IOTA isoCell User manual

v2.1r4
isoCell user manual
For software versions 2.1.0 and 2.1.1

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Products bearing the symbol of a strikethrough refuse bin must not be disposed of
along with unsorted refuse.
For details on how to dispose of your isoCell at the end of its useful life, see section
8.1.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
—Consult iotaSciences for further help.
FCC CAUTION: Any changes or modifications to the isoCell other than those shown in the
manual, demonstrated during training, or directed by iotaSciences authorised personnel may
void compliance and the user’s authority to operate the isoCell.

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Contents
1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
2 Safety instructions.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
3 Getting started.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Familiarisation......................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Installation................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
3.3 Using the isoCell...............................................................................................................................................................................................................9
3.3.1 Powering-on............................................................................................................................................................................................................9
3.3.2 The isoCell bed –placement of reagents and materials .................................................................................9
3.3.3 Running programs..........................................................................................................................................................................................10
3.3.4 Starting-up..............................................................................................................................................................................................................10
3.3.5 Restarting................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.3.6 Powering-off..........................................................................................................................................................................................................11
3.4 Consumables ordering.............................................................................................................................................................................................11
3.5 Using the isoCell as part of the iotaSciences Cloning Platform.......................................................................... 11
4 Workflow...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Isolate ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
4.1.1 GRID.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
4.1.2 Plate.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
4.1.3 Input data .................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
4.2 Culture ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
4.2.1 Fill........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
4.2.2 Feed.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
4.3 Harvest .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
4.3.1 Detach...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
4.3.2 Extract...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
4.3.3 Redetach....................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
4.4 Chamber states................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
5 Advanced programs.................................................................................................................................................................................................................17

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5.1 Data................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
5.2 Replace dispensing......................................................................................................................................................................................................18
5.3 FC40STAR® level...................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
5.4 Prep transport...................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
5.5 Reset jetting.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
5.6 Reset dispensing ............................................................................................................................................................................................................19
5.7 Recover......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
5.8 Calibrate....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
5.9 Move.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
5.10 Options..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.11 Set time.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
5.12 Data sync.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
5.12.1 Setting up data syncing.........................................................................................................................................................................22
5.13 About ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
6 Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
6.1 Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
6.2 Replacing the FC40STAR® bottle....................................................................................................................................................................23
6.3 Replacing the dispensing assembly ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
7 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
8 Disposal and recycling .........................................................................................................................................................................................................25
8.1 Disposal of isoCell.......................................................................................................................................................................................................25
8.1.1 EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.....................................................25
8.1.2 Users outside the European Union..........................................................................................................................................25
8.2 Disposal of FC40STAR® ...............................................................................................................................................................................................25
8.3 Disposal of reagents and consumables............................................................................................................................................25
9 Technical support.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
10 Additional information.................................................................................................................................................................................................26
10.1 Limited warranty...........................................................................................................................................................................................................26
10.2 Limited liability................................................................................................................................................................................................................26

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10.3 Medical use restrictions.......................................................................................................................................................................................27
10.4 Registered office...........................................................................................................................................................................................................27
10.5 Legal information.........................................................................................................................................................................................................27

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1Introduction
The isoCell greatly simplifies and automates the cloning of single cells, by allowing users to:
•Create GRIDs on 60mm circular dishes.
•Dispense single cells into GRID chambers (following the Poisson distribution).
•Add cell-culture medium to GRID chambers, exchanging for waste products.
•Harvest colonies.
2Safety instructions
Use the isoCell with care, and take the following precautions:
•Only use the isoCell once you have read and understood this manual. Ensure this manual is
accessible for all users, and that each potential user reads and understands it.
•If the isoCell is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, then the protection
provided by the isoCell may be impaired.
•Take all suitable precautions recommended for the safe handling of all cells and other
reagents used. For the case of FC40STAR®, users should familiarise themselves with the FC40
material safety data sheet, which is available on the iotaSciences customer portal.
•Powering the equipment:
oUse only with the supplied XP-POWER VEC50US24 (24VDC, 50W) power supply
and power cord.
oConnect power supply to a suitable AC mains supply with voltage in range 90 –
260V; 50 - 60Hz; minimum current 1A at 115V, 0.7A at 230V.
oThe AC mains socket shall act as the disconnect device and be readily accessible.
•Avoid subjecting the isoCell to impact and vibration during use.
•Keep the original packaging the isoCell came in, and use this when transporting the isoCell.
•Do not connect cables in ways other than those mentioned in this manual. Different
connections may cause damage and fire.
•Do not alter the isoCell in any manner, other than those shown in the manual,
demonstrated during training, or directed by iotaSciences.
•Do not obstruct the movement of the isoCell’s needle holder, nor of the syringe plunger
mounts.
•Only use the isoCell when it is set on top of a safe, flat and stable horizontal surface.
•If water or other liquid has been spilled near the isoCell, safety may be compromised.
Ensure that no spilled liquid has been in contact with or entered the isoCell.
•If water or other liquid enters the isoCell, stop using it immediately and unplug the power
supply. Continued use may cause a fire. Contact iotaSciences for actions or precautions.

