The BioTek EL406 washer dispenser is a compact instrument offering fast, full plate washing along with three reagent dispensers. The EL406 capabilities include washing and dispensing for standard assays, plus biomagnetic separation and vacuum filtration protocols. The Dual-Action manifold optimizes washing for loosely adherent cell monolayers. The patented Ultrasonic Advantage prevents blockages in the manifold tubes before washing, to reduce assay failure. This modular plate washer dispenser offers flexibility with both syringe pump and peristaltic pump dispensers, along with plate washing, on a single platform.
applications
- ELISA automation
- Bead washing
- Cell washing /media exchange
- Bulk reagent dispensing
- Cell seeding
These are just a few examples of the many important applications for EL406. Visit our Applications page to see more.
BioTek Field Applications Scientists (FAS) and Product Specialists provide unparalleled scientific support, assisting with experimental planning and assay optimization on BioTek’s instrumentation and software. Learn how they can help move your science forward… faster!
Automate Your Workflows
Expand your workflow automation by integrating the EL406 with BioTek’s range of robotics, including the BenchCel Microplate Handler, BioStack™ Microplate Stacker and BioSpa™ Automated Incubator. See this Tech Note describing benchtop ELISA automation with the BenchCel, EL406 and Synergy Neo2.
Features
Washing and multiple reagent dispensing
There’s no need for multiple instruments when you have an EL406 in the lab! The EL406 is microplate washer with peristaltic and syringe pump modules available to make it into an efficient multi-tasking system. For benchtop use or integrated into automated systems, the EL406 does the work of multiple instruments.
96-, 384- and 1536-well plate compatible
BioTek’s Dual-Action™ manifold quickly washes 96- and 384-well plates. For 1536 washing, unique aspirate and dispense manifolds rapidly dispense and aspirate across the plate. Wash speeds for the three plate types range from 13 seconds to 36 seconds, keeping all your processes efficient.

Gentle processing for cell-based assays
Cell-based assays can be challenging to wash - too often, cell monolayers are disrupted by vigorous dispensing or overly intense aspiration. The EL406 Dual-Action manifold and plate carrier have x-y-z adjustments, and flow rates are fully adjustable - to optimize parameters for even the most sensitive assays. Angled dispense tubes direct fluid flow to the well sides, further minimizing disruption.
Bead washing: magnetic and polystyrene
Easy maintenance with Ultrasonic Advantage™

EL406 has a number of automated system maintenance features, including. BioTek’s Ultrasonic Advantage™. The dispense and aspirate tubes are immersed into the built-in ultrasonic bath in the priming trough while the automate cleaning program runs, dislodging and aspirating away salt crystal and protein buildup in the tubes.
Customer Spotlight

27-February-20
The Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics (VCFG) supports and propels research efforts across Australia. Located at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Victoria, this core facility’s ”researcher driven, staff assisted” ethos is carried through all services, from conception and grant writing to multi-platform, high-throughput screening and analysis. In addition to having a strong collaborative effort, the wide diversity of researcher goals means that the facility must remain at the leading edge of innovations in science and technology.