INTEGRA supports the next generation of synthetic biologists
INTEGRA Biosciences awards Technische Universität Braunschweig at the 2023 iGEM synthetic biology competition
11 Mar 2024
INTEGRA Biosciences awarded three PIPETBOY acu 2 serological pipette controllers to the 2023 iGEM Competition team at Technische Universität Braunschweig (TU_BS) to aid their pioneering research into lithium therapy toxicity testing. The pipette controllers enhanced the team’s pipetting precision and streamlined the multiple liquid handling tasks involved in the project, helping them to achieve their project goals.
The iGEM Competition is an annual synthetic biology event open to groups of high school, undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world, and is dedicated to advancing discoveries that will help to solve some of the problems currently facing the environment and human health.
Lithium-based therapies are highly effective mood stabilizers that are commonly used to treat mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. However, lithium can be toxic at higher concentrations, making regular monitoring of blood lithium level extremely important. These tests must be performed by medical professionals in a healthcare environment, requiring frequent hospital visits and blood tests.
The TU_BS team’s Li+onSwitch project aimed to explore the possibility of creating a novel self-testing method that can be performed at home. INTEGRA supplied the lab with three PIPETBOY acu 2 serological pipette controllers in June 2023, as Daniel, a member of the 2023 iGEM team, explained, “A large part of our work included designing our own plasmid constructs and testing potential reporter systems, and we worked extensively with liquid cultures. We were very excited to receive the PIPETBOY controllers, and they quickly became essential daily tools in our lab, significantly speeding up our repetitive pipetting protocols. This huge cumulative time saving led to greater productivity, and freed us up to focus on other aspects of our research. The PIPETBOYs are also extremely precise instruments, so helped to improve the reproducibility and consistency of our many manual liquid handling tasks.”
Want the latest science news straight to your inbox? Become a SelectScience member for free today>>
Related Products
Request Quote for All Products
PIPETBOY acu 2 - Pipette Controller
INTEGRA BiosciencesLighter, Faster – The most popular pipettor just got better! The second generation of PIPETBOY acu is equipped with the latest technology providing an increased pipetting speed and a significant weight reduction of the instrument. These two features help you to cut your work time and offer you an improved ergonomic pipetting experience.Besides these changes the main benefits of PIPETBOY acu were preserved: the unmatched pipetting precision, the colorful look and the weight balance.PIPETBOY acu 2 Features: Faster with Unmatched Pipetting Control - PIPETBOY acu 2 is fitted with a unique motor design providing a wide range of pipetting speed and a unique valve and dosing system offering an unmatched control of the liquid, from drop by drop dispense to fast liquid displacement. Lighter - With only 195 grams and an optimized weight balance, PIPETBOY acu 2 offers you enhanced ergonomics making even prolonged pipetting stress- and fatigue-free. Longer Operating Time - Equipped with the latest Lithium-Polymer technology, which provides an extended cordless working time of over 6.5 hours non-stop pipetting with a minimal charging time of only 3.5 hours without memory effect. Quality you can rely on - PIPETBOY pipette controllers are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards and therefore offered with an extended 3 year warranty upon registration.