Journal of Laboratory Automation

Commercially available preparative liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer (LC/MS) systems are commonly used in drug discovery research to purify large numbers of compounds made by parallel synthesis techniques. The systems in our lab are comprised of individual instruments that communicate continuously with control software in order to collect specific compounds based on mass triggering. Over time, communication errors may cause improper system operation, and excessive pressure during injection may cause system damage or a leak. The risks of sample loss and safety hazards precluded unattended overnight operation of the purification systems.

A stand-alone monitoring system was developed to ensure proper purification system operation. Custom sensors and software are used to identify failures and remotely control power to the purification system. In response to a failure, the monitoring system will either shut down the purification system or, if possible, selectively reboot an instrument to allow continued operation. With the creation of the monitoring system, the purification system can be run unattended with

We propose an automatic scanning microscope that is capable of analyzing the properties of the biofilm-associated cells by using optical and impedance spectroscopy. The operating principle of the instrument is based on measuring the electrical impedance of cell culture grown on a conductive substratum that is used as one of the electrodes. At low frequencies, the impedance analysis is capable of characterizing a biofilm at the macroscale, and at high frequencies it is capable of analyzing the peculiarities of a cell layer at the level of single microorganisms. The combination of these two techniques is sufficient to give a quantitative and structural composition of a biofilm at both levels. The developed instrument can be useful in the broad range of biofilmrelated research studies, providing the data for detailed, real-time, computer-controlled, noninvasive analysis of cell-to-cell and cell-to-surface interactions.

We present a method of creating three dimensional microfluidic channel networks and freestanding microstructures using liquid phase photopolymerization techniques. The use of liquid phase microfabrication facilitates the creation of microstructured devices using low-cost materials and equipment. The ability to add multiple layers allows for complex geometries and increases the functional density of channeled devices. The multilayer technique provides a method of interconnecting layers or combining separate layers to form a truly integrated multilayered microfluidic device, as well as a means of forming multilayered freestanding structures. Because this method is based on the fundamentals of microfluidic tectonics (μFT), all components (valves, mixers, filters) compatible with μFT can be integrated into the multilayer channel networks.

The automation of biological laboratory assays may require lengthy incubations of reagents on the work surface of a pipetting robot. Commercial devices are readily available for keeping these reagents accessible and warm, but there are few existing technologies for storing accessible reagents below the freezing point of water. Here, we introduce a low cost, small footprint, robot accessible reagent cooler, based on compressor technology capable of acting as an enzyme freezer or extreme cold reagent storage device.

Artel has developed the Multichannel Verification System (MVS), a photometric method for verifying the performance of automated multichannel liquid delivery equipment. ¹ On the basis of Artel's patented Dual-Dye Ratiometric Photometry method, the MVS determines both the accuracy and precision of each individual channel of a multichannel liquid delivery device. The MVS verifies aqueous volumes of 2–200 μL, produces results that are traceable to national standards, and can be applied to a wide range of instruments. It is important that the MVS is a robust system that is convenient to use in the laboratory environment so that the volumetric performance of automated liquid-handling equipment can be verified frequently without causing unnecessary delay in use of the instruments for their intended applications.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping is a fundamental tool in the rapidly growing area of complex diseases and pharmacogenomics. SNP patterns that correlate with disease or response to treatment, respectively, are identified using bioinformatic techniques. We present an integrated laboratory information and management system (LIMS) for our high-throughput TaqMan™-based SNP genotyping platform. Three new client tools (ProjectManager, AssayManager, OrderTool) for our LIMS improve quality control and workflow management. The programs support organizing multiple genotyping experiments as projects, managing reagents with barcodes, and automation of assay ordering. The tools are freely available at our homepage.

Robotic laboratory equipment malfunctions may affect the performance of integrated laboratory instruments. Thus, the qualification of robotics is necessary to ensure adequate performance of complete integrated systems. In this JALA Tutorial, we adapt the methods used in production processes to laboratory robotics and propose guidelines for performing the various steps required for qualification (i.e., installation, operational, and performance qualification), while emphasizing specific aspects of laboratory robotics. We think that the application of such guidelines will help in standardizing the acceptance of robotic equipment, facilitate their operation and performance evaluation, and improve traceability with quality assurance documentation.

A new multicapillary zone electrophoresis instrument, the Capillarys, was recently launched by Sebia Company. We integrated the Capillarys in an automated workcell that is able to pick tubes from a sample transportation system and arrange them in the right position for bar code reading on the racks of the Capillarys. The racks are transported and loaded on the Capillarys by the robot. After analysis, racks are automatically collected and transferred to a stacker, to wait for storage, waste management, or transportation to another instrument. We built a prototype, and to validate the workcell, we performed a Qualification Plan. The various tests did not reveal important errors in the design of the prototype, but some slight defects in safety, materials, and software were identified. The final decision was to validate the Qualification. The method of Qualification was found to be very efficient for evaluation of the prototype and early detection of necessary improvements. As a result, the risk of modifications required in customer laboratories was limited.

An internal development project at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) led to invention of a family of organic chemistry synthesis blocks for both parallel synthesis in drug discovery and parallel reaction optimization in pharmaceutical development. The internal demand for these synthesis blocks became so great that the original development team was challenged by the burden of ongoing manufacture, support, and supply chain management. As a result, BMS entered into a unique industry partnership with Mettler-Toledo AutoChem (MT), Newark, DE, formerly Bohdan Automation, to commercialize the reactor blocks and extend the product family, now known as the MiniBlock line. This manuscript describes the initial development drivers, the overall technical design, and the ultimate successful commercialization of the MiniBlock synthesis family.