LabAutomation 2006 - SLAS

JANUARY 21-25, 2006 

PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTER 

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 

Short Courses: January 21-22, 2006 Conference: January 22-25, 2006 Exhibition: January 22-24, 2006 

JOIN US TO 

CELEBRATE OUR 

10 TH ANNIVERSARY! 

LabAutomation 

2006 

Where Laboratory Technologies Emerge and Merge 

Come visit us at www.labautomation.org 

10th ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 

Final Program 

& Abstracts 

Premier Sponsor

LabAutomation2006 

With Thanks to Our Sponsors, 

Media Partners, and Friends 

Premier Sponsor: 

An exclusive sponsorship, ALA thanks Velocity11 for underwriting a number of this year’s conference activities, 

student grants, and the 10th Anniversary Celebration Sunday evening poolside at the Wyndham Hotel & Resort. 

Platinum Sponsors: 

Silver Sponsors: 

Sustaining Sponsors: 

Gold Sponsors: 

2

Media Partners: 

european 

pharmaceutical 

review 

TECHNOLOGY KNOWLEDGE INNOVATION 

Friends of ALA: 


selectscience.net 

The Scientists Choice 

3


Table of Contents LabAutomation2006 

January 21-25, 2006, Palm Springs Convention Centers, Palm Springs, California 

5 

Page 

Sponsors 2 

ALA 10th Anniversary 4 

Conference Chairs and Scientific Committee 6 

LabAutomation2006 Celebrates 10 Years of Education and Advancement 7 

ALA Board of Directors 8 

ALA Committees 9 

Get Involved Through ALA Membership and JALA 10 

Sterling Corporate Members 10 

Celebrating 10 Years of Driving Education and Progress in 

Laboratory Automation & Technologies 11 

The ALA Member Center 12 

ALA Career Connections 13 

ALA Innovation Award 14 

General Information 15 

Special Sessions on Emerging Trends Concerning 

Microarray Standards and the Biotechnology Workforce 19 

Plenary Program Overview 21 

Conference Floor Plan 22 

Program-at-a-Glance 23 

Program Overview 24 

Poster Program 33 

Podium Abstracts 47 

Poster Abstracts 103 

Industry-Sponsored Workshops 201 

Exhibition 211 

New Product Launches to Debut at LabAutomation2006 212 

Exhibitor Listings 216 

Exhibit Hall Floor Plan 218 

Exhibitor Descriptions 219 

Advertisers 280 

Short Courses 283 

Index 293 

Table of Contents

Conference Chairs and 

Scientific Committee 

Conference Chairs 


Program Chairman: Associate Program Chairman: 

Douglas Gurevitch, M.S., P.E., Sabeth Verpoorte, Ph.D., 

University of California, San Diego University of Groningen 

Scientific Committee (by track) 

Detection & Separation: 

Track Chair: Steven A. Hofstadler, Ph.D., Isis Pharmaceuticals 

Associate Track Chair: Michael Lee, Ph.D., Milestone Development Services 

Microtechnologies: 

Track Chair: Jörg P. Kutter, Ph.D., Technical University of Denmark 

Associate Track Chair: Dana Spence, Ph.D., Wayne State University 

High-Throughput: 

Track Chair: Sue Holland, Ph.D., GlaxoSmithKline 

Associate Track Chair: Andrew Pope, Ph.D., GlaxoSmithKline 

Informatics: 

Track Chair: Jay Gill, Ph.D., Bristol-Meyers Squibb Co. 

Associate Track Chair: Adam Hill, Ph.D., Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Inc. 

Frontiers Beyond BioPharma: 

Track Chair: Bill Sonnefeld, Ph.D., Sonnefeld Associates, Inc. 

Associate Track Chair: Jeffrey Hurst, Ph.D., Hershey Foods Laboratory 

Molecular Diagnostics: 

Patrick Merel, Ph.D., Laboratoire de Virologie et Immunologie 

Posters: 

Chair: Erik Rubin, Ph.D., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 

Associate Chair: Anthony Lozada, Sanofi-Aventis 

Visit our web site: labautomation.org 

6


LabAutomation2006 Celebrates 10 Years 

of Education and Advancement 

Welcome to LabAutomation2006 and beautiful Palm Springs! Each year the ALA LabAutomation Scientific Committee sets out 

to meet and exceed a reputation as the world’s leading conference and exhibition on emerging laboratory technologies. As we 

celebrate our 10th year, we are confident that 2006 will continue the trend. You will experience education and groundbreaking 

advances in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical, agricultural and food, forensic and security, and energy sciences through 

cutting-edge laboratory technologies and automation. 

The LabAutomation2006 Scientific Committee has been diligently working on planning this year’s event. You will see their efforts 

come to fruition through 16 short courses, more than 100 provocative educational sessions and 191 poster presentations. Woven 

throughout every educational touch point is this year’s curriculum, which features timely and rich tracks: 

• Detection & Separation • Emerging Technologies 

• Frontiers Beyond BioPharma • High-Throughput Technologies 

• Informatics • Micro- and Nanotechnologies 

• Molecular Diagnostics • Systems Integration 

Leading an outstanding line-up of Plenary Speakers is 2002 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry Kurt Wüthrich, Ph.D. of the Federal 

Institute of Technology in Zürich, Switzerland, and The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. 

LabAutomation2006 also features an expansive exhibition with more than 350 booths. Hailed as the world’s largest exhibition 

focused only on laboratory automation, you will learn about and see automation technologies spanning multiple scientific 

disciplines and industries. 

To recognize innovative laboratory technologies or highly useful technology advances and applications, the second annual ALA 

Innovation Award will be presented during the conference. A winner will be chosen from among 10 finalists based upon the most 

exceptional podium presentation and will receive a $10,000 monetary award. 

Finally, be sure to visit the ALA Career Connections career fair we are launching at LabAutomation2006. This fair, and its 

corresponding web site, is a new member service geared to both job seekers and human resources professionals and recruiters. 

LabAutomation2006 is an important event that facilitates collaboration and valuable relationships. Collectively, we all gather the 

tools and information we need for continued learning and immediate applicability. Enjoy. 

Sincerely, 

The LabAutomation2006 Scientific Committee 

7 

Join Us for a World 

Premier Showing 

ALA will unveil our 10th 

Anniversary Video at the 

Opening Plenary Session 

Monday morning, 

January 23, at 8:00 am

ALA Board of Directors 

Peter Grandsard, Ph.D. 

Amgen, Inc. 

Andrea Chow, Ph.D. 

Caliper Life Sciences 

Stephen C. Jacobson, Ph.D. 

Indiana University 

ALA’s Professional Team 

Greg Dummer, CAE 

Executive Director 

Joann Bellos 

Account Reconciliation 

Leona Caffey 

Manager, Marketing 

& Communications 

Brian Casey, CEM 

Director, Event Management 

Sabiha Chowdhury 

Web Developer 

Brenda Dreier 

Abstract, Speaker, & 

Conference Management 

Jeanne Farrell 

Manager, Marketing & 

Communications 

Peter Gaido, Esq. 

Gaido & Fintzen Legal Counsel 

Linda Griffin 

Exhibit Sales & Sponsorships 


Anne Kopf-Sill, Ph.D. 

NuGEN Technologies, Inc. 

James Myslik, Ph.D. 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 

Reinhold Schaefer, Dr. rer. nat. 

University of Applied Sciences, 

Wiesbaden 

8 

Nan Hallock 

Managing Editor 

Journal of the Association for 

Laboratory Automation (JALA) 

Carla Helton, MBA 

Director, Member Services 

David Laurenzo 

Director, Marketing 

& Communications 

Kathy Maher 

Accounts Payable 

Keri Myslinski 

Jr. Art Director 

ALA Welcomes New 

Elected Board Members 

The results from ALA’s member election 

are complete and certified. The ALA 

welcomes James Gill, Jörg Kutter, and 

James Sterling. Their terms commence 

immediately and carry for the next three 

years. Please be sure to congratulate 

James, Jörg and James. We are proud 

they are involved with the ALA leadership 

team. 

James Gill, Ph.D. 

Bristol-Myers Squibb 

Jörg Kutter, Ph.D. 

Technical University of Denmark 

James Sterling, Ph.D. 

Keck Graduate Institute of 

Applied Life Sciences 

Todd Newell 

Web Master 

Chris Reed 

Manager, Career Services 

Maggie Seekings 

Production Artist 

Kathy Tracey 

Registration 

Dave Wasielewski, CPA 

Director, Financial Management 

Ron Zywicki 

Creative Director

ALA Committees 

Audit Committee 

James Myslik, Ph.D., Chairman 


James Gill, Ph.D. 


Ann Janssen 

Pfizer Global Research and Development 

Grace Mangialardi 

Thermo Electron 

Bylaws Committee 

William Sonnefeld, Ph.D., Chairman 

Sonnefeld Associates Inc. 

Thomas Brumback, Ph.D. 

Pioneer Hi-Bred Intl. 

Xingwang Fang, Ph.D. 

Ambion, Inc. 

Stephen C. Jacobson, Ph.D. 


Patrick Merel, Ph.D. 

Laboratoire de Virologie et Immunologie 

Paul Rodziewicz 

ReTiSoft, Inc. 

Education Committee 

Douglas Perry, Ph.D., Chairman 


David Bruce, Ph.D. 

Los Alamos National Laboratory 

Steve D. Hamilton, Ph.D. 

Sanitas Consulting 

Paul Kayne, Ph.D. 


Mark F. Russo, Ph.D. 


Sabeth Verpoorte, Ph.D. 

University of Groningen 

Thomas Wilson 

Roche Diagnostics 

Finance Committee 

Peter D. Grandsard, Ph.D., Chairman 

Amgen, Inc. 

Anne Kopf-Sill, Ph.D. 

NuGEN Technologies, Inc. 

William Sonnefeld, Ph.D. 

Sonnefeld Associates Inc. 

Torsten Staab, MS, 

Dipl. Inform. (FH) 

Los Alamos National Laboratory 


Membership Committee 

Andrea Chow, Ph.D., Chairman 


Marcia Eisenberg, Ph.D. 

Laboratory Corporation of America 

Melvin V. Koch, Ph.D. 

University of Washington 

Yvonne Linney, Ph.D. 

Bayer Healthcare 

James Myslik, Ph.D. 


Erik Rubin, Ph.D. 



University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden 

Shane Weber, Ph.D. 

Johnson and Johnson 

Nominating Committee 

Stephen C. Jacobson, Ph.D., Chairman 




Charles Henry, Ph.D. 

Colorado State University 

Gary Kramer, Ph.D. 

NIST 

Mark Russo, Ph.D. 




Steering Committee 

Steve D, Hamilton, Ph.D., Chairman 


Tony J. Beugelsdijk, M.B.A., Ph.D. 

Alastair Binnie 


Paul Domanico, Ph.D. 

GlaxoSmithKline 

David A. Herold, M.D., Ph.D. 

University of California, San Diego/ 

VA San Diego Healthcare System 

Kevin Hrusovsky, MBA 


Rodney S. Markin, M.D., Ph.D. 

University of Nebraska Medical Center 

Chris Neary 

Beckman Coulter, Inc. 



9 

JALA Editorial Board 

Mark F. Russo, Ph.D., Executive Editor 


Thomas W. Astle, P.E. 

Mark Beggs, Ph.D. 

Tony J. Beugelsdijk, Ph.D., MBA 

Raymond Dessy, Ph.D., D.Sc. 

Peter Grandsard, Ph.D. 

Douglas Gurevitch, M.S., P.E. 


C. John Harris, Ph.D. 

David A. Herold, M.D., Ph.D. 

Leroy Hood, M.D., Ph.D. 

Stephen Jacobson, Ph.D. 

Paul S. Kayne, Ph.D. 

Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Ph.D. 

Gary W. Kramer, Ph.D. 

Bob McDowall, Ph.D. 

Rodney Markin, M.D., Ph.D. 

Ben Moshiri, Ph.D. 

Carl Murray, Ph.D. 

Douglas Perry, Ph.D. 

Giles Sanders, Ph.D. 


Gary Siuzdak, Ph.D. 

Torsten A. Staab, MS, Dipl. Inform. (FH) 

James D. Sterling, Ph.D. 

Tetsuro Sugiura, M.D., Ph.D. 

Kerstin Thurow, Ph.D. 

Alain Truchaud, Ph.D. 

Hilmar Weinmann, Ph.D. 

Mike Wheeler, Ph.D. 

Juergen Zimmermann, Ph.D. 

LabAutomation2007 

Conference Chair 


Associate Program Chairman 


ALA 2006 Committees... 

Join an Elite Group of 

Dedicated ALA members 

ALA leadership is currently in the 

throes of developing the organizational 

committees for the calendar year 2006. 

If you are interested in volunteering, 

please contact Carla Helton at 

1.888.733.1ALA. Watch the ALA 

web site for new committee updates 

for the coming year.


Get Involved Through 

ALA Membership and JALA 

ALA Membership and JALA—Connect With the Future 

ALA continues to be the only member-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to continuing education, the study of laboratory 

automation, and unveiling new technologies and automation processes for researchers, students and laboratory management 

professionals around the world. If you haven’t yet officially joined this forward-thinking collaborative, and synergistic community, 

we invite you to do so now and enjoy these additional benefits: 

• Discounted registration on our premier educational conference LabAutomation and its 

focus on emerging technologies and tools. 

• Subscription to the Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation (JALA), a 

multi-disciplinary forum for advancing laboratory technology. 

• Opportunities to network with world-renowned experts and cutting-edge organizations 

in the field of laboratory science through ALA events and forums. 

• Professional development through volunteer leadership opportunities. Membership 

directory with online access. 

• Access to ALA Career Connection program — the best source for career development. 

• JALA World News Online — features meeting announcements and events in the field 

of laboratory automation. 

Now ALA offers you the option of purchasing a two-year membership. With a two-year membership, you’ll save 10% on 

membership fees. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of ALA membership without interruption. 

ALA Welcomes It’s First Three “Corporate” Members 

For information on the many advantages of corporate membership, such as earning priority points for exhibiting, simply go 

to www.labautomation.org/membership.php, or contact Carla Helton at 888.733.1ALA; chelton@labutomation.org 

Applied Robotics, Inc. is an ISO-9001 certified, employee-owned company 

serving the world’s automation market. Founded in 1983, Applied Robotics 

designs and manufactures end-of-arm tooling and connectivity solutions intended to solve complex automation problems and 

improve efficiencies. The company’s wrist-down solutions can be found in manufacturing, welding, assembly, material removal 

and material handling applications throughout the United States, Canada, Pacific Rim, Europe, Mexico and South America. For 

more information, visit: www.arobotics.com 

Move liquids with sound! Labcyte Inc., headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, 

provides state-of-the-art systems based on acoustic technology, including 

the award-winning Echo 550 liquid handler and the Echo 380 auditor. Labcyte has 24 issued U.S. patents as well as additional 

international filings. For more information on the company and the technology, visit: www.labcyte.com 

Velocity11 is dedicated to its mission of accelerating the cure of human 

disease by enabling life science researchers with innovative automation 

solutions. The needs of the life science automation marketplace dictates the need for highly configurable automation systems, 

bench-top instrumentation, consumables, and first-class service. Velocity11 is defining this leading-edge innovation. For more 

information, visit: www.velocity11.com 

10


Celebrating 10 Years of Driving Education and 

Progress in Laboratory Automation & Technologies 

Enjoy a Gala Event! 

Velocity11 presents a gala evening of live music, outstanding 

gourmet dishes, exceptional wine, and much, much more. 

Join your peers from around the world Sunday evening, 

January 22, in the relaxed ambiance of the poolside at the 

Wyndham Hotel and Resort, Palm Springs, CA. 

Renowned for its extraordinary 

year-round cool, relaxed and 

starry nights, Palm Springs’ 

natural beauty and exuberance 

will be the backdrop of this 

special evening celebrating 

ALA’s 10 years of dedication to driving education and progress 

in laboratory automation and technologies. 

The glorious climate and charming setting of Palm Springs 

ensures this evening as the perfect respite in the moment, and 

as an outstanding pre-cursor to a world-class conference 

and exhibition. 

A History of Advancement 

Ever since the invention of the wheel, mankind has been on 

the lookout for ways to do things better, faster, and cheaper. 

The eager and interested have always formed 

lines to explore the next new thing-laboratory 

automation is no exception. 

It is this spirit of personal initiative and innovation 

that led to the founding of the Association 

for Laboratory Automation (ALA) 10 years ago. 

In the 1980s, many lab automation pioneers 

recognized that scientists working in this 

emerging professional niche would benefit greatly 

from an accessible, up-to-date, educational 

forum. Ideas flew, conferences were attended 

and presented, the thought of a non-profit membership 

organization caught fire, and in 1996, ALA was created. 

The organization’s founders established a precedent of 

11 

A Special Thank You 

ALA and the laboratory automation community thanks 

Velocity11 for underwriting a number of this year’s conference 

activities, student grants, and the 10th Anniversary Celebration 

Sunday Evening poolside at the Wyndham Hotel & Resort. 

It is the generosity of companies such as Velocity11 that 

enriches the curriculum, camaraderie and culture of 

LabAutomation conferences. 

Innovative companies such 

as Velocity11 recognize the 

value in building relationships 

beyond the exhibit hall. They 

also recognize the value 

in supporting the strategic initiatives of ALA through 

a major sponsorship commitment. We encourage you to 

visit Velocity11 web site: www.velocity11.com – and stop 

by their Booth 449. Talk to Velocity11 about their 

innovative products and services – and thank them for 

supporting our organization. 

education and mentorship that continues to thrive today 

through world-class conferences, a highly regarded scientific 

journal, formal networking programs, and informal 

information alliances. From its start, ALA served 

a diverse breadth and depth of professionals. 

Ten years later, ALA remains true to its mission 

to advance science and education related to 

laboratory automation by encouraging the 

study, advancing the science, and improving the 

practice of medical and laboratory automation. 

The interest and enthusiasm expressed by 

ALA’s growing and ever-changing membership 

base ensures continued success. ALA’s members 

are the true stakeholders, and it is with their personal 

success in mind that the organization continues to 

move forward. 

For an in-depth historical and fun perspective of laboratory automation and ALA’s colorful history, 

be sure to read the December issue of JALA. Or, visit labautomation.org to watch the recently released, 

interactive flash movie entitled Create Combustion: A History of Laboratory Automation. 

Also, stop by the ALA Member Center in the Exhibit Hall to view the recently unveiled 

ALA 10th Anniversary Video featuring founders such as Tony Beugelsdijk and Dave Herold, 

along with current ALA President Anne Kopf-Sill.


Back by Popular Demand: The ALA Member Center 

ALA members and prospective members alike are invited 

to make the ALA Member Center their home base on the 

LabAutomation2006 exhibit floor. From informal roundtable 

discussions to neck/shoulder massages to displays of the 

winning posters, the Member Center is your home away 

from home during the conference. Please stop by to say 

hello, and join us for all the festivities. 

Shake it Up with JALA! 

The official Journal of the 

Association for Laboratory 

Automation (JALA) is an odds-on 

favorite with lab automation movers 

and shakers. Complete an official 

game pass to play “Shake it Up!” 

with JALA in the ALA Member 

Center, and you will win a prize. 

In addition, all players become 

eligible to win a free registration to LabAutomation2007. 

Winner will be chosen at random from entries received at 5:00 pm 

on Tuesday, January 24. (One play per person - Prizes will be 

awarded while supplies last on a first-won, first-served basis.) 

Winning Posters 

When judging concludes at 3:00 pm, on Monday, January 23, 

the three posters selected as LabAutomation’s best will be on 

display near the ALA Member Center. 

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation (JALA) — 

The Premier Lab Automation Journal 

As a member of ALA, you will receive the Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 

(JALA), a peer-reviewed scientific journal providing constructive articles on commercially available 

and new technology shaping the future. Created to provide a multi-disciplinary international forum 

for the exchange of ideas that advance laboratory automation, JALA is invaluable! 

ALA Membership and Volunteer Information 

The Association for Laboratory Automation is a member-driven 

organization. This means that it’s what its members need and 

want that counts. Members of the ALA Membership Committee 

will be in the ALA Member Center, and will welcome your questions, 

suggestions, ideas and concerns. This is your opportunity to find out 

first-hand what your association can do for you, as well as what you 

can do for your association. 

12 

Attend a Prospective Author’s Meeting! 

Meet JALA Executive Editor Mark Russo in the ALA Member 

Center on Tuesday, January 24, at 12:30 pm. Find out how 

you can showcase your achievements in an upcoming issue 

of JALA. Learn first-hand about what kind of manuscripts JALA 

looks for, and how the manuscript submission and peer review 

processes work. Take this opportunity to seek advice, get your 

questions answers, and discover how the “JALA Spirit of 

Mentoring” can help you. 

JALA World News Online 

The Inaugural JALA Reader’s 

Choice Award to be Announced 

The winning author(s) will be announced at 

the Reception in the Exhibit Hall Celebrating 

JALA Authors on Monday, January 23. 

Reprints of the winning article will be available 

in the ALA Member Center. 

JALA World News Online (product and company news announcements) 

is now available online via the ALA web site at labautomation.org. 

JALA World News Online also showcases new application and 

technical notes, offers links to online educational resources offered 

by LabAutomation exhibitors, and features a regularly updated 

calendar of professional meetings and events. Visit our web site: 

labautomation.org 

Enjoy a breather ... 

You are here to learn, exchange ideas and grow. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t take a few moments 

to slow down, put up your feet and just relax. Our 

complimentary lounge area is the perfect place to stop 

and smell the roses. Or at least the coffee. Enjoy the 

refreshments and relaxation before you enjoy the rest 

of your time at LabAutomation2006!

Visit The ALA Career Fair at LabAutomation2006 

January 23-24, 2006 

Palm Springs Convention Center 

Palm Springs CA, USA 

With LabAutomation2006, ALA launches this new member 

service: ALA Career Connections. This new, fully automated 

and interactive program affords you – the job seeker – 

the opportunity to submit resumés online and onsite, 

interview with top companies, browse job boards, network 

with recruiting companies, and much, much more all in 

one setting. As well, human resource professionals 

and recruiters also gain from this valuable new initiative 

by participating in LabAutomation2006 – where more 

than 5,000 registrants gather in one place and time – 

substantially narrowing the applicant pool to very highly 

qualified prospects. 

Join us in Mesquite C. It could be a career defining 

moment for you. 

The Career Fair offers the following services: 

• Resumé/CV submission 

• Browse job boards 

• Network with recruiting companies 

• Attend career counseling and professional 

development activities 

• Interview with top companies 

... all in one intimate and highly professional setting. 

ALA Launches Career Connections Initiative 

13 

Don’t miss this new service, onsite 

for the very first time in Mesquite C! 

Bringing Career Focused Content to You! 

Biotechnology Career Advisor 

Available at LabAutomation2006 

Monday and Tuesday, January 23-24 

Mesquite C, Palm Springs Convention Center 

Special Sessions for Graduate Students 

and Industry Leaders 

Tuesday, January 24, 12:30 – 3:00 pm 

Mesquite F, Palm Springs Convention Center 

Emerging Trends in the Laboratory 

Technology Workforce 

Wednesday, January, 25, 11:15-12:30 pm 

Madera, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Don’t forget, ALA Career Connections continues beyond the conference 

at careers.labautomation.org. Visit often; new postings are constantly added! 

Note: Fees do apply to members/employers who wish to participate by exhibiting, interviewing applicants and posting positions onsite. Hard copy resumé/cv books will not be printed.


Recognizing Scientific Innovation 

and Academic Achievement 

ALA announces the finalists of the $10,000 Innovation Award. This year’s award recognizes LabAutomation2006 participants who 

present work that is exceedingly innovative, and contributes to the exploration of automation technologies in the laboratory. Podium 

presentations that exhibit independence of thought, clarity of vision, extraordinary technical originality, and unique integration and 

automation strategies qualify for the award. 

The Innovation Award Judges Panel narrowed the candidates from hundreds of presentation abstracts to a list of 10 finalists, including: 

Jonathon Dordick, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 

Troy, New York 

Metabolizing Enzyme Toxicology Assay Chip (MetaChip) for 

High-Throughput Microscale Toxicity Analyses 

10:30 am, Tuesday, January 24 – Room: Sierra/Ventura, 

Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel, Page 94 

David Ecker, Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, California 

Rapid, High-Throughput Bacterial Genotyping to Reduce 

Healthcare-Associated Infections 

3:00 pm, Tuesday, January 24 – Room: Sierra/Ventura, 


Kurt Evans, Ambion Inc., Austin, Texas 

High-Throughput Sample Preparation from Whole Blood for 

Gene Expression Analysis 

4:00 pm, Monday, January 23 – Room: Learning Center, 


Minseok Kim, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and 

Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea 

Microfluidic 3-Dimensional Cell Culture System by Self- 

Assembling Peptide Hydrogel 

4:30 pm, Monday, January 23 – Room: Pasadena, 


Gang Liu, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 

All-Optical-Logic Microfluidic Circuit for Biochemical and 

Cellular Analysis Powered by Photoactive Nanoparticles 

4:00 pm, Tuesday, January 24 - Room: Sierra/Ventura, 


14 

Robin Liu, CombiMatrix Corp., Mukilteo, Washington 

Fully Integrated Microfluidic Devices for Automated DNA 

Microarray Analysis 

11:30 am, Monday, January 23 – Room: Pasadena, 


Miguel Maccio, Wyeth, Pearl River, New York 

Modular Automation Platforms: A Case Study of a Flexible 

NMR Sample Preparation Robot 

9:00 am, Wednesday, January 25 – Room: Sierra/Ventura, 


Goetz Muenchow, Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz, 

Mainz, Germany 

Electrophoretic Partitioning of Proteins in Two-Phase Microflows 

12:00 pm, Tuesday, January 24 - Room: Pasadena, 


Achim Wixforth, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany 

Acoustically Driven Programmable Microfluidics for Biological 

and Chemical Applications 

10:30 am, Tuesday, January 24 – Room: Pasadena, 


Zhiyu Zhang, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 

Cambridge, Massachusetts 

A Polymer-Based, Instrumented Microbioreactor for 

High-Throughput Microbial Cell Cultures 

3:30 pm, Monday, January 23 - Room: Pasadena, 


Innovation Award chairman Gary Kramer Ph.D. was extremely pleased with the variety and quality of submissions for this year’s award. 

“LabAutomation has always served as a platform for presenting emerging and merging laboratory automation technologies. For the 

second year, laboratory innovation and technology advancement will be recognized, along with the outstanding scientist behind it.” 

A judging panel of 10 experts in laboratory technologies conducted a preliminary screening of abstracts leading to the finalist list. Once 

on-site, they will conduct a rigorous evaluation and select the overall winner. That winner will be announced Wednesday, January 25, 2006 

at 12:30 pm during the closing plenary session featuring E.L. Kersten, Ph.D., co-founder of Despair, Inc. Dr. Kersten’s presentation is 

titled, “Demotivation: The State of the Art.”

General Information 

Conference Locations 


277 N. Avenida Caballeros 

Palm Springs, CA 92262 

+1.760.325.6611 


The exhibition, posters, registration and internet access are 

located in the Palm Springs Convention Center. 

Podium sessions and some workshops will take place at the 

Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel, which adjoins to the Palm 

Springs Convention Center. 

Conference Badges 

Your LabAutomation2006 badge represents your admission 

ticket to the conference, special events and the exhibit hall. 

The association policy is firm. We ask that attendees display 

their badge prominently upon entering all ALA and conference 

functions. 

Exhibits 

Location: Oasis 1-4, Palm Springs Convention Center 

The Association for Laboratory Automation extends sincere 

appreciation for the support of exhibitors. 

Exhibition Days and Hours: 

Sunday, January 22 4:30 – 7:30 pm 

Monday, January 23 10:00 am – 6:30 pm 

Tuesday, January 24 10:00 am – 6:30 pm 

Hotel Locations 

Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

888 Tahquitz Canyon Way 


+1.760.322.6000 

+1.760.416.2900 fax 

Comfort Inn 

390 S. Indian Canyon 


+1.760.778.3699 

+1.760.322.8789 fax 

Hilton Palm Springs Resort 

400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Drive 


+1.760.320.6868 

+1.760.320.2126 fax 

Hotel Zoso 

150 S. Indian Canyon Drive 


+1.760.325.9676 

+1.760.969.6600 fax 

Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs 

285 N. Palm Canyon Drive 


+1.760.322.9000 

+1.760.322.6009 fax 

Palm Springs Courtyard by Marriott 

1300 E. Tahquitz Canyon Drive 


+1.760.322.6100 

+1.760.322.6091 fax 

15 

Information Desk 

Location: Exhibit Hall, Oasis 1-4, Palm Springs 

Convention Center 

Information regarding the conference, ALA or the Palm Springs 

Convention Center is always nearby! Simply visit the ALA 

Member Center in the Exhibit Hall. Our Member Center is 

staffed with conference personnel who will answer your 

questions regarding association services, directions or even 

dining out. Stop by. We’re happy to assist you. 

Internet Access 

Location: Exhibit Hall, Oasis 1-4, Palm Springs 

Convention Center 

A limited number of workstations and laptop connections 

are available. Your use will be limited to 10 minutes if others 

are waiting. 

Parking 

The visitor parking rate for the Palm Springs Convention Center 

is $6.00 per day per car. 

The Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel parking rate is: $10 for Valet 

Parking (overnight and/or events) $5 for Self Park (visitor). 

Podium Sessions 

Speakers are asked to appear 30 minutes prior to the start of 

their sessions. If using the LCD data projector, speakers must 

provide a laptop. 

Palm Springs Riviera Resort 

1600 North Indian Canyon Drive 

Palm Springs, CA 92262-4602 

+1.760.327.8311 

+1.760.327.4323 fax 

Spa Resort Casino 

100 N. Indian Canyon Drive 


+1.760.883.1000 

+1.760.325.3344 fax

Registration 

Location: Lobby, Palm Spring Convention Center 

Day and Hours 

Saturday, January 21 7:30 am - 5:30 pm 

Sunday, January 22 7:30 am - 7:30 pm 

Monday January 23 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 

Tuesday, January 24 8:00 am - 6:00 pm 

Wednesday, January 25 8:30 am - 2:00 pm 

Posters 

Location: Oasis 1-4, Palm Springs Convention Center 

There are two poster sessions, one on Monday and the second on 

Tuesday. Posters should be set up between 10:00 and 10:30 am on 

the day of presentation and must be removed by 6:30 pm the same 

day. While posters will remain up throughout the day of presentation, 

they will only be staffed by the authors as noted in the program. 

Monday Posters 

Presenters should attend their posters 1:30 – 3:00 pm on Monday. 

Monday posters are annotated MP. Students participating in the 

student poster competition should be at their poster board starting 

at 1:00 pm to allow extra time for judging. 

Tuesday Posters 

Presenters should attend their posters 1:30 – 3:00 pm on 

Tuesday. Tuesday posters are annotated TP. 

Printed Program and Abstracts 

The titles and abstracts printed in this program were entered 

on-line by the authors. It is not possible to fully edit this material. 

Information is subject to change. 

Receptions 

There will be informal receptions as follows: 

Exhibition Hall, Oasis 1-4, Palm Springs Convention Center 


Monday, January 23 5:00 – 6:30 pm 

Tuesday, January 24 5:00 – 6:30 pm 

Calabrisi Terrace, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Wednesday, January 25 2:30 – 4:00 pm 

Refreshments – Breakfast 

A light continental breakfast will be served outside the general session 

room on Monday, January 23 and Tuesday, Janary 24, in the Primrose 

Ballroom Lobby, Palm Springs Convention Center and outside the 

Ballroom Foyer at the Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel on Wednesday, 

January 25, 30 minutes before the start of the first session for full- 

registration attendees. 

For short course participants breakfast will be served Saturday, 

January 21 and Sunday, January 22, in Smoketree C, Palm Springs 

Convention Center. 


16 

ALA Bookstore 

Location: Palm Springs Convention Center Lobby 

The ALA Bookstore provides you an opportunity to browse 

and purchase scientific books and ALA souvenir gear. The ALA 

Bookstore accepts cash, checks drawn from U.S. banks, VISA, 

MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover and American Express. The 

ALA Bookstore is located outside of the LabAutomation2006 

Exhibit Hall near the Conference Registration Desk in the Palm 

Springs Convention Center. 

ALA Bookstore hours are: 


Monday, January 23 7:30 am – 6:30 pm 

Tuesday, January 24 8:00 am – 6:30 pm 

Wednesday, January 25 8:30 am – 3:00 pm 

Refreshments – Lunch 

For full-registration attendees there will also be an Awards 

Luncheon on Wednesday, January 25 in Primrose Ballroom, 

Palm Springs Convention Center. 

For short course participants lunch will be served Saturday, 

January 21 and Sunday, January 22 in Madera/Pasadena, 

Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel. 

Speaker Ready 

Speakers may preview their presentations on the LCD projectors 

located in Mesquite E, Palm Springs Convention Center. This room 

is open as follows: 

Saturday, January 21 7:30 am – 6:00 pm 

Sunday, January 22 7:30 am – 6:00 pm 

Monday, January 23 - Wednesday, January 25 

7:30 am – 5:00 pm 

Attire 

ALA wants you to enjoy a pleasant conference and exhibition. 

Casual business attire is recommended during all conference 

sessions, special events and in the Exhibit Hall. Please note, 

some restaurants may require a sports coat and/or tie. You may 

also want to wear a light jacket or sweater, as it is chilly at night 

and meeting rooms are air conditioned. 

Tape Recording/Video Recording Policy 

Please observe the ALA policy which prohibits operation of tape 

recorders, video recorders or camera phones, except for official 

association equipment, at all conference sessions, committee 

meetings, in the exhibit hall, and during the plenary sessions. 

Message Board 

To keep the lines of communication open between you and your 

office or other conference attendees, please feel free to use the ALA 

Message Board located in the Member Center in the Exhibit Hall.

Smoking 

California law prohibits smoking in all public places, including the 

Convention Center and hotel lobbies. 


Personal Safety Tips 

The following hotel and personal safety tips have been compiled to 

make your stay more pleasant. Help make your visit trouble free by 

using this information: 

Personal Safety 

• Stick to well populated, well-lighted areas and walk with 

other people. 

• Women, hold your purse next to your body, or do not 

carry a purse at all. 

• If someone should grab your purse, let go. It is not worth 

risking your safety. 

• Men, keep your wallet in your front pocket or buttoned 

hip pocket. 

• Always lock your car. 

• Ask directions at the hotel before visiting an unfamiliar area 

of the city and ask whether it would be best to walk, take 

a bus, or taxi. 

• Do not wear your conference name badge while outside 

of the hotel! 

Press Conferences 

Press conferences at LabAutomation2006 

(as of December 20 and subject to change): 

Location: Mesquite G, Palm Springs Convention Center 

Monday, January 23, 2006 

10:00 am 

SciGene 

BriteSpot: A New Robotic System for Processing Microarrays in an 

Ozone-Safe Environment 

The BriteSpot Microarray Workstation uses process control and robotics 

to reduce the human, physical, and environmental variables that negatively 

effect microarray data. The workstation is composed of three modules 

that work together to reliably perform incubation, washing and drying of 

microarrays in an ozone-safe environment. Features of this unique system 

will be presented at this workshop along with results of various system 

benchmark and process optimization studies. 

11:00 am 

Tecan 

Tecan and REMP work together to combine the best of liquid handling 

and robotics with high quality sample management solutions. Tecan 

also highlights its approach to Forensics. As well as an overview of the 

innovations for 2006 and its full line of Detection and Separation products. 

12:30 pm 

Norgren Systems 

Norgren Systems will announce a series of unique partnerships for product 

manufacturing and product management. Sharing the risk with customers 

provides unprecedented opportunities for small and emerging companies 

and equipment solutions. 

17 

Hotel Safety 

• Always locate nearby fire exits upon checking into your room 

or entering a facility such as the convention center. 

• Be aware of others when entering your room. 

• Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and 

use all of the locking devices provided. 

• Check to see that sliding glass doors or windows and any 

connecting room doors are locked. 

• Don’t answer your hotel door without verifying who it is. If a 

person claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk and 

ask if someone from the staff is supposed to have access to 

your room and for what purpose. 

• Be discrete in giving your room numbers when billing charges 

to your room. 

• Place all valuables in the hotel safety deposit box. 

• When returning to the hotel at night, use the main entrance 

of the hotel. Be observant and look around before entering 

parking lots. 

• If you see any suspicious activity, please report your 

observations to management. 

3:00 pm 

RND (Robots and Design Co., Ltd.) 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 

10:00 am 

Artel 

With the MVS 2.0, laboratories can now verify the performance of 

multichannel liquid handlers with up to 384 pipette tips. Using photometric 

calibration for enhanced accuracy and precision, the MVS 2.0 provides 

an internationally approved method for ensuring data integrity at the low 

volumes characteristic of 384-well plates. The MVS 2.0 will also allow 

users to test with reagents of various viscosities so that calibration 

procedures are identical to actual assay conditions. 

12:30 pm 

Cerionix 

Cerionix, Inc., a technology company dedicated to the development 

of state-of-the-art products for laboratory research applications, will 

announce results from multiple research studies on its TipCharger 

System. Working with world-renowned facilities, Cerionix will detail how 

its TipCharger System, using low temperature, atmospheric plasma to 

sterilize pipette tips and pin tools, has proven to remove and destroy 

organic and genetic substances, such as DNA and the E. Coli bacteria. 

2:00 pm 

Velocity11 

Velocity11 introduces the latest addition to our premier liquid handling 

product line.

Security 

To contact the Palm Springs 

Convention Center Security 

Office call +1.760.322.8421. 

To contact the Wyndham Palm 

Springs Hotel Security Office 

use a house phone and dial 

extension #66. 


Ribbon Guide 

Please feel free to approach any volunteer leader or team member with a question or concern. 

ALA Board of Directors 

ALA Charter Member 

ALA Audit Committee 

ALA Bylaws Committee 

ALA Finance Committee 

18 

JALA Editorial Board 

ALA Education Committee 

ALA Membership Committee 

ALA Nominating Committee 






Short Course Instructor 

LabAutomation2006 Speaker 

ALA Innovation Award Judge 

Workshops 

Workshops are open to all registered ALA attendees, please visit the company’s booth to inquire about attending their workshop. 

Note: “PSCC” refers to Palm Springs Convention Center 

Day Time Location Event 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree C, PSCC Beckman Coulter, Inc. 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Santa Rosa, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Corning Incorporated 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Pueblo A, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Deerac Fluidics & Promega Corporation 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Andreas, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Labcyte, Inc. 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree E – PSCC Nanostream, Inc. 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree F – PSCC Retisoft, Inc. 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Chino B, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Roche Applied Science 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree A, PSCC SciGene 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Chino A, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Tecan 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Mesquite H, PSCC The Automation Partnership 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree D, PSCC The Automation Partnership 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Snow Creek BR, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Thermo Electron Corporation 

Monday, January 23 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree B, PSCC Velocity11 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Pueblo A, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Artel 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm San Jacinto, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Corning Incorporated 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Andreas, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel CyBio AG 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree E, PSCC Elsevier MDL 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Santa Rosa, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Eppendorf North America 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree D, PSCC IDBS 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Snow Creek BR, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Nanostream, Inc. 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Chino B, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Pierce Biotechnology, Inc. 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree F, PSCC Promega Corporation 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Smoketree C, PSCC QIAGEN, Inc. 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Chino A, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel Thermo Electron Corporation 

Tuesday, January 24 12:30 – 2:00 pm Mesquite H, PSCC TTP LabTech Ltd.


Special Sessions on Emerging Trends Concerning 

Microarray Standards and the Biotechnology Workforce 

Join us on Wednesday morning, January 25, as an active participant in one of these three “hot topic sessions of 

the day.” All presentations are followed by open dialogue for questions-and-answers. 

A Discussion on the Stem Cell 

Research Debate Session 

11:15 am 

Location: Pasadena, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Lawrence Goldstein 

University of California, San Diego 

La Jolla, California 

lgoldstein@ucsd.edu 

The Stem Cell Research Debate: Therapeutics & 

The Federal Funding Continuum 

In this special session, Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, Ph.D., 

Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University 

of California, San Diego, discusses the background information 

on the uses of stem cells in therapeutics and the issues arising 

from the U.S. Government’s regulations concerning federal 

funding for this research, and summarize current and future 

sources of funding. 

Emerging Trends in the 

Laboratory Technology Workforce 

11:15 am 

Location: Madera, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Elaine Johnson 

Bio-Link 

San Francisco, California 

ejohnson@biolink.ucsf.edu 

Back by popular demand, this session brings together an 

outstanding panel of academic, industry, government, and 

human resource biotechnology workforce experts to discuss 

the issues and trends for today and tomorrow for the labor 

force in the laboratory. It is well documented that there is a 

growing need for the technical work force, and an emerging 

new emphasis and sense of urgency. Led by Elaine Johnson, 

Ph.D., Executive Director, Bio-Link, National Science 

Foundation Advance Technology Education Center, 

this session will focus on the spectrum of labor within the 

automated laboratory environment, unique and inherent 

challenges, and future profiles of the ever-evolving 

biotechnology workforce. 

19 

Microarray Assays: Problems, 

Solutions and Standards Session 

11:15 am 

Location: Catalina, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Margaret Cam 

NIH 

Bethesda, MD 

maggie_cam@nih.gov 

Challenges Facing Multi-Platform Array Data: 

Progress Towards Validation 

Over recent years, a variety of microarray platforms has become 

increasingly available for use in genome-wide gene expression 

studies. Several studies have incorporated data from multiple 

array platforms to determine their overall cross-compatibility. 

These studies have yielded mixed results, with some finding 

satisfactory to good correlations, while others finding them to 

be poor. The conclusions of these studies differ mainly because 

of variable experimental designs, array types, and annotational, 

statistical and filtering approaches used. Despite a lack of 

consensus on cross-platform comparability, gene expression 

results from current array technologies can be complementary 

across multiple array platforms. We have found that genes that 

are concordantly changed by any 2 platforms are likely to be 

validated by real-time PCR, but where they are discordant, gene 

expression changes can also be additive across platforms. 

Marc Salit 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Gaithersbrug, Maryland 

salit@nist.gov 

Microarray Measurements of Known Quality 

NIST has developed a targeted program addressing the technical 

infrastructure (measurement science, standards, data, models) 

required to support Gene Expression profiling with microarrays. As 

the session abstract notes, there is need for better understanding 

of the quality of microarray results. The inability to establish 

performance has led to poor confidence in microarray results, 

difficulty in assessing the agreement of different experiments, 

conflicting reports in the literature, and lost opportunity. 

The goal of the NIST program is to enable measurements of known 

quality for microarray gene expression results. Results of known 

quality will better support research applications in bioscience, and 

will facilitate adoption of microarray gene expression measurements 

in regulated applications. Measurements of known quality will permit 

microarray results to support pharmaco- and toxico-genomics 

results for new drug applications, and will lead to new in-vitro 

diagnostic (IVD) devices.

Notes 


20


Viewpoints From the Experts: 

Plenary Program Overview 

NMR Studies of Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules 

Kurt Wüthrich, Ph.D., Professor of Biophysics, Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Professor of 

Structural Biology, The Scripps Research Institute 

8:15 am Monday, January 23, 2006 

This session will address research interests in molecular structural biology, and in structural genomics with a specialty in nuclear magnetic 

resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with biological macromolecules. Dr. Wüthrich contributed the NMR method of three-dimensional structure 

determination of proteins and nucleic acids in solution. His many awards and honorary degrees include recognition by the Prix Louis 

Jeantet de Médecine, the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology, and the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. 

