GB2472252A - Microplate holder for inclining a microplate - Google Patents

Abstract

A microplate holder comprises means for inclining a microplate 7. The angle of the microplate may be between 5° and 20°. The means for inclining the microplate may be adjustable, so that the microplate can be moved from a horizontal position to a desired angle of inclination. The means for inclining the microplate may comprise an inclined platform 9 on which the microplate is located. An automatic microplate processing system is also provided, which comprises the microplate holder. The invention is also directed to a method for improved introduction of fluid into a well (2, Fig. 1) of a microplate which comprises the step of providing the microplate in an inclined position. The microplate holder minimises the damage or disruption to biological material within wells of the microplate during the introduction and removal of fluids.

Description

INTELLECTUAL

. .... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No. GB0913315.8 RTM Date:17 September 2009 The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Syto (page 5) Biotek (page 11) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk A Device for Improved Liquid Handling in a Microplate

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a means for improving fluid exchange across a microplate. More specifically, the invention relates to a means for positioning a microplate so as to facilitate fluid introduction and aspiration from the wells of the microplate.

Background of the Invention

Microplates (also known as microtitre, microtiter, microtitration or multi-well plates) are a standard laboratory tool, which are used in screening assays, analytical research and diagnostic techniques. Primary applications for microplates include enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), cytotoxic assays, protein assays, and many cell-based assays used in high-throughput screening during the drug discovery process.

Microplates are, in effect, small reaction vessels. They are typically small rectangular trays or cassettes that are covered with wells or dimples arranged in orderly rows. These wells are used to conduct separate chemical reactions. The number of wells included in microplates is commonly 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384 or 1536, depending upon the size of the microplate and the size of the wells.

Microplates typically comprise a base plate fixed to an upper plate which comprises a plurality of wells. Each well comprises a wall and a base. The wells ate typically arranged in a matrix arrangement of rows and columns. Microplates may be provided with a lid, which fits over the plate to prevent spillage or contamination of the wells and/or to seal the wells.

While some microplates are designed for reuse, and some reactions can be carried io out repeatedly in the same microplate, in general, microplates are laboratory consumables, and are disposed of after use.

Mictoplates are typically made from polymeric plastic materials such as polypropylene, and the most common form of manufacturing process for microplates is injection moulding. In some cases other materials such as glass may be incorporated into the microplate, typically as the base of the well.

While most microplates ate of standard manufacture, specialized microplates are available. UV-treated microplates may be used with protein and nucleic acid concentrations, and in research involving DNA testing or sequencing. Fluorescence microplates are available with black or white pigments to reduce background signals or to enhance reflectivity. Luminescent vessels provide high reflectivity, medium binding and low cross talk. Additional designs include microplates that are designed to resist corrosives or solvents.

Microplates can be provided with wells of a certain cross-sectional shape (in vertical view), for example, microplates can have wells that have flat or round bottoms; and wells that have vertical, chamfered or conical walls. US 5,017,341, which is concerned with increasing the sedimentation rate of particles in agglutination assays, discloses a plate with a well having a bottom surface at least part of which is inclined.

Wells of a microplate are typically filled using a probe (a single probe, used for repeated filling/aspirating; or multiple aligned probes, which can be used to fill/aspirate several wells at the same time) or a pipette.

Pipettes (also called a pipet, pipettor or chemical dropper) can be individual or multi-channel pipettes (for example, 8 or 12 channel pipettes). Multi-channel pipettes generally comprise 8 or 12 channels, and are used to aspirate fluid from and/or dispense fluid to multiple wells in a microplate simultaneously. For example, when a microplate comprises 96 wells, the wells are typically arranged in 12 columns of 8 wells. An 8-channel pipette can be used to aspirate fluid from or dispense fluid to an entire column of wells simultaneously, and a 12-channel pipette can be used to aspirate fluid from or dispense fluid to an entire row of wells simultaneously.

Pipettes ate available for use in dispensing different volumes of fluid. For example, pipettes are available for dispensing up to 5d, 10l, 50d, 100tl, 200.tl, 300 jil, 500 or lml, or 5m1 of fluid.

Disposable pipette tips are available for use with each pipette. For example, pipette tips are available for use in dispensing different volumes of fluid, such as 5d, 10d, 50d, 1001d, 200d, 3001, 500.d or imi, or 5ml. These disposable pipette tips are of an appropriate size for use with the corresponding pipette. For example, the outer diameter of the point of a l000iil pipette tip is approximately 1.5mm, the inner diameter is approximately 0.75mm; the outer diameter of the point of a 200iil pipette tip is approximately 0.77mm, and the inner diameter is approximately 0.4mm; the outer diameter of the point of a 5üti pipette tip (typically used with a robotic' automated systems) is approximately 0.6-0.75 mm, and the inner diameter is approximately 0.3-0.4mm; and the outer diameter of the point of a 10d pipette tip is approximately 0.8mm, and the inner diameter is approximately 0.4mm. By point' is meant the open (i.e. dispensing) end of the pipette tip.

Whilst there are many different types of pipette, the most commonly used pipette for filing or aspirating a microplate is a piston-driven air displacement pipette.

Depression of the pipette plunger creates a vacuum. The fluid to be dispensed is then drawn up into the disposable pipette tip. The plunger is depressed to dispense the fluid.

Normal operation consists of depressing the plunger button to the first stop while the pipette is held in the air. The tip is then submerged in the fluid to be transported and the plunger is released in a slow and even manner. This draws the liquid up into the tip. The pipette is then moved to the desired dispensing location.

The plunger is again depressed to the first stop, and then to the second stop, or blowout', position. This action will fully evacuate the tip and dispense the liquid.

Obviously, when dispensing and removing fluid from a microplate, a pipette is chosen which has a tip of an appropriate size for the wells of the microplate.

Biological material may be introduced to, cultured and/or immobilized within individual wells of a microplate.

The term "biological material" or "biological matter" encompasses any material harvested, expressed or purified from an organism or biological source such as proteins, antibodies and cells.

For example, proteins may be immobilised within wells of the microplate, by processes such as adsorption, streptavidin-biotin capture and covalent linking.

Alternatively, living biological cells may be introduced to, and cultured within individual wells of the microplate. The cells are typically introduced as a suspension, wherein a certain volume of the suspension is placed in each well. The loaded microplate is then placed under cell culture conditions (for example in an incubator at 37°C with 5% C02) for a period of time to allow the cells to settle and adhere to the base of the wells. If desired, the culture time can be extended, to allow the cells which have adhered to the base of the wells to grow and/or multiply, with the aim of providing a confluent monolayer of cells on the base of each well.

A typical procedure for using a microplate in a cell based assay is as follows. The culture medium in which the cells have been adhering/growing is removed, either by aspiration using a probe or pipette (either individual or multichannel), or by tipping out the medium into a waste receptacle or onto paper towels. The culture medium is replaced with a washing solution, which is introduced via a pipette and then removed by aspiration or tipping The washing step may be repeated.

A fixative is then introduced via a pipette and left for a period of time. The fixative is generally a toxic substance, such as a paraformaldehyde solution (of a final concentration of 4 or 8% (v/v)). The fixative is used with the aim of fixing the cells in position in the wells of the microplate. The use of such fixative can represent a health and safety hazard, as it is highly undesirable for the fixative to come in contact with the skin of the operator. In addition, it is undesirable for the fixative to be inhaled by the user, and it is therefore desirable to prevent aerosolisation of the fixative.

The fixative is then removed by aspiration or tipping, often with the additional step of banging the plate on a paper towel, in an effort to remove excess solution. The cells are washed free of fixative, a process which may require repeated washing efforts. The cells are then ready for the reagents for use in the assay to be applied.

