PIPETTE TIP FOR AN AUTOMATED PIPETTING DEVICE AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention relates to pipette tips for connecting to a pipette tube of a pipetting device that is used for taking up and dispensing fluids. A pipette tip is shaped as a long tube that forms a pipette body with an opening on one of its ends and the other end is designed to connect to the pipette tube. The pipette tip is characterised in that it has an electrode as a volume measuring electrode of a measuring capacitor. The present invention further relates to pipetting devices with a pipette tip, methods for determining the volume of a fluid sample in such a pipette tip, methods for recognising such a pipette tip on a pipetting device, methods for producing such a pipette tip, uses for such a pipette tip and a set of pipette tips.

Claims

1. Pipette tip (1) for connection to a pipette tube (2) of a pipetting device (3), wherein the pipette tip (1) is formed as an elongated tube, which forms a pipette body (4), which has at its one first end an opening (5) for aspirating and/or dispensing liquids (6), and is formed at its other end for connection to the pipette tube (2), characterized in that the pipette tube (1) has a first electrode (7) as a volume measuring electrode of a measuring capacitor.

2. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (7) is located on an outer surface of the pipette body (4) or is embedded in the pipette body (4).

3. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pipette body (4) consists of an electrically nonconductive material, in particular a nonconductive plastic, for example, nonconductive polypropylene, which in particular acts as at least a part of a dielectric material of the measuring capacitor.

4. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (7) is in the form of a strip and extends axially along the pipette tip (1), and in particular has a width in a range of 0.8 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably of 1 mm.

5. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (7) is in the form of a strip, extends axially along the pipette tip (7), and has different widths in some sections, wherein the first electrode (7) in particular has a stepped width profile in the axial direction, and the width of the first electrode (7) is least at the first end, for example, and the width becomes greater in steps in the axial direction.

6. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (7) does not extend up to the opening (5) at the first end and in particular is spaced apart from this opening (5) in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, particularly preferably by 5 mm.

7. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pipette body (4) has, at the first end, a conductive tip (9) having the opening (5) for aspirating and/or dispensing liquids (6) as an immersion detection electrode, wherein the conductive tip (9) in particular has a length in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, particularly preferably of 5 mm, and furthermore in particular consists of the same material as the first electrode (7).

8. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pipette tip (1) has a second electrode (10) as an immersion detection electrode, which is in particular arranged substantially opposite to the first electrode (7), and which furthermore in particular consists of the same material as the first electrode (7).

9. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second electrode (10) is located on an inner and/or outer surface of the pipette body (4) or forms a continuous part of a wall of the pipette body (4).

10. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second electrode (10) is in the form of a strip and extends axially along the tube, and in particular spans up to two-thirds of the circumference of the pipette tip (1), furthermore in particular spans half of the circumference of the pipette tip (1).

11. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second electrode (10) extends up to the opening (5) at the first end.

12. Pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pipette tip (1) is a disposable pipette tip, which is provided in particular for one-time use.

13. Pipetting device (3) comprising a pipette tube (2), a pressure generating means, and a measuring unit (11), wherein the pipette tube (2) is formed at its one first end for the fluid-tight connection of a pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, and is connected at its other end to the pressure generating means, wherein an electrical contact (18) for establishing an electrical connection, in particular a galvanic connection, to a first electrode (7) as a volume measuring electrode on the pipette tip (1) is provided in a region for connecting the pipette tip (1), which is connected to the measuring unit (11), wherein the measuring unit (11) is designed to determine a volume of a sample liquid (6) located in the pipette tip (1) as a function of a measured capacitance of a measuring capacitor, which is formed by the first electrode (7) and at least a part of a sample liquid (6) receivable in the pipette tip (1) as a counter electrode.

14. Pipetting device (3) according to claim 13, wherein the measuring unit (11) is furthermore designed to detect an immersion of the pipette tip (1) into the sample liquid (6) with the aid of a conductive tip (9) on the pipette tip (1) and/or a second electrode (10) on the pipette tip (1) according to as an immersion detection electrode.

