Use of a Two-Armed Zymark(r) Robot for High Throughput Screening

Abstract

High throughput screening is a key component of the pharmaceutical lead identification process at ZENECA. Robotic systems have been employed throughout the industry to perform (i) both the initial compound dilution and distribution processes that form a common "front end" to many high throughput screens and (ii) the assay assembly and signal detection steps that comprise an individual screen. Although the use of manipulative arm systems in formulating and replicating test compounds is well established, robotic throughput rates have been significantly slower than those that can be maintained by human operatives and, consequently, the use of robots for performing assays has been limited. In recent years, the industry has experienced significant increases in the rate of compound screening and throughput rates are now approaching the upper limit that human operatives can be expected to achieve in a working day. To permit future increases in our rate of screening we have designed a novel automation system, based on the use of two Zymark(r) arms. The rationale behind automation of the screening process, the capabilities provided by the system, and the resulting benefits are described.