An example of an assay for which a microplate is used is a screening assay wherein it is desirable to investigate the effect of a reagent or compound on a certain property of the cells. For example, it may be desirable to investigate the effect of a reagent on a channel protein, such as a calcium channel protein. An appropriate assay could involve incubation of the cells with a photosensitive dye, such as the fluorescent dye, fluo-3AM, which binds to the cells, with excess dye removed by washing. The reagent and appropriate controls are then applied, and removed, and the cells are washed, before the cells ate then challenged in order to elicit a fluorescent signal, which is proportionate to the activity of the calcium channel protein as affected by the reagent. The fluorescent signal is detected and quantified by appropriate screening machinery, such as a microplate reader.

As an example of such an assay: it may be desirable to investigate the genotype-correlated sensitivity of selective kinase inhibitors in tumour cell line profiling, as predictive of clinical efficacy. An appropriate assay could involve incubation of diverse epithelial cancer cells with the selective kinase inhibitors; fixing the cells in 4% formaldehyde in phosphate buffered saline(PBS); and staining with the cell-permeant, fluorescent nucleic acid stain Syto6O (Molecular Probes). Fluorescence is quantified using a microplate reader. The sensitivity of each cell line to a given concentration of compound can be calculated as the fraction of viable cells relative to untreated cells.

A microplate reader, or spectrophotometer, can be used to quantify the fluorescent signal emitted by a microplate assay, using excitation and emission wavelengths selected in accordance with the fluorescent stain used in the assay. Positive controls (microplate wells containing cells and assay reagents but no test compound) and negative controls (microplate wells containing no test compound and no cells) are included in the microplate.

A measure of the quality of the assay is provided by calculating the Z and Z'-factors.

The Z'-factor or Z' is a dimensionless statistical characteristic. It is calculated from four parameters: the means and standard deviations of both the positive (p) and negative (n) controls (p,Gp, and,,,a,1): 3x (cr+cr.) Zfactor = 1 -ILL-u,,I The Z-factor is as above, but includes the intervention of test compounds.

The closer the value for the Z-factor is to 1, the higher the assay quality, as explained further by the table, below (from Zhang et al., J Biornol Screen. 1999; 4(2) :67-73).

Z-factor Interpretation 1.0 Ideal (Z-factors can never actually greater than or equal 1).

between 0.5 An excellent assay. Note that if a a,,, 0.5 is equivalent to a separation of and 1.0 12 standard deviations between and pt,,.

between 0 and 0.5 A matgmal assay.

less than 0 The signal from the positive and negative contiols overlap, making the assay essentially useless for screening purposes.

If the Z-factor approaches or is close to the Z'-factor or Z', the assay is suitably optimized. If the Z-factor approaches 0, the assay requires further optimization.

The steps of applying the challenge solution and commencing screening by the screening machinery are typically very time dependent. Signals from the cells are elicited by the plate reader by exposure to specific wavelengths of light. The dyes used in such assays are, therefore, light sensitive, and subject to bleach' if exposed to light for prolonged periods. It is therefore necessary for the operator to minimize exposure of the dye, and the microplate once it contains the dye, to light (see Friedrich et al. Nature Protocols. 2009: 4(3): 309-324, and page 317 in particular, where avoiding exposure of the substrate solution to light is considered "critical") and quick, efficient removal and addition of substrates facilitates this.

It is critical in such assays that the signal that would be produced by each well under control conditions is consistent, i.e. that the standard conditions in each well are the same, so that any variation in the signal that is produced is directly attributable to the reactant applied, and not to variations between the wells.

To act as a control, and to verify the reliability of the signal and consistency of the signal across the plate, it is usual for each reactant to be applied to more than one well, and typically, each reactant is applied to an entire row or column of wells.

There are various factors which can influence the signal that is produced per well.

For example, the amount of fluid introduced and removed from each well must be consistent. Inconsistencies in the amount of fluid can result in the cells being exposed to variable amounts of reactant and variations in well volume can affect the signal produced and detected as a result of variable light diffraction. Ineffective removal of fluid also results in a residual amount being left in the well, which then dilutes subsequently added solutions. This can inhibit the development of assay substrates.

For example, in ELISA studies, the signal to be read by the microplate reader develops over time, due to enzymatic turnover of a substrate. The developing signal can be measured in a time-course experiment, or the signal can be allowed to develop and then halted at a certain time point by the addition of a stop solution', such as hydrochloric acid. In both cases, residual amounts of assay and/or wash buffer can affect the development of the signal.

It is therefore desirable for as much fluid as possible to be removed from each well during each stage of the procedure. To achieve this, the tip of the pipette used to aspirate the fluid needs to touch the base of the well. However, this can cause significant problems, as the pipette tip disrupts biological matter, such as cells located on the base of the well. Alternatively, the pipette tip could be brought as close as possible to the base of well without actually touching the base. However, this can be very difficult and time consuming to achieve, and can nevertheless result in residual fluid remaining in the well.

It is essential that the number of cells in each well is consistent. As the assays for which microplates are typically used rely upon detection of a signal associated with a change in one or more cellular properties of the cells, variations in the number of cells per well will result in variations in the signal produced per well, making it impossible to assess the effect of the reagent.

Variations in cell numbers can be attributable to many factors, such as poor adhesion of the cells to the plate; non-homogeneous cell suspension when seeding the wells and inadequate fixing of the cells, for example due to the use of an inadequate fixing time or inappropriate/weak fixative.

Further to this, the cells are delicate, and can easily be removed from the base and/or sides of the wells of the microplate, particularly befote fixing. Removal of cells can result from the cwhip or vortex effect of introducing fluid to the well (see, for example, Vichaj and Kirtikara. Nature Protocols. 2009: 1(3): 1112-1116, and page 114 in particular, wherein introduction of wash solutions without injecting them directly onto the bottom of the well is considered a critical step), from the suction effect when removing fluid from the well with a pipette, and as a result of tipping or banging out of the fluid from the microplate. A further very important factor is the scraping off of cells by the end of a pipette tip as fluids are introduced or removed.

These factors occur both in plates which are manually prepared by a human operator, and in automated systems which can be used to prepare microplates for screening and/or for carrying out screening.

Manual preparation of microplates requires human processes such as visual observation and hand dispensing of volumes of fluids into individual wells on the plate. Such meticulous work can be challenging for the operator, particularly when the microplate being used has a large number of wells, and/or when the microplate needs to be located in a sterile hood or a fume hood in order to reduce the risk of contamination of the assay, or to reduce the exposure of the operator to the solutions being used. Hoods can be confined spaces to work in and may be poorly lit, making observation and hand pipetting difficult. Human error can occur as a result of fatigue, eye strain, strain on the operator's pipetting arm, wrist and/or hand and failure to remember which well or group of wells have received fluid.

Difficulties in pipetting can lead to errors in dispensing and aspirating solutions from the microplate, such as mispipetting or double pipetting; cross contamination of wells; variation between wells in the point of aspiration and/or dispensing, and accidental scraping of biological material from the wells.

Automated systems are aimed at reducing the human involvement in preparing and, optionally screening microplates, in order to reduce errors associated with manual preparation, and the time required to prepare and screen plates. This is particularly the case in high-throughput systems which can be used to prepare and/or screen numerous plates per hour.

Automated systems must be able to manipulate conventional microplates and their contents to allow addition (or removal) of reagents or other materials to (or from) multiple wells of a microplate simultaneously.