15. Pipetting device (3) according to claim 13, furthermore comprising a detection unit (12) for detecting whether the pipette tip (1) is connected to the first end of the pipette tube (2), and/or for detecting a characteristic feature of the pipette tip (1) based on a measurement of a further capacitance, wherein the further capacitance is dependent on one or more of the following characteristics: a material of which the pipette tip (1) consists; a geometry of the pipette tip (1), in particular a shape of the pipette tip (1), furthermore in particular a diameter and/or a length of the pipette tip (1); a coating (8) of the pipette tip (1), in particular a material of which the coating (8) of the pipette tip (1) consists, furthermore in particular an extension or thickness of the coating (8) of the pipette tip (1); a material of which the first and/or second electrode (7, 10) and/or the conductive tip (9) consists; a geometry of the first and/or second electrode (7, 10) and/or the conductive tip (9).

16. Method for determining a volume of a sample liquid (6) in a pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the following steps: measuring a capacitance of a measuring capacitor comprising a first electrode (7) on the pipette tip (1) and a counter electrode, which is formed by at least a part of a sample liquid (6) which is located in the pipette tip (1); determining the volume of the sample liquid (6) in the pipette tip (1) as a function of the measured capacitance.

17. Method according to claim 16, furthermore comprising the following step: detecting an immersion of the pipette tip (1) into the sample liquid (6) with the aid of a conductive tip (9) on the pipette tip (1) and/or a second electrode (10) on the pipette tip (1) according to as an immersion detection electrode.

18. Method for detecting a pipette tip (1) according to claim 1 on a pipetting device (3) having a pipette tube (2), which is designed at its one first end for the detachable receiving of a pipette tip (1) for aspirating or dispensing a liquid (6), and which is operationally connected at its other end to a pressure generating means, wherein the method comprises measuring a capacitance which is dependent on one or more of the following characteristics: a material of which the pipette tip (1) consists; a geometry of the pipette tip (1), in particular a shape of the pipette tip (1), furthermore in particular a diameter and/or a length of the pipette tip (1); a coating (8) of the pipette tip (1), in particular a material of which the coating (8) of the pipette tip (1) consists, furthermore in particular an extension or thickness of the coating (8) of the pipette tip (1); a material of which the first and/or second electrode (7, 10) and/or the conductive tip (9) consists; a geometry of the first and/or second electrode (7, 10) and/or the conductive tip (9).

19. Method for producing a pipette tip (1) according to claim 1, comprising the molding of the pipette tip (1) as an elongated tube made of a first material and the molding of a first electrode (7) made of a second material on the pipette tip (1), in particular on an outer surface of the tube or embedded in the tube, wherein this is performed by means of a multicomponent injection molding method.

20. Method according to claim 19 for producing a pipette tip (1), furthermore comprising the attachment of a conductive tip (9) to the first end of the tube and/or the molding of a second electrode (10) on the pipette tip (1), in particular on an inner and/or outer surface of the tube or as a continuous part of a wall of the tube, wherein this is performed by means of the same multicomponent injection molding method, and in particular simultaneously with the molding of the first electrode (7).

21. Use of the pipette tip (1) according to claim 1 for determining a volume of a sample liquid (6), which is located in the pipette tip (1), with the aid of a first electrode (7) as a volume measuring electrode on the pipette tip (1).

22. Use according to claim 21 of the pipette tip (1) for detecting an immersion of the pipette tip (1) into the sample liquid (6) with the aid of a conductive tip (9) and/or a second electrode (10) as an immersion detection electrode on the pipette tip (1).

23. Set of pipette tips (1) according to claim 1 comprising at least two types of pipette tips (1), wherein the at least two types differ in that upon application of the method for detecting a pipette tip (1), a capacitance of a first type of pipette tips (1) lies in a first range and the capacitance of a second type of pipette tips (1) lies in a second range, wherein the first and second range are not overlapping, and wherein the at least two types of pipette tips (1) differ in particular by way of one of the following features: volume capacity; tip opening size/diameter for aspirating and dispensing a liquid; with or without filter for preventing contaminations of the pipette tube (2) during the aspiration of a sample liquid (6), and also in particular a type of the filter; purity category; intended use; volume measuring function; sealing capability of a connection of the pipette tip (1) to the pipette tube (2), and wherein in particular the outer geometry of the at least two types of pipette tips (1) can be identical.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Nonlimiting embodiment examples of the present invention are explained in more detail below by reference to the figures. In the figures:

