs, environmental requirements, cleaning process, quality control expectations and future scale-up plans.

A feasibility study can help verify whether the selected dispensing technology is suitable for the intended application.

 

Can one instrument be used for different applications?

Yes, depending on the configuration, one instrument can be used for different applications. The existing FAQ states that dispenser heads are interchangeable and that the change between a PDMD and an M2MD only requires 1 to 2 minutes.

Different applications may require different dispenser heads, target holders, parameters or workflow adaptations.

 

How is the choice of microdispenser determined?

The choice of the dispenser depends on the requirements of the experiment setup.

• For special liquid handling in a pL-volume range, the PDMD is a good choice.
• If you want to dispense between several nL and a few µL, the M2MD AD would be most appropriate.
• If you want to dispense the same liquid several times, you can use the M2MD BD. For further information, please contact us.

 

What is the advantage of a vacuum table compared to a planar target holder?

The advantage of the vacuum table is that you can affix to it every kind of target you want to spot on.

 

My targets have a very unique shape. Is it possible to request a custom-tailored solution/target table?

Yes, this is possible. Based on your requirements, our CAD department will create a model specifically for you.

 

What is the difference between a Single-Channel Syringe and a Dual-Channel Syringe?

With the Single-Channel Syringe Pump, you can use one system liquid. With the Dual-Channel Syringe Pump, you can use two system liquids.

(We recommend using ultra-pure water as the first system liquid. Liquid alcohol, for example, can be used as the second system liquid. Alcohol can be used for the degassing of the system as well as disinfection.)

 

Are the dispenser heads interchangeable?

Yes.

 

How long is the set-up time in the event of a dispenser change?

The change between a PDMD and an M2MD only requires 1-2 minutes.

 

How can I find out which system is most suitable for my application?

Initially, an assessment of your specific project needs would be carried out in order to identify which of the three systems would be best suited to your requirements.  Additionally, we offer a general trial run at our premises.

In terms of a full process optimization, we work closely and directly with our clients in order to make sure that they receive the best solution for their purposes.  Furthermore, our services include training and after-care.

 

Is it possible to have multiple users on a single machine?

Absolutely. Our own InDOT software is capable of handling multiple users with individual runs and applications.

 

What kind of system liquids can be applied?

The fluid path for the iZERO, iONE, iTWO and iFOUR systems is capable of handling commonly used solvents as well as more aggressive substances, such as DMSO. Nevertheless, we recommend using ultra-pure water as the first system liquid. Liquid alcohol, for example, can be used as the second system liquid.

 

I have a special laboratory setup. Which system is suitable for my experiment?

Please contact us if you have any questions. We will check your requirements and give you an overview of the options, which will be aligned with the requirements of your particular laboratory setup.

 

Can I use all kinds of solutions?

The limitation is defined by a solution's dynamic viscosity. A viscosity of up to 8.4 mPas is possible to dispense.

 

Is it possible to use different spotting parameters for the samples to be dispensed?

Yes, it is possible. The parameters can be defined in the pattern.

 

What is a feasibility study?

A feasibility study is an application evaluation that helps determine whether a liquid, substrate and dispensing requirement can be handled with a specific microdispensing setup. It can include testing of sample behavior, droplet formation, spot quality, dispensing parameters, substrate compatibility and workflow requirements.

A feasibility study is useful because microdispensing performance depends strongly on the liquid, target surface and application requirements. Testing the real sample and substrate helps reduce technical risk before selecting or configuring an instrument. This is especially important for sensitive biomolecules, custom substrates, new assay formats or production-oriented workflows.

What is the typical customer journey from first contact to finished product?

Our process starts with understanding your specific application needs. After first contact, we can offer a free demo or feasibility study. If required, we can also support pilot-scale production through our Contract Manufacturing Service (CMS) and assist with assay development.

Once the requirements are defined, our expert team in Berlin builds and configures your tailored microdispensing solution. After completion, you can either visit us for collection and training, or we can deliver the system and provide on-site training.

After installation and training, our M2 expert team continues to support you through our after-care service.

Can M2-Automation microdispensing systems be connected to the internet?

Under no circumstances should the systems be connected to the internet. The built-in PC must never be used for applications not authorised by M2-Automation. There is a serious risk of reducing system speed and introducing bugs.

 

Where do I find the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances?

The Ordinance on Hazardous Substances is available on the website of the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

 

Get in touch

Do you have a specific sample, substrate or application in mind? Contact us to discuss your requirements, evaluate feasibility and identify the most suitable microdispensing configuration for your workflow.