Accordingly, automated systems fot preparing microplates for screening typically comprise a conveyor, which consists of a continuous belt or one or more plates, and a mobile washer head, movement of which is automated, which is located accurately -10 -above the microplate, and then lowered into position to effect aspiration and dispensing of fluid. The washer head typically comprises an array of pairs of tubes, otherwise known as tips or pins'. One of each pair of pins is for aspirating fluid from the well, the other for dispensing fluid into the well.

Typically, a microplate is placed on the conveyor by an operator or a robotic arm.

A driving mechanism such as a motor moves the conveyor so that the microplate is located underneath the washer head. The washer head is lowered into position, and fluid aspirated/dispensed by the pins on the washer head from/to the microplate as appropriate. For repeated aspiration and dispensing steps, the washer head may re-position, so that aspiration is effected with the washer head tips at their lowest position, in an attempt to ensure that residual fluid is removed, with the tips raised slightly to allow dispensing of fluid. The washer head is raised once the aspiration and dispensing steps are completed, and the motor moves the conveyor back to its original position, from where the microplate is removed by the operator or robotic arm. The process is then repeated with a new microplate. The automated parts of the system are typically controlled by a computer with appropriate software.

It is important that the washer head aligns correctly with the microplate, thus ensuring that the pairs of dispensing and aspirating tips on the washer head are accurately located within the wells of each microplate. In order to achieve this, the conveyor may have raised edges against which the microplate can be located, or other guidance means to help align the microplate accurately on the conveyor.

In some automated systems, the aspiration and dispensing tips are separated from each other, so that both enter the same well, but are located at a distance from each other.

In typical automated systems, the tips are parallel to each other, and are aligned with the centre of the well, with the operator responsible for setting the height alignment. Poor height alignment can result in the tips touching the bottom of well and damaging the integrity of biological material located on the bottom of the well, such as a cell monolayer.

-11 -However, in the Biotek� ELX4O5 Select multifunctional washer, the dispensing and aspirating tubes are separated from each other and the dispensing tube is angled from the vertical towards the aspirating tube. This arrangement is intended to alter the angle at which fluid is dispensed into the well, and provide a swirling motion of the fluid to result in a more vigorous wash. It would appear that the fluid is still dispensed by the angled tube directly onto the base of the well by this Biotek� system.

Some systems are designed so that neither the aspiration nor the dispensing tube tip extends to the base of the well. This can mean, as a result of the gap between the base of the well and the tube tip, that the aspiration tube in unable to remove all of the solution from the well, which results in dilution of subsequently added reagents, thereby reducing their effectiveness. What is more, the dispensed fluid is dropped into the well from a height, which can result in damage to cells located on the base of the well.

In some systems, the microplate is moved in a circular and/or cross-wise manner during aspiration. This is to aid the removal of residual liquid, which may collect at, for example, the junction between the wall and the base of the well. This process can increase the time needed to prepare the microplate for screening, which is a disadvantage in many high throughput screening (HTS) systems, and can scrape the base of the well if the tube tips are positioned incorrectly, causing damage to cells adhered to the well base.

Further to this, the suction and dispensing pressures used to aspirate and dispense solutions by such systems can cause loosening and dislodging of cells.

Studies have shown that such automated systems produce a typical pattern of cell loss (see, for example, the Biotek poster presentation, which can be found at: http: / /www.biotek. com/resources/docs/ELx4O5_CW_Lab_Automation_P05ter2.P df). -12-

The factors discussed above can result either in the complete lifting off of cells from the well, so that the cells are then lost during subsequent fluid removal, or partial lifting of a layer of cells, which can lead to an erroneous signal during the assay, as a result of variable light diffraction.

Obtaining a consistent signal across the microplate is critical and, in view of this, various ways have been suggested for introducing and/or removing solution from a well of a tnicroplate in order to avoid cell disruption.

For example, the microplate may be rotated through 1800 following aspiration of a solution from the wells of the plate, in order to perform the related dispensing step at the opposite side of the well. This means that the location points for aspiration and dispensing of fluid are separated from each other, which can help to minimize the disruption caused to biological matter located within the microplate wells, as any damage caused by aspiration is not exacerbated by dispensing of fluid at the same location, and vice versa.

In manual systems, fluids may be removed by the operator by turning the microplate upside down in one motion, which allows the liquid to fall from the well in an uncontrolled manner. However, this can result in inconsistent residual solution volume across the plate, cross contamination between wells caused by splashing, and may also cause mechanical shock to cells leading to cell detachment.

Furthermore, such methods of fluid removal are generally not possible in an automated high throughput screening system, and even if they were incorporated, would considerably increase processing times.

An alternative method is for the operator to throw or flick the liquid from the microplate into a waste receptacle or onto a paper towel. However, this can result in inconsistent removal of solution, and the whip effect which can dislodge cells. It can also cause cross contamination between wells. Furthermore, this technique carries an increased risk of splash-back and aerosolisation of the solution, which is undesirable given the toxic nature of the fixative.

-13 -Laboratory manuals also teach the use of a good pipetting technique', which emphasizes the importance of the operator dispensing the correct amount of fluid, and introducing and removing fluids at the edge of the well, by carefully aiming the pipette tip at a well wall, and allowing the solution to slowly trickle down to fill the well, thereby reducing physical scraping of the pipette tip on the adhered cells, and the whip effect caused by fluid introduction or removal. However, this is not a practical solution for most screening assays which, as discussed above, are time dependent. Furthermore, pipette tips applied to a multi-channel pipette rarely align perfectly, and even a careful pipetting technique cannot avoid variations in pipette tip angle, which can result in inconsistent contact between the pipette tips and wells/cells.

Means of aiding the operator in the introduction and removal of fluids from microplates are also known.

For example, US Publication No. 2007/0009396 discloses a multi-well plate "guide protector", which covers the all of the mictoplate apart from the column of wells to be filled or aspirated. The operator fills the column of wells and then slides the guide to the next column, thereby covering the wells which have been filed. The guide protector aims to prevent double filling of wells, however, it does not prevent inaccuracies of the operator during pipetting, or damage to the cells in the wells as a result of scraping by the pipette tips, or fluid addition/removal.

The Hong Kong CR Gene Limited has devised a series of "WellMatch pipetting Guide Manuals" which are distributed by Gene Company Limited. These generally comprise a base, which comprises a platform on which is located an enclosed rectangular area into which the microplate is placed. The base has two screws located along one edge, which can be adjusted to angle the microplate, and a guide cover, similarly to that disclosed in US Publication No. 2007/0009396, which can be placed over the plate to guide pipetting. However, because the enclosed rectangular area is fixed to the platform, the WellMatch base can only be used with a specific size of microplate. Further to this, the screws need to be adjusted manually, to obtain the desired angle. This can be time consuming, and it can be difficult to -14-ensure that each screw is adjusted to the same height, which is necessary in order to prevent pipetting inaccuracies as a result of a variation in the angle of incline across the plate, or rocking of the platform -a factor which is particularly important as the operator of the assay typically applies a small amount of downward pressure to the pipette tip before/during pipetting, in order to ensure that the tip is in contact with the bottom of the microplate well, thereby preventing the solution from being dropped from a height, which can cause damage to the cells, or residual fluid being left in the well.

The importance of ensuring that the microplate does not move during pipetting is an important issue. Movement of the plate can result in pipetting errors, and, if it should cause the pipette tips to slip, damage to the cells.

WO 2007/01855 discloses a mechanism for positionally restraining a microplate, comprising a base into which the microplate is inserted, and protrusions over which the microplate can be fitted.

