Robotics and Automated Robotics and Automated Sample PreparationSample Preparation

January 16, 2009January 16, 2009

UNL COBRE retreatUNL COBRE retreat

Joe Dumais/Kurt WulserJoe Dumais/Kurt Wulser

Facility GoalFacility Goal

Provide a flexible set of sample Provide a flexible set of sample preparation, identification/tracking and preparation, identification/tracking and validation tools.validation tools.

Provide the space and support necessary Provide the space and support necessary to enable rapid sample generationto enable rapid sample generation

Specific AimsSpecific Aims

Centralized location for sample Centralized location for sample productionproduction

Provide robotics and instrumentationProvide robotics and instrumentation Sample tracking/data handlingSample tracking/data handling Provide training for all usersProvide training for all users

FlowFlow

DevelopmentDevelopment of Lab of Lab

Define specific needs of user baseDefine specific needs of user base Contact/visit existing facilities to gather Contact/visit existing facilities to gather

information on equipment, personnel and information on equipment, personnel and operational issuesoperational issues

Stage purchase of equipmentStage purchase of equipment Develop user training programDevelop user training program

Common operations in HTS LabsCommon operations in HTS Labs

Typical sample preparation manipulationsTypical sample preparation manipulations Solvent exchangesSolvent exchanges Addition of buffers, target molecules, etcAddition of buffers, target molecules, etc Concentrate/dilute samplesConcentrate/dilute samples Microplate centrifuge Microplate centrifuge

Attach sample ID and track samplesAttach sample ID and track samples Data gathered through well plate readersData gathered through well plate readers

Spectrofluorometer/UV-VIS/Luminescence Spectrofluorometer/UV-VIS/Luminescence

Facility Personnel TasksFacility Personnel Tasks

Maintain systemsMaintain systems Attend vendor training sessionsAttend vendor training sessions Track usageTrack usage Replenish consumablesReplenish consumables Train and assist usersTrain and assist users Write programs to execute custom Write programs to execute custom

operationsoperations Oversee Facility Budget Oversee Facility Budget

Existing High Throughput Existing High Throughput LaboratoriesLaboratories

University of KansasUniversity of Kansas

McMaster University, OntarioMcMaster University, Ontario

VanderbiltVanderbilt

University of KansasUniversity of Kansas

Established through a COBRE grant targeting Established through a COBRE grant targeting cancer researchcancer research

Focus on screening bioactive compounds Focus on screening bioactive compounds against chemical librariesagainst chemical libraries

Staff of 5Staff of 5 EquipmentEquipment

5 plate readers5 plate readers 3 robots3 robots Bulk reagent dispenser Bulk reagent dispenser Plate centrifuge, sealer, handlerPlate centrifuge, sealer, handler

McMaster UniversityMcMaster University

Provides biomolecular screening services to Provides biomolecular screening services to researchers across Canadaresearchers across Canada

Staff of 3 peopleStaff of 3 people Sited in 1400 sq. ft labSited in 1400 sq. ft lab Equipment Equipment

2 Liquid Handlers2 Liquid Handlers 5 plate readers5 plate readers IncubatorIncubator Software for database management, statistical Software for database management, statistical

analysis and reportinganalysis and reporting

Vanderbilt UniversityVanderbilt University Provides screening services to academic, Provides screening services to academic,

government, and commercial agencies.government, and commercial agencies. Staff of 8 peopleStaff of 8 people EquipmentEquipment

3 plate readers3 plate readers 3 bulk liquid handlers3 bulk liquid handlers 2 robotic liquid handlers2 robotic liquid handlers Robotic arm for transfer of plates to stationsRobotic arm for transfer of plates to stations Microplate storage units, centrifuges and plate Microplate storage units, centrifuges and plate

sealerssealers

Genomics Solution Pro Pic robotic workstationGenomics Solution Pro Pic robotic workstation Requires ≈$50K upgradesRequires ≈$50K upgrades

Genomics Solutions Investigatator robotic Genomics Solutions Investigatator robotic digesterdigester 96 well capacity96 well capacity

Symbiot Robotic Liquid HandlerSymbiot Robotic Liquid Handler Used for MALDI plate prepUsed for MALDI plate prep

Waters nanoAQUITY HPLCWaters nanoAQUITY HPLC 96 well capacity96 well capacity

Existing UNL EquipmentExisting UNL Equipment

Genomics Solution Pro Pic robotic workstationGenomics Solution Pro Pic robotic workstation Requires ≈$50K upgradesRequires ≈$50K upgrades

Genomics Solutions Investigatator robotic Genomics Solutions Investigatator robotic digesterdigester 96 well capacity96 well capacity

Symbiot Robotic Liquid HandlerSymbiot Robotic Liquid Handler Used for MALDI plate prepUsed for MALDI plate prep

Waters nanoAQUITY HPLCWaters nanoAQUITY HPLC 96 well capacity96 well capacity

Proposed New Equipment Proposed New Equipment

Proposed New EquipmentProposed New Equipment

Tecan Freedom Evo 75 robotic workstationTecan Freedom Evo 75 robotic workstation $150-175K$150-175K Liquid handling armLiquid handling arm Shaker, incubator, washer, readers (absorbance, Shaker, incubator, washer, readers (absorbance,

fluorescence, luminescence)fluorescence, luminescence) Barcode reader software, printer available on Barcode reader software, printer available on

request.request. Optional robotic gripper available for $24KOptional robotic gripper available for $24K