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•If any foreign object enters the isoCell, safety may be compromised. Contact iotaSciences
for actions or precautions.
•Unplug the isoCell immediately if it smokes, or produces a strange odour or unusual noise.
Continued use may cause a fire. Contact iotaSciences for actions or precautions.
•Do not autoclave the isoCell.
•The isoCell is for indoor use only.
•The isoCell is designed to work in the following operating environment (operating outside
these limits may degrade performance and damage the isoCell):
oAmbient temperature: 16 –35°C (60 –95°F)
oHumidity: 40 –60%
oAltitude: less than 2000m
oPollution degree 2
•All service shall be performed by iotaSciences authorised personnel only.
•External influences such as electrostatic discharge may cause this equipment to
malfunction. In this case, please disconnect the power and reconnect.
3Getting started
3.1 Familiarisation
Users should familiarise themselves with the key components of the isoCell prior to use (Figure 1).

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Figure 1: Key components of the isoCell. (N.B. the selection pillar is by default undeployed and therefore may not be
visible..)

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The isoCell is supplied with the following accessories, consumables and spares:
Documents (also available for download from the iotaSciences customer portal.):
•Quickstart user guide
•Training guide
•Single cell suspension preparation guidelines
Mains power cable, with appropriate mains plug for country of use
Transformer (24V XP-POWER VEC50US24 power supply)
USB cable, type A –type B
Touchscreen stylus
Reference stage (not included if isoCell has been purchased as part of the
iotaSciences Cloning Platform)
50-page single-cell microscope notebook (not included if isoCell has been
purchased as part of the iotaSciences Cloning Platform)
2x 40ml bottles of FC40STAR®
CloneG consumables kit, comprising:
•18x 60mm dishes (either tissue-culture treated or suspension) with
attached locating rings
•36x eight-tube PCR strips, or 36x flat bottom 8-well strips
•50x 1.5ml microcentrifuge tubes
•1x pipetting aid
•2x dispensing assembly
Training kit, comprising:
•6x tissue-culture treated 60mm dishes with attached locating rings
•12x eight-tube PCR strips
•25x 1.5ml microcentrifuge tubes
•1x pipetting aid
•1x 40ml bottle of FC40STAR®
3.2 Installation
The isoCell should be located on a flat, stable surface inside a laminar flow hood.

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Upon first being powered-on, the isoCell will initiate a preliminary setup procedure. This consists
of a sequence of on-screen instructions for the user to follow, and requires approximately 30
minutes to complete. Upon completion, the isoCell will be ready to use.
3.3 Using the isoCell
3.3.1 Powering-on
To power-on the isoCell, ensure that it is connected to a suitable mains power socket by the
supplied mains power cable and 24V transformer. Press the power button (located on the top of
the isoCell).
3.3.2 The isoCell bed –placement of reagents and materials
The isoCell bed (Figure 2) is where the workflow of isolating, culturing and harvesting cells is
executed.
Figure 2: The isoCell bed, showing correct layout of 60mm dish, microcentrifuge tubes and 2x 8-tube PCR strips
(optionally replaced with 2x flat bottom 8-well strips).
The workflow is executed on a 60mm tissue culture dish (supplied in the CloneG consumables kit).
The dish must be placed in the circular station at the centre of the bed. It must be seated flat, and
oriented such that the triangular protrusion of the locating ring fits into the station’s triangular
notch (Figure 2).
The isoCell bed is equipped with an internal heater, which can be turned on or off in the
options program (Section 5.10). N.B. The heater is not intended to hold the dish at
precisely 37°C. Rather its purpose is to slow cooling when the dish is removed from an
incubator.
When required by the workflow, user-supplied reagents must be placed in 1.5ml microcentrifuge
tubes (supplied in the CloneG consumables kit) at six defined locations on the bed (Figure 2). A
minimum of 1ml of each required reagent should be provided. Note that:

