Microdispensing Applications
Precision microdispensing for advanced life science and diagnostic assays
From diagnostic microarrays and biosensor functionalization to cutting-edge microfluidics and semiconductor biochips – the iFOUR benchtop microdispensing instrument is built to handle today’s most demanding pL - µL applications. Automated, non-contact dispensing helps you conserve precious reagents, increase throughput, and improve assay reproducibility.
Diagnostic microarrays & multiplex biomarker assays
Produce high-density arrays of proteins, peptides, DNA, or cells on slides, membranes, or microtiter plates. The iFOUR enables precise, non-contact spotting of hundreds to thousands of features per substrate - ideal for multiplex ELISA-style assays, allergy testing, autoimmune panels, and gene expression profiling.
Typical formats: microscope slides, diagnostic membranes, 96/384-well plates
Typical samples: antibodies, antigens, allergens, nucleic acids, cell suspensions
Biosensor and semiconductor-chip functionalization
Coat optical, electrochemical, and semiconductor-based biosensors with defined picoliter and nanoliter volumes of capture molecules. With precise positional accuracy and flexible deck layouts, the iFOUR supports both early biosensor development and pilot-scale production.
Typical formats: disposable biochips, semiconductor-based biochips, capillary-based sensors
Typical samples: proteins, aptamers, oligonucleotides, functional dyes, small-molecule ligands
Lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic devices
Efficiently load microfluidic channels, cavities, and reaction chambers with precisely metered droplets. Non-contact microdispensing minimizes contamination risk and allows you to fill complex microfluidic geometries with high positional accuracy.
Typical formats: lab-on-a-chip systems, microcavity arrays, microfluidic chips
Benefits: clean, contact-free filling; controlled volumes; reduced waste of expensive reagents
MALDI-MS sample preparation and target spotting
Prepare uniform MALDI spots by dispensing defined volumes of matrix and sample solutions on stainless steel or polymer targets. The iFOUR supports high-throughput, reproducible target loading to improve spectral quality and data comparability.
Typical formats: MALDI target plates, custom MS substrates
Benefits: reproducible spot sizes, reduced sample carryover, automated plate processing
Cell-based assays and transfection arrays
Print cell suspensions, transfection mixtures, or chemogenomic libraries onto slides and well plates. The iFOUR allows you to gently dispense living cells and complex mixtures while maintaining spot integrity and cell viability.
Typical formats: slides, plates, membranes
Typical samples: mammalian cells, yeast, bacteria, viral vectors
Curious how the iFOUR can support your application?
Talk to our microdispensing experts: we will review your substrates, sample types and workflows and recommend a suitable configuration.
See these applications in real projects
For real-world examples of how the iFOUR is used in diagnostic microarrays, biosensors and SPRi or lab-on-a-chip workflows, visit our customer references page.
Sample Options
- Peptides, including chemically synthesised libraries, glycopeptides and enzymatic digests of proteins
- Proteins, including antibodies, antigens, allergens, glycoproteins and enzyme
- All kinds of chemical reagents
- Carbohydrates, including glycans and glycoconjugates
- Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA oligomers, PCR products and extracts
- Dyes and other functional molecules
- Living cells, including bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells
- Stable suspensions of nano and small microparticles
- Solvents and mixtures thereof
Configure your iFOUR
Your microdispensing instrument is just a few steps away: Request your non-binding offer today using the online configurator.