The MACS Matchmaker consists of the following main parts:

• MACS Sampler — Liquid handler unit for automatic sample injection.
• MACS Matchmaker — FM instrument with three integrated cameras: chip surface, mologram recognition, and coupling.
• FM Readout
  • Diffractometric channels — Measures specific binding on functionalized molograms.
  • Refractometric channels — Measures bulk refractive index changes; used for referencing and drift correction.
  • Fluorescent channel — Measures fluorescent signals at excitation wavelengths of 660nm.
• Fluidic heads
  • Closed — For automated sample injection from MACS Sampler to MACS Matchmaker.
  • Open — For cell assays and manual pipetting.
• Chips — Consumable chips used in the instrument.

Instrument Operation

MACS Matchmaker Components

The MACS Matchmaker is a benchtop reader unit. It contains the Liquid module and uses two lasers: one at 784 ± 5 nm (Molography) and one at 663 ± 5 nm (Fluorescence).

Status LEDs

MACS Matchmaker Status LED

The MACS Matchmaker has a status LED at the front of the reader unit.

Degasser Status LED

The running buffer is pumped through a degasser before it reaches the reader unit. The degasser status LED is located above the syringe pump in the liquid module and is visible when the lid is open.

MACS Sampler Status LED

Compatible Liquids

The MACS Matchmaker is compatible with aqueous solutions from pH 1-13 and has been tested with the following organic solvents: ethanol, isopropanol, and DMSO. The use of other solvents is not tested and cannot be recommended.

• Particle size: Sample solutions must not exceed a particle size of 50 µm. Exceeding this maximum may cause clogging of the fluidics system.
• Temperature: Sample solutions must not exceed 60°C.

Sample Preparation

• Ensure the total injection volume is accounted for. The software automatically selects the best matching injection mode based on the programmed sample injection parameters.
• Add the dead volume of the respective vial to the volume reserved for injections (see dead volumes in the consumables section below).
• Do not fill vials or wells to the edge. Otherwise sample will be forced into the air needle, risking cross-contamination and soiling the needles.
• Filtering samples with a 0.2 µm filter will considerably reduce the risk of clogging. Ensure appropriate filter material is used for your sample type.
• If the required sample volume exceeds the vial capacity, aliquot the sample into several vials.

Recommended Seal Types

MACS Sampler (Accessory)

The MACS Sampler (Order number 130-137-262) is a high throughput autosampler with an integrated cooling module that allows sample cooling down to 4°C.

• Switching On: Switch on the MACS Sampler before switching on the MACS Matchmaker.
• Cooling: Built-in Peltier cooling, range +4°C to ambient −3°C. Configurable from +4°C to +22°C in the software.
• Capacity: Supports 96-well plates, 384-well plates, and racks for 48 vials (300 µL) and 12 vials (10 mL). Maximum plate/vial height: 47 mm (including septa or cap mat).
• Loop volume: 500 µL.
• Dead volumes: 300 µL glass microvial: 20 µL dead volume. 2 mL glass vial: 200 µL dead volume.

Full Loop Injection

When the pickup volume exceeds a certain threshold, it fills the entire sample loop of the autosampler. In this case, the system operates in Full Loop Injection mode:

• The contact time is automatically calculated based on the loop volume and the specified flow rate.
• The contact time field becomes read-only — users only need to specify the flow rate.
• This mode ensures maximum sample utilization when working with larger injection volumes.

Syringe Pump Refill

During a measurement the pump keeps a small reserve at the top of the syringe instead of filling to the mechanical limit, leaving room for a controlled overshoot on every refill (the “return steps”).

Advantages:

• More repeatable refill volumes and a lower risk of pulling in air.
• The controlled overshoot relieves mechanical backlash and negative pressure at the end of the draw.

For standard liquid handler operations (fill, prime, flush) the syringe is always completely refilled to the mechanical limit.

Instrument Setup Workflow

1. Preparation: Ensure waste is empty, running buffer is attached, and the MACS Matchmaker cartridge is inserted. To insert the cartridge, press the button in front of the sensor loading bay.
2. Liquid Handler Preparation: Perform all steps listed in the Liquid Handler preparation section. Check visually for leakage during priming.
3. Reader Preparation: Perform all steps listed in the Reader preparation section. Verify coupling symmetrically across all channels and check the Fourier Aperture.

MACS Sampler Consumables

Below are the well plate and vial types used in our system along with their specifications.

12-Well Plates

• Dead Volume - 1200 uL
• 12-Well Plates for 22mm OD Vials by Spark Holland
• 10ml Vials by Fisher Scientific

48-Well Plates

• 0.3 ml vials (right)
  • Dead Volume - 30 uL
  • 0.3ml Vials by Thermo Fisher Scientific
• 2 ml vials (left)
  • Dead Volume - 300 uL
  • 2ml Vials by Thermo Fisher Scientific

96-Well Plates (Low, V-shaped)

• Dead Volume - 4 uL
• 96-Conical Bottom Microwell Plates by Thermo Fisher Scientific

96-Well Plates (Low, U-shaped)

• Dead Volume - 8 uL
• 96-Well Plates, U-Shaped by Thermo Fisher Scientific

96-Well Plates (High, V-shaped)

• Dead Volume - 40 uL
• 96-Deep Well Plates, Square V-Bottom by Thermo Fisher Scientific

384-Well Plates (U-shaped)

• Dead Volume - 8 uL
• 384-Well Microtiter Plates, Square U-Bottom by Thermo Fisher Scientific