Opentrons Integration

Overview

Opentrons is a Python-based lab automation platform for Flex and OT-2 robots. Write Protocol API v2 protocols for liquid handling, control hardware modules (heater-shaker, thermocycler), manage labware, for automated pipetting workflows.

When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when:

Writing Opentrons Protocol API v2 protocols in Python
Automating liquid handling workflows on Flex or OT-2 robots
Controlling hardware modules (temperature, magnetic, heater-shaker, thermocycler)
Setting up labware configurations and deck layouts
Implementing complex pipetting operations (serial dilutions, plate replication, PCR setup)
Managing tip usage and optimizing protocol efficiency
Working with multi-channel pipettes for 96-well plate operations
Simulating and testing protocols before robot execution

Core Capabilities

1. Protocol Structure and Metadata

Every Opentrons protocol follows a standard structure:

from opentrons import protocol_api

# Metadata
metadata = {
    'protocolName': 'My Protocol',
    'author': 'Name <[email protected]>',
    'description': 'Protocol description',
    'apiLevel': '2.19'  # Use latest available API version
}

# Requirements (optional)
requirements = {
    'robotType': 'Flex',  # or 'OT-2'
    'apiLevel': '2.19'
}

# Run function
def run(protocol: protocol_api.ProtocolContext):
    # Protocol commands go here
    pass

Key elements:

Import protocol_api from opentrons
Define metadata dict with protocolName, author, description, apiLevel
Optional requirements dict for robot type and API version
Implement run() function receiving ProtocolContext as parameter
All protocol logic goes inside the run() function

2. Loading Hardware

Loading Instruments (Pipettes):

def run(protocol: protocol_api.ProtocolContext):
    # Load pipette on specific mount
    left_pipette = protocol.load_instrument(
        'p1000_single_flex',  # Instrument name
        'left',               # Mount: 'left' or 'right'
        tip_racks=[tip_rack]  # List of tip rack labware objects
    )

Common pipette names:

Flex: p50_single_flex, p1000_single_flex, p50_multi_flex, p1000_multi_flex
OT-2: p20_single_gen2, p300_single_gen2, p1000_single_gen2, p20_multi_gen2, p300_multi_gen2

Loading Labware:

# Load labware directly on deck
plate = protocol.load_labware(
    'corning_96_wellplate_360ul_flat',  # Labware API name
    'D1',                                # Deck slot (Flex: A1-D3, OT-2: 1-11)
    label='Sample Plate'                 # Optional display label
)

# Load tip rack
tip_rack = protocol.load_labware('opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_1000ul', 'C1')

# Load labware on adapter
adapter = protocol.load_adapter('opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_adapter', 'B1')
tips = adapter.load_labware('opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_200ul')

Loading Modules:

# Temperature module
temp_module = protocol.load_module('temperature module gen2', 'D3')
temp_plate = temp_module.load_labware('corning_96_wellplate_360ul_flat')

# Magnetic module
mag_module = protocol.load_module('magnetic module gen2', 'C2')
mag_plate = mag_module.load_labware('nest_96_wellplate_100ul_pcr_full_skirt')

# Heater-Shaker module
hs_module = protocol.load_module('heaterShakerModuleV1', 'D1')
hs_plate = hs_module.load_labware('corning_96_wellplate_360ul_flat')

# Thermocycler module (takes up specific slots automatically)
tc_module = protocol.load_module('thermocyclerModuleV2')
tc_plate = tc_module.load_labware('nest_96_wellplate_100ul_pcr_full_skirt')

3. Liquid Handling Operations

Basic Operations:

# Pick up tip
pipette.pick_up_tip()

# Aspirate (draw liquid in)
pipette.aspirate(
    volume=100,           # Volume in µL
    location=source['A1'] # Well or location object
)

# Dispense (expel liquid)
pipette.dispense(
    volume=100,
    location=dest['B1']
)

# Drop tip
pipette.drop_tip()

# Return tip to rack
pipette.return_tip()

Complex Operations:

# Transfer (combines pick_up, aspirate, dispense, drop_tip)
pipette.transfer(
    volume=100,
    source=source_plate['A1'],
    dest=dest_plate['B1'],
    new_tip='always'  # 'always', 'once', or 'never'
)

# Distribute (one source to multiple destinations)
pipette.distribute(
    volume=50,
    source=reservoir['A1'],
    dest=[plate['A1'], plate['A2'], plate['A3']],
    new_tip='once'
)

# Consolidate (multiple sources to one destination)
pipette.consolidate(
    volume=50,
    source=[plate['A1'], plate['A2'], plate['A3']],
    dest=reservoir['A1'],
    new_tip='once'
)

Advanced Techniques:

# Mix (aspirate and dispense in same location)
pipette.mix(
    repetitions=3,
    volume=50,
    location=plate['A1']
)

# Air gap (prevent dripping)
pipette.aspirate(100, source['A1'])
pipette.air_gap(20)  # 20µL air gap
pipette.dispense(120, dest['A1'])