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•The isoCell will provide a visual prompt of the reagents required by any given part of the
workflow.
•A seventh reagent, FC40STAR®, is stored in the FC40STAR® bottle at the rear of the isoCell
(Figure 2).
Before beginning any program, ensure all microcentrifuge tubes are open with their lids
tucked under the rails, as shown in Figure 2. This is essential to prevent obstruction of
the needle holder.
Two further (empty) microcentrifuge tubes serve as repositories for aqueous and FC40STAR® waste.
The isoCell will provide a visual prompt when waste microcentrifuge tubes are required. Users
should ensure that waste tubes are empty.
For instructions on the safe disposal of FC40STAR®, refer to Section 8.2.
Cells are harvested by the isoCell from the 60mm dish into the two 8-tube PCR strips (or flat
bottom 8-well strips) located at the front of the bed (Figure 2). The isoCell will provide a visual
prompt when the PCR or flat bottom strips are required. The strips should be prepared with 120µl
cell culture medium in each tube/well.
Do not put caps on the PCR strips.
3.3.3 Running programs
The isoCell workflow of isolating, culturing and harvesting cells is executed by running a series of
programs on the isoCell. For instance, the GRID program will create a GRID on the 60mm dish, the
plate program will dispense cells into a GRID, etc. All programs are executed from the isoCell’s
interactive touchscreen. A stylus is supplied for higher touch accuracy when required.
At the beginning of each program, a message on the touchscreen will prompt the user to place
the correct materials and reagents onto the isoCell bed (Figure 2). When providing reagents in
microcentrifuge tubes, the user should fill the tube to a minimum volume of 1ml. When a waste
tube is required, the user should ensure that the tube is empty.
Many programs require the user to select a username and dish colour. The isoCell
supports up to thirty-six users. Under each username the isoCell can simultaneously
track up to nine individual dishes via the dishes’ coloured locating rings. Stored user data
can be managed via the data program (Section 5.1).
3.3.4 Starting-up
Upon being powered-on, the isoCell will execute a startup routine.

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Users should not skip the startup routine.
3.3.5 Restarting
To restart the isoCell, first press the on-screen button (located on the left side of the
touchscreen). Then select the restart option, which will initiate a restart routine.
The restart routine will put the isoCell into a fresh state. It is recommended that when
switching users, the new user restarts the isoCell in this way.
3.3.6 Powering-off
To power-off the isoCell, first press the on-screen button (located on the left side of the
touchscreen). Then select the shutdown option, which will initiate a shutdown routine. At the end
of the shutdown routine, the isoCell will indicate that power can be safely switched off. At this
point the user should power-off the isoCell by pressing the power button (located on the top of
the isoCell).
Users should not skip the shutdown routine.
3.4 Consumables ordering
To order consumables for the isoCell (CloneG kits and FC40STAR®), please visit the consumables store
on the iotaSciences customer portal to obtain an instant quote.
3.5 Using the isoCell as part of the iotaSciences Cloning Platform
The isoCell can be used alongside an isoHub as part of the iotaSciences Cloning Platform. The
isoHub simplifies the identification and tracking of monoclonal chambers in a GRID by:
•Making it easy to move between chambers of interest in the GRID.
•Managing the user dish data containing the location and current state of monoclonal
chambers.
The syncing of data between the isoCell and the isoHub happens automatically when
running certain programs on the isoCell. In some cases, the isoCell will not be able to
proceed with a program until it has connected and synced data with the isoHub. If the
isoCell is unable to connect, a message will be displayed on the isoCell asking the user
to turn on the isoHub.

