Top 10 Pipette Brand & Manufacturers

What is a Pipette

A pipette is a fundamental and highly precise laboratory instrument designed for accurately measuring and transferring specific volumes of liquids. It serves as an essential tool across a wide range of scientific disciplines, from chemistry and biology to medical research and quality control in various industries. Pipettes are crafted to ensure minimal error in liquid handling, enabling researchers and technicians to perform experiments and analyses with reliability.

History of Pipette

The concept of pipettes has a long - standing history. Early forms of liquid - transfer tools can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where simple devices like hollow reeds or animal horns were used to move small amounts of liquid. However, the development of modern, accurate pipettes began in the 19th century. Glassblowers started creating calibrated glass pipettes, which were used mainly in chemical laboratories for volumetric analysis. In the 1950s, the introduction of the adjustable micropipette by Dr. Heinrich Schnitger was a game - changer. This innovation allowed for precise and variable volume measurements in the microliter range, revolutionizing liquid handling in biological and biochemical research.

Purpose of Pipette

• Accurate Liquid Measurement: The primary purpose of a pipette is to measure a specific volume of liquid with high precision. In chemical reactions, for example, precise amounts of reactants are crucial for obtaining accurate results. In a titration experiment, a pipette is used to measure a known volume of the analyte solution, ensuring the accuracy of the titration curve and the determination of the concentration of the unknown substance.
• Sample Preparation: In biological and medical laboratories, pipettes are used for preparing samples. For instance, in DNA extraction, specific volumes of buffers, enzymes, and cell lysates need to be combined accurately. Pipettes enable the proper mixing of these components, which is essential for successful DNA isolation and subsequent analysis.
• Reagent Dispensing: In industrial quality - control laboratories, pipettes are used to dispense reagents for testing products. Whether it's testing the quality of pharmaceuticals, food products, or environmental samples, accurate reagent dispensing using pipettes ensures the reliability of the test results.

Principle of Pipette

Positive - Displacement Pipettes: These pipettes operate by directly displacing the liquid with a piston. The piston moves within a barrel, and the volume of liquid displaced is determined by the distance the piston travels. When the plunger is depressed, the piston pushes the liquid out of the pipette tip. Positive - displacement pipettes are often used for viscous or volatile liquids, as they can provide more accurate measurements in such cases.
Air - Displacement Pipettes: Air - displacement pipettes are the most common type. They work on the principle of creating a vacuum within the pipette barrel. When the plunger is pulled back, air is drawn out, creating a pressure difference. This pressure difference allows the liquid to be drawn into the pipette tip. When the plunger is then pushed forward, the air pressure forces the liquid out of the tip. The volume of liquid transferred is determined by the calibrated movement of the plunger, which corresponds to a specific volume of air displacement.

Features of Pipette

• Precision and Accuracy: Pipettes are designed to be highly precise, with some micropipettes capable of measuring volumes with an accuracy of within a few nanoliters. The calibration of the pipette ensures that the measured volume closely matches the actual volume of the liquid being transferred.
• Variable Volume Adjustment: Many modern pipettes, especially micropipettes, offer variable volume adjustment. This feature allows the user to set the desired volume within the pipette's range. The adjustment mechanism is usually calibrated and easy to use, enabling quick and accurate volume changes for different experimental requirements.
• Ergonomic Design: To reduce user fatigue during extended use, pipettes are often designed with ergonomic features. This includes comfortable grips, easy - to - press plungers, and well - positioned volume adjustment knobs. Ergonomic design also helps in ensuring consistent and accurate pipetting, as it allows the user to handle the pipette with ease and control.
• Compatibility with Tips: Pipettes are designed to be compatible with specific types of pipette tips. The tips are usually made of plastic and are disposable to prevent cross - contamination. Different tips may be designed for different applications, such as standard tips for general liquid handling, filtered tips to prevent aerosol contamination, and low - retention tips for minimizing the amount of liquid left in the tip after dispensing.[!--empirenews.page--]

