Abstract
Hamilton Robotics
Decapping Microlab STAR Workstation
According to Hamilton Robotics, this is the first fully automated tube tracking, decapping, and recapping workstation to offer up to eight decapping modules for safe and secure sample preparation. In addition to decapping and recapping, the STAR Workstation transports tubes, mixes liquids in tubes, pipettes, and tracks samples. Although timing depends on pipetting volumes, the entire process of tube and cap handling can be accomplished within a few minutes. Up to two Decapping Modules can be placed on a STAR deck and are served by four Twister channels on a slim arm, with up to eight 1 mL or four 5 mL channels on an additional slim arm. The decapping modules are completely controlled and monitored through VENUS software so that all steps can be tracked and handled automatically, thus increasing process reliability. The system can accommodate tubes with a diameter of 15 to 38 mm, with caps up to 6 mm larger in diameter than the tube.
More: www.hamiltonrobotics.com or www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYZDmfbiso8&feature=share&list=UU3j3pYy1Xlbg9K8NL-0uubA&index=6
Hamilton Storage Technologies
Hamilton BiOS M and L
These two compact, high-density automated systems are designed to fit into existing laboratories that require ultra-low-temperature storage of sensitive biological samples. According to Hamilton, these flexible, energy-efficient, and scalable systems ensure the viability of from 100,000 to more than 1 million long-term samples. They are considered ideal for forensic applications, and medium-sized research and clinical repositories. Samples are held in labware that is both tracked and picked automatically without human intervention to avoid risk of inadvertent warming and degraded sample integrity. All samples within BiOS systems are stored in −80° C chest freezer compartments to maintain temperature stability. All internal workflows, including sample picking, are optimized to keep samples at ultra-low temperatures at all times. System parts are easily accessible for service and maintenance, whereas 1D and 2D barcode reading and sample tracking provide complete chain-of-custody documentation, with software tools to support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. Multiple backup systems ensure that samples stay at −80° C even in emergencies. BiOS systems can store and process multiple labware types, and they integrate seamlessly with Hamilton liquid-handling robotics.
More: www.hamilton-storage.com
AMSBIO
ClioCell Device for Removal of Dying and Dead Cells
According to AMSBIO, the ClioCell ex vivo device for removal of dying and dead cells improves the viability and quality of cell populations and their subsequent productivity. The system comprises super-paramagnetic nanoparticles that have been coupled with proprietary elements that bind to dead and dying cells and cell debris. The resultant product selectively initiates dead cell removal, emulating dead cell clearance mechanisms that operate in vivo to keep tissues functioning optimally. This technology is step changing, providing new opportunities to optimize cell growth, culture, and storage.
Genedata
Genedata Screener for SPR
Co-developed with AstraZeneca, the Genedata Screener for Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is built on the established enterprise platform Genedata Screener and is a data analysis solution that imports and analyzes full sensorgrams from the most commonly used SPR instruments. Combining SPR technology with Screener’s analysis workflow, the new platform standardizes and automates SPR raw data loading, pre-processing, analysis, result generation, and reporting—independent of sample throughput and application type.
According to Genedata, the Genedata Screener for SPR data analysis will result in improved productivity through the elimination of manual error-prone processes, faster software performance, centralized setup and maintenance, and higher use of installed instruments, Furthermore, it is capable of handling truly high throughput. Genedata Screener for SPR streamlines data analysis within a single software platform, eliminating inefficiencies related to managing different instrument interfaces, data analysis methods, and result output. It also improves the ROI for existing instrumentation by reducing the time it takes to use the software and increasing the amount of time that instruments can be operated. Genedata Screener for SPR can be used as a dedicated/stand-alone solution, integrated with an existing screening infrastructure, or added to an established Genedata Screener installation.
More: www.genedata.com
AB SCIEX
StatusScope Remote Monitoring Service
This configurable, real-time offering supports most AB SCIEX mass spectrometers and Eksigent Micro and Nano LC products. With three user levels—lab manager, lab director, and technician—StatusScope allows users to view instrument performance and workflow status remotely. The graphical display is designed to enable users to quickly see critical data.
StatusScope features user-definable alarm triggers and notification processes that are communicated to the AB SCIEX Technical Assistance Center. Users can access and monitor their instruments from anywhere via a smartphone or other device over the Internet. System diagnostics also can be accessed remotely by the AB SCIEX team for problem resolution. The system also issues regular asset management reports, including service repair history, service contract status, and user-selectable reports.
More: www.absciex.com
Seahorse Bioscience
XFp Extracellular Flux Analyzer
This extension to the XF product platform performs real-time stress tests of the two major energy-producing pathways of the cell—mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis—to detect important changes in metabolism. The XFp Analyzer delivers these standard metabolic assays—the XF Cell Mito Stress Test, the XF Glycolysis Stress Test, and the XF Metabolic Switch Test.
According to Seahorse, a miniplate in the XFp makes it ideal for use in pairwise comparisons of patient-derived samples or samples from animal models. The compact, easy-to-use XFp Analyzer has intuitive touchscreen-based software, and streamlined workflow that makes designing and running XF assays simple and straightforward.
