The OT-2 is an open-source, modular, and cost-effective pipetting robot for automated liquid handling at a fraction of the cost of legacy automated liquid handling systems. So far it has seen the most use in applications to RNA-seq library prep, PCR, COVID-19 testing, and other related applications. Parhelia Omni-Stainer™ can be combined with the Opentrons OT-2 in a unique way, effectively turning an Opentrons OT-2 into a full-fledged compact, flexible, open, cost-effective tissue autostainer. This is accomplished by virtue of Parhelia Omni-Stainer™ having the exact SBS footprint (i.e. the dimensions of a 96-well plate). Omni-stainer also integrates with the OT-2 Thermal Module and Parhelia proprietary Thermal Sheath, enabling thermal incubations in the 4-95C range, which is useful for DNA/RNA hybridizations, overnight antibody incubations, and even heat-induced antigen retrieval.
This combined webinar details how the Parhelia Omni-Stainer™ works within the Opentrons OT-2 system for compact, powerful and affordable automated tissue staining for research and pathology labs. We showcase the design aspects of the Omni-stainer and cover a number of assays that we have verified, including CODEX (Phenocycler), immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplexed IHC (Opal), antigen retrieval, and RNAScope.