The Picus 2 Electronic Pipette from Sartorius Stedim Biotech - lighter feel, fine control for long pipetting series

Reviewed: ad hoc news Bestseller & Flagship desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-22, 14:28. Details in the imprint.

The Picus 2 Electronic Pipette from Sartorius Stedim Biotech rests in the palm like a slim remote control, humming softly as its motor pulls up exactly 20 microliters again and again. After an hour of plating samples, the thumb simply hurts less.

What the Picus 2 offers

The Picus 2 is the second generation of Sartorius' compact electronic pipette line, designed for accurate and repeatable liquid handling in research and quality-control labs. It combines motorized piston movement with electronic tip ejection and a small color display on the top of the handle.

Sartorius offers Picus 2 models as single-channel, 8-channel and 12-channel variants, covering volume ranges from 0.2 to 1,000 microliters depending on the specific model. According to the official product page, the device can store user-defined protocols and includes modes such as pipetting, reverse pipetting, mixing and multi-dispensing. Official Picus 2 product page

Ergonomics in everyday lab work

When lab technician Maria Keller from a diagnostics lab in Hamburg picks up the Picus 2, the first thing she notices is the weight. At around 100 grams for some single-channel models, it is noticeably lighter than many older electronic pipettes, which makes repetitive work gentler on wrist and fingers during long series.

The slim, slightly curved handle allows a relaxed grip where the index finger naturally rests on the selection rocker, while the thumb operates the plunger button with moderate force. Users can adjust aspiration and dispensing speed on the display, which helps avoid splashing or foam when dealing with protein solutions or viscous samples in 96-well plates. Sartorius press release on Picus 2 launch

Battery and charging details

Under the small plastic shell at the back sits a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which Sartorius specifies for up to one working day of typical pipetting before recharging. The Picus 2 can be charged either in a dedicated charging stand or directly via a charging cable, depending on laboratory setup.

The device automatically enters a sleep mode when left unused on the bench for several minutes, preserving battery life and reducing unnecessary wear on the motor. A battery icon on the display provides a simple visual reminder to dock the pipette in the stand overnight rather than discovering an empty battery at the start of a morning run.

Software functions and compliance

On the software side, Picus 2 introduces connectivity options for certain models through Sartorius' Pipetting Academy and optional software, allowing labs to manage protocols and user rights digitally. According to Sartorius, this helps comply with data integrity requirements in regulated environments, for example under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 in pharmaceutical labs. Sartorius documentation on Picus 2 advantages

Users can define multi-step workflows directly on the device, such as pre-wetting tips, aspirating, dispensing into several wells and mixing, with each step shown on the display. That reduces the risk that a colleague forgets a step when taking over a protocol from someone else in the team.

Where it fits in the lab

Sartorius positions the Picus 2 as an everyday workhorse for routine volume transfers, PCR setup, ELISA plates and general assay preparation, especially when consistency between operators matters. Single-channel versions suit tasks like preparing dilution series, while 8- or 12-channel models speed up microplate work in high-throughput screening labs.

Compared with purely mechanical pipettes, Picus 2 trades the absolute simplicity of a spring-driven piston for finer electronic control and memory functions. For labs that do not need saved protocols or electronic logs, Sartorius continues to offer mechanical models, but Picus 2 appeals to teams that want more control and a tidier workflow at the bench.

Company context and shares

Sartorius Stedim Biotech, headquartered in Aubagne and part of the wider Sartorius group, generates a large share of its revenue from equipment and consumables for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including filtration systems, single-use bags and analytical instruments. The Picus 2 line fits into this portfolio as a supporting tool in upstream and downstream process development labs.

Sartorius Stedim Biotech shares (ISIN FR0013154002) are listed on Euronext Paris, where they provide investors with exposure to demand for bioprocess technology and specialized lab equipment, including pipettes like the Picus 2.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.