Can serial dilution be automated?

Yes, serial dilution can be automated using different types of laboratory instruments created for dilution processes. Automated systems including liquid handling robots can precisely dispense specific volumes of samples and diluents. One example is a multi-channel SOLO Automated pipettor, which is capable of performing 8 or 12 samples concurrently, spending on the specific number of channels being utilized. Another example is the Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform. It consists of nine deck positions compatible with standard microplates. This instrument offers customization options for various processes like heating, shaking, barcode reading, cooling, and tip washing. It also allows for precise volume transfers, either by column or row, running from 300 nanoliters to 200 microliters. An additional example is the Assist Plus pipetting robot, used alongside the 8-channel 125 microliter Voyager adjustable tip spacing pipette and 125 microliter sterile filter, Griptips®, are able to automate entire serial dilutions in 3 steps. These steps in order are adding the liquid diluent to the target plate, adding the analyte sample to the target plate, and performing serial dilution steps within the same target plate.