# Blow out (expel remaining liquid)
pipette.blow_out(location=dest['A1'].top())

# Touch tip (remove droplets on tip exterior)
pipette.touch_tip(location=plate['A1'])

Flow Rate Control:

# Set flow rates (µL/s)
pipette.flow_rate.aspirate = 150
pipette.flow_rate.dispense = 300
pipette.flow_rate.blow_out = 400

4. Accessing Wells and Locations

Well Access Methods:

# By name
well_a1 = plate['A1']

# By index
first_well = plate.wells()[0]

# All wells
all_wells = plate.wells()  # Returns list

# By rows
rows = plate.rows()  # Returns list of lists
row_a = plate.rows()[0]  # All wells in row A

# By columns
columns = plate.columns()  # Returns list of lists
column_1 = plate.columns()[0]  # All wells in column 1

# Wells by name (dictionary)
wells_dict = plate.wells_by_name()  # {'A1': Well, 'A2': Well, ...}

Location Methods:

# Top of well (default: 1mm below top)
pipette.aspirate(100, well.top())
pipette.aspirate(100, well.top(z=5))  # 5mm above top

# Bottom of well (default: 1mm above bottom)
pipette.aspirate(100, well.bottom())
pipette.aspirate(100, well.bottom(z=2))  # 2mm above bottom

# Center of well
pipette.aspirate(100, well.center())

5. Hardware Module Control

Temperature Module:

# Set temperature
temp_module.set_temperature(celsius=4)

# Wait for temperature
temp_module.await_temperature(celsius=4)

# Deactivate
temp_module.deactivate()

# Check status
current_temp = temp_module.temperature  # Current temperature
target_temp = temp_module.target  # Target temperature

Magnetic Module:

# Engage (raise magnets)
mag_module.engage(height_from_base=10)  # mm from labware base

# Disengage (lower magnets)
mag_module.disengage()

# Check status
is_engaged = mag_module.status  # 'engaged' or 'disengaged'

Heater-Shaker Module:

# Set temperature
hs_module.set_target_temperature(celsius=37)

# Wait for temperature
hs_module.wait_for_temperature()

# Set shake speed
hs_module.set_and_wait_for_shake_speed(rpm=500)

# Close labware latch
hs_module.close_labware_latch()

# Open labware latch
hs_module.open_labware_latch()

# Deactivate heater
hs_module.deactivate_heater()

# Deactivate shaker
hs_module.deactivate_shaker()

Thermocycler Module:

# Open lid
tc_module.open_lid()

# Close lid
tc_module.close_lid()

# Set lid temperature
tc_module.set_lid_temperature(celsius=105)

# Set block temperature
tc_module.set_block_temperature(
    temperature=95,
    hold_time_seconds=30,
    hold_time_minutes=0.5,
    block_max_volume=50  # µL per well
)

# Execute profile (PCR cycling)
profile = [
    {'temperature': 95, 'hold_time_seconds': 30},
    {'temperature': 57, 'hold_time_seconds': 30},
    {'temperature': 72, 'hold_time_seconds': 60}
]
tc_module.execute_profile(
    steps=profile,
    repetitions=30,
    block_max_volume=50
)

# Deactivate
tc_module.deactivate_lid()
tc_module.deactivate_block()

Absorbance Plate Reader:

# Initialize and read
result = plate_reader.read(wavelengths=[450, 650])

# Access readings
absorbance_data = result  # Dict with wavelength keys

6. Liquid Tracking and Labeling

Define Liquids:

# Define liquid types
water = protocol.define_liquid(
    name='Water',
    description='Ultrapure water',
    display_color='#0000FF'  # Hex color code
)

sample = protocol.define_liquid(
    name='Sample',
    description='Cell lysate sample',
    display_color='#FF0000'
)

Load Liquids into Wells:

# Load liquid into specific wells
reservoir['A1'].load_liquid(liquid=water, volume=50000)  # µL
plate['A1'].load_liquid(liquid=sample, volume=100)

# Mark wells as empty
plate['B1'].load_empty()

7. Protocol Control and Utilities

Execution Control:

# Pause protocol
protocol.pause(msg='Replace tip box and resume')

# Delay
protocol.delay(seconds=60)
protocol.delay(minutes=5)

# Comment (appears in logs)
protocol.comment('Starting serial dilution')

# Home robot
protocol.home()

Conditional Logic:

# Check if simulating
if protocol.is_simulating():
    protocol.comment('Running in simulation mode')
else:
    protocol.comment('Running on actual robot')

Rail Lights (Flex only):

# Turn lights on
protocol.set_rail_lights(on=True)

# Turn lights off
protocol.set_rail_lights(on=False)

8. Multi-Channel and 8-Channel Pipetting

When using multi-channel pipettes:

