Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world
leader in serving science, today announced a new efficient, high-throughput
platform for hit-picking of compounds for secondary screening. The solution,
developed in collaboration with TTP LabTech for BioFocus, integrates the Thermo
Scientific RapidStak microplate mover and the TTP LabTech mosquito® X1
nanoliter pipettor to provide exceptional high-speed plate handling and
precision, low-volume sampling from high-density formats.
Millions of data points are generated by
high-throughput screens, yet only a small percentage are identified as active
compounds, requiring consolidation for further "hit to lead" or secondary
screening.
"Because hit rates are often very low, it is
necessary to process high volumes of plates, and manual or semi-automated
set-ups cannot deliver the throughput required," said Hansjoerg Haas, product
line director, Laboratory Automation, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "We have worked
with TTP LabTech to integrate the renowned mosquito and RapidStak technologies
to develop a fully automated solution for BioFocus that offers true walk-away
capabilities."
"Hit-picking systems must be able to quickly
and efficiently address individual wells in high-density format while avoiding
cross contamination," said Joby Jenkins, product manager, TTP LabTech. "Using
disposable micropipettes, the mosquito X1 provides precision sampling from any
individual well in any plate, and the accurate delivery of compounds in
nanoliter volumes negates the need for a further dilution step prior to
secondary screening. Coupling this technology with the Thermo Scientific
automated microplate handler for rapid plate delivery and manipulation has enabled
throughput to be significantly increased."
The fully automated hit-picking platform is
controlled by the mosquito CherryPicker software. This will convert a CSV file
of transfers (pick lists) from a laboratory information management system into
an optimized protocol for the mosquito X1 and RapidStak before managing the
run. Barcoded plates can be stacked in any order in the RapidStak, utilizing
unique buffer nest technology that allows for the high-speed,
parallel processing of stacking and plate loading.
As a plate is loaded, the barcode is read and
the correct transfers for that plate are carried out. CherryPicker
automatically optimizes all mosquito protocols for efficient tip usage and
optimal dispense heights, and, if required, it can also track the source plate
volumes for subsequent reporting. Furthermore, a multi-dispense option can
dispense into multiple wells or wells within multiple plates from a single
aspiration, offering significant time-saving benefits.
For more information about the Thermo
Scientific RapidStak, please visit
www.thermoscientific.com/rapidstak
For more information about the TTP LabTech
mosquito X1, please visit
www.ttplabtech.com
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