US Publication No. 2009/0010811, which is concerned with the provision of an illumination system for enhancing manual handling of a multiwall plate discloses, as part of the system, an elevation apparatus which allows the illuminator with the multiwell plate to be inclined to facilitate observation during dispensing of fluid into the plate. US Publication No. 2009/0010811 discloses that the illuminator may have an alignment feature, to provide proper alignment between each element of the light source and each well, however, there is no means of securing the plate to the illuminator or the inclination mechanism and the use of an illuminator plate is contraindicated where a photosensitive dye is used in the screening process.

A further difficulty associated with accurate pipetting in automated systems, is the necessity for the pipette tips to align perfectly with the wells.

Bjotek� provide an automated Microplate Washer system, which has a software controlled flow rate control valve which restricts the flow rate, and an angled dispensing tube to allow the outlet of the tube to be offset from the centre of the -15 -well. The angled dispensing of fluid was not considered to significantly affect cell loss. However, Biotek� report, in studies associated with their automated Microplate Washer system, that the critical parameter in preventing cell loss was fluid dispensing rate. It was found though, that using low flow rates caused premature aspiration of the fluid being dispensed, resulting from formation of a droplet at the end of the dispensing tube, which, as it grew, came in sufficiently close proximity to the end of the aspiration tube for it to be aspirated, without having ever entered the well. To eliminate this problem, Biotek� incorporate into their system a "Vacuum on Volume" feature, which allows the user to delay the initiation of aspiration for a brief period, to allow the fluid droplets to flow into the well before aspiration commences.

Slowing the rate of flow obviously increases the time needed to prepare the microplate for screening, and this is disadvantageous in high throughput screening systems. Further to this, the inclusion of software to control flow rate, additional flow rite valves and the accompanying vacuum system have an impact on the cost of the screening process.

Modification of microplates to avoid some of the problems associated with cell loss and plate inconsistencies has also been considered.

WO 99/20394 discloses a microplate assembly comprising a plurality of vent tubes and caps. The vent tubes, which are for the purpose of permitting the pressure within the interior volume of the well to be equalized with the ambient pressure, terminate in a vent that communicates with the interior of the well. Material may be added to, or remove from the wells via the vent passage. However, the vents disclosed in WO 99/20394 are located in the centre of each well, and introduction of fluid via a standard pipette tip would result in fluid being dropped from a height directly onto, and removed at a height from the centre of the well, which could result in physical damage to cells growing in this area. WO 99/20394 also discusses the use of a probe, which is narrow enough to allow insertion into the base of the well via the vent, in order to add or remove fluid. Ejection of fluid through such a narrow probe though, particularly under the conditions required of an automated -16 -system where plates need to be prepared and screened rapidly, could cause considerable damage to cells growing in the wells.

US 7,326,385 discloses a multi-well plate wherein each well is coupled to an adjacent aspiration hole, so that the well and the hole are in fluid communication. Media can thus be aspirated and replaced from the wells without disturbing the tissue samples in the wells. However, the plate described in US 7,326,385 is, from a manufacturing perspective, quite different from standard microplates, as it requires an additional hole to be placed next to each well with a channel between the hole and the well, and this has cost implications. Furthermore, the entry point for fluid into the wells of the plate disclosed in US 7,326,385 is at the base of the well, i.e. underneath any cells growing on the base of the well. Introduction of fluid could, therefore, disrupt cells growing in the well.

US 5,017,341 is concerned with the increasing the sedimentation speed of particles in test solutions used in agglutination reactions.

It is therefore desirable and an object of the present invention to provide a means for improving the introduction and removal of fluids ("fluid exchange") to and from the wells of a microplate which minimizes damage or disruption to biological material, such as cells within the wells, and which minimizes the health and safety risks associated with the use of toxic substances during the assaying procedure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a microplate holder which stably holds a microplate in a position which will aid the removal of fluid from and addition of fluid to the wells of the microplate. Preferably, the microplate will be held in a stable position even upon the application of downward pressure as may be applied to the well by the user or automated system during aspiration or introduction of fluid to the wells of the microplate.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a microplate holder which facilitates the introduction and aspiration of solutions to and from a well of a microplate in such a manner that may decrease the amount of time required to carry out the same -17 -operations in comparison to known means which incur the same level of damage to biological material within the wells upon introduction/aspiration of fluid.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a microplate holder which allows aspiration of all or substantially all of the fluid in a well of the microplate in a single action thereby minimizing residual fluid left in the well.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a microplate holder which is inexpensive to manufacture.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a microplate holder which improves the ease of operation and comfort of the pipette operator when solutions are being introduced and removed from a microplate manually.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a microplate holder which can be incorporated into an automated system, and in particular, which can be incorporated into an automated system without requiring any substantial change to existing equipment, or incurring undue cost associated with fitting the mounting.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a microplate holder which is reusable.

It should be noted that the various embodiments of the invention discussed below seek to satisfy one or more of the abovementioned objects.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a microplate holder comprising a means for inclining the microplate. Preferably, the microplate holder also comprises a means for engaging the microplate, ideally securing the microplate to the microplate holder.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an automated microplate device which can hold one or more mictoplates in an inclined position.

-18 -The device may further comprise a microplate washer head which can be moved laterally, so that it can be located accurately over the microplate, rotated for interaction with a microplate in an inclined position, and/or raised or lowered (either perpendicularly to the horizontal; or at an angle to the horizontal, so that the upward and downward motion is diagonal') for aspiration and dispensing of fluid from the microplate. The microplate washer head may further comprise bespoke aspiration and dispensing tips or pins, to allow effective aspiration and dispensing of fluid to and from an inclined microplate.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a microplate which is provided with bespoke features to allow the microplate to engage with the microplate holder according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for improved introduction of fluid into the well of a microplate and/or aspiration of fluid from the well of a microplate comprising the step of providing the microplate in an inclined position. Preferably, the method involves the use of a microplate holder according to the first aspect of the present invention or a device according to the second aspect of the invention, optionally with a microplate according to the third aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention The phrase "inclining a microplate" means positioning the microplate so that one aspect, side or edge of the microplate is vertically raised relative to another aspect, side or edge of the microplate. This results in the microplate being held in an inclined position, that is, in a position wherein it is at an angle from (i.e. it is not parallel with) its conventional horizontal orientation.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the means of inclining the microplate comprises a support which raises one aspect, side or edge of a microplate, thereby inclining the microplate. In certain embodiments according to the invention, one of the shott edges of the microplate (when considering the microplate to be rectangular in shape) is raised relative to the short edge of the microplate which is -19 -diametrically opposite. In alternative embodiments, one of the long edges of the microplate (when considering the microplate to be rectangular in shape) is raised relative to the long edge of the microplate which is diametrically opposite.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the angle of inclination of the microplate is sufficient to ensure that fluid collects at a single aspiration point, such as one area of the well. This enables the removal of all, or substantially all of the solution contained within the well in one action.

In some embodiments, the angle of inclination is between 1-16°; 2-15°; 2.5-15°; 3- 14°; 3.5-13.5°; 4 to 13.5°; 5 to 13.5°; 6 to 13.5 ° or 6.5 to 13.5° from the horizontal.

In a preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination is 5°, 6° or 6.5° from the horizontal. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination is 100, 110, 12°, 13° or 13.5°.

A consideration in selecting a preferred angle of inclination is the quantity of fluid in each well, as the angle of inclination should not be so great that it causes the fluid located within the wells to leave the wells. Relating to this, an increase in the angle of inclination beyond around 15°or 20° from the horizontal is less preferred, as this will limit the volume of solution that can be introduced to each well and can cause microplate instability. Manual operation can also become restricted at angles of inclination beyond around 25° from the horizontal.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the means for inclining the microplate is fixed at a pre-determined angle of inclination or it provides a single predetermined angle of inclination when in use.

