Abstract
AVIA Biosystems
Model 2304 Automated Protein Denaturation System
According to AVIA Biosystems, Model 2304 is the first of its kind to completely automate and integrate protein stability determinations using chemical denaturation. Developed to facilitate the formulation of biologics in a safe and stable form, the system uses intrinsic or extrinsic fluorescence to monitor the conformational changes associated with protein unfolding (denaturation) and automatically generates complete protein stability curves.
Up to 96 different formulations, process conditions, or individual protein constructs can be evaluated for relative stability and an individual stability curve generated for each. Sample preparation, data collection, data analysis, and stability report generation are all automated. The free energy (ΔG) of protein unfolding is automatically calculated for each formulation condition or each individual protein construct.
More: www.aviabiosystems.com
BioTek Instruments
MultiFlo FX Microplate Dispenser
MultiFlo FX offers up to four independent reagent dispensers and a washer in one compact and modular platform to simplify and automate microplate-based liquid-handling processes. According to BioTek, it is an efficient solution for 6- to 1536-well plates and incorporates Parallel Dispense technologies, which allows a choice of peristaltic or syringe pump dispensing. This choice of dispensing technologies allows reagent conservation and unattended operation down to 500 nL. In addition, a wash module adds multipurpose functionality and uses BioTek’s Dual-Action manifold for independent aspirate/dispense control.
MultiFlo FX has a small footprint for use in a biosafety enclosure or in an automated robotic system. To automate sensitive cell-based assays, MultiFlo FX can also be integrated with the new BioStack4 to handle lidded plates.
The fully configured MultiFlo FX replaces up to five liquid handlers, and the modular architecture means that users need to purchase only the modules required now and can upgrade at any time as their assay needs evolve. MultiFlo FX is considered ideal for cell-based assays, bead-based assays, ELISAs, primary and secondary screening, compound storage, and more.
More: www.biotek.com
BioStack4 Microplate Stacker
Providing walk-away automation for routine microplate-based processes including cell-based assays and any application requiring automated plate delidding and relidding, the BioStack 4’s plate carrier provides plate exchange speeds of less than 10 s to increase throughput and enhance productivity.
BioStack 4 is compatible with 24- to 1536-well lidded and low-volume microplates up to 22 mm high, and interchangeable 10-, 30- or 50-plate stacks are available. The small, space-saving footprint allows operation within a biosafety enclosure. An optional barcode scanner increases workflow efficiency while limiting potential user errors.
BioStack 4 is compatible with BioTek’s washing, dispensing, reading, and imaging systems and is directly controlled via the instrument’s interface, Liquid Handling Control software, or Gen5 Data Analysis Software.
More: www.biotek.com
BMG LABTECH
CLARIOstar High-Performance Microplate Reader
The modular CLARIOstar features Advanced LVF Monochromator Technology that allows any fluorescence or luminescence wavelength to be used and continually adjusted and allows bandwidths from 8 to 100 nm for excitation and for emission, which, according to BMG LABTECH, is unprecedented for conventional monochromators. In addition, sensitive filter technology, an ultra-fast UV/Vis absorbance spectrometer, and a solid-state laser ensure optimal performance in all other detection modes, including fluorescence (or Förster) resonance energy transfer (FRET), time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), TR-FRET, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and AlphaScreen/AphaLISA.
More: www.bmglabtech.com
GE Healthcare
Biacore T200 Software v.2.0
This new software expands Biacore T200’s capabilities for efficient processing of molecular interaction data to facilitate label-free screening of low-molecular-weight compounds and low-abundance proteins, giving detailed binding profiles on molecule-drug candidate mechanisms of action that ultimately assist in earlier lead selection and optimization.
The new software simplifies and speeds up the generation and transformation of raw label-free interaction data into high-quality information, reducing the time needed for screening and hit validation. Wizards guide assay set up, and options are available for designing custom assays. The new software encompasses algorithms for efficient ranking and qualification of binders versus nonbinders and enables comparison of data sets through normalization of sample responses by a number of means.
Hamilton Robotics
VANTAGE Liquid-Handling Platform
The new-generation VANTAGE system offers contact-free pipetting over a wide volume range of 100 nL to 1 mL. It can be monitored remotely by mobile devices and features Hamilton’s new NanoPulse technology, which provides wide volume ranges from a single channel and a new linear motor that increases pipetting speed while decreasing noise, heat, and vibration. New camera technology enhances traceability by verifying all labware on the system and detecting nonbarcoded labware. Upgrades can be made at any time with a Logistics Cabinet. The upgrade kit offers an innovative tip and plate-shuttling mechanism from below the pipetting deck and customizable smart waste containers. A telescopic vertical track gripper is available to transport samples from below- or off-deck third-party devices.
