Eppendorf, a leading life science company, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of pipetting masterstroke. The company has taken a look at how pipetting has evolved over the years and the future of liquid handling. 

2021 marks a key milestone. Sixty years ago, Eppendorf changed the ways of handling liquids by introducing the world’s first piston-stroke pipette. Launched in 1961, the Eppendorf ‘Marburg Pipette’ featured the same basic elements as those found in today’s labs: a spring-loaded piston that stops precisely at a set volume level and a removable pipette tip made of plastic. This alternative to cumbersome and risky mouth pipetting changed scientific research forever and laid the foundation for Eppendorf’s position as a market leader in liquid handling today.

Since then, by applying their proven expertise and innovation, Eppendorf has continued to set industry standards in precise manual and automated pipetting and dispensing of small volumes. In 1978, for example, the company redefined liquid handling again with the introduction of the Multipette dispenser with Combitips tips system — the first handheld repetitive dispenser and an entirely new concept of disposable tips with integrated pistons.

Eppendorf has always worked closely with customers to understand their precise needs and develop the right pipette or solution for every application. Over the years, Eppendorf has continued to evolve the pipette through the advent of electronic pipetting and automated liquid handling systems to maximise reproducibility when working with micro- and nanoliter volumes. Today, Eppendorf customers can choose from a broad range of instruments, consumables, and services to suit their liquid handling needs and further accelerate their research.

The comprehensive articles series, voices of our customers, a raffle, and more may be found on the company's Pipette Anniversary website.