In alternative embodiments, the means for inclining the microplate is adjustable, so that the microplate may be moved from a substantially horizontal position to a desired angle of inclination. In order to achieve such movement, the means for inclining the microplate may comprise one or more supports of adjustable height or one or more supports which may engage with different parts of the microplate to produce a variable angle of inclination. -20

For example, the support may be one or more legs which support one aspect, edge or side of the microplate and hold it above the level of another aspect, side or edge of the microplate. The leg(s) may comprise indentations at differing vertical heights, to which an aspect of the microplate can be introduced. In certain embodiments, the indentations correspond to at least the vertical depth of the microplate, thereby allowing an end of the microplate to be fully accommodated within the indentation. In alternative embodiments, the indentations may accommodate part of the microplate, such as, for example, a ledge located on the underside of the microplate.

Alternatively, the support may be one or more rotating legs, telescopic legs, or piston arrangements. The support may comprise one or more adjustable screws.

The use of more than one screw has the advantage that the microplate can be stabilized despite being located on an uneven surface.

The height of the support will determine the angle at which the microplate is inclined. The support may raise the microplate to a single height or it may be adjustable to allow the angle of inclination of the microplate to be varied.

In preferred embodiments, the angle of inclination of the microplate when located on the microplate holder is consistent across the microplate.

The means of inclining the microplate may comprise an inclined platform on which the microplate is to be located. The inclined platform may be a substantially planar area, which is located at an angle to the horizontal, so that one aspect or side of the platform is vertically raised relative to another aspect of the platform. A microplate will sit upon the inclined platform, so that it is held at an angle from the conventional horizontal orientation of the microplate. The platform may be of a size and shape suitable to accommodate a microplate, for example, it may be substantially rectangular in shape. The platform may have a fixed inclination or it may be adjustable to allow inclination of the microplate to one or more positions. -21 -

In some embodiments, the microplate holder may comprise a base portion which, in preferred embodiments, is substantially planar so that it may be located on a surface, such as a laboratory bench. In a particular embodiment, the base portion is of a size and shape which will afford the microplate holder stability and resistance to being knocked over. For example, the base portion may be a plate, the plate preferably having dimensions at least equalling those of the microplate to be held by the microplate holder.

It is important for the microplate to be stably held in the inclined position. This stability of the microplate may be enhanced by providing a means by which the microplate engages with the microplate holder.

In some embodiments, an engaging means is provided by the microplate holder.

For example, the engaging means may be in the form of one or more raised areas or protrusions on the microplate holder, and in particular, on the base portion and/or platform of the microplate holder, which engage with the mictoplate to restrict the relative movement of the microplate and holder. The raised areas or protrusions may simply abut against one or more surfaces of the microplate.

For example, where the microplate holder comprises a platform, the platform may include raised edges on its surface against which the microplate can abut. In some embodiments, the platform has two or three raised edges, and the microplate is slid into position on the platform with the outer surfaces of the walls of the microplate in contact with the internal surfaces of the raised edges of the platform. The internal surfaces of the outer edges may comprise grooves to aid location of the microplate on the platform.

In some embodiments, the raised area or protrusion on the microplate holder interacts with a recess on the surface of the microplate. For example, the underside of a microplate is typically open (rather than enclosed and presenting a smooth flat surface), so that the bases of the wells are exposed. In certain embodiments of the present invention, raised areas or protrusions on the microplate holder may protrude into the recess(es) formed by the open areas on the underside of the -22 -microplate. The protrusions can help to secure the microplate to the means for inclining and help prevent movement of the microplate during inclination or assaying.

In some embodiments, the raised areas or protrusions are shaped in order to minimize or prevent movement of the microplate in certain directions as it is being brought into the inclined position or as it is held in that inclined position. For example, the raised areas or protrusions may be shaped to minimize or prevent movement of the microplate in a substantially vertical direction.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the microplate holder may comprise one or more indentations or recesses in order to aid engagement of the microplate and to help prevent lateral movement of the microplate during inclination or assaying. In preferred embodiments, the recesses are located on the platform of the microplate holder. In some embodiments, the recess on the platform may be of a suitable size to accommodate all or substantially all of a microwell plate, so that once the plate is inserted into the recess, lateral movement of the plate within the recess is minimized. Alternatively or additionally, the holder may comprise one or more raised areas or protrusions, to aid location of the microplate on the holder and help prevent movement of the microplate during inclination or assaying.

The microplate holder may further comprise a means for securing the microplate, such as a locking means, to securely engage the microplate to be inclined, thereby preventing substantially all relative movement between the holder and the microplate. In one embodiment, the locking means is provided in the form of one or more securing clips located on one or more of the sides of the means of inclining the microplate, in order to prevent upward or lateral movement of the microplate during inclination or assaying.

The securing clips may be spring-loaded, so that pressure exerted by the user on the clip causes extension of a spring to which the clip is attached, causing the clip to extend in order to engage with and/or accommodate an edge of the microplate.

-23 -The microplate is then engaged with the holder, and the clip returns to its test position as a result of contraction of the spring.

In other embodiments of the invention, the means for securing the microplate to the microplate holder may comprise a rotating clip, into which one edge of the microplate can be located. The clip may comprise a cylinder, which totates around a central axis, with an opening into which an edge of the microplate may be inserted.

The cylinder may be rotated, to allow the opposite end of the microplate to be lowered so that the microplate is at the required angle of inclination. In some embodiments, movement of the rotating clip is restricted, preferably between two positions: a raised position which allows insertion of an edge of the microplate, and a lowered position which places the microplate at the required angle of inclination.

The restriction of movement of the cylindrical rotating clip may be effected by the use of two pins, which prevent the cylinder from rotating past a certain point, or by a shaped guide, into which the cylinder is inserted, and with which the cylinder and microplate, once it is inserted into the cylinder, communicate at the extremes of the rotation.

Alternatively, or in addition, the securing means may be provided in the form of one or more securing pins, which can be inserted by the operator into hole(s) located on the means of inclining the microplate. The holes are located outside the area on the means for inclining the microplate that the microplate occupies in use, so that the micoplate can be positioned on the microplate holder, and the securing pins then inserted into the holes to prevent movement of the microplate.

Preferably the holes are located on one or more of the open' sides of the microplate (i.e. the sides of the microplate that do not communicate with alternative locking means, such as a securing clip), in order to prevent lateral movement of the microplate.

As an alternative to securing pins, the locking means may comprise one or more screws which can be inserted into a threaded hole(s) in the microplate. By screw' is meant a elongated shaft, which has a thread located substantially at one end for communicating with the threaded hole in the microplate holder; and a head located at the opposite end, which is of a suitable shape for manipulation by an operator and/or for locating over an edge of the microplate. In some embodiments, the microplate is located on the holder, and the screw inserted into the holder and tightened so that the head of the screw is located over an edge of the microplate and applies downward pressure thereby securing the microplate to the holder. In alternative embodiments, the head of the screw can be located against an edge of the microplate, thereby applying lateral pressure to the microplate, and securing it against an opposing side of the holder. The use of an adjustable screw has the advantage that different sizes of microplate can be accommodated In alternative embodiments, the pins or screws are located in, and extend upwards from the means for inclining the microplate, so that the microplate may be located against them. The pins or screws may be spring-loaded, or otherwise upwardly adjustable. Where a screw is used, it may be adjusted so that the head of the screw exerts downward pressure on an edge of the microplate.

It is desirable that the engaging means and any locking means do not obstruct access to the wells of the microplate.