[0065] FIG. 1a) shows a schematic illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention having a strip-shaped volume measuring electrode in a view from the side;

[0066] FIG. 1b) shows a schematic illustration of the first exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in a cross-sectional view from above;

[0067] FIG. 1c) shows a schematic illustration of the first exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in a view from the front (of the volume measuring electrode);

[0068] FIG. 1d) shows a schematic illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention having a stepped volume measuring electrode in a view from the front;

[0069] FIG. 1e) shows a schematic illustration of a third exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention having a coating over the volume measuring electrode in a cross-sectional view from above;

[0070] FIG. 2a) shows a schematic illustration of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention having a volume measuring electrode embedded in the pipette body in a view from the side;

[0071] FIG. 2b) shows a schematic illustration of the fourth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in a cross-sectional view from above;

[0072] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention having a conductive tip in a view from the side;

[0073] FIG. 4a) shows a schematic illustration of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention having an immersion detection electrode on the outer surface of the pipette body in a view from the side;

[0074] FIG. 4b) shows a schematic illustration of the sixth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in a cross-sectional view from above;

[0075] FIG. 4c) shows a schematic illustration of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention having an immersion detection electrode on the inner surface of the pipette body in a cross-sectional view from above;

[0076] FIG. 4d) shows a schematic illustration of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention having an immersion detection electrode, which forms a continuous part of the wall of the pipette body, in a cross-sectional view from above;

[0077] FIG. 5a) shows a schematic illustration of an immersion and withdrawal procedure of the sixth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in a container having a sample liquid;

[0078] FIG. 5b) shows an exemplary time curve of the capacitance of a measuring capacitor having signal jumps upon the immersion and withdrawal of the pipette tip into or from the sample liquid, respectively;

[0079] FIG. 6a) shows a schematic illustration of an aspiration and dispensation procedure of the sixth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip according to the invention in the container having the sample liquid;

[0080] FIG. 6b) shows an exemplary time curve of the capacitance of a measuring capacitor having a linear signal increase and drop during the aspiration and dispensing of the sample liquid using the pipette tip;

[0081] FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention or rather a liquid processing system according to the invention; and

[0082] FIGS. 8a), b) and c) show schematic illustrations of three exemplary pipette tips according to the invention having electrodes of different widths, which form a set of three differentiable types of pipette tips.

[0083] In the figures, identical reference signs stand for identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0084] A first exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip 1 having a strip-shaped volume measuring electrode 7 is shown in a view from the side in a schematic illustration in FIG. 1a). The elongated tube, which forms the pipette body 4, has a substantially conical shape. However, the pipette body 4 could also be pyramidal, for example. At its one first end, the pipette body 4 has an opening 5 for aspirating and/or dispensing liquids. The other end is designed for the fluid-tight connection to the pipette tube 2, wherein the pipette tube 2 has a cone as an adapter for this purpose, for example. The volume measuring electrode 7 acts as a first electrode of a measuring capacitor, which furthermore comprises at least a part of a sample liquid receivable in the pipette tip 1 as a counter electrode. In this case, the pipette body 4 forms the dielectric material of this measuring capacitor. The volume measuring electrode 7 is arranged here as a narrow strip on the outer surface of the pipette body 4 and extends axially along the pipette tip 1 (having central axis a). The volume measuring electrode 7 has, for example, a width in a range from 0.8 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably of 1 mm. At its upper end, the volume measuring electrode 7 has an electrical contact 18, by means of which the volume measuring electrode 7 is galvanically connected to the pipette tube 2. FIG. 1b) shows this first exemplary embodiment of the pipette tip 1 in a cross-sectional view from above, and FIG. 1c) shows a view from the front of the volume measuring electrode 7.

