Arium® Laboratory Water Systems Optimize Neurobiology Research
Researchers save time, effort, and valuable samples with quick access to ultrapure water and precise volume control throughout the laboratory.
The Department of Molecular Neurobiology at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences has integrated a range of Sartorius Arium® Laboratory Water Systems into its laboratories. The new water systems have solved issues with previous liquid handling protocols and are helping optimize research on nerve cell development and neurodegenerative diseases.
Research at the Department of Molecular Neurobiology focuses on the molecular mechanisms of nerve cell development and function in vertebrate nervous systems. Using biochemical, morphological, mouse genetic, physiological, and behavioral methods, the team works to elucidate the molecular basis of nerve cell differentiation, synapse formation, neurotransmitter release, and postsynaptic neurotransmitter detection.
Consistent, high-quality water is essential
This work, like any molecular biology research, requires access to high-quality, ultra-pure laboratory water, as RNase/DNase levels, endotoxins, and bacteria must be minimized to prevent sample or experiment interference. Ultrapure water is used for various purposes, from preparing buffers for cell culture and diluting DNA and RNA/mRNA components—for example, in CRISPR experiments—to auxiliary tasks such as cleaning and rinsing. Due to the critical need to avoid contamination and background signals, tap water is unsuitable even for washing glassware and plastics, especially for instruments and components that come into direct contact with samples or are used to determine sample concentration and quality, such as spectrometers and DNA analyzers, particularly when fluorescence-based methods are applied.
The Department of Molecular Neurobiology required a reliable system capable of supplying ultrapure water with the ability to adjust water concentration as needed. To meet these needs, six Sartorius ultrapure water units, including the Arium® Pro, Arium® Mini, and Arium® Smart Station, were installed across various laboratories. The Smart Station replaces the previous dispensing gun used in the lab, where a second water source from the same Arium® Pro system installed in the next room is required.
Compact, intuitive, and easy-to-maintain systems
According to Fritz Benseler, head of the DNA Core Facility at the department, implementing these systems has significantly streamlined and improved laboratory workflows, providing easy and consistent access to high-quality water in a facility where space is limited.
He particularly praised the user-friendly interface of the instruments:
- which displays conductivity for easy monitoring and maintenance,
- as well as the simplified cleaning process.
The Arium® Mini, which incorporates Sartorius’ advanced Bagtank technology, completely eliminates the need for time-consuming cleaning and rinsing procedures—researchers can simply replace the bag, preventing the buildup of permanent biofilms.
Additionally, the system’s glove-friendly touchscreen provides easy access to various dispensing functions, including manual dispensing, volume-controlled dispensing, and pre-set volume dispensing (“Favorites” function), which researchers have found particularly useful for accelerating repetitive tasks such as media preparation.
Ultrapure water exactly where you need it
The Arium® Smart Station, when combined with the Arium® Pro, offers volume-controlled dispensing, similar to a mechanical pipette, but providing users with full control over water quality and quantity parameters. The compact size of both systems and their flexible installation options (wall-mounted or benchtop) have also proven invaluable in accommodating the unique layouts of different laboratories within the department.
The Arium® Pro delivers water quality that meets and exceeds ASTM Type 1 standards, which Benseler highlights as crucial for highly sensitive experiments. To ensure the reliable removal of endotoxins, microorganisms, particles, DNase, and RNase, the Arium® Pro can be equipped with an ultrafilter and built-in UV lamp, making it ideal for life sciences applications, such as cell culture, RNA work, and other specialized laboratory processes.
Ongoing support minimizes unplanned downtime
In addition to highly recommending the Arium® systems, Concessus stands out for its comprehensive support and maintenance service, ensuring the optimal performance of the equipment throughout its entire lifecycle. With specialized technical assistance and on-site support, we guarantee the uninterrupted operation of these systems, allowing our clients to focus on advancing their scientific and laboratory activities without concerns.