The microplate holder may further comprise a means for stabilizing the holder. In certain embodiments, the means for stabilizing the holder comprises one or more protrusions or handles which extend from the holder, on or over which an operator may place a hand in order to stablize the holder. This allows the operator to use a pipette to aspirate or dispense fluid to the wells of the microplate with one hand, whilst stabilizing the plate with the other. Preferably, the protrusions are located at the lower aspect of the holder, so that they communicate with the substantially horizontal surface on which the holdet is located in use (such as a lab bench).

Preferably, the protrusions are of a suitable size to allow an operator to place a hand on or over the protrusion and apply downward pressure. In certain embodiments, the protrusions are shaped so as to assist and/or make it comfortable for an operator to place a hand on the protrusion and exert downward pressure.

Preferably, microplate holders according to the present invention comprise two handles or protrusions, which are located on opposite sides of the holder. This -25 -allows the operator to stabilize the holder at either end, and with either their left or right hand.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the microplate holder may be incorporated into an automated system such as an automated microplate preparation or screening system. Such systems are well known in the art, as discussed above.

A microplate holder in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention may be located on the conveyor of an automated system. A microplate is located on the microplate holder by an operator or robotic arm, and the plate is moved into position under the washer head. The microplate holder inclines the microplate during aspiration and/or dispensing of fluid. The system may futther comprise a means for moving the microplate washer head laterally and vertically (either perpendicular to the horizontal; or at an angle to the horizontal, so that the upward and downward motion is diagonal'), as well as comprising a means for rotating the microplate washer head. This movement allows the washer head to be located accurately over the microplate; rotated so that it is aligned with the inclined microplate, and raised and lowered over the microplate in order effect aspiration and dispensing of fluid to and from the wells of the microplate.

The washer head may be rotated, moved vertically, or moved horizontally in any order in order to communicate with the microplate. For example, the washer head may be lowered to an appropriate height over the inclined microplate, and then rotated to align with the angle of inclination of the microplate. Alternatively the washer head may be moved horizontally so that it is correctly positioned above the inclined microplate, then rotated to align with the microplate, and then lowered to the appropriate height for aspiration or dispensing of fluid from/to the microplate, either perpendicularly to the horizontal, or in a diagonal downward motion. For repeated aspiration and dispensing steps, the washer head may re-position, so that aspiration is effected with the washer head tips at their lowest position, in an attempt to ensure that residual fluid is removed, with the tips raised slightly to allow dispensing of fluid.

-26 -According to the second aspect of the invention, there is provided an automated microplate device which can hold one or more microplates in an inclined position.

In certain embodiments, the device comprises a conveyor which can be adjusted to the required angle of inclination and may hold one or more microplates.

The device may further comprise a microplate washer head which can be raised and lowered and/or rotated for interaction with a microplate in an inclined position. In certain embodiments, the washer head can be rotated to be aligned in parallel with the inclined conveyor and/or inclined microplate.

The inclination of the microplate on the conveyor may be fixed at a predetermined and desired inclination angle, or it may be variable. In preferred embodiments, variation in the angle of inclination can be achieved by raising one end of the conveyor on which the microplate is located from the horizontal. In some embodiments, raising and lowering of one end of the conveyor may be effected by a piston-driven mechanism, for example, one or mote piston driven pins may be positioned underneath an end of the conveyor. The microplate is located on the conveyor, and as it approaches the washer head, or as it locates under the washer head, or once it is located under the washer head, a piston exerts pressure on the pin(s), causing them to extend. This has the effect of raising one end of the conveyor. The angle of inclination is determined by the length of the pins, and extent to which they extend, and these factors can be pre-set, to provide a desired angle of inclination. The microplate, which is located on the conveyor is raised to the required angle as the conveyor is raised.

In preferred embodiments, automated microplate devices according to a second aspect of the invention can be incorporated into known automated systems without undue difficulty, and/or without requiring significant modification to the system.

In preferred embodiments, an automated microplate device according to a second aspect of the invention further comprises a microplate washer head comprising -27 -bespoke pairs of pipette tips or pins', for use in aspirating and dispensing fluid to and from an inclined microplate.

In some embodiments the dispensing and aspirating tips protrude at an angle from the washer head rather than extending perpendicularly. For example, the pins may extend at between 88 and 45 degrees from the washer head. Angling of the pipette tips in this way can allow the tips to be more easily located in the microplate wells without requiting rotation of the washer head.

The bespoke tips or pins comprise a dispensing tip and an aspirating tip.

Preferably, the dispensing tip is shorter than the aspirating tip. In preferred embodiments, the dispensing tip is also arranged so that the fluid released from the tip is directed towards the internal wall of the microplate well.

In some embodiments, the dispensing tip and aspirating tip are angled away from each other. In alternative embodiments, the dispensing tip is angled away from the vertical. In alternative embodiments, the dispensing tip comprises a bend or kink', so that the end of the tip is directed towards an internal wall of the microplate well.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides bespoke microplates which are shaped specifically to engage with a microplate holder according to the first aspect of the present invention. The microplates may be provided with indentations, recesses or grooves to complement the protrusions or raised areas provided on the microplate holder. Additionally or alternatively, the microplates may be provided with protrusions or raised areas to complement the indentations, recesses or grooves provided on the microplate holder. Such bespoke microplates can provide improved engagement between the microplate and holder and can increase the stability of the microplate in the inclined position.

In use, an inclined microplate will provide the manual operator or the automated system with a relatively small target area over which to introduce fluid into the well or to aspirate fluid from the well, due to collection of fluid within the well at the junction between the bottom of the well, and the wall of the well.

-28 -There are numerous advantages associated with the present invention. Providing a means of inclining a microplate helps to provide a target area for the automated system or operator to contact with the pipette tip, and controls and minimizes the area with which the pipette tip makes contact in the well of the microplate, thereby helping to ensure that in each well only the biological matter at the specific pipetting point, or in the immediate vicinity thereof, will be physically disrupted by the pipette tip. This not only reduces the number of cells scraped off per well, but standardizes the number of cells that are damaged or removed per well.

As a result, the biological material, such as the number of cells, per well will be consistent across the microplate. This leads to an improvement in assay quality as it provides more reliable results, reduces the number of experimental repeats that are required, and reduces the number of false positives. All of these factors contribute to a reduction in the cost associated with the assay.

A futther advantage achieved by the present invention is the improvement in fluid removal from the well achieved as a result of the microplate being inclined. It is easier for either the operator or the automated system to remove fluid from wells if they are inclined, as a result of the collection of fluid at a single point in the well, namely at the junction between the wall of the well and the bottom of the well.

This ensures that the amount of residual fluid per well is minimized. Residual amounts of assay buffer or reagents can dilute subsequently added solutions, and inhibit the development of assay substrates. For example, residual wash solution or buffer can affect ELISA substrate development, as discussed above. Residual levels of wash buffer can therefore reduce signal-to-noise ratio, and hence affect the (lower) Z' and Z-factors.

Providing an effective means for removing fluids from a microplate also obviates the need for the solutions to be tipped, flicked or banged out of the plate. This reduces the risk of damage to cells within the plate and minimizes the exposure of the user to the solutions being used in the assay. This can have significant health and safety benefits, particularly where the solutions being used are toxic.

-29 -Positioning the microplate at an angle, rather than it being held horizontally, also has the advantage that it improves the comfort of pipetting by decreasing the stress placed on the user's arm and/or wrist.

