Setting Up and Performing Serial Dilutions
Overview
This procedure describes how to set up and perform serial dilutions using the syringe tool on the Jubilee machine. Serial dilutions are a fundamental laboratory technique used to create a series of solutions with decreasing concentrations.
Prerequisites
- Clear bed of any existing items
- Syringe tool installed and calibrated
- Appropriate labware (petri dishes for reservoirs, well plate for dilutions)
- Source solutions (e.g., colored water for visualization)
Steps
1. Connect to the Machine
python
from science_jubilee.Machine import Machine
from science_jubilee.tools.Syringe import Syringe
from science_jubilee.decks import Deck
# Connect to machine
m = Machine(address='192.168.1.2')
# Change the profile to your desired profile
deck = m.load_deck('calibrated-deck')2. Load and Configure Syringe Tool
python
# Check configured tools
m.configured_tools
# Load syringe tool (adjust index as needed)
syringe_index = 2
syringe = Syringe(index=syringe_index,
name='syringe',
config='10cc_syringe_liquidhandling')
m.load_tool(syringe)
m.pickup_tool(syringe)
# Move to safe height
m.move_to(z=150)3. Load Labware
python
# Load reservoirs (petri dishes)
water = m.load_labware("generic_petri_dish_100ml", 0)
color = m.load_labware("generic_petri_dish_100ml", 2)
# Access single well in petri dishes
water = water["A1"]
color = color["A1"]
# Load well plate for dilutions
samples = m.load_labware("greiner_24_wellplate_3300ul", 1)4. Prepare Initial Solutions
python
# Add decreasing amounts of water to first column
fill_volume = 2 # mL
step_size = 0.5
for well in samples.column_data[1]:
syringe.transfer(
vol=fill_volume,
source=water,
destination=well)
fill_volume -= step_size
# Add water to remaining wells
fill_volume = 1.5 # mL
for column in range(2, len(samples.column_data)+1):
syringe.transfer(
vol=fill_volume,
source=water,
destination=list(samples.column_data[column]))5. Add Source Solution
python
# Add increasing amounts of colored solution to first column
fill_volume = 0.5
for well in samples.column_data[1]:
syringe.transfer(
vol=fill_volume,
source=color,
destination=well,
mix_after=(1,2))
fill_volume += step_size6. Perform Serial Dilution
python
transfer_volume = 1.5
for row in samples.row_data:
for column in range(1, len(samples.column_data)):
syringe.transfer(
vol=transfer_volume,
source=samples.wells[f"{row}{column}"],
destination=samples.wells[f"{row}{column+1}"],
mix_after=(1,2))Important Notes
- Always ensure the syringe is properly calibrated before starting
- Use appropriate volumes for your well plate (check well capacity)
- Consider using colored solutions for visual verification
- Mix thoroughly after each transfer for consistent dilutions
- Monitor liquid levels in source reservoirs
- Clean and maintain the syringe tool after use