The Prospects of Nanotechnology for Molecular Analysis 

Harold Craighead, Ph.D., Professor of Applied and Engineering Physics, Charles W. Lake, Jr. Professor of Engineering, Co-Director, 

Nanobiotechology Center, Cornell University 

9:15 am Monday, January 23, 2006 

This talk will address some of the developing technologies in nanofluidics and approaches that may have an impact on future analytical 

methods. Dr. Harold Craighead will explore how technologies continue to advance for creating structures and simple devices with 

dimensions at the nanometer scale. He will address some of the developing technologies in nanofluidics and approaches that may have 

impact on future analytical methods. Harold Craighead has been a pioneer in nanofabrication methods and the application of engineered 

nanosystems for research and device applications. Throughout his career he has contributed to numerous scientific journals with over 277 

published papers and he is an inventor on 13 issued patents. Dr. Craighead’s recent research activity includes the use of nanofabricated 

devices for biological applications. 

HSARPA’s Chemical Countermeasures Programs 

William S. Rees, Jr., Ph.D., DHS/S&T/HSARPA Program Manager 

8:30 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 

This session will highlight the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (HSARPA) chemical countermeasures programs. 

Dr. Rees will highlight the existing programs within HSARPA pertaining to the chemical countermeasures portfolio, including material 

outlining announced future solicitations. Since 2003 Dr. Rees has been on an Interagency Personnel Assignment at the Department of 

Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, where he currently serves as a Program Manager for Critical Infrastructure 

Protection (CIP) and chemical countermeasures programs. Prior to coming to DHS, Dr. Rees served as the Director of the Molecular 

Design Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was a Professor in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering 

and of Chemistry and Biochemistry. 

Artistic Approaches to High-Dimensional Visualization: The Ecce Homology Project 

Ruth G. West, Director, Visual Analytics and Interactive Technologies, National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of 

California, San Diego 

9:15 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 

The topic in this course will cover Ecce Homology, an artwork that offers an alternative approach to visualizing and interacting with large 

amounts of genomic data. This physically interactive new-media work visualizes genetic data as calligraphic forms. Ruth G. West is an 

artist with background as a molecular genetics researcher. Working predominantly with computer-based media, West explores how artistic 

practice and aesthetic experience can nurture scientific discovery. 

Demotivation: The State of the Art 

E.L. Kersten, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Despair, Inc. 

1:30 pm Wednesday, January 25, 2006 

After intense, thought-provoking days of discussion, end your LabAutomation2006 experience with a less intense, yet still thought-provoking, 

discussion of the art of demotivation. It’ll make you think. But, more importantly, it’ll make you laugh. Kersten promises a review of how 

visionary companies are using demotivational techniques to transform their workforces. Do they truly work? You be the judge ... E. L. 

Kersten started his career as a university professor, but left academia to join an internet startup. We all know how that field ended up. 

Needless to say, his experience there was tumultuous and transformational, ultimately inspiring the birth of Despair, Inc. 

21


Conference Floor Plan 

Wyndham Hotel and Palm Springs Convention Center 

22


LabAutomation2006 Program-at-a-Glance “Subject to change” 

Saturday, January 21, 2006 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm Short Courses: Applied Information Technology for the Laboratory ■ Automated ID Techniques and Technology ■ Economic Justification 

of Lab Automation ■ Introduction to Laboratory Automation ■ Introduction to Nanobiotechnology ■ Microarray Applications From the Inside Out 

■ Molecular Diagnostic Automation 

Saturday and Sunday: (two-day courses) 

Getting Started With Excel and VBA ■ Microfluidics 

Sunday, January 22, 2006 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm Short Courses: Electronic Lab Notebooks ■ Introduction to Design of Experiments ■ Introduction to 

Laboratory Automation ■ Introduction to the Theory and Automation of Pharmacogenomics ■ LIMS in the 

Organization ■ Liquid Handling Boot Camp ■ Key to Cross-Tracks 

Mass Spectrometry in Drug Discovery, Proteomics and Metabolomics 

Emerging Technology 

■ Technical Project Management 

Saturday and Sunday: (two-day courses) 

Getting Started With Excel and VBA ■ Microfluidics 

4:30 – 7:30 pm Opening Reception in Exhibit Hall 

7:30 – 10:00 pm 10th Anniversary Poolside Celebration Sponsored by Velocity11 


8:00 am Plenary Session 

8:15 am Opening Keynote: Kurt Wüthrich, Ph.D.; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology 

9:15 am Harold G. Craighead, Ph.D.; Cornell University 

10:00 am Break (Exhibits Open) 

Track 1: 

Detection & Separation 

Track 2: 

Micro- and 

Nanotechnologies 

23 

Track 3: 

High-Throughput 

Technologies 

10:30 am –12:30 pm Session 1 

High Resolution Mass 

Spectrometry: New 

Platforms and Applications 

12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch for Attendees in the Exhibit Hall 

12:30 – 2:00 pm Exhibitor Workshops 

1:30 – 3:00 pm Exhibition/Posters 

Emerging Technology – 

Nanobiotechnology 

High-Throughput Chemistry: 

New Approaches 

3:00 – 5:00 pm Session 2 

Early Toxicity Screening and 

High-Throughput Screening 

Systems Integration – 

Cell Handling in 

Microsystems 

Emerging High-Throughput 

Screening Technologies 

5:00 – 6:30 pm Reception in the Exhibit Hall Celebrating 2005 JALA Authors 


8:30 am Plenary Session 

William Rees, Ph.D.; Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) 

9:15 am Ruth West; University of California, San Diego 

10:00 am Break (Exhibits Open) 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm Session 3 

12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch 

12:30 – 2:00 pm Exhibitor Workshops 

1:30 – 3:00 pm Exhibition/Posters 

Proteomics Micro/Nanoliquid 

Handling 

High-Throughput Aspects of 

Automation and System 

Integration 

3:00 – 5:00 pm Session 4 

Biomarkers: Discovery 

and Applications 

5:00 – 6:30 pm Reception in the Exhibit Hall 

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 

Micro and Nanoscale 

Separations 

High-Throughput Value in 

Proteomic and Genomic 

Technologies 

9:00 – 11:00 am Session 5 

Advances in 

Separations 

Micro and Nanotools for 

Molecular Diagnostics 

Target to Lead High- 

Throughput Approaches 

11:00 am Break 

11:15 am – 12:30 pm Special Session Special Session Special Session 

A Discussion on the Emerging Trends in the Microarray Assays: 

Stem Cell Research Laboratory Technology Challenges, Solutions and 

Debate 

Workforce 

Standards 

12:30 pm Award Lunch & Closing Ceremony 

Plenary Speaker: E.L. Kersten, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Despair, Inc. and author of The Art of Demotivation 

ALA Innovation Award Announcement; $10,000 Cash Award 

2:30 – 4:00 pm Farewell Reception Poolside at the Wyndham 

Track 4: 

Informatics 


Data Analysis 

Informatics for Molecular 

Diagnostics 

Emerging Informatics 

Technologies 

Integrated Informatics 

in the Automation 

Laboratory 

Data and Decision 

Management 


Systems Integration 

Track 5: 

Frontiers Beyond 

BioPharma 

Food, Wine & Agriculture 

From Research to Practice: 

Technologies for Homeland 

Security 

Advanced Molecular 

Diagnostics 

Multipurpose Emerging 

Technologies and 

Management Trends 

Systems Control and 

Integration

Program Overview 



8:30 am – 4:30 pm Short Course Location Page 


Applied Information Technology for the Laboratory Smoketree A PSCC 284 

Automated Identification Techniques and Technology Smoketree F PSCC 284 

Economic Justification of Laboratory Automation Smoketree E PSCC 284 

Getting Started With Excel and VBA in the Laboratory Mesquite G PSCC 285 

Introduction to Laboratory Automation Sierra Wyndham 285 

Introduction to Nanobiotechnology Mesquite H PSCC 285 

Microarray Applications From the Inside Out Smoketree D PSCC 286 

Microfluidics I/II Mesquite F PSCC 286 

Molecular Diagnostic Automation Smoketree B PSCC 286 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm Short Course Location Page 

4:30 – 7:30 pm 

7:30 – 10:00 pm 

Electronic Laboratory Notebooks Smoketree D PSCC 287 

Getting Started With Excel and VBA in the Laboratory Mesquite G PSCC 287 

Introduction to Design of Experiments (DOE) Pueblo A Wyndham 287 

Introduction to Laboratory Automation Sierra Wyndham 288 

Introduction to the Theory and Automation of Pharmacogenomics Smoketree B PSCC 288 

LIMS in the Organization Mesquite H PSCC 288 

Liquid Handling Boot Camp — A Hands-On Introduction to Lab Robotics Smoketree F PSCC 289 

Mass Spectrometry in Drug Discovery, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Pueblo B Wyndham 289 

Microfluidics I/II Mesquite F PSCC 289 

Technical Project Management Smoketree A PSCC 290 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Wyndham 

Hotel 


8:00 – 10:00 am 

10:00 – 10:30 am 

10:30 am – 6:30 pm 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Primrose 

Ballroom, 

Convention 

Center 

Page 48 

Page 48 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Catalina, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Opening Reception in Exhibit Hall 

10th Anniversary Poolside Celebration 

Sponsored by Velocity11 

Opening Plenary Session 

Chair: Douglas Gurevitch, University of California, San Diego 


Kurt Wüthrich, Federal Institute of Technology 


Harold Craighead, Cornell University 

Break 

Exhibits Open 

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Detection & Separation – Track 1 

New Platforms and Applications 

Chair: Steven A. Hofstadler, Isis Pharmaceuticals 

24 

Key to Cross-Tracks 



Systems Integration

10:30 am Page 50 

11:00 am Page 51 

11:30 am Page 51 

12:00 pm Page 52 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 


Pasadena, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

10:30 am Page 60 

11:00 am Page 61 

11:30 am Page 61 

12:00 pm Page 62 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Learning 

Center, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

10:30 am Page 70 

11:00 am Page 71 

11:30 am Page 71 

12:00 pm Page 72 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Madera, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Automated Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry: 

Ultrahigh Resolution and Part-per-Billion Mass Accuracy 

Christopher Hendrickson, Florida State University 

Evaluation of Natural Products Towards the Prevention and Treatment of 

Alzheimer’s Disease 

Anthony Tsarbopoulos, GAIA Research Center 

Investigation of Metabolite Profiles in Human Urine by ESI-oaTOF and 

Quadrupole Ion Trap MS 

Gary Kruppa, Bruker Daltonics Inc. 

Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD): Extending the Reach of Mass 

Spectrometry in Peptide and Protein Analysis; 

John Syka, Thermo Electron 

Emerging Technology – Nanobiotechnology Micro-and Nanotechnologies – Track 2 

Chair: R. Scott Martin, Saint Louis University 

Optical Imaging Beyond the Classical Diffraction Limit 

Robert Dunn, University of Kansas 

High Performance Optical Tags Based on Encapsulated SERS-Active 

Nanoparticles; Michael Natan, Nanoplex Technologies, Inc. 

Fully Integrated Microfluidic Devices for Automated DNA Microarray Analysis 

Robin Liu, CombiMatrix Corp. 

Electronic Cell Sensor Array Technology for Information Intensive High Content 

Cell-Based Assays 

Yama Abassi, ACEA Biosciences 

High-Throughput Chemistry High-Throughput Technologies – Track 3 

New Approaches 

Chair: Gerard Rosse, Cephalon, Inc. 

Intelligent Methods Selection for Analytical and Preparative Chromatography 

Gary Schulte, Pfizer Inc. 

From Chemical Methodologies to Library Development Design, Synthesis and 

Biological Evaluation of Small Molecule Libraries in the UPCMLD 

Stefan Werner, University of Pittsburgh 

Advancing Drug Discovery Through Integrated Parallel Solution Phase 

Library Synthesis 

Jeffrey Noonan, Neurogen Corporation 

High Throughput Synthesis of Analytically Pure Compounds Within Flow Reactors 

Paul Watts, University of Hull 

High-Throughput Screening Data Analysis Informatics – Track 4 

Chair: Adam Hill, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Inc. 

10:30 am Page 80 An Holistic Approach to HTS Data Triaging; John Davies, Novartis 

11:00 am Page 81 

11:30 am Page 81 

12:00 pm 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Page 82 

Sierra/ 

Ventura, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

10:30 am Page 90 

11:00 am Page 91 

Informatics – The Last Bottleneck in High Content Screening?; Dietrich Ruehlmann, 

BD Biosciences 

Developing Chemistry Informatics Applications for Academic Research 

Michael Hudock, University of Illinois 

Implementing E-Notebook Solution in a Pharmaceutical Discovery Organization: 

Challenges and Rewards; Roman Sterzycki, Bristol-Meyers Squibb 

Food, Wine, & Agriculture Frontiers Beyond BioPharma – Track 5 

Chair: Tom Brumback, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int.l 

Automated Evaluation of Yield Enhancement Genes in Plants 

Koen Bruynseels, CropDesign NV 

Automation of Multi-Tube SPE for Toxin Analysis With Flow and Liquid Level 

Control; Mark W. Collison, Archer Daniels Midland Company 

25

11:30 am Page 91 

12:00 pm Page 92 

12:30 – 1:30 pm 

12:30 – 2:00 pm 

1:30 – 3:00 pm 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Pages 

201-209 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Catalina, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

3:00 pm Page 52 

3:30 pm Page 53 

4:00 pm Page 53 

4:30 pm Page 54 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Pasadena, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

3:00 pm Page 62 

3:30 pm 

Page 63 

4:00 pm Page 63 

4:30 pm 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Page 64 

Learning 

Center, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

3:00 pm Page 72 

3:30 pm Page 73 

4:00 pm Page 73 

4:30 pm Page 74 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Madera, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 


The Hilgard Project - Application of Advanced; Measurement and Control 

Systems in the Teaching and Research Winery at University of California, Davis 

Roger Boulton, University of California, Davis 

Challenges to Laboratory Automation in Consumer Product Industries 

Jeffrey Hurst, Hershey Foods Laboratory 

Lunch Break in the Exhibit Hall 

Exhibitor Workshops 

Poster Session in the Exhibit Hall 

Early Toxicity Screening and Detection & Separation – Track 1 


Chair: Michael Lee, Milestone Development Services 

Flexible Automation Tools for Compound Optimization and 

Pre-Clinical Drug Metabolism: 

Tom Lloyd, Wyeth Research 

Faster and Closer: Useful New Technologies for ADME Studies 

Jing-Tao Wu, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

An Efficient Engine for Delivering High Quality ADME/PK in Support of Lead 

Generation and Lead Optimization; Daniel B. Kassel, Takeda San Diego, Inc. 

The Implementation of Remp Tube Storage Technology in Support of Lead 

Optimization Processes 

Claude Dufresne, Merck Research Laboratories 

Systems Integration – Micro- and Nanotechnologies – Track 2 

Cell Handling in Microsystems 

Chair: Nicolas Szita, Technical University of Denmark 

Integration of Automated Pathogen Detection Systems; M. Allen Northrup, 

MicroFluidic Systems Inc, 

A Polymer-based, Instrumented Microbioreactor for High-Throughput Microbial 

Cell Cultures 

Zhiyu Zhang, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Separation of Rare Cells From Blood Samples by Magnetic Beads 

Marion Ritzi, Institute für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH 

Microfluidic 3-Dimensional Cell Culture System by Self-Assembling 

Peptide Hydrogel 

Minseok S. Kim, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 

Emerging High-Throughput High-Throughput Technologies – Track 3 

Screening Technologies 

Chair: Richard Ellson, Labcyte 

Detection of Protein Conformational Change in Real-Time With 

Second-Harmonic Generation 

Joshua Salafsky, Biodesy, LLC 

Self-Contained Environmental Lids for HTS Compound Preservation 

Mitchell Mutz, Labcyte Inc. 

High-Throughput Sample Preparation From Whole Blood for Gene 

Expression Analysis 

Kurt Evans, Ambion 

Non-Invasive, Label-Free, Microsensor-Based Cellular Analyzing System 

for 96- and 384-Well Plates 

Lara Marchetti, Greiner Bio-One GmbH 

Informatics for Molecular Diagnostics Informatics – Track 4 

Chair: Stefan Emler, SmartGene 

26

3:00 pm Page 82 

3:30 pm Page 83 

4:00 pm Page 83 

4:30 pm Page 84 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 


Sierra/ 

Ventura, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

IDNS: An Integrated Web-Based Service Platform for the Analysis of 

Genetic Data in Medicine 

Stefan Emler, SmartGene 

An Approach to Automated Bacterial Strain Identification From 16S 

Ribosomal DNA Sequences 

Victor Jongeneel, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research 

Beyond Samples: Track and Control Everything That Affects Quality 

Bill Harten, UNIconnect LC 

Unlocking R&D Potential With the Semantic Web for Life Sciences 

Matt Shanahan, Kulesa Public Relations for Teranode 

From Research to Practice: Frontiers Beyond BioPharma – Track 5 

Technologies for Homeland Security 

Chair: Laurie Locascio, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

3:00 pm Page 92 Antibody Microarrays for Native Toxin Detection; Amy Herr, Sandia National Labs 

3:30 pm Page 93 

4:00 pm Page 93 

4:30 pm Page 94 

5:00 – 6:30 pm 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 


8:30 – 9:15 am 

9:15 – 10:00 am 

10:00 – 10:30 am 

10:00 am – 6:30 pm 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Primrose 

Ballroom, 

Convention 

Center 

Primrose 

Ballroom, 

Convention 

Center 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Catalina, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

10:30 am Page 54 

11:00 am Page 55 

11:30 am Page 55 

12:00 pm Page 56 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Pasadena, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Rapid DNA Fragment Sizing Using Ultra Sensitive Flow Cytometry 

Thomas Yoshida, Los Alamos National Laboratory 

Automated Sample Preparation and Detection of Pathogens in 

Environmental Samples 

Cynthia Bruckner-Lea, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 

An Electronic Nucleic Acid Detector for the Identification of Biological Agents 

Richard Murante, Integrated Nano-technologies, LLC 

Reception in the Exhibit Hall Celebrating JALA Authors 

Plenary Session 


William Rees, Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency 

Plenary Session 

Artistic Approaches to High-Dimensional Visualization: 

The Ecce Homology Project 

Ruth West, University of California, San Diego 

Break 

Exhibits Open 

Proteomics Detection & Separation – Track 1 

Chair: Gary Valaskovic, New Objective, Inc. 

Chip Based Liquid Chromatography Systems; Terry D. Lee, Beckman Research Institute 

of the City of Hope 

Enhancing Desorption/Ionization on Silicon Mass Spectrometry (DIOS-MS) 

Anders Nordstrom, The Scripps Research Institute 

Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Side-to-Side Proteomics With Virtual 2D Gels 

Rachel Loo, University of California, Los Angeles 

Advances in Nanospray for Protein Identification: Improving Performances 

Through Optimized Microfluidic Connections and Automation; Gary Valaskovic, 

New Objective, Inc. 

Micro/Nanoliquid Handling Micro- and Nanotechnologies – Track 2 

Chair: Johan Nilsson, Lund University 

27

10:30 am Page 64 

11:00 am Page 65 

11:30 am Page 65 

12:00 pm Page 66 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Learning 

Center, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

10:30 am Page 74 

11:00 am Page 75 

11:30 am Page 75 

12:00 pm Page 76 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Madera, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

10:30 am Page 84 


Application Diversity is an Easy Stretch for Elastomeric Microsystems; 

David Cohen, Fluidigm Corporation 

Acoustically Driven Programmable Microfluidics for Biological and 

Chemical Applications 

Achim Wixforth, University of Augsburg 

A Critical Evaluation of the Mosquito (A Low Volume Liquid Handler): 

A Tool for Drug Discovery Scott Mosser, Merck and Company 


Goetz Muenchow, Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH 

High-Throughput Aspects of High-Throughput Technologies – Track 3 

Automation and System Integration 

Chair: Peter Yendle, RTS Life Sciences 

Key factors in the Design and Integration of High-Throughput Laboratory 

Processes, Laboratory Automation and Software; Paul Downey, UK Biobank 

Approaches Required When Developing a Very High Throughput Automated 

Crystallography System; Laurent Martin, Takeda 

Issues and Aspects of Integration Into a Drug Discovery Research Facility at GSK 

Stan Martens, GlaxoSmithKline 

Performance Evaluation of a Robotic Workstation for HTS Flux Assays 

Sophia Liang, Aurora Biomed 

Emerging Informatics Technologies Informatics – Track 4 

Chair: Jay Gill, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 

Service-Oriented Architecture for Workflow Management in Drug Discovery 

Blair Leduc, Thermo Electron 

11:00 am Page 85 Robot Re-Engineering for LabView Functionality; Silpa Wairatpanij, Indiana University 

11:30 am Page 85 

12:00 pm Page 86 

10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Sierra/ 

Ventura, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

10:30 am Page 94 

11:00 am Page 95 

11:30 am Page 95 

12:00 pm Page 96 

12:30 – 1:30 pm 

12:30 – 2:00 pm 

1:30 – 3:00 pm 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Pages 

201-209 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

Catalina, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Reducing Noise Due to Technical Batch Effects in Biological Data 

Tom Downey, Partek Incorporated 

Novel Data Analysis for In Vitro Electrophysiological Assays in HTS 

Igor Fomenko, Amgen 

Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Frontiers Beyond BioPharma – Track 5 

Chair: Amy Herr, Sandia National Labs 

Metabolizing Enzyme Toxicology Assay Chip (MetaChip) for High-Throughput 

Microscale Toxicity Analyses; Jonathan Dordick, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 

Analytical Assays Based on Detecting Conformational Changes of 

Single Molecules 

Giovanni Zocchi, UDA 

Carbon Nanotube-Based Bioassay for Protein Detection 

Sarunya Bangsaruntip, Stanford University 

Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening Test Performed Using a Microarray 

Platform Based on Electrochemical Detection of DNA Hybridization 

Gary Gust, Osmetech Molecular Diagnostics 

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall 

Exhibitor Workshops 

Poster Program 

Biomarkers: Discovery and Applications Detection & Separation – Track 1 

Chair: Mimi Roy, PPD Biomarker Discovery Sciences 

28


3:00 pm Page 56 Applying Biomarkers to Early Drug Development; Scott Patterson, Amgen, Inc. 

3:30 pm Page 57 

4:00 pm Page 57 

4:30 pm Page 58 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Pasadena, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

3:00 pm Page 66 

3:30 pm Page 67 

4:00 pm Page 67 

4:30 pm Page 68 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Learning 

Center, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

3:00 pm Page 76 

3:30 pm Page 77 

4:00 pm Page 77 

4:30 pm Page 78 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Madera, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

3:00 pm Page 86 

3:30 pm Page 87 

4:00 pm Page 87 

Toward Lymphoma Biomarkers: Deep Look Mass Spectrometry Based Expression 

Profiling, Identification and Validation of Cerebrospinal Fluid 

James Rubenstein, University of California, San Francisco 

A Small Number of Genes are Sufficient to Classify a Large Number of Unique 

Toxicological and Pharmacological End-Points Using Gene Expression 

Kurt Jarnagin, Iconix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Metabolomics: A Non-Linear Approach to Metabolite Profiling; 

Elizabeth Want, The Scripps Research Institute 

Micro and Nanoscale Separations Micro- and Nanotechnologies – Track 2 

Chair: Dana Spence, Wayne State University 

Coupling Valving and Microchip-Based Separations for Analyzing 

Neurotransmitters Released From Cells; R. Scott Martin, Saint Louis University 

Nanofluidics and Mass-Limited Chemical Analysis: Nanocapillary Array 

Membranes as Switchable Fluidic Elements for Multidimensional Analyses 

Paul Bohn, University of Illinois 

Multidimensional Separations of Peptides on Microfluidic Devices 

Stephen C. Jacobson, Indiana University 

Microdevices With Integrated Sample Preparation for Ultrafast Sample-In/ 

Answer-Out Genetic Analysis; James Landers, University of Virginia 

High-Throughput Value in Proteomic High-Throughput Technologies – Track 3 

and Genomic Technology 

Chair: Jay Strum, GlaxoSmithKline 

Automation and Miniaturization of TaqMan Assays to Support Drug Discovery 

Jay Strum, GlaxoSmithKline 

Quantitative Multiplexed Gene Expression Profiling 

Joe Monforte, Althea Technologies, Inc. 

High Throughput, High Content Gene Expression-Based Target Validation Using 

Cells, Fixed or Frozen Tissue, and Whole Organisms to Define the Systems 

Biology and Characterize Compound and Stimulus Activity Based on Dose 

Response EC50 Studies; Bruce Seligmann, HTG 

Automated Profiling and Identification of Endogenous Peptidomic Markers 

in Human Plasma; Maija Partanen 

Integrated Informatics in the Automation Laboratory Informatics – Track 4 

Chair: Chris McKenna, Symyx, Inc. 

Interchanging Analytical Data and Metadata Using the Analytical Information 

Markup Language (ANIML); Gary Kramer, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

The Impact of Software and Hardware Interoperability on Efficiency in an 

Automated Solubility Determination Workflow; Erik Rubin, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 

Pathways for Biological Reagent Quality and Workflow Tracking (CIMS) 

Julian Willmott, White Carbon 

4:30 pm Page 88 An Enterprise Platform for Data and Application Integration; Ton van Daelen, SciTegic 

3:00 – 5:00 pm 

Sierra/ 

Ventura, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

3:00 pm Page 96 

3:00 pm Page 97 

4:00 pm Page 97 

Multipurpose Emerging Technologies Frontiers Beyond BioPharma – Track 5 

and Management Trends 

Chair: William Sonnefeld, Sonnefeld Associates Inc. 

Petroleomics: Mass Spectrometry Returns to Its Roots 

Ryan P. Rodgers, National High Magnetic Field Lab 

Rapid, High-Throughput Bacterial Genotyping to Reduce Healthcare-Associated 

Infections; David Ecker, Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

All-Optical-Logic Microfluidic Circuit for Biochemical and Cellular Analysis 

Powered by Photoactive Nanoparticles; Gang L. Liu, University of California, Berkeley 

29


4:30 pm Page 98 Clinical Research: The Six Sigma Way; Elliott W. Liu, E. L. Consulting 

5:00 – 6:30 pm 

9:00 – 10:30 pm 

Oasis 1-4, 

Convention 

Center 

San Jacinto, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 

9:00 – 11:00 am 

Catalina, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

9:00 am Page 58 

Reception in the Exhibit Hall 

JALA VIP Reception (Invitation Only) 

Advances in Separations Detection & Separation – Track 1 

Chair: Milton Lee, Brigham Young University 

Integration of Functional Components in Microfluidic Separation Devices 

Milton Lee, Brigham Young University 

9:30 am Page 59 Emerging Trends in Microfluidics; Holger Bartos, Boehringer Ingelheim microParts GmbH 

10:00 am Page 59 

10:30 am Page 60 

9:00 – 11:00 am 

Pasadena, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

9:00 am Page 68 

9:30 am Page 69 

10:00 am Page 69 

10:30 am Page 70 

9:00 – 11:00 am 

Learning 

Center, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

9:00 am Page 78 

9:30 am Page 79 

10:00 am Page 79 

10:30 am Page 80 

9:00 – 11:00 am 

Madera, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

9:00 am Page 88 

9:30 am Page 89 

10:00 am Page 89 

Epoxy-Based Master Tools for the Production of Plastic Microchips by Injection 

Molding; Norbert Gottschlich, Greiner Bio-One, Inc. 

Automated 2D HPLC Using Trap Columns for the Fractionation, Isolation and 

Screening of Natural Products; Joni Stevens, Gilson, Inc. 

Micro and Nanotools for Micro- and Nanotechnologies – Track 2 


Chair: Ken Bahk, Nanosphere 

The Scope and Promise of Nanotechnology in Clinical Diagnostics 

Larry Kricka, Uinversity of Pennsylvania Medical Center 

Nanotechnology Enabled Direct SNP/Mutation Detection 

Paolo Fortina, Thomas Jefferson University 

Electronic DNA Detection on Semiconductor Surfaces 

Angelika Niemz, Keck Graduate Institute 

Quantum Dots in Molecular Profilnig Diagnostics 

David Geho, George Mason University 

Target to Lead High-Throughput High-Throughput Technologies – Track 3 

Approaches 

Chair: Andrew Pope, GlaxoSmithKline 

The Automation-Process Analysis Match: Case Studies in Optimizing Efficiencies 

Paul Taylor, Boehringer Ingelheim 

Automation of Bioassays at BMS: Strategy and Implementation 

James Myslik, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 

Micro Parallel Liquid Chromatography (µPLC) for Confirmation Screening 

and Secondary Assays 

Tom Onofrey, Nanostream 

Rapid Evaluation of Compounds: Off Target Activities Against 

GPCRs Tango Assay System, a Novel Reporter Technology 

Zhong Zhong, Cell & Molecular Technologies, Inc. 

Data and Decision Management Informatics – Track 4 

Chair: Bill Janzen, Amphora Discovery Corporation 

Research Informatics in Probe Discovery at the NIH Chemical Genomics Center 

Ajit Jadhav, NIH Chemical Genomics Center 

Measuring and Enhancing Value in Lead Optimization: 

The Application of Lean Thinking to Drug Discovery 

Edward Petrillo, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 

Data integration and Information Generation at Amphora Discovery Corporation 

Louis Coudurier, Amphora Discovery Corp 

30

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9:00 – 11:00 am 


Sierra/ 

Ventura, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

9:00 am Page 98 

9:30 am Page 99 

10:00 am Page 99 

10:30 am Page 100 

11:00 – 11:15 am 

11:15 am – 12:30 pm 

11:15 am – 12:30 pm 

11:15 am – 12:30 pm 

12:30 – 2:30 pm 

2:30 – 4:00 pm 

Ballroom 

Foyer, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Pasadena, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Madera, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Catalina, 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Primrose 

Ballroom, 

Convention 

Center 

Wyndham 

Hotel 

Early Pharmacological Qualification of Actives by Dose-Response Series 

Analysis on a Large Scale; Annette Brodte, Genedata 

Systems Control and Integration Frontiers Beyond BioPharma – Track 5 

Chair: Paul Rodziewicz, ReTiSoft Inc. 

Modular Automation Platforms: A Case Study of a Flexible NMR 

Sample Preparation Robot 

Miguel Maccio, Wyeth, Pearl River 

Microanalytical Systems for Rapid, Automated Chemical Analysis 

Stephen Martin, Sandia National Laboratories 

LabRAT.NET: A Dual-Layer Instrument Control and Automation Framework 

Richard Belcinski, Microchip Biotechnologies, Inc. 

CANopen-Based Device Profiles for Laboratory Automation 

Cyrilla Menon, CAN in Automation 

Break 

Special Sessions 

A Discussion on the Stem Cell Research Debate Session 

The Stem Cell Research Debate: Therapeutics & The Federal Funding Continuum; 

Lawrence Goldstein, University of California, San Diego 


Emerging Trends in the Laboratory Technology Workforce Session 

Elaine Johnson, Bio-Link 


Microarray Assays: Challenges, Solutions and Standards Session 

Challenges Facing Multi-platform Array Data: Progress Towards Validation; 

Margaret Cam, NIH 

Microarry Measurements of Known Quality; 

Marc Salit, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Award Lunch & Closing Ceremony 

Plenary Speaker: E.L. Kersten, Despair, Inc. 

ALA Innovation Award Announcement: $10,000 Cash Award 

Farewell Reception Poolside at the Wyndham 

31

Notes 


32

Poster Program 

MP – Monday Posters 


The presenting author must be present 1:30 – 3:00 pm on Monday. Page 103 

TP – Tuesday Posters 

The presenting author must be present 1:30 – 3:00 pm on Tuesday. Page 152 

33


MP01 A Streamlined Practical Workflow for Conducting High-Throughput Dose Response and 

Selectivity Analysis Using High Content Screening Technologies 

Anthony Aglione, Hoffmann-La Roche; Co-Author(s): Theresa Truitt, Ralph J. Garippa 

MP02 A Battery Powered Compact Thermocycler for Rapid PCR 

Nitin Agrawal, Texas A&M University; Co-Author: Victor M. Ugaz, Texas A&M University 

MP03 Data Upload to LIMS 

Ismail Al-Abdulmohsen, Saudi Aramco 

MP04 Integrating a Portable, Rapid Volume Verification System For Multichannel Devices: Applications 

In Learning Device Behavior 

Keith Albert, Artel; Co-Author: John Thomas Bradshaw 

MP05 An Ultra-High Throughput Approach to High Content Screening in 1536-Well Format 

Dave Smith, TTP LabTech; Co-Author(s): Yan Wang, Robert Davis, Kalypsys Inc.; Wayne Bowen, TTP 

LabTech Ltd 

MP06 The HPMR 50-96 Advance - Always a Step Ahead 

Arne Allwardt, University of Rostock; Co-Author(s): Silke Holzmüller-Laue, Celisca; Kerstin Thurow, 

University Rostock 

MP07 Automated High-Speed Genetic Analyzer 

Varouj Amirkhanian, eGene, Inc.; Co-Author: Ming-Sun Liu, eGene, Inc. 

MP08 Cell Cycle Analysis Using Microplate Cytometry: A Comparison of Laser and Dye Combinations 

Jas Sanghera, TTP LabTech; Co-Author(s): Joby Jenkins, Tristan Cope, Wayne Bowen 

MP09 PDELight - A Novel, Generic and Simple High Throughput Assay for Screening cAMP- 

Dependent Phosphodiesterases 

Alex Batchelor, Cambrex Bio Science Nottingham; Co-Author(s): Lee Walker, Anthony Pitt 

MP10 Development of High-Throughput Screens for Anti-Aging Compounds in the Nematode 

Caenorhabditis Elegans 

Michael Benedetti, Buck Institute; Co-Author(s): Matthew Gill, Anders Olsen, Amanda Foster, Gordon Lithgow 

MP11 Using a Microcantilever Array for Detecting Phase Transitions in Polymers 

Sibani Biswal, University of Berkeley; Author(s): Digvijay Raorane, Arun Majumdar, Alison Chaiken, HP Labs 

MP12 A Solution for Serial Dilution of Compounds in 1536-Well Microplates 

Wayne Bowen, TTP LabTech; Co-Author(s): Rose Hughes, Jose Quiroz, Robert Bukar, Kalypsys Inc.; 

Joby Jenkins, TTP LabTech 

MP13 High Throughput Cell and Tissue-Based Gene Expression Assay for Target Validation, Screening 

and EC50-Based Profiling and Optimization of Efficacy, Specificity, Metabolism and Safety 

Bruce Seligmann, High Throughput Genomics, Inc.; Co-Author(s) Ihab Botros, Matt Rounseville, Ralph 

Martel, High Throughput Genomics, Inc.; Stephen Felder, Rick Kris, Nuvogen, LLC 

MP14 Fully Automated Extraction of High Quality Plasmid DNA Directly From Culture 

Chris Bridge, DNA Research Innovations Ltd; Co-Author(s): M, Crow, M. Baker 

MP15 A Highly-Parallel Microfluidic System for Array Fabrication and Bioassay Development 

Josh Eckman, University of Utah; Co-Author(s): Bruce Gale, David Chang-Yen, Sriram Natarajan; David Myszka, 

University of Utah 

MP16 Managing Biomek FX 3.X Software — “Tools for Consistency and Conservation” 

Jimmy Bruner, Glaxosmithkline; Co-Author(s): Ginger Smith, Jim Liacos 

MP17 Gene Composer: A Tool for Optimizing Proteins and Genes for X-ray Crystallography 

Alex Burgin, Emerald BioSystems; Co-Author(s): John Walchli, Kathryn Hjerrild, Mark Mixon, Michael Feese, 

Stuart Bowers, Brendan Gan, Lance Stewart, Emerald BioSystems 

MP18 Free, High-Throughput Software for Automatically Measuring Cells in Images 

Anne E. Carpenter, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research; Co-Author(s): Thouis R. Jones, Polina 

Golland, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David M. Sabatini, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical 

Research & MIT 

34 

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Page 104 

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Page 105 

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Page 107 

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Page 108 

Page 109 

Page 109 

Page 110 

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Page 111 

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MP19 Incorporating UnitsML Into AnIML 

Ismet Celebi, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Co-Author(s): Reinhold Schaefer, University 

of Applied Sciences Wiesbaden; Robert A. Dragoset, Gary W. Kramer, National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

MP20 Smart Automated System for the Assessment of Biosensor’s Performance 

Changhoon Chai, Rutgers University; Co-Author: Paul Takhistov, Rutgers University, The State University of 

New Jersey 

MP21 Ultra-High-Throughput Profiling of Compounds Using Luminescent Assays and the Aurora ® 

Discovery BioRAPTR FRD Workstation 

Mark Chong, Aurora Discovery, Inc.; Co-Author(s): Brad Larson, Tracy Worzella, Promega Corporation 

MP22 Another Step in Automating Microsatellite Genotyping 

Jon Chudyk, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation; Co-Author(s): Terry Rusch, Kim Fieweger, Seth Dobrin, 

James Weber 

MP23 Protein Maker: an Automated System for Protein Purification 

Robin Clark, deCODE Biostructures; Co-Author(s): Alexandrina Muntianu, Hans-Thomas Richter, Denise 

Conner, Lawrence Chun, Alex Burgin, Lance Stewart, DeCODE BioStructures 

MP24 Disposable Electrophoresis Microchips With Integrated Electrodes for Capacitively Coupled 

Contactless Conductivity Detection 

Wendell Coltro, University of São Paulo; Co-Author(s): Wendell Karlos, Tomazelli Coltro, University of 

Sao Paulo; José Alberto, Fracassi da Silva, State University of Campinas; Emanuel Carrilho, University 

of Sao Paulo 

MP25 PiezoLC Microdispenser for MALDI-TOF Analysis 

Patrick Cooley, Microfab Technologies, Inc.; Co-Author(s): Ting Chen, David Wallace, Microfab Technologies, 

Inc.; Femia Hopwood, Andrew Gooley, Proteome Systems, Ltd.; Frantisek Svec, University of California, 

Berkeley 

MP26 Meeting the Liquid Handling Challenges of Low Volume Cell Assays 

Mary Cornett, Innovadyne Technologies, Inc.; Co-Author: Anca Rothe, Innovadyne Technologies, Inc. 

MP27 Protein Fabrication Automation 

J. Colin Cox, Duke University Medical Center; Co-Author(s): Janel Lape, Mahmood A. Sayed, Homme W. 

Hellinga, Duke University Medical Center 

MP28 Automation of Total RNA Isolation From Cultured Eukaryotic Cells on Beckman Coulter’s 

Biomek ® 3000 Laboratory Automation Workstation Using Agencourt ® 

Matthew Cu, Beckman Coulter; Co-Author: Michael Gary Jackson 

MP29 The Use of Adaptive Focused Acoustic Technology to Improve uHTS Assay Performance and 

Compound Dissolution 

Jon Curtis, GSK; Co-Author(s): Zoe Blaxill, Suzanne Baddeley, Liz Clark, Jim Chan, Jim Laugharn, Covaris; 

Phil Robinson, Kbioscience 

MP30 Detection of Endothelial Cell Derived Nitric Oxide Using a Microfluidic Device 

Teresa Damico Wayne State University, Co-Author(s): Paul Root, Dana M. Spence, Wayne State University 

MP31 Turning Valves Adapted to Lab-On-A-Chip Applications Enable Directional Flow and Portion 

Out Pre-Defined Volumes 

Frank Doffing, IMM - Institut fuer Mikrotechnik Mainz; Co-Author(s): Dalibor Dadic, Klaus Stefan Drese, 

Institut fuer Mikrotechnik Mainz 

MP32 Evaluation of LeadStream’s High Capacity Performance Characteristics in Multiple 

ADME/Tox Assays 

Robert Dunn-Dufault, Thermo Electron; Co-Author(s): Marta Kozak, Andreas Stelzer, Hansjoerg Haas 

MP33 Probing Single Molecule Dynamics on the Nanoscale 

Joshua Edel, Harvard University; Co-Author: Amit Meller, Harvard University 

MP34 Debunking the Myth – Using Fluorescein in Analytical Measurements of Fluid Transfers 

Richard Ellson, Labcyte; Co-Author(s): Mitchell Mutz, Labcyte Inc., David Harris 

35 

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Page 118 

Page 118 

Page 119 

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MP35 Automated Dispensation of Yttrium Oxide SPA Imaging Beads, Into 1536-Well Plates Using the 

Deerac Fluidics’ Equator HTS - Eight Tip Pipetting System 

Aoife Gallagher, Deerac Fluidics 

MP36 On-Line Sample Preconcentration by Sweeping With Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide in 

Capillary Zone Electrophoresis 

Maojun Gong, University of Cincinnati; Co-Author(s): William R. Heineman, University of Cincinnati 

MP37 Genome-Wide Location and Analysis of b-catenin/TCF Target Genes 

Weisong Gu, Ohio Supercomputer Center; Co-Author(s): Xi Chen, Paul Evans, University of Texas; Eric 

Stahlberg, Ohio Supercomputer Center; Chunming Liu, University of Texas 

MP38 Automation of Novel Protocols for Immunohistochemistry Staining 

Kurtis Guggenheimer, University of British Columbia; Co-Author(s): Jared Slobodan, Mark Homenuke, Keddie 

Brown, Roy Belak, Andre Marziali 

MP39 Preimplantation Embryo Development, Osmolality, and Its Relationship to Polydimethylsiloxane 

(PDMS) Thickness 

Yunseok Heo, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Co-Author(s): Lourdes M. Cabrera, Gary D. Smith, Shuichi 

Takayama, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 

MP40 Multi-Platform Cross Comparison for DNA Genotyping and Mutation Scanning by Melting Curve 

Analysis 

Mark G. Herrmann, Arup Laboratories; Co-Author(s): Jacob D. Durtschi, L. Katie Bromely, ARUP; Carl T. 