There are several advantages associated with the use of the bespoke aspiration and dispensing pins discussed above in an automated system. The use of such pins reduces disruption to biological matter located within the wells by providing controlled and consistent aspiration and dispensing points, which are separated from each other, so that aspiration and introduction of fluids occurs at separate points within the microplate well. This reduces the damage caused to biological material located in the well, as any damage caused by aspiration is not exacerbated by introduction of fluid to the same point. Providing a dispensing pin which directs fluid towards the internal wall of the microplate well reduces flow of the fluid into the well, as well as the turbulence caused by introduction of the fluid to the well, and thus reduces the disruption caused to biological matter located in the well.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a cross-section view of a single well from a standard microplate in the conventional hori2ontal position, with a pipette tip introduced to aspirate or dispense solution.

Figure 2 shows the same standard microplate well as Figure 1, but the microplate is being held in an inclined position, once again with the pipette tip held in a position to aspirate or dispense solution.

Figures 3A-F demonstrate the effects of a pipette tip upon a monolayer of adherent cells in standard microplate well in the conventional horizontal position. Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show a cross-sectional view; Figures 3D, 3E and 3F show a plan view from above.

Figures 4A-F demonstrate the effects of a pipette tip upon a monolayer of adherent cells in standard microplate well when the microplate is being held in an inclined -30 -position. Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show a cross-sectional view; Figures 4D, 4E and 4F show a plan view from above.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a microplate located on a microplate holder in accordance with the present invention, and a corresponding plan view of the microplate, as inclined Figure 5A shows a 3-dimensional view of a microplate holder in accordance with an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, comprising two handles, as a means for stabilizing the holder.

Figures 6 and 7A show cross-section views of microplates located on various microplate holders in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 7 B and C provides details of a means for securing the microplate to the microplate holder, in accordance with the invention.

Figures 8-10 show cross-section views of microplates located on various microplate holders in accordance with the present invention, and corresponding plan views of the microplate, as inclined. Figures 8A-C show alternative embodiments for inclining a microplate.

Figures 11-12 show cross-section views of microplates located in various microplate holders in accordance with the present invention when used in an automated system, and corresponding plan views of the microplate, as inclined.

Figures hA show a cross-sectional view of an alternative washerhead for use in an automated system, comprising angled washer pins.

Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a microplate in an automated system in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, and a corresponding plan view of the plate, as inclined. Figure 13A illustrates various ways in which a -31 -washer head in an automated system may be manipulated in order to communicate with an inclined microplate.

Figures 14A and B show a pair of washer pins as used on a standard washer head in an automated system.

Figures 15A and D show pairs of bespoke washer pins in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Figures

In Figure 1 a pipette tip 1 is introduced into a microplate well 2 to remove residual liquid 3. Figure 2 demonstrates the effect of holding the microplate in an inclined position. The pipette is able to extract the fluid more easily and completely as the tip can be more readily positioned in the most appropriate part of the well, into which the fluid is being encouraged to flow.

In Figure 3A, a pipette tip 1 is introduced to a microplate well 2 containing a monolayer of adherent cells 4, to remove the residual fluid 3.

In Figures 3B and 3C, the pipette tip contacts the base of well, scraping and dislodging the cells, resulting in removal of some of the cells from an area of the base of the well 5. In addition, some of the cells are dislodged from the base of the well, but remain attached to cells which are affixed to the base of the well 6. These cells could detach from the well upon aspiration.

A demonstration of the cell distribution before introduction of the pipette tip is provided by Figure 3D. A demonstration of the damage that can be caused to the cells by the introduction of the pipette tip is provided by Figures 3E and 3F.

Figure 4A shows the same as Figure 3A, but demonstrates the effect of holding the microplate in an inclined position. In Figures 4A, 4B and 4C, the pipette tip contacts the base of well. However, as the pipette tip is directed to a specific area of the well by the inclination of the microplate, there is reduced and more localised -32 -scraping and dislodging of cells, resulting in removal of fewer cells from an area of the base of the well 5. In addition, fewer cells 6 are dislodged from the base of the well and are potentially lost upon aspiration.

A demonstration of the cell distribution before introduction of the pipette tip is provided by Figure 4D. A demonstration of the reduced damage that can be caused to the cells by the introduction of the pipette tip when the microplate is held in an inclined position is provided by Figures 4E and 4F.

In Figure 5, a pipette tip 1 is introduced into a well of a microplate 7, which is being held in an inclined position by a microplate holder in accordance with the present invention. The microplate holder comprises a base portion 8, a means for inclining the microplate in the form of an inclined platform 9, and a means for securing the microplate to the platform in the form of two raised outer edges 10 on the platform 9 which have an overhang 11, forming a groove into which the lip of the microplate fits, thereby preventing lateral or upward movement of the microplate. The microplate is slid into position on the platform by communication with the internal surfaces of the raised outer edges. The microplate further comprises holes into which securing pins, 12, which can be inserted once the microplate is in position, in order to prevent lateral movement of the plate.

Figure 5A shows a microplate holder comprising an inclined platform 9, with handles 9' located at the lower aspect on either side of the holder. The handles provide a means for the operator to stabilize the holder by placing a hand on or over one of the handles and exerting downward pressure.

In Figure 6, the microplate 7 is being held in an inclined position by a microplate holder in accordance with the present invention. The microplate holder comprises a means for securing the microplate to the microplate holder in the form of a spring-loaded clip 12'. Pressure on the clip lever 15 by the user in the direction of the arrow causes extension of the spring 13 to which the clip is attached, causing the clip to open and allowing the mictoplate to be placed in the holder and, when the clip is returned to its rest position, it holds the microplate in place. The -33 -rnicroplate holder may be located directly on a surface such as a laboratory bench 14, by resting one edge of the inclined platform on this surface.

Figure 7A shows alternative means for securing the microplate to the microplate holder, in the form of a rotating clip 16, into which one edge of the microplate can be inserted. Once the microplate is thus engaged with the microplate holder, the microplate may be moved to an inclined position, with a further edge of the microplate being held in position by a slider or spring loaded clip 12.

Figure 7B shows, in 3-dimensional form, further details of the rotating clip shown in Figure 7A. The cylinder 16 comprises an opening 16' into which one edge of the microplate can be inserted. The cylinder can then be rotated downwards, to allow the microplate to be moved into an inclined position. Two pins 17 interact with an aspect of the microplate holder in order to restrict the movement of the cylinder between two positions: a raised position which allows insertion of an edge of the microplate, and a lowered position which places the microplate at the required angle inclination. A handle, 16" allows easier movement of the cylinder by the operator.

Figure 7C shows, in 3-dimensional form, an alternative means for restricting the movement of a cylindrical rotating clip, comprising a shaped guide which forms part of the microplate holder. The cylinder is located in the guide, and the cylinder and microplate, once inserted, communicate with the guide at the extremes of rotation 17', thus preventing free rotation of the cylinder.

In Figure 8, the base portion of the microplate holder has a raised area or protrusion 21. One end of the microplate 7 is located over the raised area 21. This secures the microplate in one position and also prevents lateral movement.

Figure 8A shows an alternative means for inclining the microplate, comprising a leg comprising indentations 18, into which an edge of the microplate 7 can be located.

Figures 8B and 8C show alternative means for inclining the microplate. Figure 8B shows a screw, 19, which inserts into the underside of a platform of a microplate -34-holder according to the present invention 9, and which can be adjusted using the nut, 20, which can be located on a surface such as a lab bench once adjustment is complete. When the nut is twisted, it engages or disengages the end of screw 19 from the platform 9, thus raising or lowering one end of the microplate.

Figure 8C shows a screw 19, which has one end located in the base portion 8 of a microplate holder in accordance with the present invention, and an opposite end onto which the underside of microplate 7 can be located. The height of the screw 19 can be adjusted using the nut 20 which, when twisted, engages or disengages the end of screw 19 from the base portion 8 thus raising or lowering the end of the micr opiate 7.