[0085] A second exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip 1 having a stepped volume measuring electrode 7 is shown in a view from the front in a schematic illustration in FIG. 1d). Upon use of such a volume measuring electrode 7, capacity jumps (in the volume characteristic curve, i.e., the volume of the sample liquid in the pipette tip 1 as a function of the measured capacitance) occur each time the fill level of the pipette tip 1 exceeds one of the stair steps of the volume measuring electrode 7. Thus, for example, the fill level or rather the volume of the sample liquid in the pipette tip 1 can be at least roughly ascertained substantially independently of the conductivity of the sample liquid, for example, in steps of , , , 4/4 full (or also more finely as in tenths).

[0086] FIG. 1e) shows a third exemplary embodiment of the pipette tip 1 in a cross-sectional view from above having a coating 8 over the volume measuring electrode 7 and also over the remaining pipette body 4 (i.e., over the outer surface of the pipette tip 1). This coating 8 can be provided, for example, only in a region of the volume measuring electrode 7, for example, to prevent the volume measuring electrode 7 from coming into contact with the sample liquid when the pipette tip 1 is lowered excessively far into the sample liquid. On the other hand, the entire pipette tip 1 can be coated using a coating 8, for example, using a hydrophobic, oleophobic, or antibacterial coating 8.

[0087] A fourth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip 1 having a volume measuring electrode 7 embedded in the pipette body 4 is shown in a view from the side in a schematic illustration in FIG. 2a). The volume electrode 7 can extend in this case almost up to the opening 5. The same pipette tip 1 is shown in a view from above in FIG. 2b). In this case, the volume measuring electrode 7 is enveloped on all sides by the material of the pipette body 4 and enclosed therein.

[0088] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip 1 in a view from the side which, in contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, has a conductive tip 9 having the opening 5 for aspirating and dispensing the sample liquid. This conductive tip is used as an immersion detection electrode (or rather contact), with the aid of which it can be established when the pipette tip 1 touches or rather penetrates the surface of the sample liquid and is immersed therein (->capacitive liquid level detection, cLLD). The conductive tip 9 has, for example, a length in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, particularly preferably of 5 mm, and consists, for example, of the same material as the volume measuring electrode 7.

[0089] FIG. 4a) shows a schematic illustration of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a pipette tip 1, which, in addition to the volume measuring electrode 7, has a second electrode as an immersion detection electrode (or rather contact) 10. With the aid of this immersion detection electrode 10, it can be established (as with the conductive tip 9) when the pipette tip 1 touches or rather penetrates the surface of the sample liquid and is immersed therein (->cLLD). The immersion detection electrode 10 is arranged substantially opposite to the volume measuring electrode 7 and consists, for example, of the same material as the first electrode 7. As shown in FIGS. 4b), 4c), and 4d), the immersion detection electrode 10 can be arranged on an outer (=sixth exemplary embodiment) or inner (=seventh exemplary embodiment) surface of the pipette body 4 (or also on both surfaces, connected at the opening 5) or can form a continuous part of a wall of the pipette body 4 (=eighth exemplary embodiment). As can also be seen from FIGS. 4b), 4c), and 4d), the immersion detection electrode 10 can be formed as a strip and can extend axially along the pipette body 4 and also, for example, span half of the circumference of the pipette tip 1. Furthermore, the immersion detection electrode 10 extends up to the opening 5 so that it comes into contact with the sample liquid upon immersion therein. In contrast thereto, the volume measuring electrode 7 cannot come into contact with the sample liquid, so that it does not extend up to the opening 5, for example, and is spaced apart therefrom, as shown in FIG. 4a).

[0090] FIG. 5a) illustrates, in a schematic illustration, a use of the pipette tip 1 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment for immersion detection (->cLLD), i.e., for determining the point in time when the pipette tip 1 is immersed into (and withdrawn from) a sample liquid 6 which is located in a container 19, for example, a trough, a sample tube, or a well in a microplate. As can be seen from the time curve of the measured capacitance in FIG. 5b), the capacitance increases suddenly as soon as the immersion detection electrode 10 touches the sample liquid 6 and is immersed therein, and then drops suddenly again as soon as the immersion detection electrode 10 is withdrawn from the sample liquid 6.