Wittwer, Karl V. Voelkerding, ARUP & University of Utah 

MP41 Advanced High-Throughput Platforms for Protein Crystallography 

Ulrike Honisch, Greiner Bio-One; Co-Author(s): Norbert Gottschlich, Heinrich Jehle, Greiner Bio-One 

MP42 Development of a Microchip-based Endothelium Mimic 

Matthew Hulvey, Saint Louis University; Co-Author: R. Scott Martin, Saint Louis University 

MP43 High Performance Magnetic Separation Technology for Microtiter Plates, Microarrays, Single 

Molecule Manipulation and Beyond 

David Humphries, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Co-Author: Martin Pollard, Lawrence Berkeley 

National Laboratory 

MP44 A Solution for Low Volume Pipetting Applications Requiring High Accuracy of Placement 

Joby Jenkins, TTP LabTech; Co-Author(s): Rob Lewis, Wayne Bowen, TTP LabTech 

MP45 Small Volume Liquid Transfer Technology 

Nahid Jetha, University of British Columbia; Co-Author(s): Kurtis Guggenheimer, Andre Marziali, University of 

British Columbia 

MP46 Coding Rules for Construction AnIML Technique Definitions and Extensions 

Ronny Jopp, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Co-Author(s): Reinhold Schaefer, University of 

Applied Sciences; Gary Kramer, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

MP47 Sensitive DNA Detection Assay Using Probe-Conjugated Microbeads and a Hydrogel Microplug 

in a Microfluidic Device 

Joohoon Kim, University of Texas at Austin; Co-Author(s): Rahul Dhopeshwarkar, Texas A&M University; 

Richard M. Crooks, University of Texas at Austin 

MP48 Microfluidic Device for Separation and Analysis of Blood Components 

Kapeeleshwar Krishana, Princeton University; Co-Author(s): David Inglis, John Davis, James Sturm, Robert 

Austin, Stephen Chou, Edward Cox, Princeton University; David Lawrence, Wadsworth Institute of Public 

Health 

MP49 Concept and Design for the Integration of a Complex Laboratory Robot System Into LIMS 

Thomas Krüger-Sundhaus; University Rostock; Co-Author(s): Norbert Stoll, Christian Wendler, Celisca 

MP50 Five Days to Five Minutes: BOD Analysis of Industrial Effluent Using Biosensor 

Anil Kumar, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology; Co-Author(s): Rita Kumar, Purnima Dhall, Institute 

of Genomics and Integrative Biology 

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MP51 The Use of Microchip-based Pneumatic Valves to Couple a Continuous Flow Stream to 

Microchip Electrophoresis 

Michelle Li, Saint Louis University; Co-Author: R. Scott Martin, Saint Louis University 

MP52 Development & Validation of Automated Workstation for HTS Flux Assays 

Sophia Liang, Aurora Biomed; Co-Author(s): Sikander Gill, Aurora Biomed Inc.; Rajwant Gill, David Wicks, 

Joy Goswami, Dong Liang 

MP53 A Valve-Controlled Microfluidic System for Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis Fabricated in 

Polydimethylsiloxane 

Yiqi Luo, Stanford University; Co-Author(s): Bo Huang, Michael P. Bokoch, Richard N. Zare, Stanford 

University 

MP54 An Innovative Semi-Automatic Tissue MicroArrayer: Improved Functionality and Higher Throughput 

Manuela Maffè, Integrated Systems Engineering Srl; Co-Author(s): Maurizio Falavigna, Integrated Systems 

Engineering Srl; Ida Biunno, Institute for Biomedical Technologies; Pasquale De Blasio, BioRep Srl 

MP55 Electronic Data Entry From Microsoft Excel Into an Oracle Based LIMS 

Philip Manning, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals 

MP56 A Magnetoresistive Biochip for Microbial Analysis of Water Samples 

Verónica Martins, Centre for Biological and Chemical Engineering; Co-Author(s): Luís Fonseca, Centre for 

Biological and Chemical Engineering, Lisbon, Portugal; Hugo Ferreira, Daniel Graham, Paulo Freitas, INESC 

– Microsystems and Nanotechnologies; Joaquim Cabralk, Centre for Biological and Chemical Engineering 

MP57 A Powerful New Device and Method for Isolating and Pre-Concentrating DNA for Early Detection 

of Cancer, Disease, and Pathogens 

Andre Marziali, University of British Columbia; Co-Author(s): David Broemeling, Joel Pel, Stephen Inglis 

Neha Shah, Carolyn Cowdell, Gosuke Shibahara, Lorne Whitehead, Andre Marziali 

MP58 New Flexible Laboratory Automation System Concepts for Biotechnology Research Laboratories 

Peyman Najmabadi, University of Toronto; Co-Author(s): Andrew A. Goldenberg; Andrew Emili, 

University of Toronto 

MP59 Characterization of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) and Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) 

Microchips for Capillary Electrophoresis 

Irena Nikcevic, University of Cincinnati; Co-Author(s): Se Hwan Lee, Aigars Piruska, Chong H. Ahn, Patrick A. 

Limbach, William R. Heineman, Carl J. Seliskar, University of Cincinnati 

MP60 Optical Detection System for Multi-Lane Plastic Microchips 

Aigars Piruska, University of Cincinnati; Co-Author(s): Irena Nikcevic, Patrick A. Limbach, William R. 

Heineman, Carl J. Seliskar, University of Cincinnati 

MP61 Tunable Nano Plasmons Based Micro cavity Bio-Chemical Sensors 

Shalini Prasad, Portland State University; Co-Author(s): SudhaPrasanna Kumar, Padigi, Portland State 

University 

MP62 Tackling the Challenges of Cell-Based Assays in High-Throughput and High-Content Screening 

Giovanna Prout, Aurora Discovery, Inc. 

MP63 Photochemical Modification of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Microfluidic Chips for Biomolecule 

Microarrays and Surface Property Patterning 

Qiaosheng Pu, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy: Co-Author(s): Bowlin Thompson, Julio C Alvarez 

MP64 Effect of Focal Distance on Drop Volume in Acoustic Drop Ejection 

Charles Reichel, EDC Biosystems; Co-Author: Michael Forbush 

MP65 Fast Development Strategy: One-Week-to-Chip 

Klaus Drese, Institut Fur Mikrotechnik, Co-Author: Marion Ritzi 

MP66 Implementation of a CyBio Integrated System to Aliquot Amplified DNA and Dispense DNA 

Sequencing Chemistry 

Simon Roberts, U.S. DOE Joint Genome Institute; Co-Author(s): Nancy Hammon, Susan Lucas, Martin 

Pollard, U.S. DOE Joint Genome Institute 

MP67 Automated Generation of AnIML Documents by Analytical Instruments 

Alexander Roth, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

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MP68 Automation of QPCR and PCR Methods for Forensic Casework Samples on the 

TECAN Freedom Evo ® 

Diane Seguin, Lsjml (Quebec Forensic Lab); Co-Author(s): Annie Trépanier, Alphonse Ligondé, LSJML 

(Québec forensic lab) 

MP69 Concentration, Focusing, and Metering of DNA in Microfabricated Analysis Chips Using 

Addressable Electrode arrays 

Faisal Shaikh, A&M University, Texas, Co-Author: Victor M Ugaz, 

MP70 Portable Laser Induced Fluorescence Detection System and Its Application for DNA Quantitation 

using a T-Mixer Microdevice 

Sushil Shrinivasan, University of Virginia; Co-Author(s): Jerome P. Ferrance, Department of Chemistry, 

University of Virginia; Pamela M. Norris, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of 

Virginia; James P. Landers, University of Virginia 

MP71 Magnetic Nanotubes for Magnetic-Field-Assisted Bioseparation, Biointeraction, and Drug Delivery 

Sang Jun Son, University of Maryland 

MP72 Improving IC50 Analyses by Reducing Compound Waste, Compound Precipitation, Accumulated 

Error and Consumables Cost 

Joe Olechno, Labcyte; Co-Author(s): Jean Shieh, A. Mark Bramwell, Richard Ellson 

MP73 A Biocompatible Micro Cell Culture Chamber (µCCC) for Culturing and Online Monitoring of 

Mammalian Cells. 

Michael Stangegaard, Technical University of Denmark; Co-Author(s): Sarunas Petronis, Chalmers Tekniska 

Högskola; Claus B. V. Christensen, Coloplast Denmark; Martin Dufva, Technical University of Denmark 

MP74 A Novel Approach for the Isolation and Concentration of Drugs in Biological Fluids via On-Line 

Dialysis and Enrichment 

Joni Stevens, Gilson, Inc.; Co-Author(s): Greg Robinson, Alan Hamstra 

MP75 An Automated DNA Purification and Quantification Solution Using the JANUS Automated 

Workstation With Integrated Victor3 Plate Reader 

Lois Tack, PerkinElmer Life & Analytical Sciences; Co-Author(s): Peng Li, Karen Gecic, PerkinElmer Life and 

Analytical Sciences 

MP76 New Methods for Rapid Isothermal Amplification and Detection of Short DNA Sequences 

Eric Tan, Keck Graduate Institute; Co-Author(s): Ekaterina Kniazeva, Jennifer Wong, Krisanu Bandyopadhyay, 

Angelika Niemz 

MP77 An Exemplar of Laboratory Automation: Proving the Modular Concept in a Modernizing 

Pathology Service 

Michael Thomas, Royal Free Hampstead Nhs Trust; Co-Author: Keyna Mendonca 

MP78 HTS Application for the Determination of Enantiomeric Excess Using ESI-Mass Spectrometry 

Kerstin Thurow, University Rostock; Co-Author: Dirk Gördes, Center for Life Science Automation 

MP79 LIMS for a High Throughput Sequencing Facility: Instrument Integration 

Angelo Trivelli, J Craig Venter Institute; Co-Author(s): Saul Kravitz, Indresh Singh, Christopher Lemieux, Peter 

Davies, Tom Dolafi, Bryan Yu, Adam Resnick 

MP80 Development of Integrated Protection for Implantable Controlled Drug Release Systems 

Han-Kuan Tsai, University of California, Irvine; Co-Author(s): Kuo-Sheng Ma, Han Xu, Lawrence Kulinsky, 

Marc Madou, University of California, Irvine 

MP81 Implementing the Agencourt SprintPrep384 Protocol at JGI 

Steven Wilson, Joint Genome Institute; Co-Author(s): Paul Richardson, Feng Chen, Jamie Jett, Nancy 

Hammon, Duane Kubischta, Diana Lawrence 

MP82 An Automated High-Throughput Screening Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Johne’s 

Disease Antibodies in Bovine Serum 

Lester Wong, Alberta Agriculture; Co-Author(s): John Wu, Evelyn Bowlby, Alberta Agriculture 

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MP83 High-Throughput Compound Profiling Using Promega Luminescent Assays on a 

Tecan Freedom Evo 200 System 

Tracy Worzella, Promega Corporation; Co-Author(s): Brad Larson, Promega Corporation; 

Siegfried Sasshofer, Tecan 

MP84 Rapid LCMS Analysis of CombinatorialLlibraries Using Monolithic Columns for Preparative 

Scale-Up 

Bradley De Bruler, PfizerDiscovery Technologies; Co-Author: Kathleen, Tivel 

MP85 Automating GeneChip ® Methodologies Using the GeneChip Array Station 

Maria DeGuzman, Affymetrix; Co-Author(s): Patrick Smith, Richard Watts, Zuwei Qian 

MP86 Improving Biological Workflows in the Lab 

Doug Fairbanks, Elsevier MDL 

MP87 HTT Automation: The Big Picture 

Peter Greenhalgh, Astech Projects Ltd; Co-Author: Nigel McCoy 

MP88 GenomePlexâ Whole Genome Amplification Kit: A High Throughput Approach for Rapidly 

Amplifying Genomic DNA from a Variety of Biological Materials 

Danhui Wang, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation; Co-Author(s): Lukasz Nosek, Jennifer Van Dinther, 

Rafael Valdes-Camin 

MP89 LIMS – Equipment Binding in Consideration of the Regulatory Requirements Depending on the 

21 CFR Part 11 

Frank Wallrafen; Dr. Herterich & Consultants GmbH 

MP90 Robotic QPCR Setup for Small Batches of Forensic Casework Samples Using ABI Quantifiler ® 

Human and Y Male DNA Quantification Kits as Part of a Complete Automation Scheme 

Lois Tack, PerkinElmer Life & Analytical Sciences; Co-Author(s): Earl Ritzline, Daniel Nippes, Indian River 

Regional Crime Laboratory; Pat Rostron, Jeremy Sanders, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences 

MP91 Extracellular Flux Enables Real-time, Non-invasive Measurements of Cellular Metabolism 

David Ferrick, Seahorse Bioscience; Co-Author(s):Mark Rothenberg, Min Wu, Chris Braun, Seahorse 

Bioscience 

MP92 Automation of Modified Shake Flask Solubility Assay on the Biomek FX ADMETox 

Assay Workstation 

Yu Suen, Beckman Coulter; Co-Author(s): Keith Roby, Beckman Coulter Inc.; Konstantin Tsinman, pION Inc. 

MP93 Low Pressure Microfluidic-Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) Separations 

Charles Ufomadu, California State University, Los Angeles; Co-Author: Frank A Gomez 

MP94 A Fully Automated Workstation for Testing Flow-Based Kinetic Solubility of Compounds 

Maria-Dawn Lilly, BD Biosciences; Co-Author(s): Michael Shanler, Michael Ardiff, Tim Ciolkosz, Maurice 

Kashdan, Christine Aubin, Joseph Goodwin, BD Biosciences 

MP95 Nanoliter Dispensing of Compounds into Assay Plates Using Disposable PocketTips 

Christine Brideau, Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research; Co-Author(s): Sébastien Guiral, Frédéric 

Massé, Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research; Jeffrey Karg, Doug Kroncke, nAscent Biosciences Inc.; 

Christine Brideau, Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research 

MP96 The Cobas s 201 System: Modular Automation for NAT Blood Screening of HCV, HBV, HIV, and 

West Nile Virus 

Marc Pfeifer, Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.; Co-Author(s): Josh Weinberger, Dan Bristol; Mike Takeuchi, 

Paulette Thomas, Imre Trefil, Jon Nunes 

MP97 e-nnovate e-notebook 

German Eichberger, University of California, San Diego; Co-Author(s): Farbod Rahaghi, Jared Goor, University 

of California, San Diego 

MP98 A Bead-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Device for the Detection of Vancomycin Binding 

Menake E Piyasena, California State University, Los Angeles; Co-Author: Frank A. Gomez 

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TP01 LeadStream – Galileo Integration Yields a Complete Process and Results Management Solution 

for ADME/Tox 

Robert Dunn-Dufault, Thermo Electron; Co-Author(s): Joel Usansky, Rocky Haddad, Robert DeWitte, Marta 

Kozak, Andreas Stelzer, Hansjoerg Haas 

TP02 Using Acoustic Droplet Ejection for Aqueous Samples – The Transfer of Bovine Serum Albumin 

Solutions and the Effect of Salt Concentrations 

Richard Ellson, Labcyte; Co-Author(s): Jean Shieh, Labcyte Inc., Joseph Olechno 

TP03 Centralized vs. Multi-Site Compound Management 

REMP AG; Co-Author: Michael Girardi, REMP AG 

TP04 Method Development of Liquid Chromatographic Procedures for Pharmaceutical and 

Biotechnological Entities by Use of the ExpressLC-800 Multi-channel Capillary LC System 

Nancy Elser, Eksigent Technologies; Co-Author(s): Ring-Ling Chien, David Rakestraw, Eksigent Technologies; 

David Emlyn Hughes, Chromatographic Excellence 

TP05 Automation of Radiometric Filter-Based Phosphorylation Assays Using Positive Pressure 

Marcy Engelstein, Millipore Corporation; Co-Author(s): Marcy Engelstein, Libby Kellard, Chris Barbagallo, 

Millipore Corporation; Lynn Jordan, Caliper Life Sciences 

TP06 Automation of Nucleic Acid Isolation on KingFisher Magnetic Bead Processors 

Xingwang Fang, Ambion, Inc.; Co-Author(s): Angela Burrell, Weiwei Xu, Quoc Hoang, Roy Willis, Mangeky 

Bounpheng 

TP07 Development of a Label-Free Cellular Assay for an Endogenously-Expressed GPCR Using 

Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy 

Anne T. Ferguson, MDS Sciex: Co-Author(s): Debra Gallant, Ryan McGuinness, Gordon Leung, MDS Sciex; 

Yuanping Wang, Lisa Minor, Jenson Qi, Johnson & Johnson, PRD 

TP08 Decoding Beads in a Randomly-Assembled Optical Nose 

Igor Fomenko, Amgen; Co-Author(s): Bahram G. Kermani, Illumina; Igor Fomenko, Theo Kotseroglou, Behrouz 

Forood, Lori Clark, David Barker, Michal Lebl, Illumina 

TP09 Miniaturization of Liquid Handling Procedures in High Throughput Sequencing at the Broad Institute 

Aoife Gallagher, Deerac Fluidics: Co-Author(s): Joe Graham, Sheila Fisher, Tracey Honan, Susan Faro, Broad 

Institute 

TP10 Fully Automated Sample Preparation by Using Tecan for LC/MS/MS Assay 

Huidong Gu, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Co-Author(s): Steve Unger, Yuzhong Deng, Bristol-Myers Squibb 

TP11 A Novel Label-free Electrogenic Assay Principle for Transporter Proteins 

Carsten Haber, Ion Gate Biosciences: Co-Author(s): Carsten Haber, Wolfgang Doerner, IonGate Biosciences 

GmbH 

TP12 Non-Invasive Hydration and Volume Measurements of Solutions in Storage Tubes 

Elaine Heron, Labcyte Inc.: Co-Author(s): Richard Ellson, Shehrzad Qureshi, Richard Stearns, Labcyte Inc. 

TP13 High Content Analysis of Biochemical and Cellular Assays in SensoPlate Plus Glass Bottom 

Microplates 

Ulrike Honisch, Greiner Bio-One: Co-Author(s): Rainer Heller, Greiner Bio-One GmbH; Dagmar Weber, Evotec 

Technologies GmbH, Inka Pfitzner, Biotesys GmbH; Stefan Marose, Evotec Technologies GmbH 

TP14 High Throughput Screening and Optimization of Catalytic Reactions in the Catalysis Lab at Merck 

Peter F. Huefner, Merck & Co., Inc.; Co-Author(s), J. Chris McWilliams, Chaoxian Cai 

TP15 Improving Data Quality and Productivity through Industrialized Preventative Maintenance and 

In-House Engineering Support 

Ken Hunt, Amphora Discovery Corp; Co-Author(s): Clint Walker, Larry Acquesta, Matt Orcutt, Bill Janzen, 

Sean Blake, Amphora Discovery Corp. 

TP16 Use of the Cellular Workstation System for the Automation of GPCR Cell-Based Functional 

Assays Using LANCE cAMP Technology 

Stephen Hurt, Perkinelmer Life and Analytical Sciences; Co-Author(s): Hao Xie, Hanh Le, Harry Harney, Robert 

Stanaker, Rajesh Manchanda 

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TP17 Automation of Gene Expression on Beckman Coulter’s Biomek ® 3000 Laboratory Automation 

Workstation 

Michael Gary Jackson, Beckman-Coulter; Co-Author(s): Matthew Cu, Sunghae Joo, Han-Chang Chi, Keith 

Roby, Scott Boyer, Beckman-Coulter 

TP18 Automated Nanolitre Hit-Picking Using A mosquito ® X1 Low Volume Pipettor 

Joby Jenkins, TTP LabTech; Co-Author(s): Rob Lewis, Tristan Cope, Wayne Bowen, TTP LabTech 

TP19 High Throughput 96-Well Purification of Biopharmaceuticals for Cell-Based Screening 

Mike Jones, Cambridge Antibody Technology; Co-Author(s): Debbie Pattison, Mark Lidament, John Andrews, 

Ruth Franks, Stephen Clulow 

TP20 LANCETM cAMP + EvolutionTM P3 + ViewLuxTM = uHTS 

Patricia Kasila, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences; Co-Author(s): Hao Xie, Harry Harney, Andy Raneri, 

Greg Warner 

TP21 Automating Medium to High Throughput Drug Transport Assays 

Libby Kellard, Millipore; Co-Author(s): Andrew Arena, Matt Wilgo, Jason Blodgett 

TP22 Automation of a Luminex Immunoassay for Measuring Antibodies to Human Papillomavirus 

Types 6, 11, 16, and 18 Following Vaccination with Gardasil 

Sheri Kelly, Merck Research Laboratories; Co-Author(s): Tina Green, Jeff Van Doren, Derek Puchalski, Patricia 

Boerckel, Naren Chirmule, Mark Esser, Vaccine and Biologics Research 

TP23 Rapid Volume Verification in High-Density Microtiter Plates Using Dual-Dye Photometry 

Tanya R. Knaide, ARTEL; Co-Author(s): John Thomas Bradshaw, Benjamin W. Spaulding, Alex Rogers, Ceara 

McNally 

TP24 Compound Management at Evotec AG – be Flexible 

Steffen Koehler, EVOTEC AG 

TP25 Embracing the Unattainable: Creating an Integrated Electronic Environment for Analytical 

Laboratories 

Joseph Kofman, Pfizer; Co-Author: Todd Baumgartner 

TP26 Ventilated Robotic Enclosures for Product and Personal Protection in High-Throughput Laboratories 

Saikalyan Kotha, Flow Sciences; Co-Author(s): Ray Ryan, Douglas B. Walters, KCP Inc. 

TP27 A Simple and Compact Liquid Handler/Centrifuge Integration. 

Steve Lappin, Amgen; Co-Author: Alex Mladenovic, Amgen Inc 

TP28 Automated Multiplexed Cell-Based Assays for High-Throughput Drug Discovery 

Brad Larson, Promega Corporation; Co-Author(s): Tracy Worzella, Promega Corporation, Siegfried Sasshofer, 

Tecan; Aoife Gallagher, Deerac Fluidics 

TP29 Utilization of the ATPlite 1step Detection System for Homogenous Automated Cytotoxicity Assays 

Hanh Le, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences; Co-Author(s): Harry Harney, Stephen Hurt, Robert 

Stanaker, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences; Rajesh Manchanda 

TP30 Automated Dispensing of Solid Powders and Viscous Reagents: Enabling Solutions for Material 

Discovery, Development and Optimization 

Anthony Lemmo, Entevis Inc 

TP31 Optimization of A Robotic System For Automation Of Peptide Array Printing 

Sophia Liang, Aurora Biomed; Co-Author(s): David Wicks, Joy Goswami, Dong Liang, Aurora Biomed Inc. 

TP32 High-Throughput Automation of a Dual Reporter Assay in Low-Volume 384 & 1536-Well Plate 

Formats Using the Deerac Fluidics’ Equator HTS- Eight Tip Pipetting System, Promega’s 

Chroma-Luc Technology, and BMG LABTECH’s PHERAstar Microplate Reader 

David Lorenz, Deerac Fluidics; Co-Author(s): Aoife Gallagher, Deerac Fluidics; Brad Larson, Tracy Worzella, 

Michael Bjerke, Promega Corporation; Eric Matthews, BMG Labtech 

TP33 High Throughput Raman Spectroscopy: Integrating the Analysis into the Laboratory 

Stephen Lowry, Thermo Electron Corporation; Co-Author(s): Dave Dalrymple, Garry Ritter, Thermo Electron 

Corporation 

TP34 Keeping DMSO Concentration Below 0.5% to Minimize its Effect in HTS Assays 

David Koechlein, Deerac Fluidics; Co-Author(s): Jean Shieh, Labcyte Inc., Aoife Gallagher, Deerac Fluidics 

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TP35 Identification of the G-protein Coupling Mechanism of GPCRs Using a Label-free Live-Cell Assay 

Julia Michelotti, MDS Sciex; Co-Author(s): Roger Tang, Ed Verdonk, Krystal Johnson, Gordon Leung, Ryan 

McGuinness, MDS Sciex 

TP36 Label-Free Detection of Biomolecular Interactions for HTS 

Dana Moss, Corning Incorporated 

TP37 Automated Specimen Transportation Increases Productivity 

Donald J. Nagy, California Computer Research, Inc; Co-Author: Tadahiro Kawada, Kawada Indurties Inc. 

TP38 Automated Tissue Homogenization – A Novel “Touch-less” Solution for High-Throughput Tissue 

Preparations 

Johanna Neumayer, Xiril AG, Co-Author(s): Ralf Bartl, Thomas Oberholzer, Xiril AG; Franz Bucher, Hans 

Werhonig, MedicTools AG 

TP39 Development of an Automated High-Throughput Assay to Measure Amyloid’s Peptides Using 

Meso Scale Discovery Electrochemiluminescence Detection 

Robert Newman, Merck Sharp And Dohme; Co-Author(s): Samentha Ellis, Julie Kerby, Mathew Leveridge, 

Peter Simpson, Carmel Nanthakumar, Kevin Moore, Merck, Sharp and Dohme 

TP40 DETECT-X: an Automated Microscope for Bulk Crystal Contrast Enhancement 

Peter Nollert, deCODE biostructures; Co-Author(s): Mark Mixon, Stuart Bowers, Brendan Gan, deCODE 

biostructures; Geetha Rao, Norgren Systems; Larry Nickell, Appalachian Electronic Instruments; Lance 

Stewart, deCODE biostructures 

TP41 Powder Dispensing – The Challenge for Automation New Technologies in Powder Dispensing 

Clifford Olson, Zinsser Analytic; Co-Author, Werner Zinsser, Zinsser Analytic 

TP42 Parallel Liquid chromatography to increase throughput for ADME and DMPK studies 

Tom Onofrey, Nanostream; Co-Author: Paren Patel, Nanostream, Inc. 

TP43 Let the Robot Do the Work: Completely Automated Biological Sample Preparation 

Joe Palandra, Pfizer; Co-Author(s): Dave Weller, Lisa Buchholz; Pfizer PDM 

TP44 The Cobas s 401 System: High-Throughput Automation for Simultaneous Screening of HCV, HBV 

and HIV Nucleic Acids in Plasma Samples 

Marc Pfeifer, Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.; Co-Author(s): Bruno Alessandri, Roche Instrument Center AG, 

Chris Parkhouse, Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.; Judith Pinsl-Ober, Peter Wenzig, Roche Diagnostics GmbH 

TP45 PureLink 96 Purification Kits: High-throughput isolation of nucleic acid suitable for all 

downstream applications 

Nick Price, Invitrogen Corporation; Co-Author(s): Byung-in Lee, Lansha Peng, Karl H. Hecker 

TP46 Using Aurora Discovery’s BioRAPTR FRD for Improved Performance of High-Throughput Bead- 

Based Assays 

Giovanna Prout, Aurora Discovery, Inc. 

TP47 Impact of an Automated Solubility Workflow on Pharmaceutical Process Research and 

Development at Bristol-Myers Squibb 

Jun Qiu, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Co-Author(s): Erik Rubin, Edward Delaney 

TP48 Quantitative Evaluation and Comparison of Piezoelectric and Acoustic Nanoliter Dispense 

Technologies 

Catherine Quintero, Merck; Co-Author(s): Craig Rosenstein, Richard E. Middleton, Ilona Kariv, Merck 

TP49 Automated Centralized Solvent Delivery/ Waste Removal System 

Michael Raimo, Arqule Inc. 

TP50 Non-Invasive Fluid Property Measurements Using Acoustic Methods 

Charles Reichel, EDC Biosystems; Co-Author(s): Michael Forbush, Humphrey Chow, James Chiao, 

Andrew Rose 

TP51 High-Throughput Automation for RNA Isolation From Blood Stabilized in PAXgene 

Blood RNA Tubes Allows State-of-the-Art Gene Expression Profiling 

Thomas Rothmann, Qiagen Gmbh; Co-Author(s): Thorsten Voss, Ralf Wyrich, Daniel Langendörfer, 

PreAnalytiX; Uwe Oelmüller, Lynne Rainen, PreAnalytiX 

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TP52 A Flexible Solution for High-Speed Sample Cherry-Picking From Frozen Storage 

Jas Sanghera, TTP LabTech; Co-Author(s): Richard Shaw, Simon Tullet, Joby Jenkins, TTP LabTech 

TP53 A Rapid Global Access System for High Throughput Automation 

Jim Schools, Biosero, Inc; Co-Author: Tom Gilman, Biosero, Inc. 

TP54 Automated Solutions for Total RNA Isolation from Diverse Sample Types 

Paula Selley, Glaxosmithkline; Co-Author(s): Jay Strum, Jimmy Bruner, Ginger Smith, Frank Maurio, Michelle K. 

Graham, GlaxoSmithKline 

TP55 Automation of Results Validity Checking on the m2000 Real Time PCR System 

Eric Shain, Abbott Molecular 

TP56 Nucleic Acid Purification From a Variety of Biological Samples Using ChargeSwitch ® Technology 

in Coated Plate Format DNA 

Research Innovations Ltd; Co-Author (s): M. Crow, M. Baker 

TP57 System Management Tools for a High Throughput Open Access UPLC/MS System Used During 

the Analysis of Thousands of Samples 

Darcy Shave, Waters Corporation; Co-Author(s): Warren Potts, Michael D. Jones, Paul Lefebvre, Rob Plumb 

TP58 Integrating a Matrix 2X2 with A Tecan Genesis System 

Stephen Skwish, Merck & Company Inc.; Co-Author: Don Conway, Merck & Co., Inc. 

TP59 Using Plasma Technology to Clean Pipettes: Analysis of Bacteria and Yeast Removal 

Tia Smallwood, CerionX; Co-Author: Paul Hensley, Cerionx 

TP60 Enabling Technologies for High Throughput Fabrication of Polymer Microfluidic Devices with 

Integrated Metal 

Electrodes N Somasiri, 3M Company; Co-Author(s): Robert Wilson, David Moses, Steven Johnson, Mark 

Richmond, Paul Huynh 

TP61 High Throughput Nanoliter Dispensing Using NanoHead Technology 

Robert Stanaker, Perkin Elmer; Co-Author(s): Len Dugad, James Clark 

TP62 An Automated Method for the Isolation of Genomic DNA from Whole Blood using Beckman 

Coulter’s Biomek ® Laboratory Automation Workstations and Agencourt’s ® Genfind DNA 

Isolation Kit 

Olaf Stelling, Agencourt Bioscience Corp.; Co-Author(s): Dustin Giberson, Kimberly Sparks, Agencourt 

Bioscience Corp., A Beckman Coulter Company; Lakeisha Tillery, Martina Werner, Erik Gustafson, Agencourt 

Bioscience Corp., A Beckman Coulter Company; Kelly Marshall, Laura Pajak, Beckman Coulter, Inc. 

TP63 High-Throughput Intrinsic Clearance Studies with Thermo’s LeadStream ADME/Tox Solution 

Andreas Stelzer, Thermo Electron; Co-Author(s): Marta Kozak, Robert DeWitte, Robert Dunn-Dufault, 

Hansjoerg Haas 

TP64 Automated Fast-Bead Synthesis of Small Peptides 

Joni Stevens, Gilson, Inc.; Co-Author(s): Mark Muncey, Greg Robinson, Norbert Wodke 

TP65 LLEX and SPEX, Two Work Tools for Control of Tecan Robots During Development of Liquid- 

Liquid and Solid Phase Extraction Methods 

Henrik Svennberg, Astrazeneca R&D Molndal; Co-Author(s): Anna-Karin Norlén, Michael Wirth Färdigh 

TP66 Positive Sample ID and Tracking with the JANUS Robotic Liquid Handling System 

Bruce Tyley, PerkElmer Life Sciences; Co-Author, Lois Tack 

TP67 Recent Developments in High-Throughput Analysis and Purification by LC/MS and SFC/MS at 

Pfizer La Jolla 

Kathleen Tivel, Pfizer Global R&D; Co-Author(s): Yunwen Chiu, Loanne Chung, Brad De Bruler, Christine 

Aurigemma, Jeff Elleraas, William Farrell 

TP68 The Optimisation of Semi-Solid Media for High-Throughput Screening and Picking of 

Mammalian Cells 

Mark Truesdale, Genetix; Co-Author(s): Irene Bramke, Chris Mann, Julian F Burke 

TP69 Description of a “Data-centric” Approach to a Fully Integrated Protein Crystallization System 

Paige Vinson, Thermo Electron Corporation 

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TP70 Effective Mixing in 384-Well Micro Titer Plates 

Leslie Walling, Amgen Inc.; Co-Author(s): Craig Schulz, Tim Romig, Mike Johnson, Nelson Carramanzana, 

Amgen 

TP71 A High Throughput Approach for Rapidly Identifying Knockdown of Gene Expression for 

Functional Profiling of Biological Processes 

Danhui Wang, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation; Co-Author(s): Derek Douglas, Carol Kreader, Jennifer Van Dinther, 


TP72 Automated Library Screening Using an In Vitro Plasmid Amplification System on the Eppendorf 

Workstation 

Jennifer Halcome, Eppendorf-5 Prime, Inc.; Co-Author(s): JaNae Myers, George Halley, Lars E Peters, 

Eppendorf - 5 Prime, Inc.; Tatiana Oustich, University of Colorado Health Science Center 

TP73 The BioRobot ® Universal System – Multiple Applications on One Instrument 

Thomas Weierstall, QIAGEN Gmbh; Co-Author(s): Anja Schultz, QIAGEN GmbH; Martin Heller, QIAGEN 

Instruments AG; Carola Schade, QIAGEN GmbH 

TP74 Fully Automated Catalyst Screening in the Micro Plate Format 

Christian Wendler, Celisca; Co-Author(s): Arne Allwardt, Kerstin Thurow, Celisca 

TP75 Pathways for Biological Reagent Quality and Workflow Tracking (CIMS) 

Julian Willmott, White Carbon 

TP76 Kinase Assay Optimization and Profiling in uHTS Format 

Tracy Worzella, Promega Corporation; Co-Author(s): Brad Larson, Aoife Gallagher, Phillip Hassell, Deerac 

Fluidics 

TP77 High-Throughput Detection of Human Cytokines Using Fluorescent Multiplex SearchLight Assay 

Susan Yan, Pierce Biotechnology; Co-Author(s): Scott Van Arsdell, Christine Burns 

TP78 Automated ESCi LC/MS/MS Quantification Protocol Applied for Microsome Stability Test in Drug 

Discovery 

Kate Yu, Waters Corporation; Co-Author(s): Peter Alden, Rob Plumb, Waters Corporation; Li Di, Susan Li, 

Edward Kerns, Wyeth Research; Paul Chilvers, Waters Micromass UK Limited 

TP79 Validation of HIV-1 Genotype on the Protedyne BioCube 

Sutian Zhu, Quest Diagnostics: Co-Author(s): Jamie Platt, Greg Putignani. Michelle McGill, Kevin Chen, 

Hasnah Hamdan, Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 

TP80 Automated Target Preparation for GeneChip* Arrays Using the ArrayPlex Application on 

Beckman Coulter’s Biomek ® 3000 Laboratory Automation Workstation 

Zhu Zhu, Beckman Coulter, Inc.; Co-Author(s): Laura Pajak 

TP81 A Total Solution to Provide High Content Primary and Secondary Screening of a Compound 

Library 

Wayne Bowen, TTP LabTech; Co-Author(s): Ben Schenker, TTP LabTech; Ian Yates, Velocity11 

TP82 Fully Automated Extraction of gDNA From up to 10mL Whole Blood 

Chris Bridge, DNA Research Innovations Ltd; Co-Author(s): A. Potts, T. Stevenson, M. Baker 

TP83 qNPATM Gene Expression Cell and Tissue-based Assays for Target Validation, Screening, EC50- 

Based Assessment and Optimization of Efficacy, Specificity, Metabolism and Safety 

Bruce Seligmann, HTG; Co-Author: Ralph Martell, HTG Tucson 

TP84 Establishment of an Automated Procedure for Viral RNA Isolation From Cell-Free Bovine 

Samples 

Kerstin Thurow, University Rostock; Co-Author(s): Daniel Haller, Norbert Stoll, Celisca 

TP85 Development and Use of IsoCyteTM-HTS: A High Throughput Platform for Single Cell and Clonal 

Analysis 

Evan F. Cromwell, Blueshift Biotechnologies, Co-Author(s): Steven C. Miller, Blueshift Biotechnologies; Paul B. 

Comita, Chris B. Shumate, Paul Tam 

TP86 Next Generation Automated Emitted Dose Testing System 

Peter Greenhalgh, Astech Projects ltd; Co-Author: Anthony Moran 

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TP87 Establishment of an Automated Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay 

Stefanie Hagemann, Center for Life Science Automation, Co-Author(s): Ilka Schneider, Paul Stoll 

TP88 Extraction and Centrifugation of Proteins in a Modular Microsystem 

Frithjof von Germar, Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH; Co-Author(s): Frank Doffing, Frithjof V. Germar, 

Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH 

TP89 The Design and Development of a Gas Chromatography Column Chip With High Efficiency 

Wanli Xing, Tsinghua University School of Medicine; Co-Author(s): Dong Liang, Tsinghua University; 

Qiang Peng, Tsinghua University; Zhongyao Yu, National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip 

Technology; Jing Cheng, Tsinghua University School of Medicine 

TP90 Verifying Volume Dispensing Device Performance for Complex and/or Non-Aqueous Reagents: A 

New Approach 

Keith Albert, Artel Marketing R&D; Co-Author(s): John Thomas Bradshaw, Tanya R. Knaide, Alexis L. Rogers 

TP91 A Bead-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Device for the Detection of Vancomycin Binding 

Menake E Piyasena, California State University, Los Angeles; Co-Author: Frank A. Gomez 

TP92 1536-Well Non-Contact Dispense of YOx Imaging SPA Beads 

Justin Murray, Merck & Co. Inc.; Co-Author(s): Jason Cassaday, Phil Moravec, Merck & Co. Inc.; Carissa 

Ohart, Kelly Scientific Resources; Tarak Shah, Merck & Co. Inc. 

TP93 Fast Chiral Column Screening and Evaluation With the CCS Wizard 

Holger Gumm, Sepiatec GmbH 

45 

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Notes 


46

Podium Abstracts 


Plenary Sessions Page 48 

Track 1 Detection & Separation Page 50 

Track 2 Micro-and Nanotechnologies Page 60 

Track 3 High-Throughput Technologies Page 70 

Track 4 Informatics Page 80 

Track 5 Frontiers Beyond BioPharma Page 90 

47 

Key to Cross-Track 

Focus Areas 

To identify sessions in these 

cross-track focus areas, 

look for these icons in the 

program schedule: 



Systems Integration


8:15 am Monday, January 23, 2006 Plenary Session Room: Primrose Ballroom 


Kurt Wüthrich 

Federal Institute of Technology 

Zurich, Switzerland 

wuthrich@scripps.edu 


This session will address research interests in molecular structural biology, and in structural genomics with a specialty in nuclear magnetic 

resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with biological macromolecules. Dr. Wüthrich contributed the NMR method of three dimensional structure 

determination of proteins and nucleic acids in solution. His many awards and honorary degrees include recognition by the Prix Louis 

Jeantet de Médecine, the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology, and the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. 

9:15 am Monday, January 23, 2006 Plenary Session Room: Primrose Ballroom 


Harold Craighead 

Cornell University 

Ithaca, New York 

hgc1@cornell.edu 


Dr. Craighead’s talk will address some of the developing technologies in nanofluidics and approaches that may have an impact on future 

analytical methods. He will explore how technologies continue to advance for creating structures and simple devices with dimensions at 

the nanometer scale. Will these capabilities, which can access the molecular scale, enable new approaches to chemical analysis? He will 

address some of the developing technologies in nanofluidics and approaches that may have impact on future analytical methods. 

48


8:30 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Plenary Session Room: Primrose Ballroom 


William S. Rees 

Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency 

william.rees@dhs.gov 


This will highlight the existing programs within HSARPA pertaining to the chemical countermeasures portfolio. There will also be material 

outlining any future solicitations. 

9:15 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Plenary Session Room: Primrose Ballroom 


Ruth West 



rwest@ncmir.ucsd.edu 

Artistic Approaches to High-Dimensional Visualization: The Ecce Homology Project 

Vast amounts of genomic data are created as part of the genome sequencing efforts ongoing globally. This high-throughput data production 

facilitates a shift from hypothesis-driven to discovery-based science. With this shift comes the need to create ways of extracting information 

and deriving knowledge from ever-increasing amounts of data continued in world-wide databases. Ecce Homology is an artwork that 

offers an alternative approach to visualizing and interacting with large amounts of genomic data. This physically interactive new-media 

work visualizes genetic data as calligraphic forms. A novel computer-vision interface allows multiple participants, through their movement 

in the installation space, to select genes from the human genome for visualizing the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), a primary 

algorithm in comparative genomics. The project also demonstrates the potential for novelty that collaboration between the arts and sciences 

can create and the possibility for the arts to nurture discovery in the sciences. For more information please visit: http://www.insilicov1.org 

49


1:30 pm Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Plenary Session Room: Primrose Ballroom 


E.L. Kersten 

Despair, Inc. 

Demotivation: The State of the Art 

After intense, thought-provoking days of discussion, end your LabAutomation2006 experience with a less intense, yet still thoughtprovoking, 

discussion of the art of demotivation. It’ll make you think. But, more importantly, it’ll make you laugh. 

Explore this mirthful topic with E. L. Kersten, who started his career as a university professor, but left academia to join an internet startup. 

We all know how that field ended up. Needless to say, his experience there was tumultuous and transformational, ultimately inspiring the 

birth of Despair, Inc. 

Kersten promises a review of how visionary companies are using demotivational techniques to transform their workforces. Do they truly 

work? You be the judge … 

10:30 am Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 1: Detection & Separation Room: Catalina 


Christopher L. Hendrickson 

Co-Author(s) 

Florida State University 

Greg Blakney 

Tallahassee, Florida 

Mark Emmett 

hendrick@magnet.fsu.edu 

Sasa Kazazic 

John Quinn 

Ryan P. Rodgers 

Tanner M. Schaub 

Alan G. Marshall 

National High Magnetic Field Laboratory 

Automated Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry: Ultrahigh 

Resolution and Part-per-Billion Mass Accuracy 

We describe automated analysis of multiple samples by high field (9.4 and 14.5 tesla) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) 

mass spectrometry. Mass resolving power is routinely greater than 100,000 at 1 Hz scan rate, and can exceed one million as necessary. 

Accurate mass can be achieved by use of an internal calibrant (typically ~100 parts-per-billion rms error for petroleum samples at 9.4 T) or by 

combination of external calibration and automatic gain control (AGC) of the number of ions injected into the ICR trap (typically ~500 ppb for 

broadband and >50 ppb for single ion monitoring at 14.5 T). Several MS/MS fragmentation techniques are available and complementary, 

including collisionally-activated (CAD in the linear trap), infrared multiphoton (IRMPD in the ICR cell), and electron capture dissociation 

(ECD in the ICR cell). Rapid dissociation and sensitive mass selection facilitate MS/MS at 1 Hz while high field maintains ultrahigh resolving 

power. Representative applications include petrochemical analysis in support of deepwater oil production and proteome profiling (with 

an electrospray robot), and hydrogen-deuterium exchange LC MS for elucidation of protein binding sites (with programmable sample 

handling). Work supported by NSF CHE-99-09502, Thermo Electron Corporation, Florida State University, and the National High Magnetic 

Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, FL. 

50




Anthony Tsarbopoulos 

Co-Author(s) 

University of Patras 

Fotini Bazoti 

GAIA Research Center 

Kifissia, Greece 

University of Patras 

atsarbop@gnhm.gr 

Jonas Bergquist 

Karin Markides 

Uppsala University 

Evaluation of Natural Products Towards the Prevention and Treatment of 

Alzheimer’s Disease 

The continuing demographic shift of population towards an older society has led to a growing prevalence of chronic age-related diseases in 

all industrialized countries. Development of degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), associated with neurodegeneration, 

massive brain cell loss, loss of cognitive ability and premature death, has a major impact on health along with economical ramifications 

in Western world. Even though the cause of AD remains ambiguous, one of the prevailing hypotheses has centered on the amyloid beta 

protein (Aâ)-containing senile plaques, with oxidative stress being the main mechanism proposed to justify Áâ’s aggregation. 

In light of the suggested link between oxidative stress and AD, it is proposed that endogenous antioxidants or dietary derived compounds 

may offer an ideal therapeutic regime for protection against the risk of this disease. In this presentation, the formation of noncovalent 

complexes of Aâ with endogenous antioxidants, such as melatonin, and certain bioactive phytochemicals, derived from plants endemic 

in Mediterranean flora, has been demonstrated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI MS) analysis. Several experimental 

parameters which affect the stability and specificity of the noncovalent complexes have been examined, while the binding site of the 

antioxidant on Aâ has been identified by proteolytic mapping combined with FTICR-ESI MS analysis. These data along with NMR data on 

the Aâ residues which are involved in the noncovalent interaction may shed some light into the mechanisms of AD pathology and provide 

insights into novel agents that can be employed towards prevention or even treatment of AD. 



Gary Kruppa 

Co-Author(s) 

Bruker Daltonics Inc. 

Manfred Spraul 

Fremont, California 

Peter Neidig 

gary.kruppa@bdal.com 

Hartmut Schaefer 

Bruker Biospin 

Gabriela Zurek 

Carsten Baessmann 

Bruker Daltonik 

Investigation of Metabolite Profiles in Human Urine by ESI-oaTOF and 

Quadrupole Ion Trap MS 

The quantitative measurement of the time-related multi-parametric metabolic response of living systems to pathophysiological stimuli 

or genetic modification is of great current interest for possible applications in biomarker discovery, clinical diagnostics and other areas. 