# Load 8-channel pipette
multi_pipette = protocol.load_instrument(
    'p300_multi_gen2',
    'left',
    tip_racks=[tips]
)

# Access entire column with single well reference
multi_pipette.transfer(
    volume=100,
    source=source_plate['A1'],  # Accesses entire column 1
    dest=dest_plate['A1']       # Dispenses to entire column 1
)

# Use rows() for row-wise operations
for row in plate.rows():
    multi_pipette.transfer(100, reservoir['A1'], row[0])

9. Common Protocol Patterns

Serial Dilution:

def run(protocol: protocol_api.ProtocolContext):
    # Load labware
    tips = protocol.load_labware('opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_200ul', 'D1')
    reservoir = protocol.load_labware('nest_12_reservoir_15ml', 'D2')
    plate = protocol.load_labware('corning_96_wellplate_360ul_flat', 'D3')

    # Load pipette
    p300 = protocol.load_instrument('p300_single_flex', 'left', tip_racks=[tips])

    # Add diluent to all wells except first
    p300.transfer(100, reservoir['A1'], plate.rows()[0][1:])

    # Serial dilution across row
    p300.transfer(
        100,
        plate.rows()[0][:11],  # Source: wells 0-10
        plate.rows()[0][1:],   # Dest: wells 1-11
        mix_after=(3, 50),     # Mix 3x with 50µL after dispense
        new_tip='always'
    )

Plate Replication:

def run(protocol: protocol_api.ProtocolContext):
    # Load labware
    tips = protocol.load_labware('opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_1000ul', 'C1')
    source = protocol.load_labware('corning_96_wellplate_360ul_flat', 'D1')
    dest = protocol.load_labware('corning_96_wellplate_360ul_flat', 'D2')

    # Load pipette
    p1000 = protocol.load_instrument('p1000_single_flex', 'left', tip_racks=[tips])

    # Transfer from all wells in source to dest
    p1000.transfer(
        100,
        source.wells(),
        dest.wells(),
        new_tip='always'
    )

PCR Setup:

def run(protocol: protocol_api.ProtocolContext):
    # Load thermocycler
    tc_mod = protocol.load_module('thermocyclerModuleV2')
    tc_plate = tc_mod.load_labware('nest_96_wellplate_100ul_pcr_full_skirt')

    # Load tips and reagents
    tips = protocol.load_labware('opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_200ul', 'C1')
    reagents = protocol.load_labware('opentrons_24_tuberack_nest_1.5ml_snapcap', 'D1')

    # Load pipette
    p300 = protocol.load_instrument('p300_single_flex', 'left', tip_racks=[tips])

    # Open thermocycler lid
    tc_mod.open_lid()

    # Distribute master mix
    p300.distribute(
        20,
        reagents['A1'],
        tc_plate.wells(),
        new_tip='once'
    )

    # Add samples (example for first 8 wells)
    for i, well in enumerate(tc_plate.wells()[:8]):
        p300.transfer(5, reagents.wells()[i+1], well, new_tip='always')

    # Run PCR
    tc_mod.close_lid()
    tc_mod.set_lid_temperature(105)

    # PCR profile
    tc_mod.set_block_temperature(95, hold_time_seconds=180)

    profile = [
        {'temperature': 95, 'hold_time_seconds': 15},
        {'temperature': 60, 'hold_time_seconds': 30},
        {'temperature': 72, 'hold_time_seconds': 30}
    ]
    tc_mod.execute_profile(steps=profile, repetitions=35, block_max_volume=25)

    tc_mod.set_block_temperature(72, hold_time_minutes=5)
    tc_mod.set_block_temperature(4)

    tc_mod.deactivate_lid()
    tc_mod.open_lid()

Best Practices

Always specify API level: Use the latest stable API version in metadata
Use meaningful labels: Label labware for easier identification in logs
Check tip availability: Ensure sufficient tips for protocol completion
Add comments: Use protocol.comment() for debugging and logging
Simulate first: Always test protocols in simulation before running on robot
Handle errors gracefully: Add pauses for manual intervention when needed
Consider timing: Use delays when protocols require incubation periods
Track liquids: Use liquid tracking for better setup validation
Optimize tip usage: Use new_tip='once' when appropriate to save tips
Control flow rates: Adjust flow rates for viscous or volatile liquids

Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

Out of tips: Verify tip rack capacity matches protocol requirements
Labware collisions: Check deck layout for spatial conflicts
Volume errors: Ensure volumes don't exceed well or pipette capacities
Module not responding: Verify module is properly connected and firmware is updated
Inaccurate volumes: Calibrate pipettes and check for air bubbles
Protocol fails in simulation: Check API version compatibility and labware definitions

Resources

For detailed API documentation, see references/api_reference.md in this skill directory.

For example protocol templates, see scripts/ directory.

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