Among all the lab equipment used in biotechnology, micropipettes are the most universally recognized — and arguably the most transformative. These precise liquid-handling tools are vital in genetic research, molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development. While micropipettes are now considered standard, their evolution from glass tubes to precision tools illustrates how innovation has continuously shaped the tools we rely on today.
Early Pipetting: Pasteur and the Predecessors
Did you know that the very first pipettes were used back in the 19th century? These early instruments were nothing more than simple glass tubes fitted with a rubber bulb. Louis Pasteur, a famous French chemist and microbiologist, is often credited with the development and use of the now-familiar glass Pasteur pipette[1]. Before him, scientists supposedly relied on "mouth pipetting" — an incredibly hazardous practice that exposed researchers to toxic, caustic, or even infectious substances. This method was common in early labs and remained in use until the mid-20th century.
The famous Pasteur pipette, also known as an "eye dropper," takes its name from the scientist — just as pasteurization does. Though humble in design, it was a revolutionary step that paved the way for future advancements.
The First Micropipette: A Safer, Smarter Tool
The true transformation began in the 1950s, when German physician Heinrich Schnitger invented the first piston-driven micropipette[2]. Frustrated by the danger and imprecision of existing methods, he designed a tool with a spring-loaded piston, air cushion, and interchangeable disposable tips — features that remain standard in today's molecular biology tools.
His design, patented in 1961, was soon acquired by Eppendorf, which improved and mass-produced the micropipettes[3]. This was a major breakthrough in lab equipment for biochemistry and clinical research, and Schnitger's prototype can now be seen at the Science Museum Group[4].
Adjustable Micropipettes: The Gilson Revolution
In the early 1970s, American scientists Dr. Warren Gilson and Henry Lardy developed the first adjustable-volume micropipette[5], which allowed researchers to set a precise volume rather than using fixed-size models. This was a game-changer for genetic and molecular biology labs, where volume flexibility is crucial.
Safety and Ergonomics in the 1970s
By the late 1970s, pipette design began incorporating features to reduce strain and error: tip-ejectors, softer plungers, and lightweight materials became standard. Multichannel pipettes also became available, supporting high-throughput workflows like ELISA testing in clinical diagnostics and genetic research[6].
In 1984, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially banned mouth pipetting in research settings[7], reflecting the growing emphasis on lab safety and the standardization of mechanical pipetting.
Digital Transformation and Automation
The 1980s and beyond ushered in a new era with electronic pipettes and programmable digital systems. Today's electronic pipettes offer variable speed control, stored protocols, and pressure sensing for reproducible results in molecular biology and pharmaceutical research.
Trusted Brands and Tools on the Market
Modern researchers have access to a wide range of high-performance pipettes designed for accuracy, comfort, and reproducibility.
Below are some of the most popular pipettes for molecular biology and lab workflows today:
🔹 Oxford BenchMate Plus
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A reliable and affordable choice with low plunger force, a universal tip cone, and a volume-lock system — perfect for routine pipetting in genetics, microbiology, and diagnostics labs[8]. |
🔹 Eppendorf Research Plus
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One of the most widely used pipettes globally, the Eppendorf Research Plus is lightweight, ergonomic, and offers unmatched precision. It's ideal for high-volume labs where user comfort and long-term accuracy are critical[9]. |
🔹 Gilson PIPETMAN L
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The latest evolution of the iconic Gilson brand, the PIPETMAN L is renowned for its reliability, durability, and updated ergonomics. It supports adjustable volume and reduced force operation for enhanced user comfort[10]. |
🔹 Rainin Pipet-Lite XLS+
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Rainin's Pipet-Lite XLS+, distributed by Mettler Toledo, combines precision pipetting with RFID-enabled tracking for secure lab compliance. It’s a favorite in regulated environments and high-throughput labs [11]. |
Pipette.com – A Trusted Distributor for Lab Pipettes
Pipette.com is one of the most trusted online distributors of lab pipettes, offering a comprehensive selection of manual, electronic, and multichannel pipettes from top brands. In addition to new products, Pipette.com also offers a wide range of refurbished pipettes, fully serviced and calibrated to manufacturer standards — a cost-effective solution for budget-conscious labs. Pipette.com is also known for its ISO-accredited calibration and repair services, making it a go-to resource for researchers working in molecular biology, genetics, and clinical diagnostics.
The Future of Pipetting
What's next for this indispensable tool? Scientists are developing nanoscale pipettes for single-cell genomics, biodegradable pipette tips to reduce lab waste, and even AI-guided pipetting systems that could automate entire workflows from the cloud.
As molecular biology tools continue to evolve, micropipettes remain a key component — now enhanced with the latest tech to deliver repeatability, precision, and automation.
References
- Louis Pasteur – Science History Institute
- "When a common problem meets an ingenious mind", M. Klingenberg
- Eppendorf – Company History
- Science Museum Group – Heinrich Schnitger’s Micropipette
- Gilson Inc. – About Us
- "Ergonomics in the Clinical Laboratory", C. R. Caskey
- NIH Lab Safety History – Mouth Pipetting Ban
- Oxford BenchMate Plus Pipettes
- Eppendorf Research Plus Pipettes
- Gilson PIPETMAN L Pipettes
- Rainin Pipet-Lite XLS+ Pipettes
