Molecular Devices DispenCell User manual

5306400 A
February 2023
DispenCell
Single Cell Dispenser
User Guide

DispenCell User Guide
2 5306400 A
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Contents
About This Guide 5
Chapter 1: General Information 7
System Overview 7
Signal Generation 7
Equipment and Reagents Description 8
Chapter 2: Installation Procedures 9
Site Requirements 9
Unpacking 10
DispenCell and Mini-PC(NUC)Installation 12
Chapter 3: Running Samples on the DispenCell 13
DispenCell and DispenCell-Driver Startup 13
Setting Up for the Dispense 14
Cell Sample Preparation 20
Loading 21
Wash 23
Starting and Monitoring the Cell Dispense 23
End of Dispense 24
Shut Down 24
Chapter 4: Analysis 27
Results Visualization 27
Automatic Analysis 28
Reporting 29
Chapter 5: Important Safety Information 31
Symbols on the Instrument 31
Warnings and Precautions 32
Hazard Levels 32
Electrical Shock and Fire Hazard 33
Biological Safety 33
Chemicals 34
Servicing and Transportation 34
Disposal 34

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Chapter 6: Maintenance 35
Chapter 7: Disinfection and Placement Under Biosafety Cabinet 37
Chapter 8: Troubleshooting 39
Chapter 9: Technical Specifications 41
Size and Weight 41
Stage Capacity 41
Power Supply and Connectors 41
Chapter 10: Warranty and Liability 43
Obtaining Support 43

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About This Guide
Before using the DispenCell™ Single Cell Dispenser, read the Important Safety Information on
page 31 and all other information in this user manual, including any safety and operating
instructions. Pay special attention to all warnings displayed on the instrument. Failure to read
and follow these guidelines could lead to improper or incorrect usage and damage to the
instrument. Improper use could also cause severe personal injury, death, unpredictable results,
instrument malfunction, and premature wear to components shortening the lifetime of the
instrument. Such actions may void your warranty. Keep the user manual and any other safety
and operating instructions provided with the instrument in a safe place accessible to all users
for future reference.
Technical Assistance
For technical questions or assistance in solving a problem:
Read the user’s guide section specific to the step you are performing.
See Troubleshooting procedures in Troubleshooting on page 39.
To report any issue with the use of the DispenCell, contact Technical Support. See Obtaining
Support on page 43.
While using the DispenCell driver software, click on the tab on the right side of the Feedback
window to report any issue or feedback you might have. If additional assistance is required,
contact your authorized Molecular Devices service provider or the Molecular Devices technical
support at support.moleculardevices.com/. Molecular Devices offers premium technical support
in service contracts that are fee-based and give the buyer access to a high-priority remote
and/or site support through Molecular Devices technical support team, depending on your
coverage level.