Measuring metabolites in urine is of special interest since metabolic endpoints can be monitored and urine samples can be obtained 

non-invasively from animals and humans. We describe here an automated and high-throughput method for extracting this important 

biochemical information using mass spectrometry. The method uses accurate mass data from a high resolution ESI-TOF, which provides a 

tool to directly generate molecular formulas of metabolites. This data is analyzed using multivariate statistical tools e.g. principal component 

analysis. Retention time information combined with accurate mass data are used to identify important biochemicals, which are shown 

to be statistically significant in describing the changes to the living system. MSn data adds complementary structural information when 

identification cannot be made using the molecular formula and retention time. In order to obtain consistent and meaningful statistical data 

from the typically noisy LC-MS chromatograms, an appropriate method for extracting peaks from the chromatograms is required. We have 

been evaluating various chromatographic peak finding techniques for this purpose. 

51


12:00 pm Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 1: Detection & Separation Room: Catalina 


John E. P. Syka 

Co-Author(s) 

Thermo Electron Co./University of Virginia 

Joshua C. Coon, University of Wisconsin 

Charlottesville, Virginia 

john.syka@thermo.com 

Beatrix M. Ueberheide, Rockefeller University 

An Ch, University of Virginia 

Lewis Y. Geer, National Library of Medicine NIH 

Leann M. Hopkins, Dina L. Bai, Donald F. Hunt, University of Virginia 

Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD): Extending the Reach of Mass Spectrometry in 

Peptide and Protein Analysis 

Electron transfer dissociation (ETD) has rapidly developed into a powerful analytical technique. We have modified a Finnigan LTQ RF 2D 

ion trap mass spectrometer by adapting a negative ion chemical ionization source to the back end of the instrument and by modifying the 

2D trap electronics to allow charge sign independent ion confinement during ion/ion reactions. Under software control, various CAD, ETD 

and proton transfer charge reduction (PTR) events can be incorporated into a basic MS/MS experiment by insertion of the appropriate 

ion manipulation steps We have identified reagent ions that provide electron transfer efficiencies exceeding 70%, as well as ion source 

compatible PTR reagent anions enabling such experiments to be performed at analytically useful sample levels within the context of online 

LC MS/MS analyses. Phosphorylated peptides exhibit facile loss of phosphoric acid in CAD. ETD, like ECD (electron capture dissociation), 

yields c/z type fragmentation without loss of CAD labile moieties and generally yields product ions representing most all backbone cleavage 

sites. We have demonstrated the utility of ETD in the analysis of phosphopeptides via data-dependent LC MS/MS analysis of a whole yeast 

lysate sample. We also have found that data dependent LC MS/MS with ETD/PTR very effective for the analysis of the complex mixtures of 

variably post-translationally modified Histone peptides. This ETD/PTR technique has also been applied to small proteins to yield respective 

N and C terminal c/z type ion series which can be utilized for direct identification of the precursor via data base search. 



Tom Lloyd 

Wyeth Research 

Collegeville, Pennsylvania 

lloydt@wyeth.com 

Flexible Automation Tools for Compound Optimization and Pre-Clinical Drug 

Metabolism 

A variety of automation tools ranging from standalone workstations, to integrated robotics systems, to on-line LC/MS/MS systems will be 

discussed. Examples will be presented of how these tools are applied in support of in vivo and in vitro studies at different stages of drug 

development. Rapid extraction, incubation and LC/MS/MS method development tools will be discussed including a generic turbulent 

flow chromatography assay, multiplexing, parallel chromatography, and versatile on-line analysis systems. Applications will include protein 

binding, CYP450 in vitro assays and PK analysis including working with whole blood and homogenized brain tissue. 

52




Jing-Tao Wu 

Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. 


wu@mpi.com 

Faster and Closer: Useful New Technologies for ADME Studies 

Several practically useful new technologies were developed and implemented to support ADME studies at Millennium. These technologies 

effectively helped to improve the productivity and capability of bioanalysis in support of ADME activities. Some of the examples that will 

be presented include focused acoustic device for tissue sample homogenization, the use of surrogate matrix in tissue quantitation, UPLC, 

FAIMS, and directionization techniques. 



Daniel B. Kassel 

Takeda San Diego, Inc. 

San Diego, California 

daniel.kassel@takedasd.com 

An Efficient Engine for Delivering High Quality ADME/PK in Support of Lead Generation 

and Lead Optimization 

Assessment of physicochemical and pharmacological properties is now conducted at very early stages of drug discovery for the purpose 

of accelerating the conversion of hits and leads into qualified development candidates. In particular, in vitro Absorption, Distribution, 

Metabolism, and Elimination (ADME) assays and in vivo Drug Metabolism Pharmacokinetic (DMPK) studies are being conducted 

throughout the discovery process, from hit generation through lead optimization, with the goal of reducing the attrition rate of these 

potential drug candidates as they progress through development. 

Because the continuing trend in drug discovery has been to access ADME information earlier and earlier in the discovery process, the 

need has arisen within the analytical community to introduce faster and better analytical methods to enhance the “developability” of drug 

leads. Strategies for streamlined ADME assessment of drug candidates in discovery and pre-clinical development are presented within. 

Highlighted in the presentation are: A) high throughput, streamlined mass spectrometry-based data acquisition methods to assess both 

CYP metabolism and CYP inhibition, B) automated data processing tools to facilitate data analysis and reporting. 

53




Claude Dufresne 

Co-Author(s) 

Merck Research Laboratories 

Chris Napolitano 

Rahway, New Jersey 

Sal Siciliano 

c_dufresne@merck.com 

Jesus Martin 

Scott Feighner 

Don Conway 

Neal Simpson 

Gary Kath 

The implementation of Remp Tube Storage Technology in support of Lead 

Optimization Processes. 

Over the past decade, many improvements have been made in automating and operating high throughput screening facilities, in the ‘hit 

discovery’ phase of the drug discovery process. In comparison, relatively less attention has been paid to its downstream cousin, the ‘lead 

optimization’ phase. As part of a larger initiative to apply intelligent industrialization to a greater number of processes, we have setup a 

Facility for Automation and Screening Technology (‘FAST’) dedicated to supporting processes at the interface of medicinal chemistry and 

biology laboratories. 

Part of this operation consists of storing samples from active chemistry programs for rapid turnaround in order to provide assay-ready 

plates to various therapeutic area biology groups. We selected the concept of multi-access tube racks as the basis of this storage. We 

then implemented it using a REMP Small Size Store (SSS) which integrates a Tube Punching Module to handle the capped mini-tubes. 

For the final integration into our liquid handling systems, we designed a custom automation instrument that integrates a REMP 8 channel 

manual decapper with a REMP 2D Reatrix Barcode reader. This poster will describe how the technology is integrated and used. 

10:30 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 1: Detection & Separation Room: Catalina 


Terry D. Lee 

Co-Author(s) 

Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope 

Jason Shih, Jun Xie, California Institute of Technology 

Duarte, California 

tdlee@coh.org 

Yunan Miao, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope 

Yu-Chong Tai, California Institute of Technology 

Chip Based Liquid Chromatography Systems 

In recent years, there has been considerable research devoted to the development of microfluidic platforms capable of performing 

small-scale separations. Nearly every type of electrophoretic or electrokinetic driven separation has been demonstrated in a chip-based 

platform including: capillary electrophoresis (CE), isoelectric focusing (IEF), micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), and capillary 

electrochemical chromatography (CEC). This reflects a strong preference among researchers in the field for approaches where processes 

can be controlled simply by adjusting voltage potentials at different points in the microfluidic system. Despite this considerable advantage 

and the progress that has been made, there are a number of drawbacks, including the need to work with very high voltages; a strong 

dependence of performance on the nature of the solvent system; limits to the range of sample types that can be analyzed; and difficulties 

with interfacing to MS. LC is still the method of choice for many applications including many analytical methods in the field of proteomics. 

Some progress has been made towards performing HPLC separations in chip-based platforms, but in most instances, a conventional 

LC pumping system is used to provide the pressurized flow. We now report the fabrication of a chip based LC system where all of the 

components including sample and solvent pumps, gradient mixer, reverse phase column, and electrospray source are contained on a single 

chip. Key to the design is the use of an electrochemical pumping system capable of providing the high pressures required for adequate 

LC separations. When interfaced to an ion trap mass spectrometer, the system is capable of performing LC-MS/MS analyses of complex 

peptide mixtures, with results comparable to those obtained with state-of-the-art commercial systems. This presentation will also include 

discussion of issues related to accurate flow control and gradient formation, and the interface to MALDI mass spectrometry. 

54




Anders Nordstrom 

Co-Author(s) 

The Scripps Research Institute 

Gary Siuzdak 


andersn@scripps.edu 

The Scripps Research Institute Center for Mass Spectrometry 

Enhancing Desorption/Ionization on Silicon Mass Spectrometry (DIOS-MS) 

Desorption/Ionization on Silicon (DIOS) is a versatile platform for protein identification and characterization as well as small molecule 

analysis. The DIOS technique offers high tolerance towards salts, buffers and complicated matrices. Moreover, the DIOS surface can be 

tailored to selective capture and enrich particular species and in this manner provide a means of both sample preparation and analysis. 

Recent experiments illustrate that perfluorinated DIOS surfaces can be doped with perfluorinated surfactants (carboxylic and sulfonic acids) 

to further enhance its mass analysis capabilities. This stands in contrast to the general view that surfactants are suppressing agents when 

combined with mass spectrometry. The implications for characterizing the desorption/ionization mechanism, the use of surfactants and the 

prospects of further improvement of DIOS utility will be addressed 



Rachel Loo 

Co-Author(s) 

University of California-Los Angeles 

Yanan Yang 

Los Angeles, California 

Pinmanee Boontheung 

rloo@mednet.ucla.edu 

Joseph Loo 

Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Side-to-Side Proteomics With Virtual 2D Gels 

Bottom-up proteomics strategies identify proteins in complex mixtures, but discard most information revealing protein isoforms, 

modifications, and unanticipated processing. Top-down proteomics strategies retain much of this information when providing both 

accurate intact mass and sequence data, but rely on compatible protein separation technologies lacking the resolution, broad applicability, 

and interlaboratory reproducibility of gel-based methods. Combining top-down and bottom-up assets, “Virtual 2D gel electrophoresis” 

links isoform-specific measurements accessed by 2D gels (e.g., antibody binding, carbohydrate composition, synthesis/degradation rate, 

abundance, enzymatic activity) to unambiguous identifications. 

Long a challenge for mass spectrometry, measurements of polyacrylamide gel-isolated intact proteins are acquired by Virtual 2D Gel 

Electrophoresis, by directly mass-analyzing dried isoelectric focusing (IEF) gels. Essentially, MALDI-MS replaces the SDS-PAGE 2nd 

dimension of classical 2D Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE), producing data for direct comparison to stained classical 2D 

gels. Once linked to individual 2D spots, mass measurements achieve enduring utility, relevant to every subsequent and previous 2D gel 

analysis, dramatically reducing proteomic workloads and increasing the probability that data will further knowledge. Our examination of high 

density lipoproteins (HDL) suggested annotations for 20 year-old 2D gels and exposed previously unknown glycosylation. 

MALDI-MS determined intact masses are linked to unambiguous protein identities by: 

Top-Down: MALDI In-Source Dissociation 

Bottom-Up: Tryptic Digest and MALDI-MS/MS from IEF Gel 

Side-to-Side: MALDI-MS from IEF. Identify from correspondence to known spot on classical 2D PAGE. 

Applications to < 3 to 100 kDa proteins in microbial and mammalian cell cultures, human HDL, and small, precious tissue samples will be 

discussed. 

55


12:00 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 1: Detection & Separation Room: Catalina 


Gary Valaskovic 

New Objective, Inc. 

Woburn, Massachusetts 

garyv@newobjective.com 

Advances in Nanospray for Protein Identification: Improving Performance through 

Optimized Microfluidic Connections and Automation 

Nanospray MS, coupled to nanobore LC, is the predominant method for the mass spectrometry identification of complex proteins 

mixtures. Critical parameters such as sensitivity and reproducibility are key considerations in the transition from qualitative identification 

to quantitative biomarker methodology. Here we present two technologies to improve the data quality and reproducibility of nanospray: a 

machine vision automated electrospray source and a novel scheme for micro-fluidic capillary connections. 

The automated source is capable of providing uniform MS response from tip-to-tip position variations. Using an image library scheme the 

system is able to locate the position of a spray plume and maintain the plume in a reference position. Thus differences in spray angle or 

position are eliminated when experimental conditions change. 

As column bore decreases (?100 um), conventional ferrule fittings are limited by mechanical tolerance; tubing is also vulnerable to rotational 

shear forces and over-tightening. Novel elastomer-core, micro-fluidic, coupling elements eliminate connector dead volume, maintain axial tubing 

alignment, and support high pressures. Robust connections are verifiable by direct observation with unions fabricated from optically clear 

materials. These fittings improve both chromatographic performance and improve emitter lifetime. Operation at pressures in excess of 9,000 psi 

has been demonstrated, and the unions have proven suitable in the connection of 20 um ID monolithic columns to fused-silica emitters. 



Scott Patterson 

Co-Author 

Amgen, Inc. 

Thousand Oaks, California 

spatters@amgen.com 

Sid Suggs 

Applying Biomarkers to Early Drug Development 

Early drug development, the stage when the new molecular entity is first introduced into human subjects, provides the first indication the 

pharmacokinetic properties and initial safety assessment of the drug, but it also provides the opportunity to determine at the biochemical 

level whether the drug is working in humans as was anticipated based upon in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. We refer to such 

measurements as ‘biochemical coverage’ when they are informative of the pathway under investigation. Measuring elements of a pathway 

proximal to the site of therapeutic interdiction in the appropriate target tissue is ideal but not always feasible. Pathway elements can include 

transcripts, proteins or their post-translational modifications. Ultimately, measurement of these analytes can inform early development 

programs with respect to subsequent dose selection if demonstration of pharmacokinetic:pharmacodynamic (exposure:response) 

relationships is accomplished. For these aims to be achieved informative analytes must be selected for assay and these assays must be 

robust for decisions to be based upon their results. Many assays measure protein and or their post-translational modifications. Therefore, 

the performance characteristics of the assay have to be well characterized so that there is confidence in the results. We have utilized 

multiplexed planar arrays for the measurement of proteins from serum and ex vivo whole-blood challenges in Phase 1 studies. This was 

performed using automated systems and a commercial planar array. The performance characteristics were determined and the results 

obtained will be presented. 

56




James Rubenstein 

Co-Author(s) 

University of California, San Francisco 

Mimi Roy, Chris Becker, Howard Schulman 

San Francisco, California 

jamesr@medicine.ucsf.edu 

PPD 

Toward Lymphoma Biomarkers: Deep-Look Mass Spectrometry-Based Expression 

Profiling, Identification and Validation in the Cerebrospinal Fluid. 

Central nervous system lymphoma is usually an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The current means for establishing its 

diagnosis are 1) brain biopsy, which is associated with risk of brain hemorrhage; or 2) cytological analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 

which is insensitive in over 50% of cases. The identification of sensitive and specific biomarkers are needed to facilitate early, non-invasive 

diagnosis of this disease. We are testing the hypothesis that such biomarkers are present in the CSF. 

We describe a two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based method for differential quantification and identification 

of several hundred CSF proteins. Proprietary spectral interpretation and intensity-normalization software were developed to quantify the 

difference in expression level of proteins between controls and lymphoma patients in CSF using relative component intensities. No isotope 

tags were used. 

An application of this approach to biomarker discovery in CSF is presented. We performed two sets of analyses using independent CSF 

specimens. In the experimental set we compared the pattern of expression in 9 control vs 9 cases of CNS lymphoma. 130 peptides 

were differentially expressed between the two groups (p




Elizabeth J. Want 

Co-Author(s) 

The Scripps Research Institute 

Colin A. Smith 


Grace O’Maille 

lizwant@scripps.edu 

Gary Siuzdak 

Metabolomics: A Non-Linear Approach to Metabolite Profiling 

Metabolites reflect an organism’s metabolism and may be used to detect or diagnose disease states. The aim of metabolite profiling is 

to monitor all metabolites within a biofluid for applications in biochemical research, pharmacokinetic studies and biomarker discovery. 

Using mass spectrometry, numerous metabolites can be monitored simultaneously with high accuracy and sensitivity. Here we describe 

our in-house metabolite profiling platform utilizing liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) and our XCMS 

data analysis software, incorporating novel algorithms for peak-matching and non-linear retention time correction, in conjunction with 

the METLIN database. This platform addresses several key challenges in metabolite profiling, including extraction optimization in order 

to maximize metabolite recovery. For serum, methanol protein precipitation was the most effective technique, resulting in over 2000 

detected metabolite features and


9:30 am Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Track 1: Detection & Separation Room: Catalina 


Holger Bartos 

Co-Author 

Boehringer Ingelheim microParts GmbH 

Dortmund, 

Germany 

holger.bartos@microparts.de 

Ralf-Peter Peters 

Emerging Trends in Microfluidics 

Recent developments in fluidics, microelectronics and detection techniques have matured the use of BioMEMS in medical diagnostics and 

drug discovery. Microfluidic chips, for example, now compete in routine applications with macroscale test devices. It has become obvious 

that miniaturisation alone is not the key factor for success. The recent trend in microfluidics has been the development of integrated 

devices which incorporate multiple fluidic assay functions like blood separation, metering, resuspension, fluid transport and detection. By 

the use of these devices the instrumentation for sample handling, incubation and detection can be simplified considerably. However, the 

acceptance of such biochips strongly correlates with important features like low cost, easy handling, high reliability and a consistent and 

mature fabrication technology. In this presentation microfluidic design elements for typical assay steps are demonstrated and it is discussed 

how design, function, fabrication and application have an impact on the technical and commercial success of BioMEMS. 



Norbert Gottschlich 

Co-Author(s) 

Greiner Bio-One, Inc. 

G. Knebel 

Longwood, Florida 

norbert.gottschlich@gbo.com 

Greiner-Bio-One GmbH 

T. Brenner, C. Mueller, H. Reinecke, R. Zengerle, J. Ducrée 

IMTEK - University of Freiburg; Germany 

Epoxy-Based Master Tools for the Production of Plastic Microchips by Injection Molding 

The trend to use polymer chips for lab-on-a-chip applications is strongly driven by cost-efficient mass production techniques such as 

injection molding. However, expensive and time-consuming fabrication of conventional metal masters limits its use for prototyping. 

We present a technique for low-cost fabrication of epoxy-based mold inserts to injection-mold plastic microchips. In our novel approach, 

SU-8 lithography was applied to generate high-precision structures which were then cast into epoxy masters. Low-viscosity resins (25000 

mPa s) containing aluminium powder (10% by weight) provided excellent filling of microcavities together with adequate mechanical and 

thermal stability after curing (Tmax= 220°C). The versatile master could be used both in hot embossing and injection molding. A smooth 

removal of molded polymer parts from the epoxy master required tapered structures with sloped sidewalls. In our fabrication method, 

we exposed the resist from bottom to top through a transparent Pyrex wafer, forming structures which were tapered towards the top, 

facilitating the critical demolding step. The optimum taper angle of could be adjusted by the exposure dosage. We replicated microfluidic 

structures of typical geometries (channel height=160 µm, width=150 µm) into various polymers. By optimizing the injection protocol, 

excellent dimensional conformance was achieved between the epoxy master and the replicated part. Additionally, low surface roughness 

(




Joni Stevens 

Co-Author(s) 

Gilson, Inc. 

Greg Robinson 

Middleton, Wisconsin 

Luke Roenneburg 

jstevens@gilson.com 

Tim Hegeman 

Alan Hamstra 

Automated 2D HPLC Using Trap Columns for the Fractionation, Isolation and 

Screening of Natural Products 

One aspect of 2D chromatography that is being explored is to use small Reverse-Phase columns to trap the eluent from the Ion-Exchange 

column at defined timed intervals and then elute the components from the “trapping” Reverse-Phase columns onto a analytical RP column 

with fraction collection for further analysis techniques like mass spectroscopy and bioactivity assays. All types of 2D chromatography 

have an attractive characteristic in that they enhance the separation of a mixture that is just not available by 1D chromatography. However 

manual 2D chromatography can be difficult to repeat and operate, hence automation would alleviate the variables and tremendously 

increase repeatability and throughput. A resurgence in natural product evaluation for biological activity is evident based on articles noted in 

scientific journals and public media. One such natural product is Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris, or black sage, whose components have been 

associated with digestive stimulant, a diuretic, and nerve tonic. The main chemical components of Mugwort extracts are alpha, 

beta-thujones, 1,8-cineole, camphene and camphone which have associative affects of neurotoxicity and abortifacient. 

10:30 am Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 2: Micro- and Nanotechnologies Room: Pasadena 


Robert Dunn 

University of Kansas 

Lawrence, Kansas 

rdunn@ku.edu 

Optical Imaging Beyond the Classical Diffraction Limit 

Near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) is a scanning probe technique that enables optical measurements to be conducted 

with nanometric spatial resolution. This technique offers single molecule detection limits, high spatial resolution, and simultaneous force 

and optical mapping of sample properties. As such, it has found applications in many areas including the study of thin films, polymers, 

and solid-state materials. Perhaps its greatest potential, however, lies in the biological sciences, where fluorescence techniques are 

well developed for tagging specific proteins or structures or following dynamic processes such as calcium signaling. Our laboratory has 

been actively developing NSOM methods that are amenable with soft and fragile samples such as living cells. The development of these 

techniques and their biological applications will be discussed. 

60




Michael Natan 

Nanoplex Technologies, Inc. 

Mountain View, California 

mnatan@nanoplextech.com 

High Performance Optical Tags Based on Encapsulated SERS-Active Nanoparticles 

In life sciences, there is an urgent need for optical detection tags that (i) can be interrogated using near-IR wavelengths (where biological 

samples do not absorb or emit light), and (ii) can allow multiple species to be tracked simultaneously. Nanoplex’s patented SERS nanotags, 

comprising glass-encapsulated gold nanoparticles loaded with a series of reporter molecules, solve both these problems; in addition, they 

are designed to be straightforward to manufacture and extraordinarily stable. This presentation will describe their optical properties, both in 

bulk and at the single particle level, and highlight a series of applications, from multiplexed protein assays to in vivo imaging. 



Robin Liu 

Co-Author(s) 

CombiMatrix Corp. 

Tai Nugyen 

Mukilteo, Washington 

Kevin Schwarzkopf 

rliu@combimatrix.com 

H. Sho Fuji 

Kia Peyvan 

David Danley 

Andy McShea 

F I N A L I S T 

Fully Integrated Microfluidic Devices for Automated DNA Microarray Analysis 

DNA microarray assays involve multi-stage sample processing and fluidic handling, which are generally labor-intensive and time-consuming. 

Using microfluidic technology to integrate and automate all these steps in a single device is highly desirable in many practical applications 

(e.g., point-of-care genetic analysis, disease diagnosis, and in-field bio-threat detection). 

We have developed self-contained and fully integrated microfluidic devices for DNA analysis. These disposable devices consist of microfluidic 

pumps, mixers, valves, channels/chambers, and Combimatrix microarray silicon chip. Microarray hybridization and subsequent fluidic handling 

and reactions (including a number of washing and labeling steps) and detection were performed in these devices. Transcriptional analysis of 

K562 cells with a series of spiked-in controls was performed to characterize this new platform with regard to sensitivity, specificity, and dynamic 

range. The device detected sample RNAs with a concentration as low as 0.375 pM. Detection was quantitative over three orders of magnitude. 

The devices are completely self-contained: no external pressure sources, fluid storage, mechanical pumps, mixers, or valves were necessary for 

fluid manipulation, thus eliminating possible sample contamination and simplifying device operation. All microfluidic components use very simple 

and inexpensive approaches in order to reduce chip complexity. In addition to fluorescence-based detection, an enzyme-based electrochemical 

detection method that has many advantages including high sensitivity (~fM) and simple apparatus was developed and integrated. The 

microfluidic devices with capabilities of on-chip sample processing and detection provide a cost-effective solution to eliminate labor-intensive 

and time-consuming fluidic handling steps that can be a significant source of variability in genomic analysis. 

61


12:00 pm Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 2: Micro- and Nanotechnologies Room: Pasadena 


Yama Abassi 

Co-Author(s) 

ACEA Biosciences 

Xiaobo Wang 


Xiao Xu 

yabassi@aceabio.com 

ACEA Biosciences 

Electronic Cell Sensor Array Technology for Information Intensive High Content 

Cell-Based Assays 

ACEA Biosciences has recently introduced the RT-CES system which allows for label-free real-time monitoring of cellular processes such 

as cell proliferation, adhesion and viability, using electronic cell sensor array technology. Real-time monitoring of cellular processes by the 

RT-CES offers distinct and important advantages over traditional end-point assays. First, comprehensive representation of entire length of 

the assay is possible allowing the user to make informed decisions regarding the timing of manipulations or treatments. Second, the actual 

kinetic trace of the cells within an assay prior or subsequent to certain manipulations gives important information regarding the biological 

status of the cell such as cell growth, arrest, morphological changes and apoptosis. The utility of the RT-CES system in cell proliferation 

and cytotoxicity assays for drug discovery as well as receptor-ligand analysis in the context of GPCR and receptor tyrosine kinase assays 

will be discussed. 



M. Allen Northrup 

MicroFluidic Systems Inc 

Pleasanton, California 

northrup@mfsi.biz 

Integration of Automated Pathogen Detection Systems 

Microfluidic Systems Inc. is developing integrated, autonomous bioassay devices and systems for pathogen identification and also for 

human DNA isolation. Results that will be presented include the development of microfluidics-based biological sample handling and 

processing, cell lysis, nucleic acid purification, flow-through parallel nucleic acid amplification and detection, and rapid immunoassays. 

Applications include differential extraction of male and female DNA from a swab sample, and processing and detection of air and waterborn 

bacteria, viruses, and toxins, and blood-born viruses. 

62




Zhiyu Zhang 

Co-Author(s) 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Paolo Boccazzi, 



zoin@mit.edu 

Nicolas Szita, DTU 

Hyun-Goo Choi, 


Gerardo Perozziello. Oliver Geschke, DTU 

Anthony J. Sinskey, Klavs Jensen, 



A Polymer-Based, Instrumented Microbioreactor for High-Throughput Microbial Cell Cultures 

There are great interests in developing high-throughput platforms for bioprocess discovery and developments, specifically automated microbioreactors, 

each with integrated bioanalytical devices, and operating in parallel. By microfabrication and precision machining of polymer materials such as 

PDMS and PMMA, we have produced 150 u? microbioreactors with integrated active magnetic mixing, and dissolved oxygen, optical density, 

and pH optical measurements for on-line monitoring nutrients and products. Reproducible microbioreactor fermentation of Escherichia coli 

and Saccharomyces cerevisiae is demonstrated and benchmarked with conventional bioreactors. We further show that the volumes in the 

microbioreactor are sufficient to perform global gene expression analysis and demonstrate its potential applications in bioprocess developments. 

With the integration of local temperature control, cell-resistance surface modification, multi-layer thermal bonding, and pressure-driven flow at 

~µL/min rates, the microbioreactor is also proven to be capable for chemostat continuous cell culture, which is a unique and powerful tool for 

biological and physiological research. We illustrate the ability to realize different physiological states by manipulating dilution rates consistent with 

reported data from conventional continuous bioreactors. PEG surface modification significantly reduced cell adhesion and wall growth on PDMS 

and PMMA reactor surfaces for a prolonged period of culture time. 

Parallel operation of multiple microbial cell culture with disposable microbioreactor cartridges is important in high throughput applications. 

We describe integrated systems for parallel operation of multiple microbioreactors and demonstrate highly reproducible data achievable with 

microtechnology. Finally, we present “cassettes” of microbioreactors Current work with the integration of plug-n-pump microfluidic connections, 

as well as incorporation of fabricated polymer micro-optical lenses and connectors for process monitoring. 



Marion Ritzi 

Co-Author(s) 

Institute für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH 

Tobias Baier 


Klaus Stefan Drese 

ritzi@imm-mainz.de 

Carmen Schwind 

Institut fuer Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH 

Separation of Rare Cells From Blood Samples by Magnetic Beads 

In a small sample the detection of a tiny number of specific cells can be very difficult and time consuming as the concentration of interesting 

cells usually lies below the detection limit and therefore a concentration of the sample is mandatory. Conventionally this is done by selective 

enrichment of the sample by various methods e.g. reduction of volume, filtration or precipitation. Often this is not possible as other particles 

are present such as other cell types in blood samples or excess particles in food or environmental samples. 

Rapidly enhancing the concentration of these cells above the detection limit thus calls for specific tagging and separation. One simple 

possibility is the use of specific antibodies bound to magnetic beads. Cells bound by the antibodies and therefore labelled with magnetic 

beads can easily be isolated and thus enriched by trapping them in a magnetic field. After release from the magnetic trap and separation 

from the beads the enriched cells can be fed to detection or further processing (e.g. fluorescent tagging, PCR). 

We demonstrate the applicability of the approach for the isolation of foetal cells from maternal blood samples. We give an estimate for 

the amount of beads necessary for the appropriate binding dependent on the number of cells to be isolated and show representative 

experiments. 

This work is funded by the EU Sixth framework Programme: Nest Adventure-04977 SAFER 

63




Minseok Kim 

Co-Author(s) 

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Ju Hun Yeon 

Daejeon, Republic of Korea 

dodakdl@kaist.ac.kr 

Je-Kyun Park 

Microfluidic 3-Dimensional Cell Culture System by Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel 

Cell-based assays play crucial roles in alternatives to animal tests and ADME/Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion 

and toxicity) in drug discovery fields. Recently, several trials to make biomimetic environment are demonstrated by the formation of 

microscale environment and 3-dimensional cultivation in polymer-synthesized scaffolds or natural hydrogels. However, these methods 

are not biocompatible for animal cells because of exposures to UV light, strong electrical field and organic solvents, etc. In this paper, 

we first describe a microfluidic 3-dimensional cell culture system by use of Puramatrix¢â peptide hydrogel to better imitate the in vivo 

microenvironment. The microfluidic cell chip is fabricated by photolithography and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) replica molding. Mixture 

of Puramatrix¢â and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) is hydraulically focused by both sides of de-ionized water and media 

flow, where gelation of Puramatrix¢â is controlled by the water flow. Since Puramatrix¢â contacting the media shows a transition from sol 

to gel and self-assembles into a 3-dimensional transparent hydrogel that exhibits a nanometer scale fibrous structure, the HepG2 cells are 

circumstanced in stripe shaped 3-dimensional microenvironment in the middle of the main channel of a microfluidic device. By injection 

of different reagents into the side inlets of a microfluidic device, the microfuidic cell chip provides reliable cell-based assays including 3dimensional 

co-culture, cytotoxicity test, continuous monitoring of cell viability, drug screening, and drug-drug interaction study. 

10:30 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 2: Micro- and Nanotechnologies Room: Pasadena 


David Cohen 

Fluidigm Corporation 

South San Francisco, California 

david.cohen@fluidigm.com 

Application Diversity is an Easy Stretch for Elastomeric Microsystems 

64 

F I N A L I S T




Achim Wixforth 

University of Augsburg 

Augsburg, Germany 

achim.wixforth@physik.uni-augsburg.de 


Acoustically Driven Programmable Microfluidics for Biological and Chemical Applications 

A novel approach towards the needs of a versatile microfluidic chip-based microfluidic system with unique properties and functionality 

is presented. Like for microarrays and in contrast to many existing microfluidic technologies, the fluid handling is performed on the flat 

surface of a programmable chip, where fluidic tracks and functional blocks such as valves, dispensers, mixers, and sensing elements are 

chemically defined using standard lithographic techniques. The actuation of the fluid, the driving and adressing of the functional elements 

as well as possible sensors are based on electrically excited mechanical acoustic waves, propagating along the surface of a chip. The 

combination of such fluidic networks and our unique pumping technology results in fully programmable microfluidic processor chips. The 

whole system has no moving parts, and is easily fabricated employing standard semiconductor technologies. Moreover, due to the planar 

nature of the chip all functional blocks are readily accessible from the outside, e.g., by pipettes or spotting robots. This unique feature 

makes our programmable fluidic processors fully compatible to existing laboratory environments and most any chemical and biological 

processes and assays. 

Typical areas for the application of this novel technology are the hybridization of DNA or proteomic microarrays, on-chip polymerase chain 

reactions, and cell assays, where single cell manipulation at the planar surface of a chip can be performed. Apart from giving a detailed 

introduction to the basics of our technology we present a variety of different applications. 



Scott Mosser 

Co-Author(s) 

Merck And Company 

John Fay 

West Point, Pennsylvania 

Wei Lemarie 

scott_mosser@merck.com 

Thomas Harkins 

Kenneth Koblan 

Stefanie Kane 

Rodney Bednar 

A Critical Evaluation of the Mosquito (A Low Volume Liquid Handler): A Tool for Drug 

Discovery 

The preparation of plates for primary and secondary screening requires the application of sophisticated liquid handling equipment to 

cope with the range of dispensation volumes and assay formats. The Mosquito is a low volume (0.05 to 1.2 uL) pipettor that uses 

positive-displacement, disposable tips to aspirate and dispense liquids. This instrument, made by TTP LabTech (http://www.ttplabtech. 

com/mosquito), has a number of unique features and applications for the drug discovery process. For instance, it can facilitate the 

miniaturization of assays by allowing for serial dilutions on a microliter scale and the creation of assay ready drug plates. 

This talk will discuss the uses of the Mosquito in the drug discovery workflow and provide a critical evaluation of the instrument. The 

incorporation of the Mosquito into our drug discovery process has made a direct impact on workflow efficiency and productivity in our 

laboratory. This low volume liquid handler has given us the ability to remove unnecessary work, reduce the volumes of costly reagents and 

waste, and conserve on valuable compound. In addition, it has enabled lowering of DMSO concentrations in sensitive assays, provided low 

volume assay ready plates and maintained the accuracy and precision of our dose inhibition curves. 

65


12:00 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 2: Micro- and Nanotechnologies Room: Pasadena 


Goetz Muenchow 

Co-Author(s) 





muenchow@imm-mainz.de 

Steffen Hardt 

Darmstadt University of Technology 

Joerg P. Kutter 




The presented work is concerned with the transport of biomolecules, here BSA (bovine serum albumin), inside microchannels influenced 

by an electric field over the channel width in combination with a two-phase configuration of fluid layers. A major goal of these studies is to 

establish a new separation and concentration mode for biomolecules by superposing electrophoretic separation along a microchannel with 

electro-mediated transfer between two phases perpendicular to that. The device consists of a microchannel embedded in COC (cycloolefin 

copolymer) and two wall electrodes. In a first step, the use of such a set-up is explored by studying the electrophoretic transport 

of BSA molecules dissolved in water, which leads to an increased concentration on either one or the other electrode, depending on the 

direction of the electric field. 

In order to investigate the transport phenomena related to electrophoresis in stratified two-phase systems, aqueous solutions consisting of 

PEG (polyethylene glycol) and Dextran were prepared. By that a stable interface was developed. Transportation within one phase and also 

a concentration of BSA proteins at the phase boundary has been established. The effects occurring in a system containing two immiscible 

liquids are currently being investigated in more detail. For this purpose immiscible phases of PEG/Dextran solutions as well as other fluid 

combinations such as water/oil and water/alcohol are used. The final goal of our work is to utilize these effects for novel microsystembased 

separation and enrichment techniques for biomolecules. 



R. Scott Martin 

Saint Louis University 

St. Louis, Missouri 

martinrs@slu.edu 

Coupling Valving and Microchip-Based Separations for Analyzing Neurotransmitters 

Released From Cells 

The use of microchip technology to perform on-chip cell culture is a rapidly emerging area. To investigate the mechanisms of neuronal 

degeneration and the exact role nitric oxide plays in this process it is highly desirable to develop a device that combines a model of 

dopaminergic cells (such as PC 12 cells) and an analysis system to monitor the cell’s exocytotic activity. In this talk, we will describe the 

use of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) –based microvalves to control both the on-chip culture of cells and the coupling of a cell reactor to 

an analysis system (such as capillary electrophoresis). We will describe the use of capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection to 

monitor the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from an immobilized PC 12 cell reactor. The ability to couple the PC 12 cell reactor to 

an analysis system with minimal dead volume on a planar substrate leads to a true micro-total analysis system that can be used to study 

the role of nitric oxide in the onset of Parkinson’s disease. We are also using microvalves to direct the on-chip culture of endothelial cells 

in a three-dimensional fluidic device to create an in vitro blood-brain barrier mimic. These studies demonstrate the advantages of using 

microchips and PDMS-based valving techniques to develop a system that can integrate cell immobilization, cell stimulation, manipulation of 

chemicals released from the cells, and analysis of the chemicals. 

66




Paul Bohn 

University of Illinois 

Urbana, Illinois 

bohn@scs.uiuc.edu 

Nanofluidics and Mass-Limited Chemical Analysis: Nanocapillary Array Membranes as 

Switchable Fluidic Elements for Multidimensional Analyses 

Motivated by problems posed by biothreat agents, a grand challenge problem for contemporary chemical analysis is the handling and 

characterization of mass-limited samples. Our approach is to integrate nanometer-scale analytical unit operations into three-dimensional 

architectures to create integrated fluidic circuits, i.e. structures which handle fluids with the same digital control protocols used by 

integrated electronic circuits. We are exploring externally controllable interconnects, employing nanocapillary array membranes containing 

1-104 nanometer diameter-channels, to produce hybrid three-dimensional fluidic architectures, in which controllable nanofluidic transfer is 

achieved by controlling applied bias, polarity and density of the immobile nanopore surface charge, and the impedance of the nanopore 

relative to the microfluidic channels. Such multi-level microfluidic structures are analogous to the massively three-dimensional architectures 

characteristic of VLSI electronics and open the way for complex arrays of fluidic manipulations to be realized. 



Stephen C. Jacobson 

Co-Author(s) 


Zexi Zhuang 

Bloomington, Indiana 

jacobson@indiana.edu 

Margaret A. Lerch 

Multidimensional Separations of Peptides on Microfluidic Devices 

For many of the electrokinetically driven separation techniques demonstrated on microfluidic devices, the separative performance 

measured per unit length is similar to or exceeds that of conventional capillary separations. These high performance separations can also 

be applied to separations in multiple dimensions. In part, high performance is maintained by precise sample handling between dimensions. 

This can be achieved by rapid switching of the fluid streams and designing the channel architecture to effectively transition the sample 

from the first to the second dimension. A serial-to-parallel format is being developed where the first dimension separation is conducted in 

a single channel and the second dimension separation in an array of parallel channels. Also, a planar format is being considered where the 

first and second dimension separations are both performed in a rectangular channel with a high aspect ratio. Device design, operation, and 

performance will be discussed. 

67




James P. Landers 

Co-Author(s) 

University of Virginia 

Chris Easley, James Karlinsey, Joan Bienvenue, Lindsay Legendre 


Mike Roper, Rebecca McClure, Erik Hewlett, Molly Hughes 

landers@virginia.edu 


Tod J. Merkel, Mayo Clinic 

Jerome P. Ferrance, University of Virginia 

Microdevices with Integrated Sample Preparation for Ultrafast Sample-In/Answer-Out 

Genetic Analysis 

Microdevices capable of genetic analysis with sample-in/answer-out capabilities must be able to accept real-world samples, execute 

multiple, sequential sample preparation steps, and then provide an interpretable read-out following separation and detection. These 

processes involve chromatographic separation of sample components for isolation of DNA, the enzyme-mediated amplification of target 

DNA sequences in a temperature-dependent manner, the electrophoretic separation of the products of amplification, and detection by 

fluorescence. In order to accomplish the tasks within the nanospace of the microfluidic architecture, there has to be excquisite fluidic control 

of nanoliter volume flow. This is accomplished using a single nanoliter-flow syringe pump, a series of elastomeric valves, and resistrictive 

flow built into the microchannel architecture – together these allow for precise control of fluid flow through the sample preparation domains 

and into the separation domain. Combining these with the use of in-line diode- and capacitor-like structures, fluidic analogs of their electrical 

counterparts, a simplistic approach to fluidic control on microdevices begins to evolve. The application of the integrated microchip is 

demonstrated with three independent applications: the diagnosis of whooping cough from one microliter of human nasal wash, the detection 

of anthrax in 250 nanoliters of mouse blood, and finally, the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma from a microliter of patient whole blood. Together 

these represent a microchip capable of sample-in/answer-out analysis - a bona fide micro-total analysis system. 

9:00 am Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Track 2: Micro- and Nanotechnologies Room: Pasadena 


Larry Kricka 

University of Pennsylvania Medical Center 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

kricka@mail.med.upenn.edu 

The Scope and Promise of Nanotechnology in Clinical Diagnostics 

Micro and the nano-scale miniaturization provide new avenues for improving the effectiveness and accessibility of clinical testing. 

Microtechnology (lab-on-a-chip) has been adapted for many types of assay procedures (e.g., CE, PCR, cell isolation) and a range of 

microfluidic, bioelectronic and microarray DNA and protein chips have been developed. A compelling advantage of miniaturization is 

integration of multiple steps in an analytical process on a single chip. Nanotechnology (0.1 nm - 100 nm) is a rapidly evolving science 

that has already found commercial success (e.g., nanoparticle sun screen and cosmetics). Emerging analytical applications for 

nanotechnology include nano-pores, tubes, -particles, -fibers and other types of nano-object (e.g., immunoassay labels based on 

enzyme-loaded carbon nanotubes, glucose sensors based on glucose oxidase/ferricyanide coated carbon nanotubes, nanoparticle labe 

for multiplexed assays, nanopores for high-throughput DNA sequencing, 3-D hydrogel nanoarrays for direct glucose sensing). In parallel, 

more extensive research and development in nanoelectronics promises even smaller instruments and devices. These developments taken 

together with all pervasive wifi, may herald a major shift in health care generally, and clinical testing in particular, in which small wifi-enabled 

wearable or implantable monitoring devices transmit a constant stream of information to a central server that is automatically monitored by 

medical staff. Developments in micro and nanotechnology provide the underlying technological foundation for such a change - however, 

progress in this direction will need not only the full realization of the technical promise of the emerging miniaturization technologies but also 

significant economic motivation and social change. 

68




Paolo Fortina 

Thomas Jefferson University 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

paolo.fortina@jefferson.edu 

Nanotechnology Enabled Direct SNP/Mutation Detection 

Key objectives for innovation in SNP profiling would include assays that do not require locus-specific amplification, facilitate multiplexed 

testing, exhibit increased sensitivity with new and more cost-effective scanning methods or ultimately with direct visual detection. In 

addition, there are a limited number, if any, of assays, which measure genetic variation present in one part in a million without use of 

locus-specific PCR. Gold nanoparticles of different shape and composition are emerging as important reagents for nucleic acid assays, 

as they have a number of intriguing properties that facilitate multiplexing, improve on sensitivity in the zmole range and allow naked eye 

detection, when appropriate strategies of target preparation are employed. These innovations may ultimately propel routine cancer gene 

analysis to the forefront of clinical testing as low cost assays, not requiring costly scanner, and being exportable and implementable in 

developing countries where genetic testing is required. 




