MDA product cluster retrieval

In order to identify and retrieve a regular array of punches (not guided by cluster image data), we produced a tape stencil to guide the punch tool (Adhesive Applications High Tack Silicone Film Tape). We laser cut the double-sided tape with a 9 × 9 array of 500 µm diameter circles that has a center-to-center distance of 947 µm (Full Spectrum Laser LLC MLE-40). The tape stencil was applied on top of the frame seal plastic cover. The gel was peeled off the glass slide by allowing it to adhere to the plastic cover. The gel is then punched with a 1 mm diameter steel punch (Militek) and the micro-samples collected in a 96 well lobind twinteck plate (Eppendorf). The steel punch was cleaned with bleach and 70 % Ethanol after each use.