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Chapter 1: General Information
System Overview
The DispenCell is a low-pressure cell dispenser. Molecular Devices offers a fast, gentle, and
traceable solution for single cell dispensing. Intuitive and user-friendly, it does not require
extensive maintenance or specific calibration. Compact and flexible, the DispenCell easily
integrates in an existing workflow and is designed to be operated on a simple bench or under a
biosafety cabinet. The DispenCell can hold two multiwell plates on its base plate and supports
all multiwell plate models and formats.
The technology is impedance-based, thus extremely gentle with cells, preserving their viability
and integrity for optimal outgrowth. The DispenCell uses a sterile disposable sensing tip
(DispenTip) to sense and record the passage of every cell flowing through the DispenTip
aperture.
Figure 1-1: The DispenTip Used for Impedance Based Single-Cell Isolation
Signal Generation
As a single cell passes through the 30 μm tip aperture to flow into the well, it leaves an electrical
signature that appears as a unique peak, whereas multiple peaks result from doublets or
multiple cells. Cell debris is excluded by filtering out low impedance signals, and cell
aggregates are detected by tagging the impedance signals with a high amplitude peak. At the
end of the experiment, the impedance measurement of every well of the multiwell plate is
processed by the DispenCell analysis software. Wells that do not meet the single-cell quality
control criteria are rejected by the automated analysis and display in red.
Figure 1-2: Impedance Signature Used for Single-Cell Detection
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Equipment and Reagents Description
The whole system solution consists of the following:
DispenCell, the automated cell dispenser
DispenCell-driver, the operating software
DispenCell-analyzer, the analysis software
DispenKit, a single-use kit that contains the disposable consumables
DispenMe, the buffer used for the cell sample preparation
Note: Upon arrival, store the DispenMe at 4°C
Components Included in the Delivery
The DispenCell package contains the following:
1 x DispenCell
1 x Base plate
1 x Power supply for the DispenCell
1 x USB type A-B
1 x mini PC (Intel NUC 10i5FNKN) without screen, mouse, or keyboard
1 x Power supply for the mini PC (NUC)
Note: The software is installed on the provided computer.
1 x Hub USB 4x type A
Troubleshooting toolkit
Note: Molecular Devices does not provide or support the screen, display cable,
keyboard, and mouse.
DispenKit Content
The DispenKit package contains the following:
1 x DispenTip, the single-use sensing tip
Note: DispenTip is packaged in a plastic holder packed in a sterile pouch. Use
gloves to manipulate it.
1 x single-use cell strainer (20 μm mesh size), to remove aggregates during the cell sample
preparation.
DispenMe Content
The DispenMe package contains the following:
1 x tube that contains 135 μL of the methylcellulose-based solution (serum-free, animal
component-free, glutamine-free) to be mixed with the cell sample before the cell
dispensing.
Separate Components for Sample Preparation
The following components are for sample preparation:
Pack of 96 wide bore mixing tips, sterile
Pack of 4 washing units, sterile

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Chapter 2: Installation Procedures
Incorrect installation or the operation of a damaged instrument may lead to the exposure of
mechanical hazards, electric shock, the spread of fire, explosion, or biohazard. Read through
the following instructions carefully before you install the DispenCell. Before you open the
transportation box, check for any visible external damage to the box. Check to see if the shock
and position indicators suggest incorrect transportation of the instrument. Before you operate
the DispenCell for the first time, carefully read this user guide and contact a Molecular Devices
representative for training. DispenCell is to be used only with the provided power supply and
main supply cord in order to guarantee safe operation.
Site Requirements
Read the instructions in the Important Safety Information on page 31 and ensure that your site is
adequately prepared before you install the DispenCell. If there is any damage, do not use the
instrument and contact technical support. See Obtaining Support on page 43.
The instrument is intended for indoor use only and in the following environmental conditions:
Altitude up to 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
Temperature 5°C to 40°C (41°F and 104°F)
Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31°C (87.8°F) decreasing linearly to
50% relative humidity at 40°C (104°F)
Pollution degree 2
The mains power supply accepts the followings conditions:
Voltage fluctuations up to ±10% of the nominal voltage
Transient overvoltage up to the levels of overvoltage CATEGORY II
Temporary overvoltage.
Take special care while handling liquids.
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Unpacking
To unpack the instrument:
1. Take everything out of the box except the DispenCell. Verify that all components are
present. See Components Included in the Delivery on page 8.
2. Use two hands to gently lift the DispenCell by the base out of the box.
CAUTION! Do not hold the DispenCell by the top part of the instrument.
Figure 2-1: How to Lift the DispenCell Out of the Transport Box
Note: Place the instrument on a stable support otherwise, the instrument can fall,
which may cause serious bodily harm and/or severe damage to the instrument.
3. You can use the DispenCell on a bench or in a biosafety cabinet. Leave enough space next
to the DispenCell for the mini PC (NUC). If you place the instrument in a biosafety cabinet,
you can use a trolley for the mini PC (NUC). You need three electrical outlets for the
DispenCell, the mini PC (NUC), and the screen.
4. Remove the black protective foam around the pipetting head.
Figure 2-2: Side View of the Protected Pipetting Head (left)
Front View of the Protected Pipetting Head (center)
Removal of the Black Protective Foam (right)
5. Remove the strap that holds the USB cable on the right side of the DispenCell.

