Automated method for isolation, selection and/or detection of microorganisms or cells comprised in a solution

An automated method for obtaining at least one discrete colony from microorganisms or cells comprised in a solution, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) transforming or transducing microorganisms or cells with an exogenous nucleic acid comprising selection marker and providing a solution comprising the microorganisms or cells;
• b) providing a solid medium suitable for growth of said microorganisms or cells selective for said microorganisms or cells comprising the exogenous nucleic acid;
• c) dispensing at least two differently defined volumes of said solution provided in step a) onto said solid medium provided in step b) using acoustic liquid transfer, said at least two differently defined volumes being selected from a range of from 1.0 nl to 100 μl, wherein said acoustic liquid transfer comprises using a transducer which generates and transfers acoustic energy, and wherein said transducer does not directly contact said solution, wherein the at least two differently defined volumes are dispensed at a distance of at least 100 μm apart;
• and
• d) incubating said solid medium under conditions suitable for growth of said microorganisms or cells and thus obtaining at least one discrete colony of living microorganisms or cells comprising the exogenous nucleic acid.