Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler with enclosure doors open, shown in a laboratory setting

Sonication STAR Line

Sample Integrity 
FFPE Extraction & Purification
High Quality DNA & RNA
Validated Workflow
Fully-integrated & Walkaway Solution
Sample Tracking & Accessioning
Scalable Science
8-96 Samples
Feeds CGP & MRD Workflows

Standardize FFPE extraction

Standardize FFPE nucleic acid extraction with a fully automated, validated workflow that delivers consistent DNA and RNA quality for downstream NGS and CGP applications.

Hamilton dynamic wave
Use case

How It's Used

FFPE Extraction & Purification

The Sonication STAR provides a standardized, pre-configured workflow for extracting and purifying DNA and RNA from FFPE tissue. By integrating focused ultrasonication, automated liquid handling, Covaris kit, and hands-free sample processing, laboratories can reduce variability, eliminate toxic solvents, and improve reproducibility across batches. The system supports flexible throughput and seamless integration into downstream NGS workflows, making it well-suited for high-demand oncology and translational research environments.

Sonication STAR is an automated, walk-away Assay Ready Workstation designed to streamline nucleic acid extraction from FFPE tissue samples. Built on the Microlab STAR platform and integrating Covaris focused ultrasonication, the system eliminates manual deparaffinization steps while delivering consistent, high-quality DNA and RNA from the same sample.

The standardized configuration combines liquid handling, sonication, decapping, heating, and waste management into a single, validated workflow. This reduces hands-on time, minimizes variability, and enables laboratories to scale FFPE processing with confidence. Sonication STAR is compatible with downstream NGS and comprehensive genomic profiling workflows.

Common applications Cell Biology, Cell Culture, Cell-Based Assays, Pharma & Biopharma, Drug Discovery

Featured Technologies
  • Pipetting Technology
    Aerosol-Free Tip Ejection

    To Prevent Cross-Contamination

    As part of CO-RE II technology’s functionality, pipette tips are gently ejected from each automated liquid handler pipetting channel. This prevents aerosol generation that may expose users to harmful biohazards or cross-contaminate samples and laboratory surfaces.

  • Liquid Handling Technology
    Anti-Droplet Control (ADC)

    For Drip-Free Pipetting

    Pressure sensors on Hamilton’s pipetting channels continuously detect variations. Any changes are immediately compensated for by dosing drive movements to prevent droplet formation. Essential for high-precision and accuracy when pipetting volatile liquids like ethanol and acetonitrile.

  • Transport Solutions
    CO-RE Gripper

    For Additional Movements

    Further streamline automated workflows with CO-RE Grippers. These agile grippers transform Hamilton's precision pipette channels into on-deck labware transport solutions on Hamilton automated liquid handlers.

  • Pipetting Technology
    CO-RE II Tip/Tool Attachment

    The Key to Liquid Handling Workflow Excellence

    The new CO-RE II technology assures more precise tip alignment, minimizing the risk of collisions. Also, tip coupling is faster which boosts productivity. Besides tips, a wide range of Hamilton tools are applicable with CO-RE II.

  • Pipetting Technology
    DPS - Dynamic Positioning System

    For Efficient Movements

    DPS enables all channels to pipette simultaneously, even across non-uniform patterns. Unlike fixed channels with equidistant spreading, DPS offers efficient yet flexible liquid handling for cherry picking, non-uniform and variable volume samples, and complex pipetting workflows.

  • Liquid Handling Technology
    Dual Liquid Level Detection (LLD)

    For Accurate Aspirations

    Dual LLD uses two sensors on each liquid handling pipetting channel. A capacitance sensor detects aqueous and conductive liquid surfaces while a pressure-based sensor works with non-conductive, viscous, and volatile liquids. Together, they ensure highly accurate and reliable liquid handling performance.

  • Liquid Handling Technology
    LFC - Liquid Fractionation Control

    For Detecting Liquid Layers via Pressure Monitoring

    Pressure-based monitoring method to detect liquid interfaces in layered samples like centrifuged blood or liquid-liquid chemical extractions. LFC simultaneously and rapidly identifies, separates, and aliquots up to 16 samples into various labware targets. It includes full sample traceability.