Co-Author(s) 

Keck Graduate Institute 

Eric Tan 

Claremont, California 

Krisanu Bandyopadhyay 

aniemz@kgi.edu 

Sharon Byers 

Karen Ellison 

Ekaterina Kniazeva 

Electronic DNA Detection on Semiconductor Surfaces 

We are developing biosensors for electronic DNA detection on silicon surfaces, which will enable direct interfacing with silicon based 

microelectronic devices. DNA hybridization to a probe-functionalized Si/SiOx interface leads to a change in surface charge density 

based on the intrinsic negative charge of DNA. This electrolyte-oxide-semiconductor (EOS) interface behaves similar to a metal-oxidesemiconductor 

(MOS) device. Therefore, the change in surface charge density causes a shift in the semiconductor’s impedance response 

through the field effect. To increase sensitivity, we are combining impedance-based DNA detection with a novel isothermal amplification 

method for short oligonucleotides (EXPAR). We are further investigating how co-immobilizing DNA functionalized gold nanospheres along 

with target DNA affects the observed shift in impedance response. These sensors are expected to facilitate rapid, specific, and sensitive 

detection of clinical pathogens and biothreat agents. 

69




David Geho 

George Mason University 

Manassas, Virginia 

dgeho@gmu.edu 

Quantum Dots in Molecular Profiling Diagnostics 

A major goal within diagnostic and experimental pathology is the development of tools that provide a thorough molecular description of a 

patient’s disease to compliment the morphological description that is the basis of present pathology evaluations. Molecular descriptions 

of a disease will provide a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology as well as guide therapeutic intervention by revealing targets for 

therapy. A significant challenge for molecular evaluations of patient tissues is the limited amount of cells in a biopsy specimen. To meet this 

challenge, our laboratory is using reverse-phase protein microarrays for the quantitative analysis of cell signaling pathways using a limited 

number of microdissected cancer and normal cells. A key component of the reverse phase microarray is the reporter mechanism that is 

used for detection. One approach is the use of a colorimetric detection assay and linear amplification using catalyzed reporter deposition, 

a system similar to that used in inmmunohistochemistry labs. Limitations of the colorimetric methodology include its limited dynamic range 

and one target-at-a-time approach. As an alternative approach, Quantum Dots (Quantum Dot Corporation, Hayward, CA), nanoparticle 

semiconductor crystals with fluorescent properties, have been introduced as reporter agents for protein microarrays. Compared to organic 

fluorophores, these reagents have improved optical properties with large extinction coefficients, broader absorbance ranges, narrow 

emission bandwidths, and high quantum yields. The benefits and challenges of integrating reverse-phase microarrays with Quantum Dot 

reporter technology for the molecular profiling of signaling pathways in cancer and normal cells will be described. 

10:30 am Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 3: High-Throughput Technologies Room: Learning Center 


Gary Schulte 

Co-Author(s) 

Pfizer Inc. 

Kevin Barry 

Groton, Connecticutt 

Mike Carta 

gary.r.schulte@pfizer.com 

Kevin Colizza 

Amin Kamel 

Pfizer Inc. 

Douglas Myers 

Intelligent Laboratory Solutions Inc. 

Intelligent Methods Selection for Analytical and Preparative Chromatography 

In a pharmaceutical lead optimization environment high speed synthesis is a key pursuit strategy for active HTS hits. Successful pursuit 

of these samples requires early crude sample assessment, optimized prep chromatographic conditions with selective collection methods, 

and final sample quality assessment using orthogonal analysis methods. The growing structural complexity in synthetic library generation 

is leading to highly functionalized molecules that span a broad range of physical properties. This complexity leads to lower sample 

purities and is challenging the use of generic LC methods based on a ‘plate/array view’ of chemical structures. In purification overall 

success increases when approaching library arrays with methods developed on a per sample basis compared to a more generic method 

strategy. By leveraging expert user experience one can develop an automated intelligent decision making strategy for methods selection 

which utilizes structural and chemical information with physical property calculations on a per sample basis. Decision strategies and their 

corresponding methods selection for initial crude sample analysis and following preparative chromatography will be presented. 

70




Stefan Werner 

University of Pittsburgh 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

stw15@pitt.edu 

From Chemical Methodologies to Library Development: Design, Synthesis and 

Biological Evaluation of Small Molecule Libraries in the UPCMLD 

The University of Pittsburgh Center for Chemical Methodologies and Library Development (UPCMLD) applies methodologies that were 

developed in our Department to library synthesis. Library compounds are screened in biological assays and all results are made accessible 

to the scientific community. 

This talk will focus on examples from several mid-size solution phase small molecule libraries. E-alkene and cyclopropyl dipeptide isosteres 

will be discussed as well as the synthesis of novel heterocycles via transition metal catalyzed carbon-carbon bond forming reactions. 

Skeletal diversity is introduced by the choice of the metal catalyst or by the order of reagents. Microwave assisted organic synthesis, polymer 

bound reagents, scavenging techniques and SPE play an important role in the automated synthesis of the presented compound libraries. 



Jeffrey Noonan 

Neurogen Corporation 

Branford, Connecticutt 

jnoonan@nrgn.com 

Advancing Drug Discovery Through Integrated Parallel Solution Phase Library Synthesis 

Automated library synthesis has become an essential component in modern drug discovery efforts supporting a spectrum of activities 

from file enrichment through lead optimization. Common to each pursuit is the aspiration to advance the pace of drug discovery by offering 

an unprecedented combination of synthesis speed, value, and quantity. To meet these challenges, the Neurogen High Speed Synthesis 

(HSS) group strategy focuses on the continuing creation and characterization of chemical libraries using parallel solution phase techniques. 

Central to our effort is a collection of novel workstations that are tightly integrated into our informatics architecture supporting the efficient 

movement of library samples and data. Ultimately, our pragmatic approach facilitates synthesis throughput and the utilization of equipment, 

creating a cost effective library production environment. 

71


12:00 pm Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 3: High-Throughput Technologies Room: Learning Center 


Paul Watts 

University of Hull 

Hull, United Kingdom 

p.watts@hull.ac.uk 

High-Throughput Synthesis of Analytically Pure Compounds Within Flow Reactors 

The miniaturisation of chemical reactors offers many fundamental and practical advantages of relevance to the chemical industry, who are 

constantly searching for controllable, information rich, high throughput, environmentally friendly methods of producing products with a high 

degree of chemical selectivity. 

In this presentation a number of chemical reactions of industrial interest will be used to illustrate the advantages that micro reactors offer 

for the rapid optimisation of reactions, in which the product is typically produced in both higher yield and purity. It will be illustrated that 

compounds may be prepared and purified within an integrated system and that it is possible to generate intermediates in situ within the 

reactor, which may then be subsequently reacted to produce more complex products. More recently the incorporation of solid supported 

reagents and catalysts has been investigated and the results will be discussed. The use of solid supported reagents adds even greater 

diversity to the range of reactions that may be achieved within such systems. It will be demonstrated that the dimensions of reactors may 

be increased in size while maintaining the classic advantages associated with miniaturisation. In such systems significant quantities of 

analytically pure compound may be prepared without additional purification. Furthermore, integration of the microfluidic system with realtime 

analytical detection will be illustrated enabling in situ process control to be achieved. 



Joshua Salafsky 

Biodesy, LLC 

Burlingame, California 

salafsky@biodesy.com 

Detection of Protein Conformational Change in Real-Time with Second-Harmonic 

Generation 

In this talk, I will show that optical second-harmonic generation (SHG), a nonlinear optical technique, can be adapted to be a unique probe 

of conformational change in proteins and other biomolecules. In conjunction with second-harmonic-active labels (‘SHG-labels’) and other 

methods pioneered by Biodesy LLC, proteins are easily detectable on a chip surface. SHG is an intrinsically surface-sensitive technique 

that excludes all isotropic background sources, so less than a monolayer of protein molecules is necessary for detection with a good 

signal-to-noise ratio. Our technology is highly sensitive to small structural shifts in a protein, making it an excellent means of detecting 

ligand- or drug-induced conformational change. We expect this approach to become an important advance in high-throughput drug 

discovery, as well as basic research, and to provide a dynamic picture of the protein-drug interaction at unprecedented resolution. 

A number of drug discovery applications are now within reach, including the rapid discovery of conformation-selective drugs for kinases 

or integrins, important targets for cancers and inflammation, and the discovery of inhibitors of ‘misfolding’ amyloidogenic proteins such as 

β-amyloid and α-synuclein, common targets for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Screening of allosteric modulators is enabled via 

direct detection of the magnitude or angular-dependence of conformational change in a protein molecule. Detection of DNA hybridization 

on a chip without the need for labeling probe strands or stringent washes, potentially suitable for clinical diagnostics or point-of-care 

detection, is another attractive application. 

In addition to providing real-time, structural information, SHG technology is well suited to high-throughput scale-up, as the second-harmonic 

emission is collimated and easily separable (spectrally) from the fundamental beam. 

72




Mitchell Mutz 

Co-Author(s) 

ISunnyvale, California 

Burt Kong 

mutz@labcyte.com 

Richard Ellson 

Glen Krueger 

Lawrence Lee 

Michael Miller 

A. Mark Bramwell 

Self-Contained Environmental Lids for HTS Compound Preservation 

Reduction of solvent hydration and evaporation is essential to ensure compound library integrity. HTS processes expose valuable library 

compounds to the surrounding atmosphere during dispensing and some measurement procedures, giving an opportunity for moisture 

to enter or for DMSO to escape from the sample container. Current efforts to limit the degradation of the compound with a controlled 

environment are large scale, and often involve chambers filled with dry or inert gas. These chambers must be large enough for numerous 

microplates, plate handling equipment and instruments. This paper describes a novel alternative to the macro-scale environmental 

chamber. We miniaturize environmental control to the microplate scale with an “environmental lid” that provides a dry, DMSO-vapor 

generating enclosure to protect the compound samples from both hydration and evaporation. Gravity secures the lid, and the lid is 

compatible with standard plates and lid-handling automation. Short-term, “on the screening deck” applications such as preventing 

evaporation of droplets dispensed into dry wells and reducing hydration in compound library plates are explored. Also, long-term 

applications of the environmental lid for compound storage are presented. 



Kurt Evans 

Co-Author(s) 

Ambion 

Roy C. Willis 

Austin, Texas 

Quoc Hoang 

kevans@ambion.com 

Angela Burrel 

Weiwei Xu 

Sharmili Moturi 

Mangkey Bounpheng 

Xingwang Fang 

Ambion 


High-Throughput Sample Preparation From Whole Blood for Gene Expression Analysis 

Whole blood is an attractive sample source for assays involving nucleic acids because it is readily available, easily accessible, and rich in 

genetic information. However, up to 70% of the mRNA (by mass) in whole blood total RNA is globin. Dominant globin mRNA comprises the 

linear amplification during microarray sample preparation. Array analysis using total RNA containing a high percentage of globin mRNA has 

been shown to decrease present calls, decrease call concordance and increase signal variation. Therefore, for gene expression analysis, 

whole blood is typically fractionated before total RNA isolation. 

We have developed a high throughput sample preparation technology that streamlines total RNA isolation from whole blood, globin mRNA 

removal, and mRNA amplification and labeling for expression analysis. Our high-throughput blood RNA isolation method eliminates the 

need for pre-fractionation of whole blood, thus minimizes the expression profile change during sample handling. Following RNA isolation, 

we utilize a novel, non-enzymatic technology to rapidly deplete the alpha and beta globin mRNA, and the remaining RNA in the sample is 

amplified using Ambion’s high-throughput amplification system, MessageAmp II-96. 

Quantitative RTPCR showed our method effectively removed up to 95% of the globin mRNA from the isolated RNA while retaining the 

normal levels of other mRNAs. When analyzed on Affymetrix gene chip, samples prepared with our method increased percent present 

calls, decreased 3’/5’ ratios, and decreased sample to sample variability as compared to total RNA isolated from whole blood. Our method 

allows quick and accurate expression analysis of relatively high numbers of blood samples. 

73




Lara Marchetti 

Co-Author(s) 

Greiner Bio-One GmbH 

Frickenhausen, Germany 

N. Gottschlich, Greiner Bio-One GmbH 

lara.marchetti@gbo.com 

R. Ehret, BIONAS GmbH 

Non-Invasive, Label-Free, Microsensor-Based Cellular Analyzing System for 96- and 

384-Well Plates 

Screening of new pharmaceuticals has been strongly driven by the need to test thousands of novel compounds against an increasing 

number of drug targets to select new classes of substances. 

BIONAS and Greiner Bio-One have established a unique non-invasive and label-free microsensor-based system for cellular assays, rapid 

detection of cytotoxic effects and pharmacological studies. InterDigitated Electrode Structures [IDES] located on the bottom of either 96 or 

384 well plates are used for impedance measurements to monitor cell adhesion, morphology and cell-to-cell contact. The presence of intact 

cell membranes on the electrodes has a direct impact on the current flow (


11:00 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 3: High-Throughput Technologies Room: Learning Center 


Laurent Martin 

Co-Author 

Takeda San Diego, Inc. 

John Palan 


laurent.martin@takedasd.com 

Takeda San Diego 

Approaches Required When Developing a Very High-Throughput Automated 

Crystallography System 

This presentation will discuss the technical challenges faced when implementing very high throughput crystallography (VHTC) 

infrastructure. An overall review of the commercial systems currently available for low to medium throughput operations will provide a lens 

to compare technological and operational alternatives that system designers and scientists face implementing automated crystallography 

system. VHTC requires a fundamental organizational commitments that encompasses multiple scientific functions which needs to be 

efficiently coordinated through a streamlined informatics infrastructure. Although each biotech and pharmaceutical company faces unique 

technological challenges in supporting its science, the systematic analytical process required to “industrialize” a scientific process is similar. 

Takeda through its acquisition of Syrrx has unique perspective on the operational hurdles that emerge when daily throughput needs to be 

expanded by a 50-fold factor. 

11:30 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 3: High-Throughput Technologies Room: Learning Center 


Stan Martens 


stan.f.martens@gsk.com 

Issues and Aspects of Integration Into a Drug Discovery Research Facility at GSK 

In this talk, we will discuss some of the concepts that were used to optimize the screening processes at GlaxoSmithKline’s Upper 

Providence Drug Discovery Research and Automation Facility. Aspects will highlight various facets such as our efforts to streamline the 

assay to screen process, the integration of compound handling with screening activities as well as the philosophy applied to automation of 

screening and compound profiling. 

75


12:00 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 3: High-Throughput Technologies Room: Learning Center 


Sophia Liang 

Co-Author(s) 

Aurora Biomed 

Sikander Gill 

Vancouver, Canada 

Rajwant Gill 

sophia@aurorabiomed.com 

David Wicks 

Joy Goswami 

Dong Liang 

Performance Evaluation of a Robotic Workstation for HTS Flux Assays 

The development and validation of a robotic system was carried with the objective of improving efficiency and increasing the level of 

automation and miniaturization of assays. The workstation was employed to carry “walk away” cell based assay using cells expressing an 

ion channel. The data was compared with manually performed assay for various parameters like IC50 of a panel of blockers of the ion flux, 

SEM to determine the variability among replicates, and Z’ values to evaluate the overall quality of the assay. The data would be discussed 

in view of the demands for robotics in drug discovery. 

3:00 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 3: High-Throughput Technologies 

Co-Author(s) 

Room: Learning Center 


Jay Strum 

Iain Uings 


James Ward 

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 

Paula Selley 

jay.c.strum@gsk.com 

Jason Holt 

Jodi Goodwin 

Frank Maurio 

Rusty Czerwinski 

Lazar Arulnayagam 


Automation and Miniaturization of TaqMan Assays to Support Drug Discovery 

There are many potential applications for quantitative real time PCR in the drug discovery process. This gene expression platform offers 

several advantages such as sensitivity, a large dynamic range of quantitation and flexibility. To minimize cost and increase throughput, we 

have worked to automate each step of our workflow and simultaneously miniaturize TaqMan assays. We have successfully implemented an 

automated storage and retrieval system for primers and probes supported by a LIMS system, automated total RNA isolation and reduced 

our reaction volumes to 2 ul using a combination of liquid handling robots. Finally, we have automated data exporting and built a data 

analysis tool that allows the rapid analysis, presentation and storage of data in a centralized database accessible to all GSK scientists. In 

this presentation, we will discuss our processes and show the successful application of the system to several drug discovery efforts. 

76




Joseph Monforte 

Co-Author(s) 

Althea Technologies, Inc. 

Gordon Vansant 


Francois Ferre 

jmonforte@altheatech.com 

Althea Technologies, Inc. 

Quantitative Multiplexed Gene Expression Profiling 

Global gene expression analysis has proven to be highly informative on the nature and state of cells, including disease progression, 

pharmacological response, as well as biological phenomena such as growth and development. In many cases microarray discoveries are 

leading to the identification of smaller sets of genes, e.g. 5-50, or signatures, that can provide key information relating to biological state 

or response. The eXpress Profiling (XP) gene expression technology utilizes a patented, highly multiplexed PCR approach to quickly and 

cost effectively look at the expression of 20-35 genes in a single reaction. Coupled with capillary electrophoresis readout, the method can 

efficiently be used to look at focused sets of genes for hundreds or even thousands of samples using very small amounts of total RNA. 



Bruce Seligmann 

Co-Author(s) 

High-Throughput Genomics, Inc. 

Costi Sabalos, Ralph Martel 

Tucson, Arizona 

bseligmann@htgenomics.com 

High Throughput Genomics, Inc. 

Ron Snyder, George Mandakas 

Schering-Plough, Inc. 

High Throughput, High Content Gene Expression-Based Target Validation Using Cells, 

Fixed or Frozen Tissue, and Whole Organisms to Define the Systems Biology and 

Characterize Compound and Stimulus Activity Based on Dose Response EC50 Studies 

Whole Genome gene expression methods provide valuable but low-reliability identification of “putative” targets. Extensive validation 

is necessary to confirm the importance of these target genes in a disease process or as targets for drug discovery. Target validation 

employing PCR is limited by data quality, the lack of sample throughput, the workload that results from using PCR to validate all the 

identified putative genes, and inability to accurately measure gene expression from fixed tissues. This latter represents a particular 

limitation, considering the existence of vast archives of such tissues in which the gene expression levels induced by disease progression or 

drug are essentially “fixed-in-time”. The ArrayPlate quantitative Nuclease Protection Assay (qNPATM) provides a powerful solution and an 

independent assay that can build on PCR data (correlation R2>0.9). qNPA fixed tissue results are identical to frozen, making those archives 

accessible for target validation. Multiplexed in an open format (measuring 16 genes/well), qNPA delivers high content and high sample 

throughput, in an easily automated 96-well microplate format using a simple, robust, lysis-only protocol (identical for cells, frozen/fresh/fixed 

tissue, whole organisms) and produces “biochemical” quality data: whole cell assay CV’s of 5% to 10%, repeatable day-to-day within 

5%, repeatable lab-to-lab. Precise time course and dose response data (EC50’s) result. Examples: i) How time course precision enables 

identification of the “first” Systems Biology events; ii) Genes can be regulated by a drug at characteristically different EC50’s, reflecting 

different mechanisms of action of that drug; iii) Clustering of genes into “EC50 signatures” reflecting different “molecular phenotypes”. 

77




Maija Partanen 

Co-Author(s) 


Tori Richmond, Thermo Electron Corp., Biomarker Research 

Helsinki, Finland 

maija.partanen@thermo.com 

Initiatives in Mass Spectrometry (BRIMS) Center 

Merja Mehto, Arja Lamberg, Thermo Electron 

M. Askenazi, Jennifer Sutton, Leo Bonilla, Thermo Electron Corp., 

Biomarker Research Initiatives in Mass Spectrometry (BRIMS) Center 

Automated Profiling and Identification of Endogenous Peptidomic Markers in Human Plasma 

Interest in biomarkers has experienced an explosion in recent years. A lot of attention is being paid to the clinical applications of looking 

at the changes in MS patterns of the peptidome for detecting differences that may correlate to various disease states. The peptidome 

of human plasma has been estimated to contain ~5000 unique peptides. A precise identification of the components of the peptidome is 

critical not only to our understanding of the biology of disease states but also to our ability to discover robust markers for these states. 

Here we describe a high throughput, automated method for profiling components of the plasma peptidome. 

A robotic KingFisher 96 system was employed for transferring and step-wise manipulation of hydrophobic, surface-activated C-18 

magnetic beads to selectively separate and enrich endogenous peptides and small proteins found in human plasma. To simulate a “time 

course” experiment, plasma was spiked with increasing and decreasing amounts of known peptides at six different levels. The plate 

containing the spiked and unspiked plasma was then processed on the Kingfisher 96 to capture and enrich endogenous and spiked 

peptides. A portion of each processed sample was spotted onto a MALDI plate using a robotic processes station. Analysis was performed 

on a vMALDI ion source coupled to an LTQ linear ion trap mass spectrometer. 

A robust, high throughput and mass spec compatible method for enriching peptides from complex mixtures is demonstrated. This method 

is free of albumin interference and reproducibly enriches endogenous peptides and small proteins. 

9:00 am Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Track 3: High-Throughput Technologies Room: Learning Center 


Paul Taylor 

Boehringer Ingelheim 

Ridgefield, Connecticutt 

ptaylor2@rdg.boehringer-ingelheim.com 

The Automation-Process Analysis Match: Case Studies in Optimizing Efficiencies 

Over the last decade, the drug discovery community has experienced substantial changes in lead identification methods as increasing 

levels of robotics have been incorporated. Clearly, not all automated solutions have provided optimal results. In many cases the reasons 

are related not only to engineering aspects (which certainly have made considerable advances), but also to process or organizational 

dependencies. In the competitive environment of high throughput screening, the challenge is finding an acceptable balance between 

running campaigns rapidly and maintaining high quality data. Hence, automation tools have emerged for speeding up assay development, 

rapidly accessing secure compound repositories, miniaturizing liquid handling steps, adapting to robotic systems, monitoring production 

quality control and delivering robust dose response data. In every case, improvements have been the result of applying a combination of 

automation, process analysis, statistics and a firm understanding of the underlying science. Real world highlights will be presented which 

have resulted in improved optimization efficiencies and product delivery. 

78




James Myslik 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 

Wallingford, Connecticutt 

james.myslik@bms.com 

Automation of Bioassays at BMS: Strategy and Implementation 

For the past five years, BMS Applied Biotechnology has been pursuing a HTS technology strategy that emphasizes flexibility, continuous 

flow and enablement of scientists to develop, operate and troubleshoot their assays independently. To achieve this, we have been building 

a platform that integrates a collection of commercially available and BMS-built sample handling, data collection and data processing 

modules into a user-defined workflow. Processed data is delivered in real time to the assay scientist for review and analysis. In striving for 

continuous flow, have learned lessons that have enabled us to leverage our HTS technologies for use in the central lead optimization cycle 

of drug discovery. 



Tom Onofrey 

Nanostream, Inc. 

Pasadena, California 

nilma.rubin@nanostream.com 

Micro Parallel Liquid Chromatography (µPLC) for Confirmation Screening and 

Secondary Assays 

Researchers seek tools to confirm hits and eliminate false positives from screening studies. In addition, assay development can be both 

costly and time-consuming. This talk presents data for separation-based assays from a micro parallel liquid chromatography (µPLC) 

system, a high-throughput variant of HPLC. The system—which includes an autosampler, UV absorbance and fluorescence detectors, 

software, and 24-column microfluidic cartridges—facilitates assay development, offers quantitative information about hits, and provides 

additional information on compound purity and solubility. This talk will present data from assays used in lead identification and for phase 2 

metabolism studies to demonstrate the advantages of reduced interference and a ratio-metric readout. The system will be compared to 

plate-reader approaches as well as to other analytical solutions. 

79




Zhong Zhong 

Co-Author(s) 

Cell & Molecular Technologies, Inc. 

Natalie Fursov, Cell & Molecular Technologies, Inc. 

Phillipsburg, New Jersey 

zzhong@cmt-inc.net 

Kevin Lee. Sentigen Biosciences 

Mark Federici, Roland Tacke, Tom Livelli 

Cell & Molecular Technologies, Inc. 

Rapid Evaluation of Compounds’ Off-Target Activities Against GPCRs by Tango Assay 

System, a Novel Reporter Technology 

We have developed a new G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) profiling panel based on Sentigen Biosciences’ TangoTM Assay System. 

Unlike conventional compound selectivity services that utilize biochemical or membrane binding methods, the Tango Assay Profiling system 

employs a functional cell-based assay that provides information about efficacy and agonism/antagonism properties. A large cryopreserved 

cell bank has been set up in which each cell type expresses one of the 54 selected GPCRs in conjunction with Tango Assay components. 

We demonstrated that we can thaw cells from the cell bank to generate custom panels on demand to profile agonism/antagonism 

activities of compounds on an array of GPCRs. 

Activation of GPCR signaling is in general tightly coupled with subsequent receptor desensitization, a process mediated by the recruitment 

of intracellular arrestin proteins to the activated receptor. Tango is a luciferase-based chemiluminescent assay that detects ligand-induced 

activation/inactivation of target receptor by quantitatively measuring its interaction with arrestin. The assay design does not depend on 

knowledge of the G-protein signaling specificity of the target receptor. In addition, Tango Assay System permits the selective interrogation 

of the specific target receptor, and is not affected by signaling mediated by endogenous receptors. The high sensitivity of the assay allows 

detection of receptor-ligand interactions without the need of over-expressing target receptor or singaling components. We will present data 

to demonstrate that the Tango assays are broadly applicable to all classes of GPCRs. Assays’ homogeneous format and simple workflow 

make it ideal for GPCR panel profiling. 

10:30 am Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 4: Informatics Room: Madera 


John Davies 

Novartis 


john-W.davies@novartis.com 

An Holistic Approach to HTS Data Triaging 

A number of companies today are trying to offset attrition rates in the drug discovery process by simply widening their pipeline. Companies 

are now running more screens with larger collections of compounds than they have ever done before. This is creating a vast amount of 

HTS data which often, but not always, feeds into an automated IT analysis platform. At this stage little, if anything, is done to analyze and 

triage the entire data set. Even less is done to apply orthogonal data mining methods which can increase SAR knowledge. We will show 

a number of different approaches we have employed to analyze large-scale HTS data for the purposes of increasing its intrinsic chemical 

and biological information content. 

80




Dietrich Ruehlmann 


Rockville, Maryland 

dietrich_ruehlmann@bd.com 

Informatics – The Last Bottleneck in High Content Screening? 

High content imaging is on its way to become a mature technology in assay development, screening and toxicology laboratories. With 

the emergence of robust optical hardware, reliable fluorescent probes and automation to support hands-off operation, the bottleneck has 

largely moved to image and data handling and analysis. This presentation will review different approaches and technologies that harness 

the onslaught of datapoints and derive pharmacological meaningful information. 



Michael Hudock 

Co-Author 

University of Illinois 

Eric Oldfield 

Urbana, Illinois 

hudock@uiuc.edu 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

Developing Chemistry Informatics Applications for Academic Research 

Academic research laboratories are often in the unique situation where the amount of chemical and biological data being collected is 

difficult to organize and manage, but it does not require industrial-scale informatics applications to do so. We have developed a flexible, 

low-cost, custom, web-browser-based chemistry informatics application using both open-source platforms and commercial tools 

(ChemAxon JChem and Marvin) when necessary to enhance functionality. The system was developed using a standard three-tiered 

architecture consisting of a MySQL backend database, a PHP and JSP processing layer, and web browser client. The data processing 

layer consists of three separate modules for handling structural data, screening results, and statistical reports, all of which can be easily 

adapted to satisfy evolving demands. The resulting application provides a common environment for our computational chemistry and drug 

design teams to analyze structural, screening, and statistical data within our laboratory. Portions of this design scheme could readily be 

adapted to meet the demands of other academic and small-scale industrial laboratories. 

81


12:00 pm Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 4: Informatics Room: Madera 


Roman Sterzycki 


Wallingford, Connecticutt 

Roman.Sterzycki@bms.com 

Implementing E-Notebook Solution in a Pharmaceutical Discovery Organization - 

Challenges and Rewards 

Last few years brought many rapid developments in this area, offering promise of automating one of the last completely manual processes 

in a modern research lab. It is becoming clear that an appropriately implemented E-notebook technology can drive significant integration 

of many laboratory systems and processes leading to productivity gains, improved compliance and superior quality of records. We will 

present general considerations and our experiences in selection and implementation of the E-Notebook system. 



Stefan Emler 

SmartGene 

Zug, Switzerland 

Emler@smartgene.ch 

IDNS: An Integrated Web-Based Service Platform for the Analysis of Genetic Data 

in Medicine 

Molecular Diagnostics in Medicine produces a growing amount of increasingly complex data, such as genetic sequences, expression 

profiles and results from micro-arrays. While much attention is paid to the automation of the production of this data, the future bottle-neck 

will be the data analysis in order to provide actionable information for physicians. 

Since most hospital and lab information systems (HIS/LIS) are not prepared to handle complex genetic information, there is a need for 

systems which integrate all the necessary functions for data-analysis and data-management while fulfilling the requirements of routine 

clinical lab work. 

The Integrated Database Network System (IDNSTM) of SmartGene offers application-specific customized service platforms to laboratories 

running routine sequence-based tests, such as HIV drug resistance, bacterial and fungal identification and others. 

IDNSTM is a modular system integrating all the necessary functions for a specific application making them easy to use. IDNS includes 

target-specific proofreading, bio-informatics, database search tools, clipboards and phylogeny. It allows the creation of proprietary 

databases, study subsets, shared datasets and references and provides online updating of published reference data and algorithms. 

The specific needs for quality management in routine diagnostic labs are addressed with log records, internal validation steps, an audit trail 

and archiving of all sample data. Finally, customized reports can be generated and standard interface protocols link IDNSTM to the HIS or LIS. 

IDNSTM may serve as an example for integrated service platforms addressing the growing needs for streamlined information and data 

management in clinical laboratories with regard to complex genetic data. 

82




Victor Jongeneel 

Co-Author(s) 

Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research 

Marco Pagni, Gregory Theiler 

Lausanne, Switzerland 

Victor.Jongeneel@licr.org 

Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics 

Stefan Emler, SmartGene GmbH 

An Approach to Automated Bacterial Strain Identification From 16S Ribosomal 

DNA Sequences 

DNA sequencing is increasingly used in clinical diagnostics in many fields. However, quality management and reliability of results is 

often operator-dependent, especially with regard to sequence comparisons to reference data. The sequencing of all or part of the gene 

encoding the 16S ribosomal RNA is now a commonly performed test to aid in the identification of bacteria present in clinical, veterinary or 

environmental samples. However, relatively little attention has been paid so far to the techniques used to validate the alignement of these 

sequences and to deduce biologically meaningful information from them. In particular, sequence variations that are informative regarding 

genus or strain are not being distinguished from experimental noise. We have developed a methodology that attempts to integrate all of 

the information present in available 16S sequences from reference strains and well-characterized laboratory samples, which can then 

be compared to newly acquired sequences, even if they are of lower quality. Specifically, the following information is collected: (i) genusspecific, 

reference multiple sequence alignments (MSA); (ii) secondary structure extracted from the European ribosomal RNA database; 

(iii) expert knowledge on the regions in the MSA that distinguish one genus from all others; (iv) the discriminant power of each column in 

the MSA for identifying the targeted genus. An annotated profile is then generated to encapsulate this information, with an emphasis on 

discriminant positions (signatures) in the 16S sequence. Alignment of new sequences obtained in a laboratory setting to profiles obtained 

from multiple bacterial reference genera can then be used to predict the species identity of the bacterial isolate with higher accuracy than 

using overall similarity percentages or BLAST alignment scores. This technology forms the basis for an accurate, robust, scalable, and fully 

automatable system for bacterial strain identification. 



Bill Harten 

Co-Author(s) 

UNIconnect LC 

Lynn Rasmussen 

Woods Cross, Utah 

bill.harten@uniconnect.com 

Southern Research Institute 

Beyond Samples: Track And Control Everything That Affects Quality 

A great laboratory tracking system must do more than log samples and outcomes in a database. Product quality depends on the quality of 

every element affecting the process. Catching and preventing problems requires tracking intermediate containers, thorough validation, and 

capturing required information at each step along the way. People, reagents, and instruments require their own processes, traceability, and 

controls to ensure the highest quality and confidence. Authorization and training, instrument calibration and maintenance, and reagent QC 

and inventory are a few of the sub-processes that benefit from effective tracking and integrated control. 

At our High-Throughput Screening Center at Southern Research Institute, our new UNIFlow system by UNIConnect tracks intermediate 

steps and containers plus the sub-processes of the individual factors that determine quality. Carefully defined processes, barcodes, and 

capturing the right information at the right time make it practical and efficient. This presentation explains the quality factors we are tracking, 

how control is applied, and the way the tools made development fast, simple, and reliable. 

83




Matt Shanahan 

Teranode Corporation 

San Mateo, California 

melissa@kulesapr.com 

Unlocking R&D Potential With the Semantic Web for Life Sciences 

From discovery through clinical trials, life science R&D is built on data from experiments. The data is a valuable asset created as the result 

of costly reagents, samples, instruments, and personnel. However, the vast majority of the data and subsequent determinations are never 

made accessible or usable for scientists because the data is stored without any semantic annotation of experiment parameters or design. 

The data stored in spreadsheets and databases lack any explicit representation of semantics that would enable efficient mining and reuse 

by search engines or analytic routines. 

In this presentation Matthew Shanahan of Teranode will discuss how Semantic Web technologies such as RDF and OWL can enable 

experiment data to be made accessible within and between labs and organizations. Semantic Web technologies enable data semantics 

to be fully described thus enabling new automation and analytic capabilities for scientists. The potential value of experiment data is 

dramatically enhanced because of new means of access and analysis. 

10:30 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 4: Informatics Room: Madera 


Blair Leduc 


Burlington, Ontario, Canada 

blair.leduc@thermo.com 

Service-Oriented Architecture for Workflow Management in Drug Discovery 

Despite the efforts in automation and informatics, laboratory systems are still lacking an efficient and cost effective structure for collecting 

data used for decision making in the drug discovery process. Interaction of disparate systems (automated lab systems, data stores and 

people) is currently provided by manual error-prone processes or very expensive software integration efforts that are not often successful. 

This presentation discusses the Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) model that relies upon message-based communication, covering why 

SOA was developed for the business world and some of the technologies used today. In addition, the application to drug discovery and the 

laboratory environment are explored, including orchestration of the workflow in the lab. 

84




Silpa Wairatpanij 

Co-Author 

Indiana University School of Informatics 

Douglas Perry 

Indianapolis, Indiana 

siwairat@iupui.edu 

Indiana University School of Informatics 

Robot Re-engineering for LabVIEW Functionality 

Introduction 

The Zymate laboratory robot (Caliper Life Sciences) is excellent for demonstrating the principles of laboratory robotics, but it is controlled by a 

proprietary, motion-level programming language, limiting its usefulness. To use the robot for job-level programming using LabVIEW, re-engineering 

is necessary. The goal of this project was to unleash the full potential of LabVIEW by using state-of-the-art hardware for robotic control. 

Methods 

To do this, we completely rebuilt the robot using the latest sensors, actuators, and controller hardware. The original robot was stripped down 

to its frames and joints. To transition from analog to digital control, we designed a new control system in which potentiometers were replaced 

with digital encoders, and analog actuator drivers with pulse width modulation drivers. To increase stability, we added digital signal feedback and 

increased actuator torque. 

For time-critical tasks, real-time control is essential. This requires rapid control loop turnaround. To accomplish this, we bypassed the computer 

bus by implementing an external controller. 

Challenges in achieving this goal included designing and implementing entirely new circuitry throughout the robot, overcoming physical design 

constraints by using multiplexer technology, and reducing circuit noise with efficient isolation techniques. 

Results 

Re-engineering the robot resulted in markedly improved performance characteristics, which included excellent system stability and 

accuracy and increased motion resolution to the submillimeter range. Most important, we gained the ability to program the robot with the 

full capabilities of LabVIEW. 



Tom Downey 

Co-Author(s) 

Partek Incorporated 

Scott Lyon 

St Charles, Missouri 

Dave Bennett. Partek Inc. 

tjd@partek.com 

Edward Spitznagel 

Washington University 

Jing Lin 

Partek Inc. 

Reducing Noise Due to Technical Batch Effects in Biological Data 

Biological data contains signals hidden in a sea of noise. 

The noise is a combination of biological variability, inherent imprecision of the measurement technology, and technical and biological 

“batch” effects. These batch effects come from a variety of sources, such as different operators, biological samples (e.g. cell lines), 

reagent batches and lots, processing dates, etc. We demonstrate how to incorporate technical batches into the experiment design so 

that they can be removed from the data using statistical estimates such as analysis of variance (ANOVA). We use example data from highthroughput 

screening and gene expression microarrays to show how this technique greatly reduces noise due to technical batch effects, 

revealing the biological signals much more clearly than in the original data. 

85


12:00 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 4: Informatics Room: Madera 


Igor Fomenko 

Co-Author(s) 

Amgen 

Peter Miu 

Newbury Park, California 

Mark Durst 

ifomenko@amgen.com 

David Balaban 

Novel Data Analysis for In Vitro Electrophysiological Assays in HTS 

Cardiac potassium ion channel, known as hERG, plays an important role in determining safety margins for therapeutic dosing. An 

electrophysiology based cell assay has been developed and validated to establish the concentration-response (CR) relationship of known 

hERG channel blockers. This assay platform is considered as the Gold Standard for studying ion channels. However due to the assay 

parameters and protocols, this hERG assay presents a challenge in data analysis. For instance, 4 to 6 concentrations per CR curve are 

typically generated to determine drug potency. Hence, reliable estimate of a single CR curve is often problematic. On the other hand the 

repeated measurements from the same population of cells are possible (3 –11 cells). The proposed analytical technique takes into the 

account the biological variability of the responses across the cells and quantifies both the consistency of the assays for the population 

of the cells of the same type as well as this variability. The estimates of the assay’s characteristics are based on nonlinear mixed effects 

theory of statistics. We present this approach on the example of the safe blocker Quinidine using statistical packages S-Plus and R. Such 

approach allows effective and automated analysis of HTS data with repeated measurements. 



Gary Kramer 


Gaithersburg, Maryland 

gary.kramer@nist.gov 

Interchanging Analytical Data and Metadata Using the Analytical Information Markup 

Language (AnIML) 

Interchanging analytical data and their associated “scientific metadata” across space and time, from application to application, and to/from 

applications and databases has often been hampered by multiple, incompatible data formats. The rapid pace of information technology 

and computing hardware innovation has exacerbated this problem. Analytical information stored on early digital media (let’s say 8-inch 

floppy disks) 20 years ago may be less accessible today than such information stored in a paper format 20 years prior. 

ASTM SubCommittee E13.15 on Analytical Data is creating AnIML to describe chromatography and spectroscopy data and metadata. 

Based on XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and its associated technologies, AnIML facilitates access to analytical data by building in 

descriptions of the data and metadata with delimited tags in the same way that HTML (HyperText Markup Language) describes the display 

of items on a webpage. AnIML is built around a core schema that defines ways for describing almost any data. Technique Definition files 

are created to constrain the data description mechanisms for a given analytical technique to those commonly accepted, to delineate the 

metadata items commonly associated with such domain data, and to permit content extension by vendors and users without changing the 

core schema. Once in AnIML format, analytical data can be interchanged over the web, converted to other formats, validated, or visualized 

in multiple formats using existing XML-based tools. AnIML ensures the integrity of the data through the use of digital signatures and 

provides for the data tracking, verification, and validation necessary for use in regulated industries. 

86




Erik Rubin 

Co-Author(s) 


Jun Qiu 

New Brunswick, New Jersey 

John Venit 

erik.rubin@bms.com 

Edward Delaney 

The Impact of Software and Hardware Interoperability on Efficiency in an Automated 

Solubility Determination Workflow 



Julian Willmott 

White Carbon 

Royston, Herts, United Kingdom 

julian.willmott@white-carbon.com 


Pathways is White Carbon’s core software which integrates instrumentation in the laboratory. It is based around the Service Oriented 

Architecture (SOA) principle, which makes it open, extendable and easy to adapt to future needs. Unlike other generic SOA middleware 

packages, Pathways is specifically targeted at laboratory systems and has the benefit of five years of proven robustness. 

This talk gives an overview of the sort of solution that can be built using Pathways by focusing on a client’s problem of biological reagent 

quality tracking and how it was solved using a Pathways based solution called “Cell information Management System” (CIMS). 

CIMS provides a unique combination of active tracking of the physical workflow in the laboratory and desktop analysis software. It provides 

laboratories with easy-to-use data portals for gathering cell quality data such as cell viability, cell density and passage number. It associates 

these reagent quality data with plates, and tracks their progress around the laboratory. Once assay screening has been performed, the 

screening results for plates are merged with the reagent quality data. The CIMS viewer can then be used to identify whether poor or 

unexpected screening results were caused by biological factors. 

87




Ton van Daelen 

Co-Author(s) 

SciTegic 

Robert D. Brown 


tvd@scitegic.com 

Mathew Hahn 

An Enterprise Platform for Data and Application Integration 

Today’s laboratories are generating a vast amount of disparate data that must be captured and organized before it can be successfully 

exploited. At the same time the software industry is producing a large number of disparate applications to manage and mine the data. 

Data pipelining provides a new paradigm for integrating both the data and the various applications that act on it. Data pipelining provides 

a mechanism to federate data that can be easily modified as new or changed data sources become available. The federated data 

can be manipulated on the fly or uploaded into a data warehouse (with pipelining providing the ETL capability). The method inherently 

captures best practice workflows making data and application integration solutions easy to maintain, share and document. This paper 

will discuss strategies for applying data pipelining to data and application integration projects. Data pipelining also enables workflows to 

be implemented that make novel joins between data from different disciplines. We will show examples that generate knowledge based on 

joining data flows from genomic and small molecule sources. 

9:00 am Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Track 4: Informatics Room: Madera 


Ajit Jadhav 

Co-Author 

NIH Chemical Genomics Center 


ajadhav@mail.nih.gov 

Yuhong Wang 

Research Informatics in Probe Discovery at the NIH Chemical Genomics Center 

Advances in automation, liquid handling and data analysis have lead to high-capacity integrated technologies enabling the assay and 

analysis of greater than one million biological reactions per day. Perhaps more important than output is the potential of these technologies 

to improve data quality generated from high-throughput screening campaigns. Currently, the industry standard for the primary screen is to 

test compounds at a single concentration. However, for the purposes of creating a chemical genomic map of the cross-section between 

chemical space and biological activity, a more thorough analysis of each compound is required. We developed a strategy to generate 

concentration-response curves on large compound collections using existing technologies. These high throughput IC50s/EC50s are 

being used to drive chemistry for the development of probes that can be utilized as modulators to study biological systems. An effective 

informatics framework that supports these activities is critical to the success of our operations. The development of an integrated platform 

that combines commercial and inhouse solutions to address the management, analysis and visualization of data that spans biology, 

chemistry, and qHTS operations will be described. 

88




Edward Petrillo 


Princeton, New Jersey 

edward.petrillo@bms.com 

Measuring and Enhancing Value in Lead Optimization: The Application of Lean Thinking 

to Drug Discovery 

Lean Thinking has driven substantial improvements in productivity and efficiency in a wide range of manufacturing businesses. This 

approach begins with a fundamental understanding of how a customer perceives value in a product, followed by a redesign of the process 

to deliver maximum value and eliminate non-value added steps. The work product of lead optimization, the core process of drug discovery, 

can be defined as the total knowledge generated concerning a novel therapeutic agent as it approaches clinical development. Scientific 

relevance, capability, timeliness, completeness and resource efficiency are the main elements of value for this product. Tools for measuring 

and visualizing these value elements are the starting point for a lean transformation of the drug discovery process. 



