Eppendorf Research plus single-channel pipette set, pack of 3, 2–20/20–200/100–1,000 µL, 3123000918

The Research-plus 3-pack Option 2 comprises three mechanical single-channel pipettes with consecutive volume ranges: 2 to 20 µL, 20 to 200 µL and 100 to 1,000 µL. For a laboratory requiring the same basic equipment for pipetting volumes ranging from microlitres to millilitres, this set covers the three most common routine volumes in a single order.

Three volume ranges, one pipetting principle

All three pipettes in the set operate on the same mechanical air cushion principle as the Research-plus series, with a spring-loaded tip cone up to 1 mL and a Fortron PerfectPiston in the quick-release lower section. Anyone already familiar with one of the three pipettes in the set will find the other two easy to use straight away.

Each pipette in detail

The 2 to 20 µL pipette (increment 0.02 µL, epT.I.P.S. yellow 53 mm) achieves a systematic measurement deviation of 1.0 % or 0.2 µL and a random measurement deviation of 0.3 % or 0.06 µL at 20 µL. The 20 to 200 µL pipette (increment 0.2 µL, epT.I.P.S. yellow 53 mm) achieves a systematic measurement deviation of 0.6 % or 1.2 µL and a random measurement deviation of 0.2 % or 0.4 µL at 200 µL. The 100 to 1,000 µL pipette (1 µL increment, epT.I.P.S. blue 71 mm) achieves a systematic measurement deviation of 0.6 % or 6.0 µL and a random measurement deviation of 0.2 % or 2.0 µL at 1,000 µL. Testing is carried out according to ISO 8655 with ten determinations per volume and water according to ISO 3696.

Autoclavable for daily use

The upper and lower parts can be autoclaved when assembled at 121 °C and 1 bar gauge pressure for 20 minutes; the pistons do not need to be re-greased afterwards. The filter sleeve and protective filter are autoclaved separately.

Selection guide: for which laboratory equipment this set is intended

This set is suitable for workstations that switch between small volumes in the double-digit microlitre range and larger volumes in the millilitre range during routine operations, for example when preparing dilution series or preparing reagents of different concentrations. Those who, on the other hand, work predominantly in the sub-microlitre range or in the millilitre range above 1 mL will find more suitable individual volumes in the Reference 2 or Xplorer ranges, which feature a different operating logic.

Differences between Research plus, Reference 2 and Xplorer

Research plus, Reference 2 and Xplorer are all piston-operated pipettes based on the air cushion principle and each aspirate a single volume with an epT.I.P.S. tip. The difference lies in their operation: Research plus is the basic mechanical model with a selection dial, low weight and low operating forces. Reference 2 is operated via a single button and features a four-digit display with a magnifying window for reading volumes from any angle. Xplorer is the electronic version with a selection dial, rocker switch and display, which also allows volumes to be locked and batch runs to be programmed. Anyone who manually sets many different volumes in a single day and values a particularly light weight in the hand will find the Research plus well suited to their needs. For repetitive dispensing of the same volume into many vessels from a single aspiration, however, a Multipette (M4, E3 or E3x) is the more suitable choice, as it operates on the direct displacement principle and does not re-aspirate after each dispense.

Materials and environmental conditions

The upper section is made of modified polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) and polyetherimide (PEI), whilst the lower section is additionally made of PVDF, PPS, PEEK, PTFE, EPDM, silicone and stainless steel. The pipettes are operated at 5 to 40 °C and 10 to 95 % relative humidity, and are stored without transport packaging at minus 5 to 45 °C. According to the manufacturer, all volumes up to 1 mL feature a spring-loaded tip cone, which reduces the force required to attach and eject the tip during tip changes.

Typical applications

• Sample preparation with varying volumes ranging from a few microlitres to one millilitre
• Preparation of dilution series across several orders of magnitude
• Basic equipment for new workstations where several volume ranges are required simultaneously
• Routine applications in sample preparation and reagent addition

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 3 x Research plus single-channel pipettes, variable (2–20 µL, 20–200 µL, 100–1,000 µL)
• epT.I.P.S. boxes

Frequently asked questions

• Are all three pipettes in the set autoclavable? Yes, the upper and lower parts can be autoclaved when assembled at 121 °C, 1 bar gauge pressure, for 20 minutes; the filter sleeve and protective filter are autoclaved separately.
• Do I need to re-lubricate the pistons after autoclaving? No, according to the operating instructions, re-lubrication of the pistons is not necessary; a gravimetric check is recommended.
• What kind of day-to-day laboratory work is this set designed for? For workstations that regularly switch between microlitre and millilitre volumes, such as when carrying out dilution series or sample preparation, without having to purchase a separate pipette for each application.
• Do the tips of the three pipettes fit together? Only partly: the 2–20 µL and 20–200 µL pipettes use the same tip (epT.I.P.S. yellow, 53 mm), while the 100–1,000 µL pipette requires epT.I.P.S. blue, 71 mm. Mixing tips across the volume ranges is not intended.

Individual requirements & procurement service

You can enquire about suitable epT.I.P.S. refill packs or spare parts for the Research-plus series via our procurement service. Contact us via our service page.