  • Liquid Handling Technology
    MAD - Monitored Air Displacement

    For Unmatched Reliability

    MAD monitors the air displacement in each pipetting channel of a Hamilton automated liquid handler. During liquid aspiration steps, this non-contact technology immediately identifies clots, empty wells, or other aspiration issues. It also delivers a confirmation of successful aspiration in each pipetting channel of a Hamilton automated liquid handler.

  • Transport Solutions
    Plate Gripper

    For Flexible Integration

    Plate Grippers move labware to-and-from any position on the Hamilton automated liquid handling deck. For even greater hands-free efficiency and workflow integration, the Plate Grippers can transport plates to-and-from nearby off-deck devices (access location is platform-specific).

  • Liquid Handling Technology
    TADM – Total Aspiration & Dispense Monitoring

    For Real-Time Pipetting Accuracy

    During aspirate and dispense steps, TADM monitors real-time pressure changes in each Hamilton liquid handler pipetting channel. Results are compared against expected values to expose anomalies like bubbles and insufficient volumes. Sample transfers are verified with a digital audit trail.

A pre-configured hardware and software solution ensures each FFPE sample is processed consistently, reducing operator-dependent variability and improving reproducibility across runs

Focused ultrasonication eliminates the need for harsh organic solvents, improving laboratory safety while preserving nucleic acid integrity

Support for batch sizes ranging from 8 to 96 samples allows laboratories to balance efficiency with sample availability and turnaround time

Automated decapping, reagent handling, sonication, and purification enable true walk-away operation, freeing staff for higher-value tasks

High-quality DNA and RNA outputs are optimized for NGS workflows, including Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) and NGS-based Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) assays, enabling seamless integration with automated library preparation systems that operate with minimal user intervention.

  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler integrated with a Covaris R230 module on a shared white bench platform
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler integrated with a Covaris module and enclosed robotic workstation
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler integrated with a Covaris R230 sonicator module, mounted on a shared white cabinet base
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler with Covaris R230 module and an additional enclosure on a shared bench
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler with Covaris R230 module and additional enclosure on shared bench

Explore the Sonication STAR

1

Integrated STAR Platform

The system is built on the Microlab STAR with autoload, eight 1 mL channels, a 96-channel MPH, iSWAP, and CO-RE grippers to support complex, high-throughput workflows.

2

Covaris R230 Integration

On-deck integration of the Covaris R230 ultrasonicator enables automated, controlled deparaffinization using Adaptive Focused Acoustics technology.

3

Automated Sample Access

Integrated LabElite ID Capper automates tube capping and decapping, maintaining sample integrity while eliminating manual handling.

4

Thermal Control and Handling

Dual HeatPlates with Covaris adapters support precise incubation steps required for FFPE extraction and purification workflows.

5

Pre-configured Deck Layout

A validated, fixed deck layout minimizes setup complexity and ensures reliable transport, aspiration, and device handoffs throughout the workflow

Sonication STAR Specifications

Sonication STAR Specifications

Print

System Dimensions

Height
1.76 m (5 ft, 9.21 in)
Width
1.08 m (3 ft, 6.52 in)
Depth
3.1 m (10 ft, 1.93 in)
Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler with integrated Covaris R230 module, frontal view, partially open

Transport Tools

CO-RE Gripper
Internal Swivel Arm Plate Handler (iSWAP)

Sample Loading and Tracking Options

Sample Loading
Automatic
Autoload Barcode Scanner (1D)
Standard

Pipetting Options

1 mL Channels
8
Multi-Probe Head Option
96
Pipetting Range 1
1 µL - 1000 µL

Volume Range 2

1 μl - 1000 μl

LabElite Features

Swappable Decapping Heads
Yes
Swappable Adaptor Bits
Yes
Barcode Reading
Yes (1D/2D)

1 Depending on Configuration

2 Liquid dependent

Sonication STAR Resources

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Services

Trust in Hamilton’s Field Service Engineers for high-quality automated liquid handler installation, preventative maintenance, and field repairs.

Backed by world-class service and support.

For over 75 years, the Hamilton name has been recognized globally for its unwavering commitment to quality. That pledge extends to creating long-term customer partnerships. We're proud to offer in-depth training courses, on-site field support, custom product builds, and so much more.

Let's Talk

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