Louis Coudurier 

Amphora Discovery Corp 

Durham, North Carolina 

louis.coudurier@amphoracorp.com 

Data Integration and Information Generation at Amphora Discovery Corporation 

For the past four years, Pharmaceutical Companies have successfully mastered their Discovery data collection and management via the 

implementation of various, vertically deployed, LIMS. However, data integration and information generation, which are vital to decision 

support and knowledge engineering, have yet to mature or to be attempted in many cases. Data integration has been impeded by the 

sheer volume of data (HTS effect) combined with the complexity, diversity and volatility of the results generated. 

As a result, the backend design and implementation of large data integration systems have been carried out by the biggest players 

in the computer industry; mainly Oracle and IBM. Trending toward two main system design philosophies (centralized warehousing or 

decentralized federalism) those large scale implementations are out of reach to most pharmaceutical companies and retain performance, 

maintenance and long term commitment issues. 

Amphora Discovery Corporation’s objective to produce a huge body of knowledge spanning multiple biological systems and disease 

states, as well as to be able to analyze its results via internally developed mathematical models, directed the company to devise its own 

data integration and analysis system code named LIBERTY. This relatively low cost system is made of a careful balance of centralized 

and decentralized components sewed together via an evolutionary approach to system design. This presentation aims at revealing the 

architectural design behind Amphora’s discovery data integration and analysis system as well as to demonstrate its practicality to other 

pharmaceutical companies. Examples of what type of information such a system can provide will be included. 

89




Annette Brodte 

Co-Author(s) 

Genedata 

Stephan Heyse 

Basel, Switzerland 

Michael Lindemann 

Annette.Brodte@genedata.com 

Oliver Duerr 

Early Pharmacological Qualification of Actives by Dose-Response Series Analysis on a 

Large Scale 

During recent years, advances in laboratory automation and assay technologies have continuously increased the throughput in screening 

campaigns. However, despite an increase in screening hits entering the drug discovery pipeline, the number of qualified lead series has not 

increased substantially. This is due to frequent failures at later stages. 

Parallel automated screening of 10’000s of hit compounds in panels of validation assays is a new approach for determining specificity, 

selectivity, pharmacological class, and off-target effects at an early stage. Analyzing this information identifies structural classes with 

appropriate pharmacology from large compound sets. 

We present a case study demonstrating how large-scale validation panel screening, combined with efficient dose-response curve fitting, 

is used for pharmacological classification of thousands of compounds in order to facilitate their prioritization by lead finding and medicinal 

chemistry groups. This approach fails unsuitable compounds early, saving time and cost, and operates on numbers large enough to feed 

the downstream pipeline despite stringent filtering with high-quality series, increasing the probability of successful discovery projects. 

10:30 am Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 5: Frontiers Beyond BioPharma Room: Sierra/Ventura 


Koen Bruynseels 

Co-Author(s) 

CropDesign NV 

Gerrit Hannaert, Joris De Wolf, 

Zwijnaarde, Belgium 

Myriam Van Quickenborne, Chris De Wilde 

koen.bruynseels@cropdesign.com 

Katrien Lievens Ernst Vrancken, Nico De Wael 

CropDesign 

Automated Evaluation of Yield Enhancement Genes in Plants 

Postulated gene functions like seed-yield-enhancement require confirmation in planta. Phenotypes need to be studied in real crops. 

For hybrid-corn, classical field- testing of thousands of candidate yield-genes is virtually impossible. Rice, closely related to corn and 

amenable to automated phenotypic evaluation, may function as a ‘pre-filter’. CropDesign’s TraitMill® is a high-throughput phenotype 

evaluation-platform for rice. It is an assembly-line like set-up for 1) choice and design of gene-constructs, 2) vector-construction, 3) planttransformation, 

4) plant-evaluation, 5) seed-evaluation, 6) statistical analysis. A sophisticated Laboratory Information Management System 

(built in house) optimises the process flow between the departments. All items, from DNA-prep to seed-batch, are tagged by barcode or 

transponder. LIMS functions as a tracking system for all items in TraitMill. Weekly, plants and their root systems are imaged automatically. 

From the hi-res pictures software extracts parameters like plant height, green biomass, greenness-index, flowering time and root biomass. 

Seeds are analysed in automated seed processing ‘towers’, directly linked to LIMS, yielding parameters like total seed-weight, kernelnumber, 

filling-rate and thousand-kernel-weight. From seed images, shape parameters are automatically extracted and stored in LIMS. 

Hence LIMS is also a system for data storage (12 Gb a day), data processing and reporting. Data is compiled automatically for statistical 

analysis, comparing sister-populations that only differ in the absence or presence of the transgene studied. The module automatically 

proposes ‘LEADs’, gene-constructs that show a significant difference between sister-populations for parameters studied. 

TraitMill, and examples of LEADs it produces, will be presented from the ‘LIMS angle’. 

90




Mark Collison 

Co-Author 

Archer Daniels Midland Company 

Robert C. Elliott 

Decatur, Illinois 

collison@admworld.com 

J-Kem Scientific, Inc. 

Automation of Multi-Tube SPE for Toxin Analysis with Flow and Liquid Level Control 

Mycotoxins are of growing concern in the diet. As analytical techniques have lowered detection limits for toxins, regulations have followed 

to lower permissible limits. As a result, sophisticated techniques, which often require extensive sample preparation, are often necessary to 

reach the required detection limits. Solid phase extraction (SPE) is the method of choice for preparation of toxins for analysis. Mycotoxin 

extractions from foods and dietary supplements typically use discrete SPE columns rather than microtiter SPE plates due to the sample 

volumes required. This talk describes a custom robotic system developed by J-KEM Scientific for ADM, that automates the solid phase 

extraction of toxins for analysis. The key component of the system is an automated SPE vacuum manifold that individually controls the flow 

rate and liquid level in 24 SPE columns simultaneously. Maintaining a uniform flow rate for each column and never allowing the SPE resin to 

go dry insures reproducible results and automates the most labor intensive aspects of solid phase extraction. 



Roger Boulton 

University of California 

Davis, California 

rbboulton@ucdavis.edu 

The Hilgard Project – Application of Advanced Measurement and Control Systems in 

the Teaching and Research Winery at University of California, Davis 

Today, world wine production approaches 30 Gigliters and the growing of grapes and making of wine are the highest value-added, 

agricultural activities. Teaching and research in Viticulture and Enology have been conducted at the University of California for 125 years, 

first at the Berkeley campus and now at Davis. In the last few years, efforts have focused on developing web-based research and teaching 

capabilities that increase our ability to share experimental results and data with researchers and winery personnel around the world. 

The Hilgard Project incorporates the automation of experimental set-up and execution with the measurement and archiving of data. It 

provides the capabilities needed to conduct precisely controlled, easily observed experiments for the scientific assessment of vineyard 

and winemaking practices. It also provides an unprecedented ability to evaluate alternative sensors, new technologies and advanced 

instrumental methods for the grape and wine industries. One example of capabilities currently in place is the direct monitoring of 

fermentation progress by measuring the loss of juice weight due to carbon dioxide evolution. These measurements not only provide 

information of fermentation progress, but also allow the use of parameter estimation with mathematical models and the predictions of 

future fermentation behavior. The use of such a simple, scalable technology permits its application to both small and large fermentations in 

industry and an ability to make comparisons with readily accessible research results. 

91


12:00 pm Monday, January 23, 2006 Track 5: Frontiers Beyond BioPharma Room: Sierra/Ventura 


Jeffrey Hurst 

Hershey Foods Laboratory 

Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania 

gretnasci@aol.com 

Challenges to Laboratory Automation in Consumer Product Industries 

The early implementation of lab robotics as an evolutionary event in lab automation was meet with a great deal of excitement and interest 

in all industry segments. Over the years, as in all new technologies the excitement and interest waned especially those industry segments 

including the Consumer Product Industries who had initially been leaders. Presently, automation is essentially limited to phrama and related 

industry segments. This presentation will provide some historical perspective on this phenomena, discuss some potential reasons for this 

decline and provide some opportunities for lab automation in this industry group 



Amy Herr 

Co-Author 

Sandia National Labs 

Victor C. Rucker 

Livermore, California 

aeherr@sandia.gov 


Antibody Microarrays for Native Toxin Detection 

Timely detection of toxins in biological samples is important in assessing bio-security concerns. As a means to address such concerns, 

we have developed antibody-based microarray techniques for the multiplexed detection of cholera toxin (CT), diphtheria toxin (DT), anthrax 

lethal factor (LF) and protective antigen (PA), Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB), and tetanus toxin (TTC) in spiked samples. While 

the assay method makes use of DNA microarraying equipment and techniques, the approach enables direct protein quantitation. 

Two detection schemes were investigated: (1) a direct assay in which fluorescently labeled toxins were directly captured by the antibody 

array and (2) a competition assay using unlabeled toxins as reporters for the quantification of native toxins. In the direct assay, fluorescence 

measured at each array element is correlated with labeled toxin concentration to yield baseline binding information (Langmuir isotherms, 

affinity constants). The competition assay yields information on the presence, identity, and concentration of toxins, without the need 

for fluorescently labeling toxins in a sample. Calibration curves and detection limits were established for both assay formats. While the 

sensitivity of the direct assay is superior to the competition assay, detection limits for unmodified toxins in the competition assay are 

comparable to values reported for sandwich-format immunoassays. 

To highlight the potential of the competition assay for native toxin detection in biological samples, we conclude with a straightforward, 

multiplexed assay for the differentiation and identification of native S. aureus enterotoxin B and tetanus toxin in spiked, dilute serum 

samples. 

92




Amy Herr 

Co-Author 


Victor C. Rucker 

Livermore, California 

aeherr@sandia.gov 


Rapid DNA Fragment Sizing Using Ultra Sensitive Flow Cytometry 

DNA fragment sizing is arguably one of the most common measurements performed in today’s biochemical//biomedical laboratories. 

Although significant advancements in capillary-based sizing method have been made over the past decade, gel-based electrophoresis 

techniques still dominate the DNA sizing arena, especially for large fragments. We have developed an entirely new approach for DNA 

fragment sizing based on ultra sensitive flow cytometry. We target fragments in the size range of 1000 base pairs (bp) to 1 Mbp and 

have the advantage of requiring extremely small quantities of analyte. We have targeted this technique to sizing of DNA fragments from 

restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) digests of bacterial genomes for species identification and strain typing. We present direct 

comparisons of our flow-based technique with the “gold standard” pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Overall our technique is faster 

and requires less material than PFGE. Applications of this technique include homeland security, public health, and law enforcement. 



Cynthia Bruckner-Lea 

Co-Author(s) 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 

R.M. Ozanich 

Richland, Washington 

B.P. Dockendorff 

cindy.bruckner-lea@pnl.gov 

M.G. Warner 

T.M. Straub 

J.W. Grate 

Automated Sample Preparation and Detection of Pathogens in Environmental Samples 

Methods for the automated purification and concentration of cells, nucleic acids, and proteins are critical to enable the trace detection 

of biological analytes in environmental samples. The BEADS platform (Biodetection Enabling Analyte Delivery System) utilizes derivatized 

microbeads to capture the analytes of interest, while washing away the sample matrix materials that can interfere with detection. This 

presentation will highlight two BEADS system configurations. The first system is configured for the automated sample preparation of 

nucleic acids for pathogen identification. This system includes automated cell capture from large sample volumes (milliliters and larger), 

followed by flow-through polymerase chain reaction for DNA amplification, and microarray detection. This configuration enables the 

detection of only 10 cells/mL in environmental samples. The second system configuration includes on-column fluorescence detection of a 

sandwich immunoassay designed for toxin detection. The automated on-column immunoassay enables the rapid detection of toxins in less 

than 5 minutes. 

93




Richard Murante 

Integrated Nano-Technologies, LLC 

Henrietta, New York 

rmurante@integratednano.com 

An Electronic Nucleic Acid Detector for the Identification of Biological Agents 

Integrated Nano-Technologies (INT) is working to produce a field-portable, non-PCR-based DNA biosensor. This biosensor will couple the 

sensitivity and specificity of DNA hybridization with direct electronic detection to identify pathogens without the need for prior amplification 

of the DNA. The most innovative feature of this biosensor is that it uses the combination of a biological event (hybridization) with 

microelectronics to electronically detect the presence of a specific target DNA. 

INT’s DNA biosensor consists of oligonucleotide probes attached to multiple pairs of interdigitated electrodes on a microchip. Biological 

samples are processed to produce a solution of DNA fragments which is passed over the biosensor surface. Hybridization of a target 

fragment with capture probes forms a DNA bridge connecting the two electrodes. Chemical treatment of this bridge converts it to a 

conductive wire. Hybridization is then able to be detected by measuring the change in electrical resistance across the electrodes. Most 

recent research and development work on INT’s biosensor system has focused on improving both the biological and chemical reactions 

required for the detection of low levels of target DNA molecules. 

By providing a fast, accurate and low-cost means of detection of biological agents such as anthrax, smallpox, hepatitis, SARS, 

salmonella and others, considerable opportunities exist for INT’s technology in bio-warfare and bio-terrorism defense, clinical diagnostics, 

environmental testing, and food safety. 

10:30 am Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 5: Frontiers Beyond BioPharma Room: Sierra/Ventura 


Jonathan Dordick 

Co-Author(s) 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 

Douglas S. Clark, 

Troy, New York 

University of California, Berkeley 

dordick@rpi.edu 

Moo-Yeal Lee, Solidus Biosciences 

Anand Ramasubramanian, University of California, Berkeley 

Michael Hogg, Solidus Biosciences 

Metabolizing Enzyme Toxicology Assay Chip (MetaChip) for High-Throughput 

Microscale Toxicity Analyses 

The clinical progression of new chemical entities to pharmaceuticals remains hindered by the relatively slow pace of technology 

development in toxicology and clinical safety evaluation, particularly in vitro approaches, that can be used in the preclinical and early 

clinical phases of drug development. To alleviate this bottleneck, we have developed a Metabolizing Enzyme Toxicology Assay Chip 

(MetaChip) that combines high-throughput P450 catalysis with cell-based screening on a microscale platform. The MetaChip provides a 

high-throughput microscale alternative to currently used in vitro methods for human metabolism and toxicology screening based on liver 

slices, cultured human hepatocytes, purified microsomal preparations, or isolated and purified P450s. This novel technology creates new 

opportunities for rapid and inexpensive assessment of ADME/Tox at very early phases of drug development, thereby enabling unsuitable 

candidates to be eliminated from consideration much earlier in the drug discovery process. 

94 

F I N A L I S T




Giovanni Zocchi 

UDA 


zocchi@physics.ucla.edu 

Analytical Assays Based on Detecting Conformational Changes of Single Molecules 

One common strategy for the detection of bio-molecules is by labeling either the target itself or an antibody that binds to it. We will discuss 

a different approach, based on detecting instead the conformational change of a probe molecule, induced by binding of the target. That 

is, what is being detected is not the presence of the target or the probe, but the conformational change of the probe. We have recently 

developed a single-molecule sensor which exploits this mechanism to detect hybridization of a single DNA oligomer to a DNA probe, as 

well as specific binding of a single protein to a DNA probe. Because bio-molecular recognition often involves large conformational changes 

of the molecules involved, this strategy may be applicable to other assays. 



Sarunya Bangsaruntip 

Co-Author(s) 

Stanford University 

Katerina A. Drouvalakis, Robert Chen, Hee Cheul Choi 

Stanford, California 


sarunyab@stanford.edu 

Walther J. van Venrooij, Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen 

Carbon Nanotube-Based Bioassay for Protein Detection 

Paul J. Utz, Hongjie Dai, Stanford University 

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a new class of nanomaterials that have been intensely investigated since their discovery. Bridging this 

inorganic material with biological systems, however, is a relatively unexplored area with exciting, potential applications in high-throughput 

drug screening, disease diagnosis and proteomics. Here, the development of CNT-based, highly specific, electronic sensors capable of 

label-free, real time detections is presented. Non-specific binding, a phenomenon found with a wide range of proteins, is overcome by 

irreversibly coating the nanotubes with protein resistive, polyethylene oxide (PEO)-containing amphiphiles. Selective recognition and sensing 

are then attained by conjugating specific receptors onto PEO-functionalized nanotubes. The success of the scheme is demonstrated 

with highly selective and sensitive detections of model proteins as well as with antibodies associated with human autoimmune diseases. 

Additionally, mechanistic studies are carried out to investigate the origin of the observed sensing signals. Extensive characterization reveals 

that electronic effects occurring at the metal-nanotube contacts due to protein adsorption constitute a more significant contribution than 

adsorption solely along the exposed lengths of the nanotubes. 

Further, the developed chemical scheme is also extended to assaying human serum in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a 

quartz crystal microbalance as the detector. The results demonstrate the first use of whole human serum with CNT-based biosensors. In 

addition, when compared both to the fluorescent-based, clinical-standard technique of Enzyme-linked Immnuosorbent Assay (ELISA) and 

to the next generation platform of microarray, the carbon nanotube assay exhibits greater sensitivity and predictive values. 

95


12:00 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Track 5: Frontiers Beyond BioPharma Room: Sierra/Ventura 


Gary Gust 

Co-Author(s) 

Osmetech Molecular Diagnostics 

M. Reed 


A. M. Aguinaldo 

gary.gust@osmetech.com 

L. Cheung 

Y. Liu 

J. Bumbarger 

D. Wurtz 

W.A. Coty 

Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening Test Performed Using a Microarray Platform Based 

on Electrochemical Detection of DNA Hybridization 

The eSensor ® DNA detection technology enables genotyping of multiple genetic disease markers using electrochemical detection of 

nucleic acid hybridization. Each eSensor cartridge contains an array of gold electrodes, each containing a sequence-specific capture 

probe covalently linked to the gold surface. Each target nucleic acid is bound to its appropriate electrode through sequence-specific 

hybridization to its capture probe, and then detected by hybridization of ferrocene-labeled signal probes and interrogation by alternating 

current voltammetry. Each gold electrode is coated with an insulating monolayer which minimizes non-specific binding and prevents 

signaling of unbound signal probes, eliminating the need for a wash step prior to detection. A cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier detection test 

has been developed for the eSensor system, providing multiplex amplification and detection of carriers for the 23 mutations of the CF 

transmembrane regulator gene recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics. Studies performed at external sites with 486 

samples demonstrated an overall concordance of individual mutation calls with DNA sequencing of 99.0%, with a miscall rate of 0.02%. 



Ryan Rodgers 

Co-Author(s) 

National High Magnetic Field Lab 

Geoffrey C. Klein, Florida State University 

Tallahassee, Florida 

Tanner M. Schaub, National High Magnetic Field Lab 

rodgers@magnet.fsu.edu 

Donald F. Smith, Florida State University 

Petroleomics: Mass Spectrometry Returns to Its Roots 

Sunghwan Kim, National High Magnetic Field Lab 

Jeremiah M. Purcell, Florida State University 

Christopher L. Hendrickson, National High Magnetic Field Lab 

Alan G. Marshall, Florida State University 

Ultrahigh-resolution Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) has recently spawned the new field 

of “Petroleomics”, specifically defined as the relationship between the chemical composition of petroleum derived material and its 

physical properties. The inherent high mass accuracy and high mass resolving power of FT-ICR MS provides the elemental composition 

assignment of thousands of different polar heteroatom containing species from a single crude oil. Until very recently, the FT-ICR analysis 

of complex, petroleum derived materials has been limited to polar heteroatom containing species amenable to ElectroSpray Ionization 

(ESI). Here we present the latest developments in FT-ICR mass spectral analysis of crude oils and asphaltenes along with the latest 

instrument developments that expand the analysis to include nonpolar, aromatic species found in crude oil. Included are initial results from 

a commercial Atmospheric Pressure PhotoIonization (APPI) source (nonpolar aromatic species) and recent results from ESI FT-ICR MS 

analysis of “heavy ends” (polar aromatic species). For a single oil sample, positive and negative mode ESI, as well as positive mode APPI 

FT-ICR results are presented. Automation of the data acquisition procedure is also discussed. All heteroatom containing (ESI and APPI) and 

PAH (APPI) classes are identified and their corresponding type and carbon number distributions presented. The level of detail provided by 

FT-ICR MS analysis is unrivaled and amazingly, complete analysis (polars, nonpolars, aromatics and semi-volatile compounds) consumes 

less than a drop of oil. 

Work supported by NSF CHE-99-09502, Florida State University, and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, FL 

96




David Ecker 

Co-Author(s) 

Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

Joseph A. Ecker, Thomas A. Hall, 

Carlsbad, California 

Christian Massire, Lawrence B. Blyn, 

decker@isisph.com 

Steven A. Hofstadler, Mark Eshoo 

Rangarajan Sampath, Ibis 

Paul Scott, Walter Reed Army Institute for Research 


Rapid, High-Throughput Bacterial Genotyping to Reduce Healthcare-Associated Infections 

There are approximately 90,000 unnecessary deaths in the US due to healthcare-acquired infections. An important component of infection 

control is the ability to understand the clonality and spread of bacterial strains, and identify the sources and reservoirs of infectious bacteria. 

We have developed an ElectroSpray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) based bacterial genotyping platform that provides rapid, 

high-resolution, high throughput strain-typing useful for any species of bacteria. The method leverages high throughput mass spectrometry 

detection and base composition determination of PCR amplicons from regions of microbial genomes that distinguish closely related 

bacterial strains. We will present the results of two studies; 1.) monitoring a severe bacterial pneumonia outbreak in a military training facility, 

2.) epidemiological tracking of hospital infections in soldiers wounded in the conflict in Iraq. The advantages of the ESI-MS based rapid 

genotyping methods include: 

-- Resolution - sufficient to establish clonality to track the spread of infections 

-- Speed – a sample can be genotyped within 4 hours; 

-- Throughput – approximately 200 samples can be analyzed in 24 hours; 

-- No culture step - direct environmental or clinical samples can be analyzed; 

-- Robust to mixtures - the method can tell if two strains are present in a mixture, and determine the relative ratio’s of the strains; 

-- Low per-sample cost 

ESI-MS genotyping method provides the opportunity to tracking hospital transmission and implement appropriate infection control 

measures to prevent further infections on a time scale previously not achievable. 



Gang L. Liu 

Co-Author(s) 


Jaeyoun Kim 

Berkeley, California 

Luke Lee 

ganglliu@berkeley.edu 


All-Optical-Logic Microfluidic Circuit for Biochemical and Cellular Analysis Powered by 

Photoactive Nanoparticles 

Unlike any other microfluidic devices, we have invented a novel all-optical-logic microfluidic system which is automatically controlled only 

by visible or near infrared light with down to submilliwatt power. No electric power supply, no external or MEMS pump, no tubings or 

connectors, no microfluidic valves, nor surface patterning are required in our system. Our device only consists of a single-layer PDMS 

microfluidic chip and newly invented photoactive nanoparticles. Our photoactive nanoparticles are capable of converting optical energy 

to hydrodynamic energy in fluids. The nanoparticle themselves are biocompatible and can be biofunctionalized. Via these photoactive 

nanoparticles, we used only light to drive, guide, switch and mix liquid in optofluidic logic circuits with desired speeds and directions. We 

demonstrated the optofluidic controls in transportation of cells, biochemical hydrolysis reactions, and DNA hybridizations. After selective 

surface biofunctionalization of our nanoparticles or their clusters, they are manipulated by light to interact with single living cells. In addition, 

our nanoparticles are used as the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for vibrational spectroscopy of biomolecules 

on chip. The all-optical control of biological microfluidic circuits and photoactive nanoparticles can revolutionize the automation and 

miniaturization of valveless and pumpless lab-on-a-chip. 

97 

F I N A L I S T




Elliott Liu 

E. L. Consulting 

Hollis, New Hampshire 

ElliottLiu@alum.mit.edu 

Clinical Research: The Six Sigma Way 

Process improvement has been a dominant movement in many manufacturing industries in the last two decades. Most of the pharmaceutical 

and biopharmaceutical companies have not broadly recognized integration of breakthrough process improvement methods with clinical 

research practices. Although this phenomenon is interdisciplinary, its internal structure and the nature of its interactions with other disciplines 

in clinical development organizations have not been studied in depth. This presentation will discuss the author’s research and analysis of the 

strategy and methodology that could break through improvement of cycle time and error reduction in conducting clinical trials. 

9:00 am Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Track 5: Frontiers Beyond BioPharma Room: Sierra/Ventura 


Miguel Maccio 

Co-Author(s) 

Wyeth 

Dan Davolos 

Pearl River, New York 

Duncan Bell 

macciom@wyeth.com 

Wyeth 

Modular Automation Platforms: A Case Study of a Flexible NMR Sample Preparation Robot 

This talk presents a variety of features used by our Department in the design and integration of Automation Platforms. A challenging project 

is the automation of NMR sample preparation. The dispensing of highly volatile or viscous solute into the typical 4 mm ID NMR glass tube, 

and the subsequent capping of the tube, presents unique problems. An angled incremental single channel dispensing technique prevents 

bubble formation when a 0.1 molar protein based solute is used. A novel gripper finger design, used in conjunction with in-house fabricated 

Teflon caps, allows reliable capping of NMR tubes. In-situ vortexing minimizes vial handling with increased throughput. Magnetic mounting 

of robot tools (hands) provides precise snap-in positioning with collision-safe breakaway. This simplifies crash recovery during development 

testing and production use. A wraparound Safety Enclosure with modular safety circuit fulfills ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999 Safety Requirements. 

Flexible control software permits run interruption for loading and preparation of additional NMR tubes. Prepared samples may be removed 

during run interruption. A “Fly-By” barcode scanning tool enables positive compound sample ID with improved throughput. Pre-existing 

instrument control software is conveniently interfaced to a Scheduler application through an open-architecture instrument integration 

framework. This framework allows the development of automation platform independent Middleware for Schedule and Assay portability. A 

new generation of Low-power, lightweight, portable and expandable platforms is also presented where a building block tandem approach is 

used in conjunction with the Rent-a-robot concept for robot recycling. 

98 

F I N A L I S T




Stephen Martin 

Sandia National Laboratories 

Albuquerque, New Mexico 

sjmarti@sandia.gov 

Microanalytical Systems for Rapid, Automated Chemical Analysis 

In recent years researchers have demonstrated that chemical analyses that once required benchtop analytical instruments can be 

performed using miniaturized systems utilizing microfabricated analysis stages. Examples include gas chromatography, HPLC, and 

electrochromatography. Several advantages are provided by systems using microfabricated components, including small size, increased 

ruggedness, low power consumption, low sample and reagent volume requirements, and rapid analysis. This talk/poster will describe the 

challenges that arise in making analytical systems using microfabricated components. It will also describe the performance characteristics 

that can be obtained and the new applications that arise from the small size and portability these systems provide. 



Richard Belcinski 

Co-Author 

Microchip Biotechnologies, Inc. 

Dublin, California 

docrich@pacbell.net 

Roger McIntosh 

LabRAT.NET: A Dual-Layer Instrument Control and Automation Framework. 

Standards-based approaches to automation typically use an open messaging format and a “simple” command set that describes the 

actions of a wrapped instrument or software package. The command set reflects assumptions made about the underlying instrument state 

transition model. Messages induce state transitions, and robustness is gained in part by having strict control over the conditions under 

which each message is handled. 

The difficulty with this approach is that a generic state model often cannot cover all automation contingencies in a clean manner, especially 

when older instruments are addressed. The problem appears when two instruments are tightly coupled and operate within a single state 

of their transition model. Developers wishing to utilize their chosen integration framework must make difficult choices in implementing 

synchronization mechanisms that avoid state transitions. 

To solve this problem, we propose a dual-layer, approach to building instrument wrappers. In the first layer, XML documents describe the 

instrument state transition model without compromise. These documents describe a “method” interface by which sequences of messages 

(and their input data) may be posted to the state machine to drive it. In the second layer, a higher-level generic message-handling state 

machine exposes the method interface to the lab automation framework which is visible during service discovery. Thus developers 

can preserve the uniqueness of their instruments without confronting the limitations of their automation framework. We describe our 

implementation in the Laboratory Rapid Automation Toolkit (LabRAT) software package and illustrate its function and utility. 

99




Cyrilla Menon 

CAN in Automation 

Commerce Township, Michigan 

menon@can-cia.org 

CANopen-Based Device Profiles for Laboratory Automation 

Over the years, the need for laboratory automation equipment to interact with each other has increased. Manufacturers use a variety of 

proprietary ways to do this. In other industries, standard communication networks and network interfaces have been created to allow 

easier integration in applications. With this in mind, a group formed under the international organization, CAN in Automation, to create 

standardized interfaces for laboratory sub-devices such as dilutors, etc. This paper will describe the specification, CiA WDP 424, and 

its benefits to manufacturers and end users. Also it will describe how it defines the parameters and communication objects of various 

laboratory devices. The experts are not interested in the standardization of a laboratory automation network, but have left that for future 

discussion. 

100

Notes 


101

Notes 


102

MP01 

Anthony Aglione 

Hoffmann-La Roche 

Nutley, New Jersey 

anthony.aglione@roche.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Theresa Truitt 

Ralph J. Garippa 

A Streamlined Practical Workflow for Conducting High-Throughput Dose Response 

and Selectivity Analysis Using High Content Screening Technologies 

High content screening (HCS) translocation assays have become useful in the advancement of orphan G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) 

drug discovery programs. We utilized several integrated and workstation-based systems for an oGPCR HCS/HTS investigation to determine 

receptor selectivity and EC50 values for ~400 validated hit small molecule compounds. Stable clonal cell lines of the drug- targeted oGPCR 

and additional oGPCR’s used for selectivity determination were developed using Transfluor technology. The Cellomics Arrayscan-II 

HCS platform was used to quantify receptor activation following a one hour incubation of cells with serially-diluted compound Our hit 

criteria was established based upon the fold increase in baseline object number. Each single 384-well plate investigated a separate 

oGPCR and was comprised of forty-eight baseline reference wells, sixteen maximal response reference wells (LITe assay control, ligand 

independent translocation), and 10-pt dose response curves of sixteen compounds in duplicate. The process workflow utilized a Guava 

technologies PCA system, a Matrix WellMate, Matrix CyBi-Well automated pipettor, Tomtec Quadra-3, and a stackable Zymark 

Twister-I. Addressed topics will include the successful maintenance of stable clonal expression, cell harvesting and plating, compound 

plate preparation (serial dilutions), compound addition to cell plate, and post-compound fixation, staining, and analysis of results. 

MP02 

Poster Abstracts 

Nitin Agrawal 

Texas A&M University 

College Station, Texas 

nitin.agrawal@chemail.tamu.edu 

Co-Author 

Victor M. Ugaz, Texas A&M University 

A Battery Powered Compact Thermocycler for Rapid PCR 

The ability to amplify DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) continues to be an indispensable tool in genomic analysis 

applications including pathogen and infectious disease detection, forensics and population-scale polymorphism and mutation analysis. 

We have previously demonstrated the capability to perform rapid DNA amplification in buoyancy driven closed loop reactors. Here we 

demonstrate a new and advanced closed loop thermocycler (CLTC) operated by a low power miniature temperature controller. The greatly 

simplified design of this system incorporates three aluminum blocks maintained at each of the three PCR temperature zones. All three 

blocks are interconnected using threaded screws arranged such that when only one block is heated to 95°C (denature), the other blocks 

are passively maintained at 72°C (extension) and 60°C (anneal) by heat conduction through the connecting screws. Because only one 

block needs to be heated using a single heater, power consumption is minimal and the whole setup (including temperature controller) can 

be operated on two ‘AA’ size batteries. Temperatures in all zones can be easily and independently adjusted by using screws of appropriate 

thermal conductivities. We have demonstrated successful amplification of a 1.3kb amplicon of Lambda-DNA incorporating only 8 micro 

liter reaction volume and reaction times under 30 minutes were achievable. The simplified design of this device also makes it ideally suited 

for real time PCR and for DNA sequencing applications. 

103

MP03 

Ismail Al-Abdulmohsen 

Saudi Aramco 

Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia 

abdulmis@aramco.com.sa 

Data Upload to LIMS 


Data acquisition is very important and with new technology available in market we need to find new ways to upload and manipulate data 

before reporting. LIMS Applications need to have a standard way of importing data from Instruments and Laboratories must come up 

with a standard procedure and methods. The difficulties of data upload needs to be addressed to be solved and to prevent data error and 

verification. The system needs to be integrated with LIMS Application to enhance data acquisition and speed up the process. Industry 

needs to know the standard for data to include this with Instruments programs. 

MP04 

Keith Albert 

Artel 

Westbrook, Maine 

kalbert@artel-usa.com 

Co-Author 

John Thomas Bradshaw 

Integrating a Portable, Rapid Volume Verification System For Multichannel Devices: 

Applications In Learning Device Behavior 

Nearly all high-throughput assays performed within a microtiter plate are volume dependent. In turn, all concentrations of biological and 

chemical components in these assays, as well as the associated dilution protocols, are volume dependent. Therefore, the accuracy and 

precision of individual volume aspirations and dispenses directly impact assay results. Through understanding device behavior for each 

assay or process, an assay’s exact volume and component concentrations can be determined. Such measurements allow for assay 

integrity and proper interpretation of experimental results. Integrating the Multichannel Verification System (MVS), a rapid, portable 

volume measuring platform, with a volume dispensing device helps an operator understand device behavior and creates an environment 

for optimizing assay performance ‘on-the-fly’. For instance, the MVS can be employed to help the operator make informed decisions 

on dispense behavior patterns when protocol variables are manipulated. Such variables may include pre- and post-air gaps, blow-out 

volumes, tip type or quality, aspirate/dispense speeds and heights, tip-touches, on-board mixing, or wash steps. A few of the many MVS 

application uses for diagnosing device behavior include monitoring order trending over sequential dispenses, drift trending over time, 

inter-device comparability (device 1 vs. device 2) before, during and after assay transfer, and channel-to-channel reproducibility within 

one or more devices. The versatility, mobility and NIST traceability of the MVS also allows true verification of volumes at all levels in assay 

development, from a pure research level to a highly-regulated laboratory environment. Integrating the MVS with volume dispensing devices 

allows accurate and precise quantification of device behaviors for specific assays or processes within minutes. 

104

MP05 

Dave Smith 

TTP LabTech 

Royston, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom 

dave.smith@ttplabtech.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Yan Wang 

Robert Davis 

Kalypsys Inc. 

Wayne Bowen 

TTP LabTech Ltd 

An Ultra-High Throughput Approach to High Content Screening in 1536-Well Format 

Kalypsys’ technology has enabled unprecedented levels of efficiency and economy in primary screening, and has proved especially useful 

at rapidly profiling screening hits in selectivity and safety assays. Combining throughput of over 1 million assay wells per day with on-line 

storage capacity of over 2 million compounds, the Kalypsys System provides unmatched screening efficiency. To effectively utilize whole 

cell assay formats in primary and secondary screening, image-based high content readers require multi-channel capability, rapid read 

times and compatibility with high-density plate formats. The Acumen Explorer offers whole-well, high content analysis of 1536 microplates 

in less than 10 minutes per plate, while collecting data for up to four colours in multiplex protocols, thus combining the object-recognition 

capabilities of image-based systems with short read times. Here, we demonstrate the powerful integration of an Acumen Explorer with 

Kalypsys technology, with capability to screen > 300,000 wells per day of high content data. 

MP06 

Arne Allwardt 

University of Rostock 

Rostock, Germany 

arne.allwardt@celisca.de 

The HPMR 50-96 advance - Always a Step Ahead 

Co-Author(s) 

Silke Holzmüller-Laue, Celisca 

Kerstin Thurow, University Rostock 

The further reduction of the product development time, increasing prices for basic materials and limited laboratory capacities increase the 

requirements to the assigned technologies and require particulary multivariate laboratory systems. The devices used in these systems 

are characterized by an increase of the reactions per time unit and the reduction of the reaction volumes with consideration of compact 

dimensions. They have to be variable integrable into usual laboratory robot systems in hard and software. 

The multi-parallel high pressure reactor HPMR 50-96 fulfills these requirements. It ensures the contemporaneous execution of 96 reactions 

in a glass microplate under reaction pressures and temperatures of 50 bar and 100°C. The mixing of the reagents is realized magnetically 

with small stirdiscs in every well. A local control system can be used to control the reactor. The integration into a laboratory robot system or 

the connection to a LIMS is likewise possible. 

The HPMR 50-96 is now available in a first advanced version with an improved tempering and a new gas management system. The number 

and power of the integrated peltier elements has been increased for an improved tempering. Together with an improved recooling of the 

elements the heating and cooling times of the pressure tank and the reagents could be dramatically reduced. The new gas management 

system permits a flushing with inert gas even with a closed pressure tank and thus the safe exchange of the tank atmosphere with inert 

gas is possible. 

105

MP07 

Varouj Amirkhanian 

eGene, Inc. 

Irvine, California 

vamirkhanian@egeneinc.com 

Automated High-Speed Genetic Analyzer 


Co-Author 

Ming-Sun Liu, eGene, Inc. 

We present a bench-type, high-performance and high-speed genetic analyzer, that uses cost-effective parallel multi-channel gel-capillary 

electrophoresis system with novel (patented) fluorescence type detection for bio-molecules analysis.12-DNA samples are automatically 

injected and analyzed simultaneously using a multiple usage and disposable multi-capillary (12-Channel) gel-cartridges. Using commercially 

available dsDNA size markers (i.e. FX174 DNA–Hae III digest dsDNA fragments) as indicators, the system provides high resolving power 

(

MP09 

Alex Batchelor 

Cambrex Bio Science Nottingham 

Nottingham, United Kingdom 

alex.batchelor@cambrex.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Lee Walker 

Anthony Pitt 

PDELight - A Novel, Generic and Simple High Throughput Assay for 

Screening cAMP-Dependent Phosphodiesterases 

In the cell phosphodiesterases (PDEs) function in conjunction with adenylate cyclases to regulate the amplitude of the ubiquitous 

2nd messenger signalling molecule, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). PDEs catalyze the hydrolysis of cAMP to adenosine 

monophosphate (AMP). There are at least 11 different families of PDEs most of which contain more than one isozyme. Their substrate 

specificities, kinetics and tissue specific expression make PDEs drugable targets for a range of diseases. 

A number of HTS assays are used to identify inhibitors of cAMP-PDEs. However these are either rad-based, require the use of beads, 

modified substrate or antibodies and are time consuming to perform. 

We introduce a novel luminescent HTS assay which offers a simple alternative to the current cAMP-PDE assays. The AMP produced 

from PDE hydrolysis of cAMP is quantified using a robust and highly sensitive luciferase-based luminescent reagent. The AMP is directly 

converted to ATP and quantified as light. Nearly a photon of light is emitted for every molecule of AMP produced. The assay is extremely 

simple to use and can be run in a number of ways to suit the user. 

Data represented in this study demonstrates the principle and performance of the assay. 

MP10 

Michael Benedetti 

Buck Institute 

Novato, California 

mbenedetti@buckinstitute.org 

Co-Author(s) 

Matthew Gill 

Anders Olsen 

Amanda Foster 

Gordon Lithgow 

Development of High-Throughput Screens for Anti-Aging Compounds in the Nematode 

Caenorhabditis Elegans 

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides an excellent model organism for investigating the aging process. These worms have a 

short lifespan of approximately 20 days and many single gene mutations have been found that more than double their lifespan. There 

is now considerable interest in identifying drugs that can influence nematode lifespan as they may provide novel therapeutic targets 

for amelioration of age related disease. Small scale, targeted screens have demonstrated that nematode lifespan can be increased by 

treatment with drugs such as anti-oxidants and anticonvulsants. It is likely that the development of high throughput screening methods will 

facilitate the discovery of many more compounds that are able to extend the lifespan of C. elegans. 

C. elegans is well suited to HTS as it is easy to grow large isogenic populations and maintain worms in multi-well plates. The use of an 

intact organism for the screening process also has many advantages over cell based assays. Most interventions that increase lifespan 

also increase resistance to acute stress. This makes it possible to assess the effect of a candidate compound within a few days using 

stress resistance assays as a surrogate for lifespan. Here we present different in vivo automated screens for compounds that affect survival 

following a stress. We discuss the results of small 2000 compound screens and show that the screens are adaptable to HTS. We discuss 

the hurdles to automating whole organism screens and their possible solutions. 

107

MP11 

Sibani Biswal 

University of Berkeley 

Mechanical Engineering 

Palo Alto, California 

sbiswal@berkeley.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

Digvijay Raorane 

Arun Majumdar 

Alison Chaiken 

HP Labs 

Using a Microcantilever Array for Detecting Phase Transitions in Polymers 

We report the extension of the microcantilever platform to study the thermal stability of macromolecules. The sensitivity of these cantilevers 

combined with their fast response time has allowed us to use these sensors for the thermal analysis of phase transitions in adsorbed 

molecular films. Microcantilevers have become important micromachined structures for many physical, chemical, and biological sensing 

applications. Their extremely high surface-to-volume ratio permits detection of surface stresses which are too small to observe on a 

macroscale to become an important sensing mechanism. 

Microcantilever-based sensors directly translate changes in Gibbs free energy due to analyte-adsorbate and adsorbate-adsorbate 

interactions into mechanical responses. The cantilever thereby transduces a biochemical signal into a mechanical one. One can 

follow surface processes by measuring the deflection of the cantilever tip. We utilized this phenomenon to study phase transitions in 

macromolecules while scanning the sample temperature or varying salt concentrations. To demonstrate the use of the microcantilever to 

detect phase transitions, we have studied the melting of DNA molecules. Using the microcantilevers, we are able to explore the stability of 

DNA under a variety of solution conditions. Differences in the lengths and intermolecular interactions between single- and double- stranded 

DNA are highlighted by variations in cantilever deflection. Additionally, we have used the microcantilevers to observe changes in polymer 

brush height due to salt changes. This new technique has allowed us to probe polymer dynamics and leads to a better understanding of 

the stability of polymer complexes on surfaces. 

MP12 

Wayne Bowen 

TTP LabTech 

Melbourn, Hertfordshire, 

UK 

wayne.bowen@ttplabtech.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Rose Hughes 

Jose Quiroz 

Robert Bukar, Kalypsys Inc 


A Solution for Serial Dilution of Compounds in 1536-Well Microplates 

High-density screening platforms are an integral part of any successful high-throughput screening facility. Increasing well density 

shrinks assay volumes, which correspondingly minimizes reagent costs, accelerates assay throughput, and can improve assay quality 

and reproducibility by reducing assay duration. Kalypsys’ suite of ultrahigh-throughput robotic screening technologies has enabled 

unprecedented levels of efficiency and economy in a host of screening operations. Based around 1536-well microplates, the Kalypsys 

System combines the throughput of 1 million assay wells per day with on-line storage capacity for over 2 million compounds. This focus on 

1536-well miniaturization has created a need for liquid handlers that are capable of accurately and reliably transferring and diluting nanolitre 

volumes of liquid. Kalypsys had been unable to identify a technological solution for 1536-well serial dilution, until the mosquito ® . 

The mosquito ® is an innovative nanolitre pipettor that combines the liquid transfer capability of a fixed head dispenser with the convenience 

and zero cross-contamination of disposable tips. The mosquito ® is capable of pipetting volumes from 1.2 mL down to 50 nL with no 

washing required. Here we demonstrate the application of a mosquito ® for serial dilution of compounds in 1536-well microplates for 

profiling in biochemical assays. 

