Electrostatic systems and methods for dispensing liquids

摘要

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for electrostatically dispensing small volumes of biological or chemical material from a dispensing tip or array of dispensing tips. The apparatus includes a voltage generator, a dispensing head containing the liquid to be dispensed, and an electrode that is in electrical communication with the liquid such that when a voltage pulse is applied to the electrode, the liquid is dispensed from the dispensing head onto a receptacle. The apparatus also can include an electrostatically charged counterplane and can include a guard shield. The invention also provides for means for movement of the dispensing apparatus and the receptacle relative to each other. The invention also provides methods for dispensing fluids onto a receptacle surface, including 96-, 384- and 1536-well plates.