Figure 9 shows a further alternative embodiment of a micropiate holder according to the present invention. A raised area 21 located on the base portion 8 of the microplate holder protrudes into the base of the microplate 7. An additional feature is a further raised area 22 on the microplate holder. This ensures the microplate does not slip forward.

Figure 10 shows a further alternative embodiment of a microplate holder according to the present invention. A raised area 21 located on the base portion 8 of the microplate holder protrudes into the base of the microplate 7, and the holder comprises a further raised area 22. In addition, the microplate holder comprises an indentation 23 in which an edge of the microplate 7 is placed. This provides stability, and restricts of movement by the microplate7.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of a microplate holder according to the present invention in an automated system. A microplate holder 23 maintains the microplate 7 at a fixed angle, x. The microplate holder comprises an indentation 24 into which the base of the microplate is located. The automated microplate washer head 25 has pairs of pipette tips 1, each pair comprising two pipette tips of differing lengths, tailored for use with the present invention. The length of the pairs of pipette tips decreases across the microplate, to compensate for the angle the microplate is held at by the microplate holder. The microplate washer head 25 remains horizontal, and -35 moves in a lateral and/or vertical direction, so that it is located over, and raised and lowered over the inclined plate to allow aspiration and dispensing of fluid by the pipette tips.

Figure 1 1A shows an alternative washer head for use in an automated system. A microplate holder according to a first aspect of the present invention 23 maintains the microplate 7 at a fixed angle, x. The microplate holder comprises an indentation 24 into which the base of the microplate is located. The washer head 25 has pairs of angled pipette tips or pins 1, each pair comprising two pipette tips of differing lengths. The length of the pairs of pipette tips decreases across the microplate. The mictoplate washer head 25 remains horizontal, but is capable of lateral movement so that it can be positioned accurately over the inclined plate.

The washer head is also capable of vertical movement (either perpendicularly to the horizontal, or at an angle to the horizontal so that the upward and downward motion is diagonal'), so that it can be raised and lowered in order to locate the pipette tips in the microplate wells, in order to effect aspiration from and release of fluid to the wells.

Figure 12 demonstrates a further variation in the washer head in an automated system. A mictoplate holder 23 maintains the microplate 7 at a fixed angle, x. The microplate holder comprises an indentation 24 into which the base of the microplate is located. The automated microplate washer head 25 has pairs of pipette tips 1, each pair comprising two pipette tips of differing lengths for aspirating and dispensing fluid. The microplate washer head 25 is rotated to an angle which is substantially the same as the angle of inclination of the microplate by a pin 26, in order to compensate for the angle that the microplate is held at by the microplate holder. The microplate washer head 25 also moves in a vertical direction, so that it is raised and lowered over the inclined plate to aspirate and dispense fluid Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a device according to the second aspect of the present invention. The device comprises a plate 27 which makes up a conveyor, one end of which is raised or lowered by piston-driven arms 28 to the required -36 -angle x for aspiration and dispensing of fluid by the pipette tips. The microplate washer head 25 is rotated to the required angle about pin 26. The washer head is also capable of lateral and/or vertical movement, so that it can be positioned accurately over the inclined plate, and lowered and raised (either perpendicularly to the horizontal; or at an angle to the horizontal so that the upward and downward motion is diagonal') over the microplate in order to aspirate and dispense fluid.

Figure 13A illustrates the ways in which a washer head in an automated system may be manipulated in order to communicate with a microplate inclined by a device according to a second aspect of the invention. In a, the washer head is lowered down a vertical axis, and then rotated into position to communicate with the microplate. In b, the washer head moves horizontally until it is located over the microplate, rotated to the required angle, and is then lowered down a diagonal axis to communicate with the microplate. In c, the washer head is lowered vertically, rotated to the required angle and then moved down a diagonal axis to communicate with the microplate. In d, the washer head is lowered down a vertical axis, and during this motion, it is rotated to allow it to communicate with the inclined microplate.

Figure 14A shows a pair of washer pins as used on a standard washer head in an automated system, comprising a dispensing tip 30 and an aspirating tip 29, which are arranged for insertion into a microplate well, 2, to aspirate fluid located therein 3.

Figure 1 4B shows the arrangement of a pair of washer pins as used on a standard washer head when the microplate is inclined.

Figures iSA to 15D show pairs of bespoke washer pins in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. In Figures 15A and B, the dispensing tip 30 and aspirating tip 29 are angled away from each other. In Figures 15B-D, the dispensing tip 30 comprises a bend or kink', so that the end of the tip is directed towards the internal wall of the microplate well.

Claims (24)

1. -37 -Claims 1. A microplate holder comprising a means for inclining a microplate.
2. 2. A microplate holder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a means for engaging the microplate.
3. 3. A microplate holder as claimed in either of the preceding claims, wherein the means for inclining a microplate positions the microplate so that one aspect, side or edge of the microplate is vertically raised telative to another aspect, side or edge of the microplate.
4. 4. A microplate holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microplate being held is at an angle from its conventional horizontal orientation.
5. 5. A microplate holder as claimed in claim 4, wherein the angle of inclination of the microplate is at least 5° and no greater than 20°.
6. 6. A microplate holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for inclining the microplate is fixed at a pre-determined angle of inclination or it provides a single predetermined angle of inclination when in use.
7. 7. A microplate holder as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the means for inclining the microplate is adjustable, so that the microplate may be moved from a substantially horizontal position to a desired angle of inclination.
8. 8. A microplate holder as claimed in claim 7, wherein the means fot inclining the microplate comprises a support of adjustable height or a support which may engage with different parts of the microplate to produce a variable angle of inclination.

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9. 9. A microplate holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means of inclining the microplate comprises an inclined platform on which the microplate is to be located.
10. 10. A microplate holder as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the means for inclining the microplate is a support such as one or more rotating legs, telescopic legs or piston arrangements.
11. 11. A microplate holder as claimed in claim 2, wherein the engaging means is one or mote raised areas or protrusions on the microplate holder which engage with the microplate to restrict the relative movement of the microplate and mictoplate holder.
12. 12. A microplate holder as claimed in claim 2 or claim 11, wherein the engaging means is one or more indentations or recesses on the microplate holder which engage with the microplate to restrict the relative movement of the tnicroplate and microplate holder.
13. 13. A microplate holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking means to securely engage the microplate.
14. 14. A microplate holder as claimed in claim 13, wherein the locking means is one or more securing clips located on the microplate holder.
15. 15. A microplate holder as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a means of stabilizing the holder.
16. 16. A microplate holder as claimed in claim 15, wherein the means of stabilizing the holder comprises one or more handles.
17. 17. An automated microplate processing system comprising a microplate holder according to any one of claims 1-16.

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18. 18. An automated microplate processing system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the system comprises a microplate washer head, and further comprises a means for moving the washer head laterally and vertically and/or rotating the washer head for interaction with a microplate in an inclined position.
19. 19. An automated microplate device which can hold one or more microplates in an inclined position.
20. 20. An automated microplate device as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a microplate washer head which can be raised and lowered and/or rotated for interaction with a microplate in an inclined position.
21. 21. An automated microplate device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the microplate washer head comprises bespoke pairs of aspiration and dispensing pins.
22. 22. A microplate which is provided with bespoke features to allow the microplate to engage with the microplate holder as claimed in any one of claims 1-16.
23. 23. A method for improved introduction of fluid into the well of a microplate and/or aspiration of fluid from the well of a microplate comprising the step of providing the microplate in an inclined position.
24. 24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the method involves the use of a microplate holder as claimed in any one of claims 1-16, or a device as claimed in any one of claims 19-21, optionally with a microplate as claimed in claim 22.