108

MP13 



Tucson Arizona 



Co-Author(s) 

Ihab Botros, Matt Rounseville, Ralph Martel 


Stephen Felder, Rick Kris 

Nuvogen, LLC 

High Throughput Cell and Tissue-Based Gene Expression Assay for Target Validation, 

Screening and EC50-Based Profiling and Optimization of Efficacy, Specificity, 

Metabolism and Safety 

Gene expression assays have provided low quality data and low sample throughput compared to conventional biochemical (e.g. enzyme) 

drug discovery assays. Furthermore, whole cell screening assays typically have problematically high false positive hit rates and when 

whole cell assays are used for lead optimization there is uncertainty whether the mechanism of action giving rise to the measured cellular 

response remains the same between analogs. Consequently, gene expression-based drug discovery programs are uncommon. The 

ArrayPlate quantitative Nuclease Protection Assay (qNPATM) gene expression platform enables a paradigm shift in mainstream drug 

discovery and profiling. Multiplexed, measuring 16 genes/well of a 96-well microplate or 4 genes/well of a 384-well microplate, qNPA 

delivers high content (1536 datapoints) capable of distinguishing and tracking multiple mechanisms of action. A simple, robust lysis-only 

protocol permits high sample throughput (cells, frozen/fresh/fixed tissue, whole organisms) and produces “biochemical” quality data: whole 

cell assay CV’s of 5 to 10%, repeatable day-to-day within 5%, repeatable lab-to-lab. Thus, weak activity (

MP15 

Josh Eckman 


West Bountiful, Utah 

je2@utah.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

Bruce Gale 

David Chang-Yen, 

Sriram Natarajan 

David Myszka, Biochemistry 


A Highly-Parallel Microfluidic System for Array Fabrication and Bioassay Development 

A highly-parallel microfluidic system has been developed for the patterning and interrogation of surface microarrays, wherein microchannels 

are used to flow biomolecule solutions over discretely defined spot regions. A novel network of microfluidic channels is used to address 

two dimensional spot arrays, allowing hundreds of locations to be targeted in parallel. When used in conjunction with chemically activated 

surfaces, this process allows for increased probe surface concentration versus that of the deposition solution, limiting or removing the need 

for upstream purification. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurement of protein flow deposition as compared to pin-spotted samples 

demonstrated an 86-fold increase in protein surface concentration. In addition, the process can be used to screen for biomolecules of 

interest from heterogeneous samples, or to conduct bioassays in a fraction of the time and with substantially less reagents. 

MP16 

Jimmy Bruner 

Glaxosmithkline 


jimmy.j.bruner@gsk.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Ginger Smith 

Jim Liacos 

Managing Biomek FX 3.X Software — “Tools for Consistency and Conservation” 

The High Throughput Biology (HTB) department at GlaxoSmithKline is developing in vitro models to better predict the efficacy of 

compounds in the clinic. HTB utilizes the Beckman Biomek FX as its key liquid handling robot, employing five workstations. Each system 

maintains a core set of liquid handling methods and assay specific methods. Additionally, for backup purposes each method exists on 

every Biomek FX liquid handler in the department. Approximately thirty-five HTB scientists have walk up access to the systems for dayto-day 

liquid handling and assay requirements. Managing multiple systems has proved to be both essential and challenging. With the 

advent of the Biomek 3.2 in the XP environment the HTB Automation Team took a closer look at mechanisms for managing methods both 

within and between the systems. In this poster we will present lessons learned and mechanisms for synchronizing cross-project contents, 

automating electronic backups, capturing of per-run data, and implementing accounts and permissions. 

110

MP17 

Alex Burgin 

Emerald BioSystems 

Bainbridge Island, Washington 

aburgin@decode.com 


Co-Author(s) 

John Walchli 

Kathryn Hjerrild 

Mark Mixon 

Michael Feese 

Stuart Bowers 

Brendan Gan 

Lance Stewart 


Gene Composer: A Tool for Optimizing Proteins and Genes for X-ray Crystallography 

A fundamental problem of protein crystallography is identifying a suitable protein construct since small changes in the protein can have 

profound effects on both expression and crystallization. We have developed a database and algorithm package, called Gene Composer, 

that facilitates the design of proteins and synthetic genes for X-ray crystallography. The Protein Design Module contains tools to create 

multiple sequence alignments, and distill protein structure information from PDB files. For example, known and predicted secondary 

structures, and amino acids participating in crystal, ligand, or water contacts can be highlighted within the alignments. This interface allows 

the user to simultaneously understand sequence conservation and known or predicted structural elements to define the best amino acid 

sequence for crystallization. The software also displays solvent accessible regions, highlights individual B factors, and offers suggestions 

for the rational mutagenesis of surface residues. In the Gene/Oligo Design Module, the user can optimize the open reading frames (codon 

usage, minimize mRNA secondary structures, eliminate or introduce regulatory regions, etc.) for different expression systems. Finally, Gene 

Composer offers tools for the design of oligonucleotides for the assembly of whole genes using standard PCR techniques. The software 

will be demonstrated and examples of how Gene Composer can improve both expression and crystallization will be presented. 

MP18 

Anne E. Carpenter 

Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sabatini Laboratory 


carpenter@wi.mit.edu 

Co-Author(s) 

Thouis R. Jones 

Polina Golland 


David M. Sabatini 

Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research & MIT 

Free, High-Throughput Software for Automatically Measuring Cells in Images 

Advances in imaging hardware now allow the rapid collection of thousands of high resolution images of cells. Automatically measuring 

features of cells quantitatively from these images has been difficult due to the limitations and often proprietary nature of available image 

analysis software. We have therefore developed CellProfiler cell image analysis software to allow biologists without training in computer 

vision or programming to quantitatively measure cells in thousands of images automatically, without tedious user interacion. This freely 

available, open-source software project is modular and compatible with most image formats and movie formats, allowing adaptation to a 

variety of cell types and assays. We have tested the software using cells from human, mouse, yeast, and fruit fly to measure phenotypes 

including cell count, cell size, cell cycle distribution, and the levels and localization of proteins and phospho-proteins, including application 

to time-lapse and high-throughput experiments. CellProfiler will be released for free to the public in winter 2005. 

111

MP19 

Ismet Celebi 



mail@ismet.net 

Incorporating UnitsML into AnIML 


Co-Author(s) 

Reinhold Schaefer 

University of Applied Sciences Wiesbaden 

Robert A. Dragoset 

Gary W. Kramer 


Maintaining the integrity of analytical data over time is a challenge. Years ago, data were recorded on paper that was pasted directly 

into a laboratory notebook. The digital age has made maintaining the integrity of data harder. Nowadays, digitized analytical data are 

often separated from information about how the sample was collected and prepared for analysis and how the data were acquired. The 

data are stored on digital media, while the related information about the data may be written in a paper notebook or stored separately in 

other digital files. Sometimes the connection between this “scientific metadata” and the analytical data is lost, rendering the spectrum or 

chromatogram useless. We have been working with ASTM Subcommittee E13.15 on Analytical Data to create the Analytical Information 

Markup Language or AnIML — a new way to interchange and store spectroscopy and chromatography data based on XML (Extensible 

Markup Language). XML is a language for describing what data are by enclosing them in computer-useable tags. Recording the units 

associated with the analytical data and metadata is an essential issue for any data representation scheme that must be addressed by all 

domain-specific markup languages. As scientific markup languages proliferate, it is very desirable to have a single scheme for handling 

units to facilitate moving information between different data domains. At NIST, we have been developing a general markup language just for 

units that we call UnitsML. This presentation will describe how UnitsML is used and how it is being incorporated into AnIML. 

MP20 

Changhoon Chai 

Rutgers University 


chchai@eden.rutgers.edu 

Co-Author(s) 

Paul Takhistov 

Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey 

Smart Automated System for the Assessment of Biosensor’s Performance 

The portable, quick, and automatic multi-sensing system for biological agent is regarded necessary as the concern of public. However 

current detection techniques cannot be applied to the field since they are based on large instruments or highly skilled manipulation. The 

detection system can be developed when electrochemical impedance analysis (EIA) is employed as biosensor’s signal transducer however 

the absence of appropriate technique to associate antibody onto biosensor’s surface and the lack of understanding of the electrochemical 

dynamics at the interface of biosensor are the bottleneck to develop. We propose the smart automated system for the assessment of 

biosensor’s performance, able to accelerate evolution of biosensing technology to be applied for environmental and biological samples 

with complex matrix (human clinical samples, foods, and beverages). We’ve succeeded to detect 0.1ng/ml of Staphylococcus aureus 

Enterotoxin B (SEB) with new impedimetric bioosensor. To achieve the high sensitivity, aluminum, the module of signal transducer, 

was fabricated electrochemically in nano-scale as well as the technique to associate anti-SEB on nano-porous aluminum surface was 

developed. The biosensor differentiated SEB and anti-SEB reaction at the specific AC frequency (30-100kHz) in 20min. The dynamics 

of multi-analyte and the algorithm to differentiate multiplexed signals are being studied to establish the basis of automated multi-target 

biosensor. Developed algorithm will allow the automation of the impedimetric multi-biosensor, the evaluation of individual sensor’s 

performance, and the improvement of reliability. LabView based software will allow to perform 4D (electrical amplitude, phase angle, 

frequency, and time) chemical screening of target analysts. 

112

MP21 

Mark Chong 

Aurora Discovery, Inc. 


mark_chong@auroradiscovery.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Brad Larson 

Tracy Worzella 

Promega Corporation 

Ultra-High-Throughput Profiling of Compounds Using Luminescent Assays and the 

Aurora ® Discovery BioRAPTR FRDTM Workstation 

We demonstrate the use of Promega Corporation’s luminescent HTS assays for profiling test compounds in a miniaturized ultra-highthroughput 

setting. The ability to obtain a better understanding of drug compound properties earlier in order to better predict off-target 

activity and toxicity is essential in the drug discovery process. By incorporating high-density plates in a miniaturized format, the researcher 

is able to obtain more complete information in a short period of time. We include cell-based assays for viability and apoptosis induction, a 

cell-based GPCR DRD1 assay, cytochrome P450, P-glycoprotein, and kinase assays to generate each individual profile. Aurora Discovery’s 

BioRAPTR FRDTM Workstation was used to dispense cells, test compounds, and assay reagents in a 1536-well format. IC50 calculations 

were performed for each compound and assay combination. Results show that IC50s from assays performed in a miniaturized uHTS 

setting can be used to create a clearer picture of the properties for individual compounds. 

MP22 

Jon Chudyk 

Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation 

Marshfield, Wisconsin 

chudykj@cmg.mfldclin.edu 

Co-Author(s) 

Terry Rusch 

Kim Fieweger 

Seth Dobrin 

James Weber 

Another Step in Automating Microsatellite Genotyping 

Our laboratory has been testing ways to reduce costs, sample volumes, and decrease labor in short tandem repeat polymorphism (STRP) 

genotyping. Using a continuous polypropylene tape (array tape) embossed with 384 well arrays, conforming to the microtiter plate standard 

allows smaller reaction volumes to be used and decreased handling of stacks of microtiter plates. Current instrumentation developed 

in-house has greatly increased automation and reduced labor in sample preparation, and we are efficiently able to pierce the seal with a 

CO2 laser to facilitate extracting the samples from the reaction vessels to load into gels for analysis. We have not found a seal that can be 

pierced by our 384-tip instrument, and have tried using several razor blades to score the seal. This process had proven to be problematic 

and difficult to automate due to the pressure required for the blades to score the seal sufficiently. Using a CO2 laser to weaken the seal 

is much more reproducible and less prone to carryover and sample to sample contamination. CO2 lasers are robust systems that do not 

contain a lot of frequently replaced parts, and do not require frequent recalibration. In addition, the laser is software controlled allowing for 

highly reproducible scoring and easily switching between 384, 1536, and 96-well formats. 

113

MP23 

Robin Clark 

deCODE Biostructures 

Bainbridge Island, Washington 

rclark@decode.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Alexandrina Muntianu 

Hans-Thomas Richter 

Denise Conner 

Lawrence Chun 

Alex Burgin 

Lance Stewart 

DeCODE BioStructures 

Protein Maker: an Automated System for Protein Purification 

The Protein Maker is an automated system for parallel liquid chromatography at medium scale (1-50 mg of protein). Protein solutions, 

wash buffers and elution buffers are delivered under positive pressure to up to 24 columns by automated syringe pumps. The 24 syringe 

pumps are connected to 8-way valves, with each pump and valve controlled independently through the software. A gantry with XYZ 

directional control carries two 24-port manifolds: one for sample loading and one for column outlets. Flow rates adjustable from 0.25 to 

1000 ml/min. Column fractions are delivered into 24-well block plates at any of 20 deck locations. Protein Maker can be used to purify up 

to 24 different proteins in parallel on duplicate columns, simultaneously test multiple purification strategies on one or a few proteins or carry 

out purification schemes on multiple columns in tandem. New developments in progress include: 1) fully automated purification of up to 8 

proteins on 3 different columns in succession, 2) UV and conductivity monitoring, 3) provision for load and elution volumes up to 500 ml, 4) 

a relational database for operations and parameters. Application results and software interface improvements will be presented. 

MP24 

Wendell Coltro 

University of São Paulo 

São Carlos-SP, Brazil 

wendell@iqsc.usp.br 

Co-Author(s) 

Wendell Karlos 

Tomazelli Coltro 

University of Sao Paulo 

José Alberto, Fracassi da Silva, State University of Campinas 

Emanuel Carrilho, University of Sao Paulo 

Disposable Electrophoresis Microchips With Integrated Electrodes for Capacitively 

Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection 

We describe the development of electrophoresis microchips with integrated electrodes on the polyester films for capacitively coupled 

contactless conductivity detection (C4D). The top polyester substrate contained the two electrodes (Ti/Pt-200 nm) for C4D, which were 

formed by photolithographic lift off process. The microchannels network was fabricated by a direct-printing process in the bottom polyester 

substrate. The layout of the device was drawn using CorelDraw 11.0 software and it was printed on polyester films out by LaserJet printer. 

The toner layer deposited (6 micrometers) by the laser printer defines the depth of the microchannel. The access in the channels was made 

by drilling a hole using an adapted paper driller. The perforated cover and the base were aligned and laminated together, producing the 

single toner layer structures with access holes. In the lamination step the electrodes had been placed outside of the channel, i.e., isolated 

by the thickness of the polyester film itself (100 micrometers). A mixture of potassium, sodium and lithium ions was used to evaluate the 

separation performance of the integrated C4D. The running buffer was 20 mmol L-1 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid/histidine at pH 

6.0. The sample plug (270 pL), containing 50 umolL-1 of each cation, was separated in approximately 60 sec and detected at 400kHz and 

10 Vpp. The proposed microdevice presented satisfactory results in terms of repeatability, sensitivity, separation efficiency and resolution. 

To our knowledge these disposable microchips with integrated electrodes have the lowest cost/device and can be extensively used in any 

applications in-the-field. 

114

MP25 

Patrick Cooley 

Microfab Technologies, Inc. 

Plano, Texas 

patrick.cooley@microfab.com 


PiezoLC Microdispenser for MALDI-TOF Analysis 

Co-Author(s) 

Ting Chen 

David Wallace 

Microfab Technologies, Inc. 

Femia Hopwood 

Andrew Gooley 

Proteome Systems, Ltd. 

Frantisek Svec. University of California, Berkeley 

The PiezoLC is an ink-jet system to deliver micro-volumes (0.1 to 100nL) of proteolysed peptides onto MALDI-TOF MS targets for 

subsequent mass spec analysis. A porous polymer monolith is located within the glass capillary of the ink-jet dispensing device to provide 

chromatographic separation of peptides. The peptide sample is loaded onto the integrated chromatography column (reversed phase) and an 

elution buffer separates the peptides, as the buffer passes through the column. The eluted peptides exit the orifice of the piezoelectric device 

in the form of drops and land onto a MALDI-TOF MS target plate preserving the chromatographic separation. The analysis of the peptides 

can then be performed at a later date and multiple times. The PiezoLC can be a useful tool for the identification and characterization 

of proteins from finite samples. Low-abundance proteins may not be detected during MS analysis, as they are commingled with highabundance 

proteins within protein digests and are obscured by ion suppression effects. The chromatographic separation of peptides 

by the PiezoLC can reduce ion suppression and improve resolution of MALDI-TOF MS analysis for applications, such as peptide mass 

fingerprinting. The PiezoLC separation of tryptic digests of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) resulted in a larger number of peptides identified in 

comparison to the control. This resulted in a higher degree of amino acid sequence coverage and improved protein identification. 

MP26 

Mary Cornett 

Innovadyne Technologies, Inc. 

Santa Rosa, California 

mcornett@innovadyne.com 

Co-Author 

Anca Rothe 


Meeting the Liquid Handling Challenges of Low Volume Cell Assays 

One of the main challenges faced in the development of automated cell-based screening systems is the requirement to accurately and 

gently dispense low volumes of assay cells. Traditional and flow-through liquid handlers, commonly used in HTS applications, can dispense 

in a manner that results in shearing stress to live cells impacting viability. Additionally, typical instrument designs with mechanical valves 

included in the flow path, often contribute to imprecision through contamination and the clogging of flow paths. While the precision of 

solenoid-based dispensing systems has long been recognized, their widespread acceptance has been tempered with concern regarding 

performance or maintenance issues. Here, we discuss a solenoid-based system that overcomes these issues by exposing the solenoid 

valves only to deionized water at a constant pressure, allowing them to operate efficiently and effectively. In addition to improving 

robustness, the system design ensures that the aspirated sample never contacts moving parts and only encounters a very simple flow 

path, which is vital for the successful dispensing of live cells. We also present data from several homogenous cell assay types that 

demonstrate consistent maintenance of cell viability in a 1536-well format, as well as excellent dispensing precision of cells and several cell 

assay reagents in the low microliter dispense range. 

115

MP27 

J. Colin Cox 

Duke University Medical Center 

Duke University Biochemistry 


colin@biochem.duke.edu 

Protein Fabrication Automation 


Co-Author(s) 

Janel Lape 

Mahmood A. Sayed 

Homme W. Hellinga 

Duke University Medical Center 

The ability to ‘write’ a gene sequence has widespread applications in biological analysis and engineering. Rapid writing of open reading 

frames (ORFs) coding for expressed proteins has the potential to transform the way by which proteins can be engineered and produced, 

and has applications in protein design, synthetic biology, crystallography, etc. Here we present a process, Protein Fabrication Automation 

(PFA), that facilitates the rapid de novo creation of any desired expressed ORF with low effort, high speed, and little human interaction. 

The method is robust and scaleable. 

Our PFA scheme is based on the total synthesis of genes from synthetic oligonucleotides and contains three main components: 1) software 

to handle and manipulate ORF design (GeneFab), maintain a database of oligonucleotides and generate robotic movement scripts (FabMgr); 

2) a programmable commercial liquid handling robot; 3) a genetic selection scheme to enhance yields of correctly assembled synthetic 

ORFs. A wild-type protein, or scaffold, is assigned a primer assembly scheme based upon inside-out nucleation PCR gene assembly. Next, 

a mutation list is provided to the PFA software package which then applies desired codon variants to a wild-type scaffold (in our applications, 

these mutation lists are generated by protein design algorithms). The DNA sequences are analyzed for restriction site and codon frequency 

usage, and an oligonucleotide list is generated for electronic ordering. After synthesis of the primers, FabMgr then produces a script program 

for programmable liquid handling robots (here, any Tecan Genesis or Evo). 

MP28 

Matthew Cu 

Beckman Coulter 

Fullerton, California 

mcu@beckman.com 

Co-Author 

Michael Gary Jackson 

Automation of Total RNA Isolation From Cultured Eukaryotic Cells on Beckman 

Coulter’s Biomek ® 3000 Laboratory Automation Workstation Using Agencourt ® 

Manual isolation of total RNA can be tedious and prone to nuclease degradation due to human error. Recognizing the role of automation 

in addressing these conditions, we developed an automated method on Beckman Coulter’s Biomek 3000 Laboratory Automation 

Workstation to purify total RNA from cultured eukaryotic cells using Agencourt RNAPrep. Since total RNA is the starting material for a 

number of downstream applications including reverse transcriptase-PCR1 (RT-PCR), quantitative real-time PCR, cDNA synthesis, cDNA 

library construction and microarray analysis, confidence in the data corresponds directly to the quality of the purified RNA. Various cell lines, 

in a 96-well format, were used to demonstrate the automated process for RNA isolation. Purification begins with the addition of a magnetic 

lysis solution to disrupt cell membranes and bind RNA to the paramagnetic particles. RNA remains affixed to the beads during DNase 

treatment and washing, and then is eluted from the particles. Purified total RNA is evaluated spectrophotometrically and then is observed 

by gel electrophoresis for quality. This total RNA isolation method is the starting point for additional automated methods that conveniently 

use the same deck configuration in applications such as cDNA Synthesis, In-vitro Transcription and Fragmentation. 

The information presented here will include: 

• The description of the automated methods 

• The results obtained when using the methods. 

1. The PCR process is covered by patents owned by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. and F. Hoffman-LaRoche, Ltd. 

116

MP29 

Jon Curtis 

GSK 

Stevenage, Herfordshire, United Kingdom 

jpc67195@gsk.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Zoe Blaxill, Suzanne Baddeley, Liz Clark, Jim Chan, Jim Laugharn, 

Covaris 

Phil Robinson, Kbioscience 

The Use of Adaptive Focused Acoustic Technology to Improve uHTS Assay 

Performance and Compound Dissolution. 

Compound Management and high throughput screening can both be impacted by incomplete compound dissolution as well as precipitation, 

the latter occurring on storage or after addition of aqueous buffer. To date, mixing and dissolution have been performed using vortexing, 

sonication or centrifugation. However, all these methods have drawbacks. 

Mixing in low volume 384 and 1536 plate formats also presents difficulties in overcoming high surface tensions and slow diffusion kinetics. 

High frequency focused acoustics has demonstrated effective mixing in 1536 formats in multiple assay types including SPA bead based 

assays, which are particularly prone to settling thus reducing the efficiency of the assay. 

Adaptive focused acoustics has been shown to significantly improve the Z’ value, lower standard deviation, accelerate assays and reduce 

compound precipitate in aqueous. All these factors increase positive confidence by reducing false positives which lessen the requirement 

for retests. 

High Frequency Adaptive Acoustic technology from Covaris is a patented non-contact, isothermal technology capable of rapid mixing 

in all common types of tubes, vials and high density microtitre plate formats. We will describe the acoustic technology and how it has 

been evaluated within GlaxoSmithKline. Data will be presented from different areas of Compound Management and ultra high throughput 

screening (uHTS), including compound dissolution, investigation of compound degradation and improved assay performance assay data. 

Sample formats covered will include 2D coded tubes, 4ml vials, 96, 384 and 1536 well microtitre plates. 

MP30 

Teresa Damico 

Wayne State University 

Detroit, Michigan 

tdamico@chem.wayne.edu 

Co-Author(s) 

Paul Root 

Dana M. Spence 

Wayne State University 

Detection of Endothelial Cell Derived Nitric Oxide Using a Microfluidic Device 

With the advancement of immobilizing bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (bPAECs) in confluent layers within poly(dimethylsiloxane) 

based micro-chip channels, a need has arisen to monitor certain physiological occurrences, such as signal transmission by nitric oxide, in 

the channel using methods other than amperometry. One such method that has become of interest in recent years is the use of fluorescent 

indicators, and of particular importance are diaminofluorescein (DAF) derivatives. Here, a difluorinated derivative, DAF-FM, was employed 

to conduct studies in which adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) was used as a stimulus to observe nitric oxide production in bPAECs. We were 

also able to utilize L-NAME, a known competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, to verify that the resultant NO production was the result 

of ATP stimulation. When combined with microfluidic methods, such a system has the potential for high-throughput drug efficacy studies. 

117

MP31 

Frank Doffing 

IMM - Institut fuer Mikrotechnik Mainz 


doffing@imm-mainz.de 


Co-Author(s) 

Dalibor Dadic 


Institut fuer Mikrotechnik Mainz 

Turning Valves Adapted to Lab-On-A-Chip Applications Enable Directional Flow and 

Portion out Pre-Defined Volumes 

The development of preferably simple and simultaneously reliable valve mechanisms is a challenging task by realization of micro-fluidic 

and lab-on-a-chip systems. Since most applications come along with chemical contamination, commonly polymer-based disposables 

are required. A highly integrated lab-on-a-chip system requires fluid control and thus active and integrable valves. Metering of certain fluids 

and subsequent feeding to commonly used channels inside the polymer chip is a further task which can be solved by an appropriate 

valve mechanism. 

In the present study we present the design, realization and experimental validation of chip-adapted turning valves which enable both the 

directional flow as well as the dosage of samples and afterwards feeding into certain channels to allow a following mixing process for 

instance. Besides a structured disc made from an elastomer and a stiff material compound is adapted on the polymer chip. By turning 

the cylindrical body the valve works as a directional flow valve. But in addition to this a defined volume, determined by the geometrical 

dimensions of the metering channel, can be portioned out to a certain channel resp. fluid. The metering channel can be realized on the chip 

or for smaller volumes on the cylindrical valve body directly. 

The realized valves are suitable for a wide range of flow rates from 1 µl/min up to 100 ml/min with corresponding pressures ranging from 

10 mbar to 1.5 bars. The valves can be actuated by different types of actuators and are successfully applied for lab-on-a-chip systems for 

sample preparation. 

MP32 

Robert Dunn-Dufault 



rob.dunn-dufault@thermo.com Robert DeWitte 

Co-Author(s) 

Marta Kozak 

Andreas Stelzer 


Evaluation of LeadStream’s High Capacity Performance Characteristics in Multiple 

ADME/Tox Assays 

A suite of high throughput assays have been implemented on the LeadStream ADME/Tox Solution, and have been shown to produce 

equivalent results to semi-automated methods that screen for drug-drug interactions, metabolic stability and artificial membrane 

permeability. In order to assess LeadStream’s performance characteristics, the system was challenged with hundreds of compounds, 

multiple times, including replicates and standards. Compounds were selected to span a large diversity of chemical structures, with purity 

above 90%, but with no advance knowledge of how they would behave in each of the assays. In parallel, the same compounds were 

analyzed with equivalent semi-automated methods. This poster reports performance characteristics of LeadStream, including throughput, 

turn-around time, as well as measures of technical robustness, accuracy, precision and ease-of-use. 

118

MP33 

Joshua Edel 

Harvard University 

Rowland Institute 


edel@rowland.harvard.edu 


Co-Author 

Amit Meller 

Harvard University 

Probing Single Molecule Dynamics on the Nanoscale 

In this talk an approach will be described discussing the development and application of using confined fluidic systems to probe single 

molecule dynamics of DNA oligomers using fluorescence lifetime resonance energy transfer and confocal spectroscopy. The utilization of 

fluidic channels allows us to precisely control the conditions of a local environment. Micro and nanochannels have recently become popular 

in applications such as nucleic acid separations, DNA sequencing, and cell manipulations. The benefits of downsizing include enhanced 

analytical performance, reduced separation and analysis times, reduced reaction times, smaller sample sizes, reduced reagent waste, high 

levels of functional integration and automation, and reduced instrument footprints when compared to conventional (larger) analogues. In the 

work that will be discussed, we utilize the added benefits of downsizing to monitor DNA bubble formation, DNA – DNA interactions, as well 

as DNA-fluorophore interactions in real time at the single molecule level. The ability to measure biological activity of individual biomolecules 

by single-molecule fluorescence methods can be limited by the nonideal properties of the fluorophores. As will be described, the source of 

these phenomena is related to uncontrolled changes in the immediate environment of the fluorophore. 

MP34 


Labcyte 

Sunnyvale, California 

ellson@labcyte.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Mitchell Mutz, Labcyte Inc. 

David Harris 

Debunking the Myth – Using Fluorescein in Analytical Measurements of Fluid Transfers 

Under certain conditions, fluorescein will photo-bleach. For example, in laser-based confocal microscopy of fluorescein-conjugated 

antibodies in cells, this photo-bleaching can limit the utility of fluorescein and force the use of more expensive dyes. However, fluorescence 

measurements of nanoliter volumes of DMSO containing fluorescein reveal excellent accuracy and precision. We show that fluorescein works 

extremely well in these analyses with no measurable depletion due to photo-bleaching. We further show that previously reported examples of 

photo-bleaching in this application may be due to reader drift and not the destruction of fluorescein. Fluorescein costs approximately $34 for 

100 g. Photo-stable compounds cost significantly more with price per gram ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 times greater. 

119

MP35 

Aoife Gallagher 

Deerac Fluidics 

Dublin 2, Ireland 

aoife@deerac.com 


Automated Dispensation of Yttrium Oxide SPA Imaging Beads, Into 1536-Well Plates 

Using the Deerac Fluidics’ Equator HTS - Eight Tip Pipetting System 

The drive towards miniaturization within the pharmaceutical field has created a need for liquid handling technologies that accurately deliver 

low volume reagents to high-density well plates. GE Healthcare’s scintillation proximity assays provide an innovative approach for assay 

development and biochemical screening that allows the rapid and sensitive measurement of a wide variety of molecular interactions in a 

homogeneous system. Here we demonstrate the successful combination of the use of the Equator HTS eight tip pipetting system to 

dispense Streptavidin coupled Yttium Oxide (YOx) imaging beads. 2ul of YOx beads were dispensed into1536-well plates containing an 

excess of 3H-biotin. Plates were read on LEADseeker and analyzed for accuracy and reproducibility. CVs of 6-7% were obtained. Outliers 

were within spec of 10 or less per 1000 wells. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the Equator HTS with inbuilt stirred reservoir for 

the automation of the dispensation of YOx beads to high density plate formats. 

MP36 

Maojun Gong 

University of Cincinnati 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

gonglemon2@hotmail.com 

Co-Author(s) 

William R. Heineman 


On-Line Sample Preconcentration by Sweeping With Dodecyltrimethylammonium 

Bromide in Capillary Zone Electrophoresis 

On-line preconcentration of oligonucleotides with a new sweeping carrier was developed by using dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide 

(DTAB) below the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The sweeping results with DTAB below and above the CMC were compared. The 

DTAB below the CMC benefits the preconcentration of the oligonucleotides, while above the CMC good for hydrophobic small molecules. 

The factors affecting sweeping results were optimized and this method was evaluated by constructing calibration curves for thrombin 

aptamers. The sweeping scheme produced 112-fold sensitivity enhancement for the oligonucleotides relative to that run in the buffer 

without DTAB at the normal polatiry. The sweeping method developed here can be a good reinforcement of the preconcentration scheme 

by sweeping when less-hydrophobic analytes are analyzed or the higher separation power of MEKC is unwanted. 

120

MP37 

Weisong Gu 

Ohio Supercomputer Center 

Springfield, Ohio 

weisong@osc.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

Xi Chen 

Paul Evans 

University of Texas 

Eric Stahlberg 

Ohio Supercomputer Center 

Chunming Liu 

University of Texas 

Genome-Wide Location and Analysis of b-catenin/TCF Target Genes 

Wnt/b-catenin signaling plays essential roles in both development and tumorigenesis. Wnt signaling is mediated by b-catenin, which binds 

T cell factor (TCF) in the nucleus and activates gene transcription. In the absence of Wnt stimulation, a protein complex consisting of 

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), Casein kinase I alpha (CKIa) and tumor suppressor proteins Axin and Adenomatous polyposis coli 

(APC), phosphorylates b-catenin. The phosphorylated b-catenin is degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. However, mutations in 

the Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway prevent b-catenin degradation. Accumulated b-catenin enters the nucleus and forms a complex with 

TCF and activates TCF target genes that ultimately lead to tumor formation, e.g. colorectal cancers. Although gene expression microarray 

studies have revealed some b-catenin/TCF related genes, many of them are actually not regulated by b-catenin/TCF directly. To identify 

the complete direct target genes that b-catenin/TCF transcribes, a custom human promoter array has been designed locating all possible 

candidate TCF binding sites throughout the human genome. ChIP-on-chip analysis is performed in human colon cancer cell lines using 

antibody against TCF4. A high resolution map of b-catenin/TCF target genes is constructed using Bioinformatics approach, and the genetic 

b-catenin/TCF regulatory network is further characterized based on data from both gene expression microarray and ChIP-on-chip assay. 

MP38 

Kurtis Guggenheimer 

University Of British Columbia 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 

kurtis@physics.ubc.ca 

Co-Author(s) 

Jared Slobodan 

Mark Homenuke 

Keddie Brown 

Roy Belak 

Andre Marziali 

Automation of Novel Protocols for Immunohistochemistry Staining 

In an effort to reduce costs associated with cancer diagnosis, a need has been realized for a clinical device that can automate 

immunohistochemical staining of individual cell biopsies located on a tissue microarray. This device, named the Cancer Biopsy Array 

Spotter, or CBAS, is currently being developed and will provide fundamental improvements over current biopsy analysis techniques. 

Precision application of costly primary antibody solutions to each individual biopsy will reduce the volume of solution needed, and therefore, 

lower the analysis costs associated with purchasing these reagents. In addition, the CBAS will allow the use of many different antibody 

solutions on one microarray, as opposed to the current method, which involves batch treatment of the whole slide. This feature will allow 

one to test for many different forms of cancer simultaneously. A novel method for delivering and incubating nanolitre volumes of reagent 

has been designed and developed for the CBAS. An overview of the CBAS and novel immunohistochemistry staining protocols will be 

presented. 

121

MP39 

Yunseok Heo 

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 

Ann Arbor, Michigan 

yunsheo@umich.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

Lourdes M. Cabrera 

Gary D. Smith 

Shuichi Takayama 

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 

Preimplantation Embryo Development, Osmolality, and Its Relationship to 

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Thickness 

A microfluidic device has been devised that precisely controls fluid flow inside elastomeric capillary networks made of polydimethylsiloxane 

(PDMS) by using multiple computer-controlled, piezoelectric, movable pins. However, this device needs a thin flexible PDMS platform. 

When developing embryos into blastocysts on a PDMS microchip, the porosity of PDMS can induce osmolality changes in culture media 

by evaporation. We characterized osmolality changes at different PDMS thicknesses and found an inverse relationship to PDMS thickness 

and embryo development due to elevated media osmolality. We suggest using parylene-coated PDMS which has enough flexibility for use 

with movable pin-controlled flow. 

To form wells, 6.5 mm diameter holes were drilled into glass slides which were mounted on PDMS of 10, 1.0, 0.2 or 0.1mm thickness. 

50 µl of Potassium Simplex Optimized Medium (KSOM) was added to wells, overlaid with oil, and assessed for osmolality at 24hr intervals. 

KSOM osmolality in control drifted from 265+-5.1 to 281+-8.2 mmol/kg over 96 hours while KSOM osmolality increased from 265+-5.1 to 

295+-5.4, 297+-10.7, 369+-9.3 and 447+-33.7 mmol/kg with the decreasing PDMS thickness, 10, 1, 0.2 and 0.1 mm, respectively. 

To prevent these changes, parylene was coated on the outside 0.1mm-PDMS surface with 2.5 µm thickness. Parylene coated PDMS 

osmolality shift over time was reduced, 265+-5.1 to 285+-1.2 mmol/kg compared to no parylene, and similar to controls. Percent 

blastocyst development was significantly improved with parylene coating (87+-14 blastocyst development) compared to no parylene (2+-4; 

P

MP41 

Ulrike Honisch 

Greiner Bio-One 


Ulrike.Honisch@gbo.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Norbert Gottschlich 

Heinrich Jehle 


Advanced High-Throughput Platforms for Protein Crystallography 

In recent years, the area of protein crystallization has been subject to fundamental developments. The demand for sophisticated and 

diversified platforms for automated high-throughput crystallography, especially with regard to optical properties, multiple screening 

capabilities, suitability for small sample volumes and surface tension lowering substances, has resulted in the creation of highly specialized, 

multi-faceted devices. 

Microplates with low birefringent background (LBR plates) allow a more effective drop inspection with polarized light. Hydrophobic plate 

surfaces effectively prevent the deformation of crystallization drops, even when surface tension-reducing substances such as detergents or 

ethanol are contained within. Thus, flat bottom crystallization plates become convenient even for the crystallization of membrane proteins. 

As an alternative to classical microplates, plastic microstructured devices offer the possibility to apply a totally different technique to vapor 

diffusion, namely liquid-liquid diffusion. This can be achieved in a high throughput manner combined with the benefits of low protein and 

reagent consumption, ease of handling and time conservation. Further advantages of plastic microstructured devices are a broad selection 

of available raw materials and surface treatments as well as reasonable costs of manufacture. 

MP42 

Matthew Hulvey 



hulveymk@slu.edu 

Co-Author 

R. Scott Martin 


Development of a Microchip-based Endothelium Mimic 

This talk will cover methods used to create an endothelium mimic in a poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microfluidic device. The creation of 

this endothelium mimic is an initial step towards the creation of a blood-brain barrier (BBB) mimic. The proposed BBB mimic is to involve a 

three-dimensional fluidic device that contains a polycarbonate membrane coated with endothelial cells to mimic the tight cellular junctions 

found at the BBB. The primary focus of this poster will involve the work done thus far to achieve this BBB mimic, including chip fabrication, 

assembly, and characterization. Initial work involved the incorporation of microvalves into the fluidic device. These microvalves were used 

to control the path of fluid flow in the microchip, so as to selectively coat channels with endothelial cells. The use of these valves as well as 

principles regarding their operation will be discussed. Also included will be a discussion of incorporating a polycarbonate membrane into 

the fluidic device. Specifically, this work involves placement of the membrane between fluidic layers and characterization of the membrane 

as a tool for transport studies. Thus far, fluorescence microscopy and diaminofluorescein have been used to evaluate the transport of nitric 

oxide at the membrane/fluidic channel intersection. Finally, we will describe the use of alternative methods such as the use of laser ablation, 

as opposed to soft lithography, to create fluidic channels for microvalving applications. 

123

MP43 

David Humphries 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 

Berkeley, California 

DEHumphries@lbl.gov 


Co-Author 

Martin Pollard 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 

High Performance Magnetic Separation Technology for Microtiter Plates, Microarrays, 

Single Molecule Manipulation and Beyond 

Hybrid magnetic technology is in use in production and R&D molecular separation processes by the DOE Joint Genome Institute and is in 

continuing development at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Its fields of applicability range from genomics, proteomics and single 

molecule microscopy to bio-medical and general industrial processes. In addition to existing, production hybrid magnet plates for 384well 

microtiter plate applications; new designs have been developed for 96-well, 384-well, 1536-well and deep well plates. These new, 

more advanced, second-generation magnet plates incorporate higher performance core structures that deliver higher fields and stronger 

gradients for faster drawdown and greater holding power for more robust processes. Field measurements of new prototypes have shown 

peak fields in excess of 11000 gauss. Development has proceeded on 1536-well magnetic structures that also have applicability for highefficiency 

microarray processes. 

A newer field of application for hybrid structures is single molecule magnetic manipulation or magnetic tweezers. This technology has 

significant advantages over laser capture/manipulation techniques and has the ability to cover a manipulation force range from zero to that 

of atomic force microscope levels. A number of successful prototypes have been built at LBNL and are now in use at various institutions. 

In addition to established applications, hybrid magnetic technology shows promise in other areas such as bio-medical treatment 

techniques and industrial applications. This technology is currently being made available to industry through the Technology Transfer 

Department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. 

MP44 

Joby Jenkins 

TTP LabTech 

Royston, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom 

joby.jenkins@ttplabtech.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Rob Lewis 

Wayne Bowen 

TTP LabTech 

A Solution for Low Volume Pipetting Applications Requiring High Accuracy of Placement 

The main engineering challenge for low volume pipetting is the aspiration of liquid from a source and its accurate and precise dispensation 

in nanolitre volumes. In addition, some applications require highly accurate drop placement in a small area (e.g. for assay miniaturisation 

in 1536 plates) and/or excellent repeatability (e.g. for drop on drop placement used in assay-ready dilutions or protein crystallography) for 

both the aspirate and dispense operations. The mosquito nanolitre pipettor (TTP LabTech) uses precise, stepper motor driven, linear drives 

in conjunction with optical sensors to achieve positional accuracy better than 0.05 mm in the X, Y and Z axes. This, in conjunction with 

high quality, positive displacement, disposable pipettes which guarantee zero cross-contamination, gives the mosquito unrivalled accuracy 

and repeatability for these more complex transfer operations. 

124

MP45 

Nahid Jetha 

University of British Columbia 


nahid@physics.ubc.ca 

Small Volume Liquid Transfer Technology 


Co-Author(s) 

Kurtis Guggenheimer 



High reagent costs associated with molecular biology assays are driving trends toward continued volume reduction and parallelization 

of assays. The ability to effectively transfer sub-microlitre sample volumes is therefore critical to ultimately reducing assay costs. The 

Sub-microlitre Electrostatic Dispenser (which may be used with any multi or single channel pipettor) enables low volume dispensing from 

standard syringe pipettors by applying a potential difference between the target microtiter plate and the pipettor needle, thus subjecting the 

fluid to an electrostatic force that aids transfer to the plate. 

The parallelization of assays is accomplished through the development of the Ferrofluidic Pipettor. The plunger of conventional pipettors 

imparts a large frictional force upon aspirating and dispensing of the sample. These forces prevent the advent of a 96 or 384 channel 

hand-held pipettor, which if available would increase the ease and efficiency at which technicians perform experiments. By using a ferrofluid 

in replace of the plunger, the hindering frictional forces are drastically reduced and in particular become solely a function of viscosity of the 

ferrofluid. As a result the advent of a 96 or 384 channel hand-held pipettor becomes plausible at a drastically reduced cost compared to 

conventional 96 or 384 channel robotic pipettor systems. 

A description of both the Sub-microlitre Electrostatic Dispenser and Ferrofluidic pipettor will be presented. 

MP46 

Ronny Jopp 



rjopp@jopper.de 

Co-Author(s) 

Reinhold Schaefer 

University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Germany 

Gary Kramer 


Coding Rules for Construction AnIML Technique Definitions and Extensions 

Interchanging data between analytical chemistry instruments, computer applications, and databases has long been hampered by multiple, 

incompatible data formats. Modern laboratory management concepts such as electronic laboratory notebooks need simple, common 

mechanisms for data storage and exchange. In conjunction with ASTM Subcommittee E13.15 on Analytical Data, we are creating 

AnIML (Analytical Information Markup Language) based on XML (Extensible Markup Language) to provide a standard interchange and 

storage scheme for analytical chemistry data and its associated “scientific metadata.” The basis for AnIML is its core schema capable of 

representing any type of data. The AnIML core schema by itself is not useful as a standard, since it provides myriad ways to record data. To 

constrain the representation of data in an analytical genre, we have created extensible “Technique Definitions” that describe how data are 

customarily represented in that analytical specialty. Where consensus can be achieved, a Technique Definition can be standardized. Other 

areas of the Technique Definition where common agreement is elusive can be handled by vendor-or user-defined “Technique Extensions.” 

