Work-Cell Approach to Automating High Content Screening

PROBLEM

The Capabilities Development Team (CDT) within High Throughput Biology provides services specializing in the implementation of new and novel technologies aimed at improving efficiency, safety, and throughput of the department.

The initial challenge for the CDT was to create, deploy, and support automation used for cell-based assay development and production within the department. The assays would range in scope from simple ELISA's to more complicated multi-day cell-based assays.

APPROACH

The CDT created a Work-cell based strategy. Work-cell automation combines standard off-the-shelf bench-top automation devices into task-targeted automation systems, i.e. adding a series of reagents to multiple plates. When multiple bench-top devices are integrated into a larger system, scheduling software (static or dynamic) is used to link the individual components.

Properties of Work-cell automation

PROBLEM

Provide stand alone automation that addresses the most common laboratory operations such as reagent addition, plate washing, and liquid pipetting.

SOLUTION

We currently have a variety of instruments, most with stackers and auxiliary arms for increasing throughput (Figure 1).

OPEN IN VIEWER Figure 1

PROBLEM

Link the most common steps in a majority of the cell-based assays on a small work-cell that lends itself to duplication and parallel operation. The steps linked are “Wash”, “Add Reagent”, and “Wait/Incubate.”

SOLUTION

Titertek Map-C (Figure 2).

We currently have two systems running in parallel with an additional system to be purchased in 2003. Each system can accommodate up to 20 96-well plates per assay run.

The Map-C's run ELISA and cell-based assays for Cellomics® ArrayScan® detection.

OPEN IN VIEWER Figure 2

PROBLEM

Provide more integrated solution for assays that require higher throughput, 37 degree incubation, and walk away capabilities.

SOLUTION

Beckman Assay Workstation (Figure 3).

We currently have two Assay Workstations. System One consists of a Biomek® FX, Bio-Tek EL-405 plate washer, Kendro Cytomat® MTP hotel, and ABgene® plate sealer. This system is used for assay development, assay production, and compound distribution.

System Two consists of a Biomek® FX, Bio-Tek EL-405 plate washer and Kendro Cytomat® Incubator. This system is used for assay development and assay production.

OPEN IN VIEWER Figure 3

PROBLEM

Measure complex cellular responses of numerous whole cells in parallel.

SOLUTION

Cellomics® ArrayScan® HCS system (Figure 4). HTB currently has three Cellomics® ArrayScan® HCS systems worldwide. We are using the following algorithms.

OPEN IN VIEWER Figure 4

PROBLEMS