[0091] FIG. 6a) illustrates the use of the pipette tip 1 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment for measuring the volume of the sample liquid 6, which is located in the pipette tip 1 during the aspiration and dispensation. As can be seen from the time curve of the measured capacitance in FIG. 6b), the capacitance increases suddenly as soon as the immersion detection electrode 10 touches the sample liquid 6 and is immersed therein, then increases linearly (in dependence on the shape of the pipette tip 1 and the geometry of the volume measuring electrode 7) as a result of the gradually taller sample liquid column in the pipette tip 1, which forms a counter electrode becoming gradually larger in relation to the volume electrode 7, then drops linearly upon dispensing and finally makes a jump downward again as soon as the immersion detection electrode 10 is withdrawn from the sample liquid 6.

[0092] FIG. 7 illustrates, in a simplified schematic illustration, an exemplary embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention. This figure shows the pipette tube 2 having an attached pipette tip 1, which was previously taken from a receptacle 16 of a pipette tip holder 15 and is now moved vertically upward by a robot arm 14 on a liquid processing system 3 and is thus removed from the pipette tip holder 15. In this case, a capacitance measuring unit 11, which is connected to the pipette tube 2 and thus also to the pipette tip 1 as the first electrode and is connected to the worktable or rather the worksurface 17 and thus also to the pipette tip holder 15 (or a component thereof) as the second (counter) electrode, can determine the (absolute) capacitance of the measuring capacitor comprising these two electrodes. Depending on the type or nature (for example, size/volume capacity) of the pipette tip 1, the measured value of the capacitance will be different. For this purpose, the measured value of the capacitance is compared in a detection unit 12 to various reference values, wherein each reference value is characteristic of a specific type or a specific nature of pipette tip 1. The detection unit 12 then relays an item of information as to whether a pipette tip 1 is connected to the pipette tube 2, and if so which type or nature of pipette tip 1 it is, to a control unit 13 of a drive for the robot arm 14.

[0093] Such a pipette tip holder 15 can also be part of the liquid processing system 3, for example, wherein the robot arm 14 for determining the capacitance and thus for detecting the pipette tip type or rather the pipette tip size moves the pipette tube 2 having connected pipette tip 1 toward the pipette tip holder 15 in each case and lowers it into the receptacle 16 for the capacitance measurement. The pipette tip holder 15 thus represents a separate/dedicated measuring station for the pipette tip detection inside the liquid processing system 3.

[0094] Finally, FIGS. 8a)-c) show a schematic illustration by way of example of three pipette tips 1 having electrodes 7 (or 10) of different widths, which form a set of three differentiable types of pipette tips 1, which can be differentiated from one another and detected by means of the proposed detection method based on the different capacitances, which result because of the different widths b.sub.a<b.sub.b<b.sub.c of the electrodes 7 (or 10).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0095] 1 pipette tip [0096] 2 pipette tube [0097] 3 pipetting device [0098] 4 pipette body [0099] 5 opening at the one first end of the pipette body [0100] 6 (sample) liquid [0101] 7 first electrode, volume measuring electrode [0102] 8 electrically insulating layer/coating (over the first electrode and the pipette body) [0103] 9 conductive tip, immersion detection electrode/contact [0104] 10 second electrode, strip-shaped immersion detection electrode/contact [0105] 10 second electrode, immersion detection electrode/contact comprising half of the circumference of the pipette tip [0106] 11 (capacitance) measuring unit [0107] 12 detection unit [0108] 13 control unit for movement control of the drive of the pipetting robot [0109] 14 pipetting robot including drive [0110] 15 pipette tip holder/carrier [0111] 16 receptacle for a pipette tip [0112] 17 worktable/worksurface [0113] 18 electrical contact [0114] 19 container, for example, a microplate having wells [0115] a axis of the pipette tip [0116] b.sub.a electrode width a [0117] b.sub.b electrode width b [0118] b.sub.c electrode width c [0119] x first horizontal movement axis of the pipetting robot (for example, forward and backward) [0120] y second horizontal movement axis of the pipetting robot (for example, left and right) [0121] z vertical movement axis of the pipetting robot (downward and upward)