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Cloning Platform: Changes to the operation of the isoCell when using it as part of the
iotaSciences Cloning Platform are indicated throughout this manual using an image of
the isoHub.
4Workflow
The isoCell offers a convenient and user-friendly workflow to achieve consistent and reliable
outcomes from single-cell cloning experiments. It enables users to:
•Isolate single cells (Section 4.1)
•Culture and outgrow single cells into populations/colonies (Section 4.2).
•Harvest populations/colonies derived from a single cell (Section 4.3).
The isoCell supports up to thirty-six users. Under each username the isoCell can simultaneously
track up to nine individual dishes via the dishes’ coloured locating rings.
For a concise introduction to the isoCell (or Cloning Platform), the following documents
are available for download from the iotaSciences customer portal:
•isoCell quickstart user guide
•Cloning Platform quickstart user guide
•isoCell training guide
•Cloning Platform training guide
4.1 Isolate
Cells are isolated in three stages:
•The GRID program is used to form a 256 chamber GRID on a 60mm tissue culture dish, with
each chamber measuring 1.9mm by 1.9mm.
•The plate program is used to dispense 200nl cell-suspension fluid to each of the GRID’s 256
chambers.
•The input data program is used to store, in the isoCell’s memory, the GRID-coordinates of
chambers containing single cells.
4.1.1 GRID
To form a GRID, the user must first prepare the tissue culture dish with a coating of cell culture
media/supplement formulation, overlaid with FC40STAR®.
Detailed dish-preparation protocols for specific cell culture media/supplement
formulations are available on the iotaSciences customer portal.

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For successful GRID formation, ensure that the relevant dish preparation protocol is followed
correctly. Once prepared, place the dish onto the isoCell bed and run the GRID program.
4.1.2 Plate
To plate cells, the user must first prepare a 1.5ml microcentrifuge tube containing a sample of cell-
suspension fluid with a dilution ratio of 5000 cells per millilitre.
For detailed instructions on best practice when preparing the cell-suspension, refer to
the single-cell suspension preparation guidelines (available on the iotaSciences
customer portal).
The plate program will dispense the cell-suspension fluid to the GRID chambers. The probability of
chambers containing a single cell is determined by Poisson statistics. A dilution ratio of 5000 cells
per millilitre maximises this probability, and leads to (on average) 94 out of 256 chambers
containing a single cell.
The cell-suspension tube does not need to be placed onto the isoCell bed at the
beginning of the plate program. Rather, best practice is for the user to agitate the
sample until the isoCell prompts the user to place the tube onto the bed. This helps to
prevent the cells from settling, thus maximising the adherence to Poisson statistics.
For higher throughput, up to four dishes (with pre-formed GRIDs) can be plated sequentially in a
single run of the plate program. It is not necessary to use the same cell-suspension for all dishes
when plating sequentially, since the dispensing system is washed and sterilised between dishes.
4.1.3 Input data
Cloning Platform: Input data is unavailable on the isoCell when it is set up to sync data
with an isoHub. Use the isoHub identify program in place of the isoCell input data
program for the identification of monoclonal chambers and the storing of the
corresponding GRID-coordinates. See the isoHub instruction manual for more details.
Once cells have been plated into chambers, the chambers that contain single cells (monoclonal
chambers) need to be identified, and the corresponding GRID-coordinates need to be determined.
This is facilitated through use of the reference stage (supplied), on which each chamber’s GRID-
coordinate is etched. Remove the plated dish from the isoCell, and place it on the reference stage,
ensuring that the triangular protrusion of the locating ring fits into the triangular notch of the
reference stage. Using a microscope, identify the GRID-coordinates of all chambers containing a
single cell.