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6. Assemble the Base plate.
Figure 2-3: Placement of the Base Plate on Top of the DispenCell (left)
Clipping of the Base Plate (right)
7. Place the mini PC (NUC) close to the DispenCell so that you can connect the USB cables
afterward.
8. Place a screen, keyboard, and mouse next to the mini PC (NUC).

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DispenCell and Mini-PC(NUC)Installation
To install the DispenCell and mini PC (NUC):
1. Plug the DispenCell into the power outlet and connect the USB B cable on the DispenCell.
Figure 2-4: DispenCell Ports
2. Plug the computer screen into the power outlet.
3. Plug the mini PC (NUC) into the power outlet, connect the HDMI cable from the screen to
the NUC and connect the USB B and USB Z cables from the DispenCell to the NUC using
the port located on the rear panel of the NUC.
Figure 2-5: NUC Rear Panel Ports
4. Connect the provided USB hub to the USB port located on the front panel of the NUC and
connect the mouse and the keyboard to the USB hub.

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Chapter 3: Running Samples on the DispenCell
Click the following link to view information regarding the operation of the DispenCell:
DispenCell: A simple single-cell dispensing solution
DispenCell and DispenCell-Driver Startup
To start the DispenCell and DispenCell-driver:
1. Verify that all cables are connected. See DispenCell and Mini-PC(NUC)Installation on page
12.
2. To turn on the DispenCell, push the ON button on the front left side of the instrument. You
will hear the hum of the pumps.
3. Switch on the mini-computer (NUC) and the screen.
4. Log on to the account: seedbiosciences with the password: dispencell .
5. To open the DispenCell-driver software, click the icon located on the upper left side of
the screen. The software might take a few minutes to initialize, for each step the red X
changes to green check and then the Start button displays.
Note: When you operate the DispenCell for the first time after shipment, run a
Hardware Self-Check and send the output at support.moleculardevices.com/ to
ensure that the DispenCell is operating as attended.
6. Click Start to begin the DispenCell initialization. The pipetting head moves to the front left
of the instrument.
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Setting Up for the Dispense
DispenTip Installation
Click the following link to view DispenTip installation information:
DispenTip installation information
This video tutorial is also available in the DispenCell driver software by clicking on the camera
icon located at the top-right of the window.
At this point, the pipetting head of the DispenCell moves to the front left side of the instrument
to help you to position the DispenTip more easily.
To install the DispenTip:
1. Open the sterile pouch that contains the DispenTip.
2. Take the white plastic holder that contains the DispenTip and carefully lift the cap under
sterile conditions.
Note: Do not touch the DispenTip with your gloves. Touch and manipulate the
DispenTip by touching the white plastic holder.
3. Release the instrument robot head from its magnetic support with one hand (Figure 3.1 and
Figure 3.2).

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4. Use a finger to press the lever on the left lower part of the robot head to open the
connecting piece before you insert the DispenTip (Figure 3.3).
Note: Do not apply strength on the sheath that links the pipetting head to the
instrument. Pressure can damage the cables and tubing inside.
5. With your other hand, take the DispenTip by the white plastic holder, position the golden
strip towards the front of the instrument, and then press firmly to connect the DispenTip to
the robot head. If you do not firmly insert the DispenTip, it will be ejected.
6. Release the lever and remove the white plastic holder (Figure 3.4 and Figure 3.5).

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7. Place the robot head back on the instrument magnetic support (Figure 3-6) and click Done.
8. Check the orientation of the DispenTip. If the golden strip of the DispenTip does not face
the front side of the instrument, click Previous and repeat the previous steps.
Note: If the golden strip on the DispenTip does not face the front of the instrument,
you need to reorient the DispenTip. To remove the DispenTip, insert it back into the
white plastic holder, press the lever, and then pull on the top part of the DispenTip.
9. Click Done.

