Sonication STAR Line
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.
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
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Pipetting TechnologyAerosol-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.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyAnti-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.
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Transport SolutionsCO-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.
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Pipetting TechnologyCO-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.
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Pipetting TechnologyDPS - 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.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyDual 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.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyLFC - 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.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyMAD - 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.
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Transport SolutionsPlate 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).
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Liquid Handling TechnologyTADM – 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.
Explore the Sonication STAR
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.
Covaris R230 Integration
On-deck integration of the Covaris R230 ultrasonicator enables automated, controlled deparaffinization using Adaptive Focused Acoustics technology.
Automated Sample Access
Integrated LabElite ID Capper automates tube capping and decapping, maintaining sample integrity while eliminating manual handling.
Thermal Control and Handling
Dual HeatPlates with Covaris adapters support precise incubation steps required for FFPE extraction and purification workflows.
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
PrintSystem 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)
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.
Trust in Hamilton’s Field Service Engineers for high-quality automated liquid handler installation, preventative maintenance, and field repairs.
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