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A single-cell microscope notebook is supplied for ease of recording GRID-coordinates
of monoclonal chambers. Once exhausted, fresh notebook pages can be downloaded
for printing from the iotaSciences customer portal.
Once the GRID-coordinates of monoclonal chambers have been determined, the input data
program is used to store these coordinates in the isoCell’s memory. The stages in the program are
as follows:
• Select user . The user should select their own username. If the user is using the isoCell for
the first time, they will have to enter a new username at this point.
• Select colour . The user needs to select the colour of the locating ring attached to their dish.
• Select chambers . The user needs to select coordinates of all monoclonal chambers.
•Press the button to save data.
The isoCell supports up to thirty-six users. Under each username the isoCell can
simultaneously track up to nine individual dishes via the dishes’ coloured locating rings.
Stored user data can be managed via the data program (Section 5.1)
4.2 Culture
Two programs are provided for the culturing of single cells into monoclonal colonies: fill and feed.
4.2.1 Fill
The fill program is used to top up each monoclonal chamber containing from 200nl to 600nl. This
must be the first program that is run on the dish following the input data program (Section 4.1.3).
4.2.2 Feed
The feed program is used to remove 600nl waste from each monoclonal chamber, and replace the
removed fluid with 600nl fresh media. The user may run this program as often as they deem
suitable.
The feed program should not be run on a dish containing suspension cells –this would
result in the cells being removed along with the 600nl waste.
At the beginning of the feed program the user can mark individual monoclonal chambers as
inactive , in which case the feed program will not operate on these chambers.
Cloning Platform: Prior to running the isoCell feed program, the user can use the isoHub
deactivate program to firstly inspect monoclonal chambers and secondly mark them as
inactive if desired. See the isoHub instruction manual for more details.

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4.3 Harvest
Two programs are provided for the harvesting of colonies: detach and extract.
At the beginning of the detach and extract programs the user must select the monoclonal
chambers from which to harvest colonies.
Cloning Platform: Prior to running the isoCell detach or extract programs, use the isoHub
prep detach or prep extract programs to firstly inspect monoclonal chambers and
secondly select them for detaching or extracting . See the isoHub instruction manual for
more details.
Any number of monoclonal chambers can be selected for the detach and extract
programs, but these programs will not operate on more than 16 chambers in a single
run. To harvest more than 16 colonies, multiple runs of these programs are required.
Additionally the troubleshooting redetach program is provided for the case where the extract
program has not successfully removed colonies.
4.3.1 Detach
The detach program is used to deliver dissociation reagent to the selected chambers. It will first
wash the chambers twice with PBS, after which it will dispense 600nl of dissociation reagent to
each chamber.
Following a run of the detach program, the user should return the dish to the incubator for a
suitable time period to allow the dissociation reagent to take effect.
The detach program should not be run on a dish containing suspension cells –this would
result in the cells being removed during the PBS washes.
4.3.2 Extract
The extract program is used to remove selected colonies from the dish. It can be run alone (for
suspension cells), or following a run of the detach program (for adherent cells). The extract program
will deliver each selected colony separately into one tube of the two 8-tube PCR strips (or flat
bottom 8-well strips) located at the front of the bed (Figure 2).
The user must first prepare the strips by depositing 120µl cell culture medium into each tube/well.
Do not put caps on the PCR strips.

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4.3.3 Redetach
The redetach program is used in the case where the extract program has failed to remove one or
more colonies from the dish. It will dispense 600nl of dissociation reagent to each selected
chamber, returning them to a detached state, following which the extract program can be run
again on these chambers.
At the beginning of the redetach program the user must select harvested chambers for re-
detaching –the user can only select from harvested chambers produced by the most recent run
of the extract program.
Cloning Platform: Prior to running the isoCell redetach program, use the isoHub prep
redetach program to firstly inspect the most recently harvested chambers and secondly
select them for re-detaching . See the isoHub instruction manual for more details.
4.4 Chamber states
As a dish progresses through the workflow, the isoCell tracks the state of the chambers. The current
state of chambers in a dish is displayed at the beginning of the input data , fill , feed , detach and
extract programs, and can be viewed at any time via the data program (Section 5.1).