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DispenTip Alignment
The DispenCell pipetting head moves close to the alignment pin.
To align the DispenTip:
1. Use the Back, Front, Right, and Left arrows on the screen to align the DispenTip on top of
the alignment pin. The DispenTip movement is set to 0.5 mm / 0.02 inch increments. You
can modify this value to coarser or finer increments.
Note: The increment value should not exceed 1 mm / 0.04 inch to avoid reaching the
limit of the axis.
2. The height position of the DispenTip is set approximately 2 mm / 0.08 inch higher than the
alignment pin. You can use advanced mode to adjust the height.
Note: Be careful when you change the height position; if the DispenTip touches a
hard surface, it can damage the sensor.
3. Once the alignment is done, click Next. The pipetting head moves to the back right of the
instrument.

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Wash Installation
To prepare the wash:
1. Fill the washing unit (furnished in packs of 4) with 25 mL of PBS 1x.
2. Place the washing unit on the tray as indicated.
3. Click Next.
Choose the Multiwell Plate Type
The default base plate of the DispenCell can accommodate two multiwell plates. Contact us at
support.moleculardevices.com/ to add your multiwell plates to the drop-down list.
To choose a multiwell plate type:
1. Click Plate Model to choose the reference of the multiwell plate. The default name is YYYY-
MM-DD-HH-MM.
2. Click Plate Label to change the plate name. Do not use special characters or spaces. Use a
barcode reader for automated naming.
Note: The label of the multiwell plate needs to match the label you use in the
DispenCell driver software; this is crucial for traceability.
3. Click Next.
Use the top-right button to activate the second multiwell plate.

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Multiwell Plate Placement
To place multiple plates:
1. Control the labeling of the multiwell plate to ensure the traceability.
2. Fill the wells of the multiwell plate with the liquid medium (e.g., 200 μL in each well of 96
multiwell plates or 50 μL in each well of 384 multiwell plates).
3. To promote the growth of the dispensed cells, incubate the multiwell plates for at least 15
min in the CO2incubator at 37°C / 98.6°F before dispensing.
Note: The liquid medium you use to fill the multiwell plates needs to be conductive.
4. Place the plate in position 1.
5. Orient the multiwell plates with well A1 in the top-left.
6. Remove the plate cover.
7. Click Next.

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Cell Sample Preparation
Click the following link for information regarding the cell sample preparation:
Cell Sample Preparation
Note: Make sure to go through every step of the protocol. Cell filtration and sample
mixing are critical steps for correct cell dispensing.
Molecular Devices provides a kit named DispenSTAR to help you train with a calibrated sample
that contains beads that mimic a cell sample. You can run the experiment with your precious
cells without stress when you feel ready.
1. Quickly spin down the DispenMe tubes before you place them vertically and wait at least 10
minutes to allow the tubes to reach room temperature.
Note: Do not warm the DispenMe at 37°C / 98.6 °F.
2. Use the strainer (20 μm mesh size) provided in the DispenKit to remove the potential cell
aggregates in the sample to prevent the clogging of the DispenTip.
a. Place the cell strainer on a 15 mL tube.
b. Prime the cell strainer with 500 μL of cell culture medium.
c. Place the cell strainer on a new 15 mL tube.
d. Filter at least 1 mL of the cell suspension.
3. Check cell count, viability, cell size distribution, proportion of cell debris, and proportion of
aggregates with your routine protocol and adjust the total cell concentration (live + dead) to
2x105cells/mL with fresh culture media.
Note: A cell viability below 90% might compromise the results of the experiment.
4. Add 15 μL of the strained cell suspension at 2x105cells/mL in the DispenMe tube (final
concentration: 2x104cells/mL).