According to Hamilton, this flexible, vertically integrated system enables the longest walkaway times for the smallest footprint possible. Its graphical software provides a simple interface to program assays without programming experience and built-in intelligence to optimize workflow and resources.
More: www.hamiltonrobotics.com
VANTAGE Pipetting Platform
This flexible, multipurpose pipetting platform features a completely new linear motor design and contact-free NanoPulse pipetting technology covering a wide volume range (100 nL–1 mL). This space-efficient liquid handler enables users to prepare samples with precision and traceability, helping to ensure downstream data reliability. According to Hamilton, the VANTAGE’s expandable design caters to user needs, from a low-cost pipettor to the most complex integrated system, and is field upgradable to cover the entire usability pyramid.
Labs requiring increased walk-away time, high throughputs, or large capacities can upgrade their bench-top VANTAGE pipettor at any time with a Logistics Cabinet, which offers tip and plate shuttling from below the pipetting deck and customizable, smart waste solutions. A telescopic, vertical Track Gripper can also be added to transport samples from below- or off-deck third-party devices such as thermal cyclers, centrifuges, washers, readers, sealers, peelers, and incubators.
In addition to the hardware, INSTINCT V software brings ease of use to the next level with automation intelligence, making VANTAGE accessible to varying user levels. The graphical Assay Editor allows a user to program in a “lab person’s language,” whereas the XSL Editor can be used for more complex programming tasks. INSTINCT V’s resource-optimized, dynamic Scheduler allows users to run the same or different assays in parallel on an instrument while other users connect remotely to write methods for new assays. INSTINCT V also provides remote system monitoring via smartphones, tablets, or any web-enabled device.
INTEGRA Biosciences
Reagent Reservoirs for 96- and 384-Well Pipetting Systems
Adopting a standard ANSI/SLAS footprint, the extended range of INTEGRA’s reagent reservoirs (100 mL and 300 mL) for 96-well and 384-well multichannel pipetting systems is fully compatible with all liquid-handling systems including INTEGRA’s VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 Handheld Multichannel Electronic Pipettes. Individual pyramidal indentations (96 or 384) in each reagent reservoir allow maximum liquid recovery. VIAFLO multichannel reagent reservoirs reuse the reservoir base and dispose of the reservoir inserts. These reagent reservoirs are also designed to nest within one another without sticking and come in compact, space-saving packages.
More: www.integra-biosciences.com/sites/us/reagent_reservoirs.html
SAW Instruments
sam X Platform
Based on SAW’s Surface Acoustic Wave technology, the sam X Platform’s biosensors measure changes in mass and viscoelasticity at the chip surface based on changes in the high-frequency acoustic oscillations running across the chip surface. This innovative approach is complementary to other biophysical techniques, such as surface plasmon resonance and quartz crystal microbalance for measuring protein interactions and can also be used for samples and applications that can be difficult to analyze by other methods.
The sam X platform is considered to be ideally suited for the study of native membrane proteins and protein complexes such as the 7TM G-protein coupled receptors, either as membrane fragments or within liposome or vesicle particles.
Separate conformational data from the sam X platform (i.e., measuring the change in the acoustic wave amplitude) when using small-molecule candidates against protein targets or vesicles can provide information on compounds whose binding induces structural changes in their targets.
The eight channels of the dual-chip sam X system provide more sensors for a higher throughput and provide flexible fluidic channel routing that allows different samples or reagents to be delivered to discrete channels or combinations of channels on the chip. Different proteins can also be immobilized at separate sensor positions while the chip is online, enabling loading of the surface to full capacity and allowing for a degree of quantification that can improve data quality and assists interpretation.
More: www.saw-instruments.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific
iAutomate Software
This self-serve, free-to-use, online automation system configuration tool is designed to reduce the time associated with configuring and trialing an automation setup. Users can build their own system to meet individual application or process requirements or modify an existing system around the Thermo Scientific Orbitor RS plate mover. This allows for lab- or office-based access for automation optimization and efficient online estimating.
More: www.thermoscientific.com/iautomatevideo
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