In this tutorial, I will show you how to use the Mount and Dismount tasks to mount filter plates on collection plates for spin filtration.
This video assumes that you already know how to create a device file in the VWorks software and have basic protocol-writing skills.
If you do not have this background, please view the Device File video first before continuing.
You can also learn about device files and writing basic protocols in the VWorks Automation Control User Guide.
The Mount task is typically used to place a filter plate on a reservoir that catches the eluent.
After the centrifuge process, you can use the Dismount task to remove the filter plate from the reservoir.
To use the Mount and Dismount tasks, I have to first make sure the filter plate and collection plate are defined correctly in the Labware Editor.
So, let’s open up the Labware Editor.
I will go to Tools, and click Labware Editor.
I'll select my filter plate.
Among other specifications in its definition, I must make sure that it has the Filter plate Base Class, …
and it Can mount another labware.
For my collection plate, …
I have to make sure it has a Microplate Base Class…
and it can be mounted by another labware, such as my filter plate.
Now I am ready to add the Mount and Dismount tasks in my protocol.
Let’s say I created the protocol. I’ll show you how I’ve set up the processes and tasks.
In my protocol, each labware involved in the Mount and Dismount tasks should be set up as an independent process in the protocol.
Here I have a process for the filter plate …
and a separate process for the collection plate.
In this protocol, the Filter Plate downstacks from the specified BenchCel stacker…
and moves to Bravo deck location 8.
It then goes through some liquid-handling tasks, as shown here in the pipette step subprocess.
At the end of the liquid-handling routine, the Collection Plate process is spawned.
The Filter Plate has to wait until the Collection Plate is ready.
Notice that when I added the Wait For task, I named it Wait for Filter.
The name helps me identify and reference the correct labware process later on. I’ll show that in a minute.
When the Filter Plate is finished, it returns to the specified BenchCel stacker.
The Collection Plate process is held back until it is spawned. At that point, …
the Collection Plate downstacks from the specified BenchCel stacker…
and moves to Bravo deck location 9.
Now it’s ready to be mounted, but by which labware?
In the Task Parameters area, notice that I selected Wait for Filter. This is the reference to the Wait For task in the Filter Plate process.
The eluent is collected during the centrifuge process.
When finished, the Dismount task removes the Filter Plate from the Collection Plate.
Notice that the Dismount task does not have any task parameters.
After the dismount, the Collection Plate returns to the specified BenchCel stacker.
And that’s how you use the Mount and Dismount tasks. For more information about the Mount and Dismount tasks, see the VWorks Automation Control User Guide.