Types of Pipette

• Volumetric Pipettes: These pipettes are designed to measure and transfer a single, fixed volume of liquid. They are highly accurate and are often used in applications where a precise, known volume is required, such as in volumetric analysis in chemistry. Volumetric pipettes are usually calibrated to deliver a specific volume, indicated by a mark on the pipette barrel.
• Graduated Pipettes: Graduated pipettes have markings along their length, allowing for the measurement and transfer of variable volumes within a certain range. They are less precise than volumetric pipettes but are useful for applications where approximate volume measurements are sufficient, such as in some biological assays or when preparing solutions with less strict concentration requirements.
• Micropipettes: Micropipettes are designed to measure and transfer very small volumes of liquid, typically in the microliter ((mu L)) or even nanoliter ((nL)) range. They are widely used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and medical research for tasks such as DNA and RNA manipulation, enzyme assays, and cell culture work. Micropipettes can be further classified into fixed - volume and variable - volume types.
• Multichannel Pipettes: Multichannel pipettes are equipped with multiple pipette tips, usually in an array. They are used to transfer the same volume of liquid to multiple wells simultaneously, such as in microplate assays. This type of pipette is highly efficient for high - throughput applications, reducing the time and effort required for liquid handling in experiments involving a large number of samples.

Precautions for using Pipette

• Calibration: Regular calibration of the pipette is essential to ensure accurate volume measurements. Calibration should be done using appropriate calibration standards and following the manufacturer's instructions. Incorrect calibration can lead to significant errors in experimental results.
• Proper Handling: When handling a pipette, hold it vertically to ensure accurate volume measurement. Depress and release the plunger slowly and steadily to avoid introducing air bubbles into the liquid. Also, make sure to use the pipette within its specified volume range to maintain accuracy.
• Tip Selection and Attachment: Use the correct type of pipette tip for the pipette and the application. Ensure that the tip is properly attached to the pipette to prevent leakage. Replace tips between different samples to avoid cross - contamination, especially when working with biological samples or sensitive chemical reagents.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean the pipette regularly to prevent the buildup of residue, which can affect its accuracy. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning, which may include disassembling the pipette for thorough cleaning. Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as a loose plunger or a cracked barrel, and replace the pipette if necessary.

Things to consider when purchasing Pipette

• Volume Range: Determine the volume range you need for your applications. If you mainly work with small volumes in the microliter range, a micropipette is essential. If you also need to measure larger volumes, consider having a set of pipettes with different volume ranges, including volumetric and graduated pipettes.
• Accuracy and Precision: Look for pipettes with high accuracy and precision. Consider the application requirements; for example, in a highly sensitive analytical chemistry experiment, a pipette with extremely high accuracy may be required. Check the manufacturer's specifications for accuracy and precision values.
• Ergonomics: Choose a pipette that is comfortable to hold and operate. An ergonomic pipette can reduce user fatigue and improve the consistency of pipetting, especially during long - term use. Try out different pipettes to see which one feels the most comfortable in your hand.
• Brand and Reputation: Consider purchasing pipettes from well - known and reputable brands. Reputable brands are more likely to provide high - quality products with reliable calibration and good customer support. Read reviews from other users and compare different brands to make an informed decision.
• Cost - Effectiveness: While cost is an important factor, don't compromise on quality for a lower price. Look for a pipette that offers a good balance between price and performance. Consider the long - term cost, including the cost of calibration, replacement tips, and maintenance, in addition to the initial purchase price.

Terms of Pipette

• Plunger: The part of the pipette that is depressed and released to draw in and dispense liquid. The movement of the plunger controls the volume of liquid being transferred.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Barrel: The long, cylindrical part of the pipette that holds the liquid. The barrel is usually calibrated with volume markings, especially in graduated pipettes.
• Pipette Tip: The disposable end - piece of the pipette that comes into contact with the liquid. Tips are available in different sizes and types, and their proper selection and attachment are crucial for accurate and contamination - free pipetting.
• Dispense Volume: The volume of liquid that is released from the pipette when the plunger is pushed to the appropriate position. The dispense volume should match the set volume on the pipette, and any deviation may indicate a problem with calibration or pipette operation.