More: www.seahorsebio.com
BioTek Instruments
Epoch 2 Microplate Spectrophotometer
Epoch 2 combines a large touchscreen and full onboard data analysis software for operation and reporting of absorbance-based detection workflows. The 10-inch color touchscreen interface offers intuitive navigation and a high-resolution display. Onboard Gen5 Data Analysis Software provides quick analysis and flexible export and report options. Data export is expanded via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB flash drive. Epoch 2 features a spectral range from 200 to 999 nm, selectable in 1 nm increments for single-, dual-, and multi-wavelength measurements in endpoint and kinetic read methods; and also offers spectral scanning and well area scanning.
Compatible sample vessels include 6- to 384-well microplates, standard cuvettes, and 2 µL microvolume samples via BioTek’s Take3 Micro-Volume Plates. Standard linear, orbital, and double-orbital shaking, and precise four-zone temperature control to 65 °C, are considered ideal for cell-based assays. Throughput may be increased by interfacing with BioTek’s BioStack Microplate Stacker or third-party automation.
More: www.biotek.com
Syngergy HTX Multimode Microplate Reader
According to BioTek, this system is offered as an entry-level multimode reader to automate UV-visible absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, and AlphaScreen/AlphaLISA assays in 6- to 384-well microplates in 2 µL samples with BioTek’s Take3 Micro-Volume plates. The dual-optics design results in superior filter-based top and bottom fluorescence, luminescence, and monochromator-based absorbance measurements for applications versatility. Synergy HTX’s modularity allows upgrading over time, and BioTek’s Gen5 Software controls all functionality while providing data analysis for many applications within one package.
Synergy HTX has linear and orbital shaking, four-zone incubation to 50 °C with condensation control to minimize plate lid condensation, and an available dual reagent dispenser. According to BioTek, the Synergy HTX is considered an ideal platform for biochemical and cell-based applications Workflows can be further automated with the BioStack Microplate Stacker or third-party automation.
More: www.biotek.com
Genevac
EZ-2 ENVI Evaporator
Genevac SampleGenie technology enables the Genevac EZ-2 ENVI to productively concentrate environmental samples to less than 1 ml without losing any volatile analytes. The evaporator is designed for gentle evaporation of volatile environmental samples, such as pesticides, and according to Genevac is proven to give excellent recovery and reproducibility. The system is fully automated, can concentrate a number of samples at the same time, and provides protection from cross-contamination and bumping.
Running an EZ-2 ENVI evaporator is simple. Users load samples, select a maximum safe temperature for samples, select solvent type, and hit start. Autostop, when dry or concentrated, allows unattended operation. The EZ-2 ENVI is compact and does not require peripherals. All key components are user serviceable. The EZ-2 ENVI also includes a suite of specialized stored methods to enhance productivity and reproducibility when preparing environmental samples for analysis.
PerkinElmer
LabChip GX Touch and GXII Touch Automated Gel Electrophoresis Systems
The LabChip GX can enhance genomics research by precisely quantifying nucleic acids. The GXII Touch helps accelerate the development of biotherapeutic drugs by automating the protein characterization process. The LabChip Touch platform’s top differentiator is its ability to perform electrophoresis in microfluidic channels. The LabChip GX Touch system provides rapid, quantifiable data for pre- and post-PCR sample analysis. The LabChip GXII Touch system quantifies protein attributes from process development through quality control in biotherapeutics development and manufacturing.
Genedata
Genedata Screener 12
According to Genedata, the latest version of this single-platform screening solution provides new capabilities for data analysis of technologies such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), thermal shift, combination, and panel screens; broadens workflow support; and minimizes data analysis time. It features advanced image management functionality and a newly designed Analyzer module, which optimizes user efficiency and productivity—from loading data to generating final analysis results.
Now, Genedata Screener also completely automates processing, from data import to results, which is considered especially useful in multistep data analysis such as dose–response curve and compound combination experiments and in pre-processing for time-series and single-cell data. The new release also offers ease-of-use enhancements and time-saving features, and enables the platform to be easily customized.
Highlights include an Integrated Screener Core, which is a single application for accelerating the complete workflow, enabling complete analysis parameterization, automated result calculation on data import, and single-click navigation from dose–response curves to well data and back. Screener for SPR analyzes data from any biosensor instrument and standardizes and automates SPR raw data loading, pre-processing, analysis, result generation, and reporting. Screener for Combination Screening computes synergy effects (using Loewe, Bliss) and offers enhanced display of combination results. There is flexible support for panel screens to measure multiple targets or cell lines in one experiment and streamlined image management for multi-instrument environments with fast secondary analysis.
More: www.genedata.com
Titian Software
Assay-Requesting Module for Mosaic 6.0 Sample Management Software
According to Titian, this optional module provides requestors with a simple user interface, consolidates requests throughout an organization, generates time savings, improves assay platform efficiency, and minimizes waste of reagents and consumables. With it, assay preparation details such as dilution concentrations, delivery form (neat/solution), volumes, and plate layout need to be entered only once. Requestors can then select assays in a few clicks without having to input parameters. Mosaic then checks that there is sufficient sample in the organization’s distributed inventory, and informs the requestor immediately if the assay can be performed. For each sample, Mosaic Assay Requesting also alerts requestors if an assay has been requested previously for the same sample. Mosaic Assay Requesting aggregates all assay requests and provides a summary view for the sample bank operator, who can then decide to consolidate samples requested for the same assay onto the same plates.
More: www.titian.co.uk