Anion dysregulation is seen in numerous diseases, from cystic fibrosis to autism and cancer. Researchers at the University of Dallas are investigating anion transport in vivo, developing novel tools to help analyze the effects of both normal and aberrant anion regulation at the molecular level, and are using the Pipetboy acu 2 from Hudson, N.H.-based Integra to streamline their cell culture workflows. 

“My research focuses on the development of supramolecular-based sensors for anions, particularly for chloride,” explains Whitney Ong, a joint chemistry graduate student in the Dodani and Smaldone labs at the university. “The reason we are especially interested in chloride is that it is the most abundant anion in the human body—serving all sorts of functions—and its dysregulation is implicated in diseases such as cystic fibrosis. We’re hoping that our chloride sensing platform could help in its detection, as well as in the diagnosis of a number of other diseases.”

The Pipetboy acu 2’s combination of features make it perfect to speed up workflows. It offers increased pipetting speed and sensitive liquid control using varying finger pressure, with a lightweight and ergonomic design to reduce pipetting fatigue. Additionally, it has a working time of over 6.5 hours of non-stop pipetting, with a fast charging time of only 3.5 hours to support even the highest throughput labs. 

“We have three Pipetboy pipette controllers and use them regularly for a variety of tasks during our cell culture set-up, for instance to make up large volumes of cell culture media, aliquoting and dispensing reagents such as media or antibiotics, resuspensions, as well as to mix different solutions,” says Ong. “If we are working with volumes of liquids above 2 ml, we will always use the Pipetboy; it’s much easier, safer, and more efficient than pouring liquids between glass measuring cylinders, where there is a higher risk of spillages or not pouring out the desired volume. They fit into our workflows perfectly—everyone in the lab loves them.”

For more information, visit Integra.

Featured image: Graduate student Whitney Ong using a Pipetboy acu 2 in the lab. (Courtesy: Integra)