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The chamber states are:
Non-clonal –Chamber contains either no cells or multiple cells. This is the default
state –a chamber is assumed to be non-clonal until it is marked as clonal unfilled
via the input data program.
Clonal unfilled –Chamber contains a single cell (or its derivative monoclonal
colony). Chamber volume is 200nl, indicating that the fill program has not yet been
run on the dish.
Clonal filled –Chamber contains a single cell (or its derivative monoclonal colony).
Chamber volume is 600nl, indicating that the fill program has been run on the dish.
Detached –Dissociation reagent has been administered to the chamber using the
detach program.
Harvested –The colony has been harvested from this chamber using the extract
program.
(Most recently) Harvested –The harvested chambers produced by the most recent
run of the extract program are distinguished by a small circle in the corner. These
chambers are the only ones that can be selected in the redetach program.
Inactive –The cell or colony in this chamber is no longer active in the single-cell
cloning workflow. Chambers can be marked as inactive at the beginning of the
feed program.
Unknown –The chamber is in an unknown state. This can happen if, for example,
a program is cancelled while operating on the chamber. The recover program can
be used to attempt to return these chambers to a clonal filled state.
The isoCell does not record the number (if any) of times the feed program has been run
on a dish. The feed program will operate on chambers in a clonal filled state and will
return them to a clonal filled state.
5Advanced programs
5.1 Data
The data program ( more → data ) enables the user to:

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•Add or remove usernames.
•Erase individual dishes under a chosen username.
•View current chamber states (Section 4.4) of dishes under a chosen username.
Removing a username will erase all stored dish data for that username.
5.2 Replace dispensing
The replace dispensing program ( more → replace dispensing ) guides the user through the
replacement of the dispensing assembly (dispensing needle plus tube). For more information on
replacing the dispensing assembly, see Section 6.3.
This program will automatically charge the new dispensing assembly with ethanol, and calibrate
the new dispensing needle.
If the dispensing assembly has been replaced without running the replace dispensing
program, the reset dispensing program (Section 5.6) must be run to charge the new
assembly with ethanol. And the calibrate program (Section 5.8) must be run to calibrate
the new dispensing needle.
5.3 FC40STAR® level
The FC40STAR ® level program ( more → FC40STAR ® level ) is used to update the tracked level of
FC40STAR® in the FC40STAR® bottle (located at the rear of the isoCell). To update the level, move the
slider to the correct height, and press the button to save.
See Section 6.2 for information on replacing the isoCell's FC40STAR® bottle.
5.4 Prep transport
The prep transport program ( more → prep transport ) is used to prepare the isoCell for transit. It
should be used if the isoCell is to be packed and moved to a new location.
The user must ensure that they have an isoCell transport bracket available; contact iotaSciences if
this is not the case. The program will guide the user through the correct installation of the transport
bracket.
5.5 Reset jetting
The reset jetting program ( more → troubleshooting → reset jetting ) is used to completely flush
and refill the jetting system.

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5.6 Reset dispensing
The reset dispensing program ( more → troubleshooting → reset dispensing ) is used to completely
flush and refill the dispensing system.
Users should immediately run the reset dispensing program if a program that uses the
dispensing system has been aborted prematurely. This will ensure that all reagents are
quickly flushed from the dispensing system.
5.7 Recover
The recover program ( more → troubleshooting → recover ) is used to attempt to recover any
chambers from an unknown state to a clonal filled state (see Section 4.4 for a description of
chamber states).
The program will operate on all chambers whose state is unknown. It will remove 600nl fluid from
each chamber, and replace the removed fluid with 600nl fresh media.
The recover program is not guaranteed to successfully return colonies to a useable
state. If (for instance) chambers were left in an unknown state following an abort of the
detach or extract programs, the colony may be physically detached from the dish. In
which case, the removal stage of the recover program will likely remove and discard of
the colony.
5.8 Calibrate
The calibrate program ( more → troubleshooting → calibrate ) is used to calibrate the dispensing
and jetting needle positions relative to the centre of the isoCell bed. It can be used if either of the
isoCell’s needles has been replaced, to ensure continued performance of the isoCell.
Needle calibration happens automatically during the startup and restart routines, and
when replacing the dispensing assembly using the replace dispensing program.
5.9 Move
The move program ( more → troubleshooting → move ) is used to:
•Manually move the isoCell’s needle holder using the six arrow buttons indicated in Figure
3. To return the needle holder to its home (not in use) position, press the reset button.
•Manually withdraw or insert the plungers of the dispensing and jetting syringes, using the
four buttons indicated in Figure 4.
The movement step size is set using the three buttons indicated in Figure 4. Step sizes are in
millimetres for the needle holder and microlitres for the syringes. With the step size set to 1.00 the