XML-based applications are accommodating of “extra” information, so while the items provided in a Technique Extension may not be useful 

to software that doesn’t know about them, their presence does not break anything. To facilitate the development of parsers to handle 

AnIML files, it is desirable that creators of technique-specific Technique Definitions and Extensions follow some general coding rules. This 

presentation will describe how Technique Definitions and Extensions are built and the general coding rules for their construction 

125

MP47 

Joohoon Kim 

University of Texas at Austin 

Austin, Texas 

jkim94@mail.utexas.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

Rahul Dhopeshwarkar 

Texas A&M University 

Richard M. Crooks 

University of Texas at Austin 

Sensitive DNA Detection Assay Using Probe-Conjugated Microbeads and a Hydrogel 

Microplug in a Microfluidic Device 

We report a novel approach for simple and sensitive DNA detection, which relies on the concentration of fluorescein-labeled target DNA 

strands and their subsequent capture in a microfluidic device. The device consisted of probe-conjugated microbeads packed in front 

of a hydrogel microplug photopolymerized in a microchamber. The microbeads were conjugated with a probe that is complementary 

to a desired target. The target DNA strands were electrokinetically transported and concentrated at an interface between the highly 

cross-linked hydrogel microplug and buffer solution, and captured by the probe-conjugated microbeads through DNA hybridization. The 

probe-conjugated microbeads allowed fast and sequence-specific capture of the targets. The hydrogel microplug allowed the passage of 

buffer ions but hindered larger migrating single-stranded target DNA, resulting in concentration of the targets. The concentration of targets, 

either by a uncharged or negatively charged hydrogel on its backbone, provided an enhancement in the sensitivity of the DNA detection 

assay using probe-conjugated microbeads. This work is important because it enables sensitive detection of trace amounts of DNA as well 

as a rapid and simple DNA detection methodology within a simple microfluidic architecture. 

MP48 

Kapeeleshwar Krishana 

Princeton University 

Co-Author(s) 

David Inglis, John Davis, James Sturm 

Robert Austin, Stephen Chou, Edward Cox 

Princeton University 

David Lawrence 

Wadsworth Institute of Public Health 

Microfluidic Device for Separation and Analysis of Blood Components 

We recently pioneered a microfluidic device known as the “bump” array, in which particles above a critical size are deterministically 

“bumped” from obstacle to obstacle to follow a path different from that of small particles. The method does not rely on any particular 

particle shape, and is independent of electrical charge. It has been used to fractionate nanoparticles with record resolution, and to quickly 

(in seconds) separate blood into streams of red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma and platelets. We have also succeeded in 

separating rare or “desirable” cells from a population by selectively attaching nanoparticles of a material with a high magnetic susceptibility 

to a cell based on the chemistry of the cell’s surface and the corresponding co-receptor on the nanoparticle. The cell can then be steered 

by magnetic field gradients. White blood cells were tagged with magnetic nanoparticles based on the CD45 antigen. The blood was then 

injected into a microfluidic structure with magnetized stripes embedded in the substrate at an angle to the flow. The stripes create a high 

magnetic field gradient near the stripes edges, which then trap cells tagged with the nanoparticles. These cells then flow diagonally along 

the stripes, and are separated from the main flow of untagged cells which flow vertically over the stripes with no magnetic effects. We will 

present an overview of the technology developed at Princeton and discuss the latest advances towards rapid screening of blood based on 

the change in deformability of the cells on radiation exposure. 

126

MP49 

Thomas Krüger-Sundhaus 



thomas.krueger-sundhaus@uni-rostock.de 


Co-Author(s) 

Norbert Stoll, Celisca 

Christian Wendler, Celisca 

Concept and Design for the Integration of a Complex Laboratory Robot System Into LIMS 

At both coordination and execution of individual tasks, at data achieving and surveillance of an automated laboratory system, laboratory 

information management systems (LIMS) become ever more important. This includes besides the life visualization of running processes at 

the systems also the ability of control software-access. A working laboratory system for chemical applications, installed at the Center for 

Life Science Automation (celisca), is managed by a process control system that has been developed in “LabVIEW”. It allows the experiment 

planning as well as the visualization and data logging during the run. After firstly being available on the analytical systems’ control PCs, the 

row data is read in by the LIMS and stored in a data base. In order to display the data on the user’s web browser the LIMS-server converts 

them e.g. into HTML format. For coding data and texts for the exchange via internet as well as for visualization in browsers, XML has 

established itself as new standard format. Due to the explicit structuring XML documents can easily be transformed into other formats. 

“LabVIEW” supports the bi-directional convergence of XML documents. This allows access to the LIMS from any location in order to 

configure the lab robots single-systems or to generate contiguous program sequences. 

MP50 

Anil Kumar 

Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology 

India, Delhi 

anilcbt@yahoo.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Rita Kumar 

Purnima Dhall 

Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology 

Five days to five minutes: BOD analysis of industrial effluent using biosensor 

The conventional BOD test requires 5-7 days, and consequently it is not a suitable method for on-line process monitoring of waste waters. 

Thus, it is necessary to develop a method that could circumvent the weaknesses of the conventional method. Present study reports the 

determination of BOD within minutes using the developed sensor. 

To develop the biosensor for rapid and reproducible BOD estimation of wastewater, different biological and electronic components were 

arranged. Initially, change in oxygen concentration was measured and calibrated in terms of electric current covering a range of GGA 

concentrations (15 – 60 mg/ml) by putting an electrode immobilized with bacteria. The developed and characterized BOD sensor was used to 

analyze the BOD values of different concentrations of the standard GGA solution, the BOD5 of which was simultaneously carried out. A linear 

relationship was observed between the current difference and the 5-day BOD of the standard solution up to a concentration of 90 mg l-1. 

The lower limit of detection was 1 mg l-1 BOD, by the developed sensor. A good correlation (r = 0.938) was observed between the BOD 

values estimated by the conventional method and that by the developed sensor. BOD of a wide range of industrial wastewaters having 

low-moderate-high biodegradable wastewater samples could be assessed within a short time period. Developed biosensor is a potable 

device and can be used for online monitoring of BOD of wastewaters at industrial site. 

127

MP51 

Michelle Li 


Saint Louis, Missouri 

mwli0208@gmail.com 

R. Scott Martin, Saint Louis University 


The Use of Microchip-based Pneumatic Valves to Couple a Continuous Flow Stream to 

Microchip Electrophoresis 

In order to gain more insight into the mechanisms leading to dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease, new analytical tools 

entailing cell cultures are needed. The development of an in vitro cell culture system mimicking an in vivo system allowing cells to 

differentiate in a three-dimensional format will provide a means to monitor cellular activity. In effort towards developing such model, we 

will present work showing that PC12 cells immobilized onto poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) channels through a trough method release 

catecholamines that can be detected electrochemically within a microfluidic network. We have also recently explored using nerve growth 

factor to help with the immobilization of PC12 cells into PDMS channels. To continuously monitor all of the catecholamines released 

from PC12 cells, pressure-based PDMS microvalves have been developed to couple the microchip cell reactor to electrophoresis. These 

pneumatic valves can actuate on the order of milliseconds, allowing discrete injections from a continuous flow stream into a separation 

channel for electrophoresis. A pushback channel included in the final design helped eliminate stagnant sample associated with the injector 

dead volume. The effect of actuation time, pushback voltage, and sample flow rate on the performance of the device will be discussed. 

The optimized design demonstrated good reproducibility (RSD=1.77%, n=15) with concentration experiments demonstrating a lag time of 

13 seconds. We will discuss the use of this microchip interface to study the effects of nitric oxide on the release of catecholamines from 

PC12 cells. 

MP52 

Sophia Liang 

Aurora Biomed 



Co-Author(s) 

Sikander Gill 

Aurora Biomed Inc. 

Rajwant Gill 

David Wicks 

Joy Goswami 

Dong Liang 

Development & Validation of Automated Workstation for HTS Flux Assays 

Advances in genomics, proteomics, and combinatorial chemistries have dramatically increased the needs for automation of processes in 

biological assays, and microarrays. Automated liquid handling systems for carrying high throughput screening assays have been felt as 

an invaluable tool for the drug discovery and development industry. Therefore, the lack of such systems has been a major bottleneck in 

the drug development process. In recent years, the increasing demand for high throughput in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors has 

initiated the development of versatile workstations from simple semi-automated bench-top liquid handlers to fully automated integratable 

workstations. 

With the objective of improving efficiency and increasing the level of automation and miniaturization, an automation system called VERSA 

was developed by Aurora Biomed Inc. This system can automate a range of throughputs and applications in genomics, proteomics, 

drug discovery, and analytical applications. We describe the development and validation of this fully automated workstation to carry “walk 

away” cell based assay using cells expressing an ion channel. A panel of positive inhibitors of the ion flux was applied to determine the 

IC50 values for automated assay system and was compared to the values obtained from the manually performed assay. The standard 

error mean was used to measure the variability among the replicates. The Z’ factor values for both the automated system and manual 

performance were also compared. The studies conclude that in addition to the efficiency, VERSA generated comparable results and quality 

performance to the assay. 

128

MP53 

Yiqi Luo 


Palo Alto, California 

rubenluo@stanford.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

Bo Huang 

Michael P. Bokoch 

Richard N. Zare 


A Valve-Controlled Microfluidic System for Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis 

Fabricated in Polydimethylsiloxane 

Two-dimensional electrophoresis of proteins is achieved in 500 seconds in a microfluidic system fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane 

(PDMS), in which the first dimension of micellar electrokinetic chromatography and the second dimension of capillary sieving electrophoresis 

(CSE) are coupled. By installing valves at the intersection of two dimensions, the separations are performed sequentially without interference. 

The size-distinguishing CSE is effectively applied in this PDMS device and achieves major resolution by forming an entangled polymer 

network in the separation medium. To obtain efficient analysis, an array of second-dimensional channels is constructed orthogonally to the 

first-dimensional channel for accomplishing parallel CSE. Therefore, the sample in the first dimension can be simultaneously transferred 

into the second dimension rather than serially eluting the fractions of sample between two dimensions. The two-dimensional separation is 

detected by laser-induced fluorescence imaging, which provides excellent sensitivity. 

MP54 

Manuela Maffè 

Integrated Systems Engineering Srl 

Milan, Italy 

manuela.maffe@polimi.it 

Co-Author(s) 

Maurizio Falavigna 

Integrated Systems Engineering Srl 

Ida Biunno 

Institute for Biomedical Technologies 

Pasquale De Blasio 

BioRep Srl 

An Innovative Semi-Automatic Tissue MicroArrayer: Improved Functionality and 

Higher Throughput 

Tissue MicroArrays (TMA) technology initiated in the mid-1980s but began to be used only in 1997, when a relatively simpler device was 

conceived. Nevertheless, the wide use of the TMA technology is hampered due to the tedious and the slow processing time for its daily 

construction. However, an automated arrayer (Beecher Instruments, Sun Prairie, Wi., USA) was developed but is far too expensive for 

bio-medical laboratories. For this reason we have designed a novel semi-automatic Tissue MicroArrayer, in which the movements of 

the paraffin blocks are automated and computer controlled, while the punching remains manual. To help in the selection of the punch 

areas, while arraying, a high resolution digital microscope camera is added to the instrument. Using a dedicated software the pre-marked 

slide image can be superimposed to the live donor block image. Besides, the software gives the possibility to mark and save the punch 

coordinates so that all the core positions can be saved and reached in a second time simply pressing a key. 

In addition, an interactive database is integrated to the TMA template. Information about the donor block or related images can be 

associated to each spot. It is also possible to mark failed spots. An instrument such as this will allow the construction of the TMA much 

faster and more comfortable for the operator thus increasing the throughput. In addition, the database filling is crucial for the quality 

assurance of the produced TMA; in fact, every spot is properly identified in every moment of the analysis. 

129

MP55 

Philip Manning 

Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals 

Norwich, New York 

manning.pj@pg.com 


Electronic Data Entry From Microsoft Excel Into an Oracle Based LIMS 

In a typical scientific laboratory, thousands of result records are generated each day from various instruments and robots. Raw data 

collected are rarely useful in their original form and calculations must be performed with them to get meaningful results. Often only these 

calculated results are stored in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The method to import this data into a LIMS is usually 

a time consuming, error prone, manual method that is not a good utilization of the Analysts time or expertise. This paper describes an 

electronic data transfer method specifically from Microsoft Excel to an Oracle based LIMS. However, the source of the data would not have 

to be Excel - it could be a chromatography application, word processor or any other Windows based application. Benefits of electronic 

data entry include: reduced data entry time, increased accuracy, better utilization of resources and increased employee job satisfaction by 

eliminating tedious, non-challenging tasks. 

MP56 

Verónica Martins 

Centre for Biological and Chemical Engineering 

Instituto Superior Técnico 

Lisbon,Portugal 

veronicamartins@ist.utl.pt 

Co-Author(s) 

Luís Fonseca 

Centre for Biological and Chemical Engineering, Lisbon, Portugal 

Hugo Ferreira, Daniel Graham, Paulo Freitas 

INESC – Microsystems and Nanotechnologies 

Joaquim Cabral 

Centre for Biological and Chemical Engineering 

A Magnetoresistive Biochip for Microbial Analysis of Water Samples 

The present work shows the progresses and the applicability of magnetoresistive biochips allied to nanometer-sized superparamagnetic labels 

to the detection and quantification of pathogenic microorganisms for water biological quality management. The challenge is to development 

a portable device that will be able to carry and perform in situ analysis to detect and quantify almost in real-time, as little as a single unit of 

a pathogenic microorganism. The biochip under development is composed of a silicon substrate with integrated magnetoresistive sensors 

(spin-valve type) and aluminum current lines. The chip is covered with a 2000 Å silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer, which is used as passivation 

layer and a suitable surface for immobilization of bioreceptors. The molecular interaction between probes and labeled-targets, is monitorized 

in almost real-time through the variation of the sensor resistance induced by the magnetic moment of the labels located above the sensor. 

Salmonella cells were captured by the primary antibody onto chip surface and labeled by a secondary biomolecular recognition using 250 nm 

sized amino-functionalized Nanomag beads (Micromod, Germany), which were in-house modified with anti-Salmonella antibody. As control an 

anti-E.coli antibody was used as primary antibody to detect non-specific recognitions. An alternative strategy involving hybridization of 23mer 

oligonucleotides probes with single stranded complementary DNA sequences bearing a biotin modification in the exposed end, are being 

prepared. The biotin will be used for labelling with streptavidin-coated 250 nm Nanomag beads (Micromod, Germany) and further detection 

by the sensor. The goal of this work is to validate and combine both strategies in order to achieve a more sensitive and reliable device. 

130

MP57 




andre@physics.ubc.ca 


Co-Author(s) 

David Broemeling, Joel Pel, Stephen Inglis 

Neha Shah, Carolyn Cowdell, Gosuke Shibahara 

Lorne Whitehead 

A Powerful New Device and Method for Isolating and Pre-Concentrating DNA for Early 

Detection of Cancer, Disease, and Pathogens 

Rapid isolation and detection of nucleic acids from exfoliated tumor cells or pathogens in human bodily fluids could lead to improvements 

in our capacity for early detection and identification of cancer and infectious disease. However, nucleic acid based early diagnosis is limited 

by the difficulty of extracting low abundance DNA from body fluids that are rich in unwanted contaminants and cellular debris. We have 

developed a novel instrument for isolating and pre-concentrating nucleic acids from complex samples including blood serum and bodily 

fluids. This instrument will serve as a front-end to existing detection technologies (e.g. PCR and microarrays) to improve their performance 

for detection of DNA biomarkers in human samples and thus enable cost-effective early detection of cancer and pathogens. 

Using a novel method of 2-D nonlinear electrophoresis capable of injecting DNA from an aqueous solution into sieving media with inherent 

selection parameters, we can achieve powerful separation and high concentration of DNA from contaminants without the clogging 

difficulties associated with filtration. This technique represents a conceptually new general method for simple, automatable, inexpensive, 

and selective concentration of nucleic acids directly from raw, unfiltered samples. Other applications of this technology lie in areas of 

biodefense to act as a front end for biomarker-based pathogen detection systems, as we have demonstrated DNA concentration factors 

exceeding 10,000 and factors of 106 are expected to be obtainable. This method also allows for concentration of intact high molecular 

weight DNA with potential applications in areas of metagenomics and drug discovery. 

MP58 

Peyman Najmabadi 


Toronto, Ontario, Canada 

najm@mie.utoronto.ca 

Co-Author(s) 

Andrew A. Goldenberg 

Andrew Emili 


New Flexible Laboratory Automation System Concepts for Biotechnology 

Research Laboratories 

Research laboratories are playing a major role in biotechnology. Scientists in these laboratories are performing diverse types of protocols 

and tend to continuously modify them as part of their research. At the same time, high throughput implementation of experiments is highly 

demanded. Therefore, flexible automation systems are required to improve the productivity of these laboratories. Most of automation 

systems available on the market are claimed to be flexible, but still do not address the whole spectrum of needs. This paper is a system 

level study of hardware flexibility of laboratory automation concepts. Flexibility was systematically modeled through the introduction of three 

parametric measures: Functional, Structural and Throughput. New quantitative measures for these parameters in the realm of Axiomatic 

Theory were proposed. The method was employed for flexibility evaluation of currently used automation concepts. Based on the result of 

this analysis, two new automation concepts were proposed: (i) Total Modular Laboratory Automation, a new approach to implementation 

of robotic-based laboratory automation systems in which robotic arms are substituted with modular arms. It was shown that this new 

concept improves structural and throughput flexibility of robotic-based systems; (ii) Distributed Motion Laboratory Automation, a new 

integration of robotic-based and track-based automation approaches. In this approach, liquid handling and transportation end-effectors 

are moving on transportation rails. It was shown that this concept improves functional flexibility of track-based systems. As case studies, 

automation of various protein purification protocols were considered through aforementioned new concepts and their improved flexibility 

were shown in comparison with traditional concepts. 

131

MP59 

Irena Nikcevic 



nikcevi@email.uc.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

Se Hwan Lee 

Aigars Piruska 

Chong H. Ahn 

Patrick A. Limbach 


Carl J. Seliskar 


Characterization of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) and Poly(methylmethacrylate) 

(PMMA) Microchips for Capillary Electrophoresis 

A high-throughput plastic microchip analytical technology based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) for rapid analysis and manipulation 

of biological samples and small molecule therapeutics important for medical and pharmaceutical research is being developed. Using 

plastics for fabrication material reduces the cost and eventually will lead to high-speed, mass production of disposable chips. Compared 

to glass (the standard material) plastic materials have different properties and thus it is important to characterize their properties before 

real biological assays can be performed. When designing a chip in a plastic substrate several issues must be addressed, including the 

materials and their properties, the scale of the system, methods of fabrication, detection scheme, and most importantly, stability and 

evaluation of analytical performance. The performance characteristics of single lane plastic CE separations were evaluated using mixtures 

of the dyes fluorescein and fluorescein isothiocyanate as model compounds. Fabrication properties, quality of fabricated chip, separation 

reproducibility, determination of electroosmotic flow (EOF) and electrophoretic mobility of hot embossed poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), 

injection molded PMMA and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) were compared with results obtained for glass chips. 

MP60 

Aigars Piruska 



piruska@email.uc.edu 

Co-Author(s) 

Irena Nikcevic 

Patrick A. Limbach 


Carl J. Seliskar 


Optical Detection System for Multi-Lane Plastic Microchips 

High throughput analysis of disease targets and candidate pharmaceuticals are critical for new pharmaceutical discovery and to reveal 

insight into disease development. Our research group is developing methodology for high speed assays. Analysis is based on microchip 

capillary electrophoresis performed on multi lane disposable plastic chips. A method for simultaneous optical detection of all multi lane 

channels is demonstrated. All separation channels on the multi lane microchip are simultaneously excited by a linearly expanded laser 

beam and fluorescence from the analyte is detected by a CCD camera. The detailed characterization of the developed detection scheme 

was performed. Uniform and efficient excitation over fairly large distances (few millimeters) was achieved by using a Powel lens for laser 

beam expansion. The signal from adjacent channels did not show significant crosstalk. The separation performance of a model system is 

compared for a standard single lane and a multi lane detection system. 

132

MP61 

Shalini Prasad 

Portland State University 

Portland, Oregon 

prasads@ecs.pdx.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

SudhaPrasanna Kumar, Padigi, 

Portland State University 

Tunable Nano Plasmons Based Micro cavity Bio-Chemical Sensors 

Micro cavity based high quality factor (Q) technology has been employed in telecommunications and data transfer for rapid, high bandwidth 

information exchange. The fundamental micro cavity technology has been modified and integrated with nano plasmonics and applied 

towards the development of highly sensitive, broad spectrum bio-chemical sensors for label free detection. The high Q technology allows 

for rapid detection of the chemical analytes from an air and water based environment. The micro cavities are selectively studded with 

metallic nanoparticles that are made sensitive to specific agents in the atmosphere. The nano structured surfaces offer dual capabilities. 

The first: larger surface area to facilitate better interaction, the second: amplification of the detected signal by surface plasmonics. The 

nanoparticle surface functionalized micro cavities are excited by an input coherent light source. This is coupled in to each cavity through 

optical fibers by evanescent coupling. The interaction of the chemical agent with the micro cavity surface results in a binding event similar 

to antibody-antigen binding. This in turn results in the modification of the intensity and/or wavelength of the input coupled light. The 

modified light is coupled out and analyzed to yield unique spectral identifiers associated with specific chemical agents. These sensors 

demonstrate very low threshold sensitivity in the order of parts per billion for a wide range of agents including but not limited to ammonia, 

nitrous oxide to hydrocarbons such as propane and butane. 

MP62 

Giovanna Prout 



giovanna_prout@auroradiscovery.com 

Tackling the Challenges of Cell-Based Assays in High-Throughput and High-Content 

Screening 

High-throughput screening (HTS) and the more recent technology of High-content screening (HCS) rely on the ability to screen compounds 

using cell-based assays. Using live cells can more effectively evaluate a drugs toxicity, potency and overall efficiency, in addition to looking 

at other specific cellular responses. Yet, despite the progression towards high-throughput and high-content screening, many cell-based 

assays are still performed in 96-well and 384-well microplates. The current dispensing instrumentation does not address the specific 

needs of cell-based assays and is a limiting factor in the progression toward high-throughput and high-content screening. Challenges that 

arise with the current dispensing instrumentation are the ability to rapidly and reliably deliver sensitive cell lines to high-density microplates 

through reduction of cell shearing, reducing bubble effects due to high protein media and smaller well sizes, decreasing the amount of 

system dead volume to conserve reagent costs, and limiting the evaporation effects due to long incubation times. Aurora Discovery’s 

BioRAPTR Flying Reagent Dispenser (BioRAPTR FRD) offers a novel solution for precision dispensing of cells into 384-well, 1536-well, 

and 3456-well microplates using efficient, non-contact micro-solenoid valve dispensing starting at 100nL volumes. Aurora Discovery’s 

BioRAPTR (BioRAPTR) combined with Aurora Discovery’s ChemLib Microplate technology addresses the challenges of cell-based assays 

and is a reliable and effective solution for miniaturization for high-throughput and high-content screening. 

133

MP63 

Qiaosheng Pu 

Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy 

Richmond, Virginia 

qpu@vcu.edu 


Co-Author(s) 

Bowlin Thompson 

Julio C Alvarez 

Photochemical Modification of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Microfluidic Chips for 

Biomolecule Microarrays and Surface Property Patterning 

Here we report the surface functionalization of plastic microfluidic channels to control microchip surface properties and to prepare 

biomolecule arrays. The modification is attained by a photoinduced grafting reaction in which acryl monomers along with a photoinitiator 

react on the exposed surface to produce a polymer film anchored to the plastic surface. Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) was selected 

among other commodity thermoplastics because of its higher UV transparency which allows on-chip modification of the surface in 

selected locations of the microchip. Using this method it is possible to graft thin polymer films containing amine and carboxylate groups 

that can be further derivatized to incorporate the streptavidine-biotin chemistry. In this way many commercially available bioconjugates 

can be immobilized in selected areas of the chip. The immobilized reagents will act as capture probes in chemical affinity analysis (DNA 

hybridization, immunoassays, enzyme reactions, etc.), or merely as ways of imparting specific charge to the surface for controlling flow. 

The polymer films were characterized in open surfaces using fluorescence, profilometry, electrokinetic methods and infrared spectroscopy. 

MP64 

Charles Reichel 

EDC Biosystems 

San Jose , California 

creichel@edcbiosystems.com 

Co-Author 

Michael Forbush 

Effect of Focal Distance on Drop Volume in Acoustic Drop Ejection 

Acoustic drop ejection is the process of producing drops by focusing a beam of acoustic energy at the surface of a liquid and allowing the 

pressure wave to force the fluid out of the container. In this process, the shape of the focused beam at the surface, the energy used, and the 

length of time the energy is applied will determine the volume of liquid ejected. Since the shape of the focused beam at the surface changes 

with focus, it is important to understand the dependence of focus on drop volume dispensed. In this study the sensitivity of focus on drop 

volume is explored. In addition, the sensitivity of the pressure pattern on the surface with respect to focal distance is also important to the 

natural distribution of drop volume ejected. In this study, the distribution of drop volume ejected with respect to focal distance is also studied. 

134

MP65 

Klaus Drese 

Institut Fur Mikrotechnik 


drese@imm-mainz.de 


Co-Author 

Marion Ritzi 

Fast Development Strategy: One-Week-to-Chip 

Looking at recent reviews a wide range of micro technological solutions for manufacturing lab-on-a-chip systems is available. Mass 

manufacturing techniques like injection moulding and lamination processes are established that allow the production of final disposable 

products at reasonable costs. What is missing is the transfer of academic results to a robust design that meets manufacturing demands 

and customer’s needs. A process is needed that allows fast tests on concepts and for the validation of the final chip design. Such tests 

pick up more and more speed the more you can rely on already established elements. 

A process that meets these demands is the one-week-to-chip. This means: Having the idea on Monday, putting it into a CAD design until 

Tuesday, realising it with prototyping techniques, assembling it on Thursday and putting it to the test in the lab on Friday. If a thorough 

theoretical understanding is needed one can start on Wednesday also simulations using the generated CAD design and therefore lay also a 

sound theoretical basis for the interpretation of the experimental findings. 

The basis herefore is twofold: 1) advanced prototyping technologies and 2) standardisation. For the realisation process this means that 

there are blank standard chips already available on the shelf. Using this blanks processes to generate channel systems and to do the 

assembly are standardised and only have to be adapted to the special needs. 

MP66 

Simon Roberts 

U.S. DOE Joint Genome Institute 

Walnut Creek, California 94598 

SRRoberts@lbl.gov 

Co-Author(s) 

Nancy Hammon 

Susan Lucas 

Martin Pollard 

U.S. DOE Joint Genome Institute 

Implementation of a CyBio Integrated System to Aliquot Amplified DNA and Dispense 

DNA Sequencing Chemistry 

The CyBio, CyBi-Well Vario pipettor and two integrated CyBi-Drop dispensers have been implemented into the JGI production sequencing 

line to replace two ageing Hydra-Twister instruments and Cavro dispensers. The Vario disposable tip 25uL head is used to aliquot low 

volume amplified DNA samples from an Axygen PCR source plate and dry dispense 1-3uL into two new destination plates. The pre- 

bar-coded destination plate is scanned “on the fly” and forward or reverse primer sequencing chemistry reagent dispensed (2-5uL) using 

the CyBi-Drop 3D. 

The DNA sequencing production line at the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) is characterized by modular machine stations with batches of 

micro titer plates moving between them. The DNA sequencers determine the throughput for the production line. JGI is currently producing 

3 Gb of sequence per month. 

The production instrumentation engineering goals focus on increasing the quality and reliability at each process step and allowing for 

maximum operator efficiency. This instrument integrates what has historically been two independent process steps at the JGI. This poster 

will discuss the system specification, acceptance testing, production implementation and sequencing results. 

This work was performed under the auspices of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research 

Program and the by the University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. W-7405-Eng-48, Lawrence 

Berkeley National Laboratory under contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231 and Los Alamos National Laboratory under contract No. 

W-7405-ENG-36. 

135

MP67 

Alexander Roth 



alexander-roth@gmx.net 


Automated Generation of AnIML Documents by Analytical Instruments 

The Analytical Information Markup Language AnIML is an upcoming ASTM standard for the documentation of analytical data and workflows 

with all accompanying experiment meta information. Adopting this standard to existing instruments today needs several manual 

interventions. The goal of this project is to automate as many steps as possible to generate the AnIML document with all its essential 

information directly at the analytical instrument. Software with such functionality even could be integrated into instruments or hooked as 

firmware boxes to instruments. This would allow a smooth transition to the new standard even in complex existing environments. A set of 

pre-requisites have to be fulfilled before the feasibility has been proven. 

The prototype application we developed integrates the generic description of an instrument using the OMG LECIS Device Capability 

Dataset. Commands and the device’s data stream with its semantics will be found there. The experiments’ meta data will be delivered 

by the test order. In both cases XML schemata represent also the information syntax. With all this information we developed a generic 

interface mapping the result stream semantically and transforming it to an AnIML document without manual intervention. Unfortunately due 

to our restricted time schedule we cannot yet support the full functionality of both the OMG LECIS and the AnIML standard. But we are in 

the process to add the missing features. 

MP68 

Diane Seguin 

Lsjml (Quebec Forensic Lab) 

Montreal, Quebec, Canada 

diane.seguin@msp.gouv.qc.ca 

Co-Author(s) 

Annie Trépanier 

Alphonse Ligondé 

LSJML (Québec forensic lab) 

Automation of QPCR and PCR Methods for Forensic Casework Samples on the 

TECAN Freedom Evo ® 

In the last decade, PCR analysis of STR loci for human identification in forensics has led to tremendous improvement in resolution of 

criminal cases. Automated systems are already in use to feed convicted offender databanks in various countries. Concerns are different 

in processing crime scene samples: variability of sample types (blood, semen, hair, cells, etc.), prevention of contamination, etc. However, 

creation of national DNA databanks has led to dramatic increase in crime scene samples submitted to forensic laboratories. Consequently, 

it has become obvious that automation is needed to face this increase. 

In our laboratory, we are currently validating automation of crime scene sample processing that includes DNA extraction and PCR analysis. 

Here, we present automated QPCR and PCR methods on a Freedom EVO ® workstation from TECAN. This two-meter workstation is 

equipped with an extended deck, a liquid handler arm (LiHa) with eight fixed tips, a robotic arm (ROMA), as well as integrated apparatus 

such as a plate sealer, a micro plate centrifuge, and barcode readers. DNA samples are stored in individual tubes equipped with a septa 

plug and a unique 2D barcode embedded under the tube. Automation of PCR plate assembly for DNA quantification and amplification is 

integrated with our in house LIMS (www.DNAProFiles.ca) which generates worklists used by the TECAN Gemini software. 

136

MP69 

Faisal Shaikh 

A&M University, Texas 

faisal.shaikh@che.tamu.edu 


Co-Author 

Victor M Ugaz, 

Concentration, focusing, and metering of DNA in microfabricated analysis chips using 

addressable electrode arrays 

Microfabricated systems continue to be developed to perform a variety of DNA analysis assays, however many of these applications 

deal with such minute amounts of DNA that it must first be concentrated to a detectable level. We have developed microfluidic devices 

incorporating an array of parallel on-chip electrodes to locally increase the concentration of DNA in solution. By applying a low voltage 

(1V) to the electrodes in the array, the DNA from the solution is sequentially collected on each subsequent electrode, allowing the 

quantity of accumulated DNA to be precisely metered in addition to concentrating and focusing the DNA in the sample. We demonstrate 

the application of this technique in electrophoresis microchips to inject a narrow, well-defined DNA plug into an electrophoresis gel, 

significantly reducing the degradation in separation resolution due to the size of the injected plug. This scheme is robust over different 

buffer environments. The electrode array can also be used to achieve a buffer-exchange, wherein the original sample buffer is replaced 

with a buffer of interest for further analysis. In another novel application of the electrode array, a new chip design is envisioned wherein an 

unpolymerized gel is flown over the captured DNA plug and subsequently polymerized, the sample being locked in place by an opposing 

electrokinetic force. The sample plug is then released for separation in the polymerized gel. This scheme allows a more compact and 

versatile microfluidic architecture to be designed whereby multiple sample operations can be performed at a single location on the chip. 

MP70 

Sushil Shrinivasan 



sushil@virginia.edu 

Co-Author(s) 

Jerome P. Ferrance, Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia 

Pamela M. Norris, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace 

Engineering, University of Virginia 

James P. Landers 


Portable Laser Induced Fluorescence Detection System and Its Application for DNA 

Quantitation using a T-Mixer Microdevice 

This work details the design of a miniature, low cost, low power, portable laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection system. The detection 

system consists of a 635nm diode laser, which is collimated and focused using an appropriate lens. The emitted fluorescence is filtered 

and detected using a photodiode system, which converts light intensity into a voltage that is recorded and stored on a portable computer. 

The detection system was evaluated using a T-Mixer glass micro-device in which the fluorescent dye NileBlue (excitation/emission: 

630/650nm) was mixed with ethanol. Because the detection point can be selected anywhere along the channel, the time required 

for sufficient mixing in this system at different flow rates and dye concentrations was investigated. Linearly increasing and decreasing 

concentrations of the dye were then mixed with ethanol to test the limits of the detection system. 

Once fully developed, this detection system and T-mixer microdevice were utilized for DNA quantitation on a microdevice through mixing 

of a DNA solution and an intercalating dye. Mixing times in the dye/DNA system were determined and compared to theoretical values 

based on the diffusion coefficients for the two components. A calibration curve was generated using increasing concentrations of DNA, 

against which the fluorescence from a sample solution could be compared to determine the DNA concentration in an unknown solution. 

This application illustrates the utility of the portable LIF detection system for DNA detection, showing the potential for utilization of this 

miniaturized detection system in microchip electrophoretic DNA separations. 

137

MP71 

Sang Jun Son 

University of Maryland 

Silver Spring, Maryland 

triaza@gmail.com 

Sang Bok Lee, University of Maryland 


Magnetic Nanotubes for Magnetic-Field-Assisted Bioseparation, Biointeraction, and 

Drug Delivery 

Tubular structure of nanoparticle is highly attractive due to their structural attributes, such as the distinctive inner and outer surfaces, over 

conventional spherical nanoparticles. Inner voids can be used for capturing, concentrating, and releasing species ranging in size from large 

proteins to small molecules. Distinctive outer surfaces can be differentially functionalized with environment-friendly and/or probe molecules 

to specific target. Magnetic particles have been extensively studied in the field of biomedical and biotechnological applications, including 

drug delivery, biosensors, chemical and biochemical separation and concentration of trace amount of specific targets, and contrast 

enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, by combining the attractive tubular structure with magnetic property, the 

magnetic nanotube can be an ideal candidate for the multifunctional nanomaterial toward biomedical applications, such as targeting 

drug delivery with MRI capability. Here, we successfully synthesized magnetic silica-iron oxide composite nanotubes and demonstrated 

magnetic-field-assisted chemical and biochemical separations, immunobinding, and drug delivery. 

MP72 

Joe Olechno 

Labcyte 


joe.olechno@labcyte.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Jean Shieh 

A. Mark Bramwell 


Improving IC50 Analyses by Reducing Compound Waste, Compound Precipitation, 

Accumulated Error and Consumables Cost 

IC50 analyses are typically time- and labor-intensive, requiring multiple dilution steps and significant amounts of sample compound. Often, 

in order to obtain concentrations of chemical compound suitable for the assay, stock solutions of high concentration are used. These are 

diluted via an aqueous intermediate to reduce final DMSO concentration. This frequently results in sample precipitation and the generation 

of inaccurate data. Standard processes use multiple serial dilutions which result in significant accumulated error. Some compounds may 

adhere to pipette tips, reducing the actual concentration and increasing the possibility of contaminating other dilutions via carry-over. 

Typically, higher DMSO levels in the final assay negatively affect the assay, especially in the case of cell-based assays. 

A system incorporating acoustic ejection of nanoliter droplets of active compounds dissolved in DMSO improves IC50 analyses by 

eliminating multiple serial dilutions and thus, accumulated error (CV%

MP73 

Michael Stangegaard 


Kongens Lyngby, Denmark 

mst@mic.dtu.dk 


Co-Author(s) 

Sarunas Petronis 

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola 

Claus B. V. Christensen 

Coloplast Denmark 

Martin Dufva 


A Biocompatible Micro Cell Culture Chamber (µCCC) for Culturing and Online 

Monitoring of Mammalian Cells. 

Cell culturing in a micro cell culture chamber enables the online monitoring of cellular events and morphological changes in real-time 

during cell proliferation. Exchanging the culture surface of the reference cell culture flask with a different surface can pose biocompatibility 

problems resulting in altered gene expression profiles, growth kinetics or apoptosis. Crucial to biological investigations using micro 

reactors or different surfaces rather than the standard cell culture flask is that the cells experience a similar environment and hence provide 

corresponding biological reaction parameters. We have demonstrated that cell culturing on PMMA does not change the gene expression 

profile of HeLa cells using full transcriptome 60bp oligo DNA microarray. We then realized a micro cell culture chamber (µCCC) in PMMA 

by laser ablation and thermal bonding relying on continuous perfusion of media, and on chip thermal heat regulation enabling culturing of 

mammalian cells directly on a microscope stage. Culturing for at least two weeks with real-time monitoring is demonstrated. Comparing 

the gene expression profile of cells cultured in the µCCC with reference cells cultured in a conventional culture flask suggested that the 

µCCC provides a culture environment indistinguishable from the cell culture flask. 

MP74 

Joni Stevens 

Gilson, Inc. 



Co-Author(s) 

Greg Robinson 

Alan Hamstra 

A Novel Approach for the Isolation and Concentration of Drugs in Biological Fluids via 

On-Line Dialysis and Enrichment 

Sample preparation is a necessary for the analysis of drugs/compounds in biological fluids. Many techniques are available from protein 

precipitation through solid phase extraction, however all sample preparation techniques have limitations, from the simplest, drying down 

the eluent to the more complex, method development for solid phase extraction. On-line dialysis and trace enrichment prior to analysis 

offers an approach to sample preparation that eliminates many of these issues. The automated system introduces a biological sample 

to a dialysis membrane and through positive fluidics separates the drugs/compounds from the matrix and concentrates it onto a trace 

enrichment cartridge prior to analysis via HPLC. The system operates parallel to the chromatography system; therefore no time is lost to 

sample preparation. Data will be presented that verify the usefulness of this sample preparation technique for the analysis of drugs from 

biological fluids 

139

MP75 

Lois Tack 

PerkinElmer Life & Analytical Sciences 

Downers Grove, Illinois 

lois.tack@perkinelmer.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Peng Li 

Karen Gecic 

PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences 

An Automated DNA Purification and Quantification Solution Using the JANUS 

Automated Workstation With Integrated Victor3 Plate Reader 

An integrated automated nucleic acid purification and analysis robotic workstation will increase sample throughput and turnaround time 

while decreasing user error and the variability often associated with manual processing. The JANUS Automated Workstation platform from 

PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences is designed to be a complete application solution for a wide variety of nucleic acid extraction and 

purification protocols. These include both vacuum filtration/solid phase extraction and magnetic bead separation chemistries. 

We describe here the fully automated rapid purification and quantification of genomic DNA from cell samples using the Promega Wizard® 

SV 96 Genomic DNA Purification System and PicoGreen® dsDNA Quantitation Reagent. The JANUS workstation consisted of a Two Arm 

Integrator Platform (8-tip Varispan, Gripper), Vacuum Filtration and Shaker Options. The application–specific software template utilizes 

the Promega kit reagents and filter plates to prepare high quality genomic DNA followed by automated fluorescent quantitation and 

normalization using the multi-mode Victor3 Plate Reader with the Workout Data Analysis Software Option. 

MP76 

Eric Tan 

Keck Graduate Institute 

Claremont, California 

etan@kgi.edu 

Co-Author(s) 

Ekaterina Kniazeva 

Jennifer Wong 

Krisanu Bandyopadhyay 


New Methods for Rapid Isothermal Amplification and Detection of Short DNA Sequences 

We have coupled a novel isothermal amplification method for short oligonucleotides (EXPAR) with detection involving DNA-functionalized 

gold nanospheres in solution or on surfaces. In these assays, a trigger oligonucleotide is exponentially amplified and converted to a reporter 

oligonucleotide capable of aggregating DNA-functionalized gold nanospheres in solution or immobilizing them on probe functionalized 

surfaces. The solution based assay relies on simple visual detection mitigated by the color change from red to dark purple or blue 

upon DNA nanosphere aggregation, which is detectable through spotting of the solution onto a suitable substrate. The overall assay is 

sequence-specific, and permits detection of 100 fM trigger in less than 10 minutes with minimal requirement for instrumentation. We have 

developed a multiplexed version of the reaction suitable for surface-based assays in a low-density microarray format using either optical or 

electronic means. 

140

MP77 

Michael Thomas 

Royal Free Hampstead Nhs Trust 

London, United Kingdom 

michael.thomas@royalfree.nhs.uk 


Co-Author 

Keyna Mendonca 

An Exemplar of Laboratory Automation: Proving the Modular Concept in a Modernising 

Pathology Service 

In spring 2001 the Royal Free Hospital became the first total laboratory automation (TLA) site in the United Kingdom with the 

implementation of the Roche-Hitachi Modular series of instruments. The site has been widely recognized in the UK as an exemplar of 

pathology modernization where pre-analytical robots linked to parallel processing lines for classical chemistry and immunodiagnostics 

provides a seamless process from sample registration to result production. Since then increasing demand has seen the number of 

delivered specimens increase from 900 to 1,700 per day. Under a modernizing agenda for pathology services this workload is expected 

to increase by a further 25% this year with the relocation of local sector based renal services. 

The benefits of the modular approach to automation means that the Royal Free has been able to easily increase the capacity of its TLA 

set-up through the introduction of a third analytical line for classical chemistry and an additional module for immunodiagnostics. Computer 

modeling predicts that reconfiguration will also provide an enhanced service with a reduction in turnaround times from 35 minutes to 

22 minutes (time of loading to result). Furthermore, the additional capacity in immunodiagnostics will promote further test consolidation 

across pathology. The initial aims of introducing TLA, reported at this conference in 2001, have been more than met with demonstrable 

improvements in both quality and productivity contained within cash limits. The ease of expansion of the system through its modular 

configuration vindicates its original selection and secures an appropriate return on investment in this technology. 

MP78 

Kerstin Thurow 



kerstin.thurow@uni-rostock.de 

Co-Author 

Dirk Gördes 

Center for Life Science Automation 

HTS Application for the Determination of Enantiomeric Excess Using ESI-Mass 

Spectrometry 

The outstanding properties of chemical substances for pharmaceutical applications and designed molecules are often based upon their 

enantiopure occurrence. Methods for a rapid determination of the enantiomeric excess (ee) of organic substrates, especially for highthroughput 

screenings, are often the “bottleneck” in a purposed process. A combined process of entirely automated sample preparation 

and mass spectrometry was developed and resulted in a powerful tool with a broad scope of applications. In general, mass spectrometry 

is a technique that provides no chiral information but is attractive to high-throughput applications because of its wide scope. The fact that 

mass spectrometry enables the detection and specification of masses of desired targets in a parallel manner without interference, creates 

the basis for a fast determination of enantiomeric excess via kinetic resolution with mass-tagged auxiliaries. First, the kinetic resolution 

selectivity, defined as the relative rates of the competing fast and slow reactions of mass-tagged enantiopure R- and S-auxiliaries with the 

substrate, is recorded in a defined calibration procedure. With this calibration a measurement of an authentic sample derivatized with the 

auxiliaries will give the relative amounts of the desired substrate. For this method, a large variety of chiral acids, alcohols, amides, amines 

and amino acids were applicable and could be utilized as substrate or auxiliary. In combination with standardized reaction vessels and 

a very versatile and precise sample preparation system, the average measurement duration can be shortened by a factor of 5 to 10. An 

efficient automatic data processing completes the HTS requirements. 

141

MP79 

Angelo Trivelli 

J Craig Venter Institute 


atrivelli@venterinstitute.org 


Co-Author(s) 

Saul Kravitz 

Indresh Singh 

Christopher Lemieux 

Peter Davies 

Tom Dolafi 

Bryan Yu 

Adam Resnick 

LIMS for a High Throughput Sequencing Facility: Instrument Integration 

The J. Craig Venter Institute Joint Technology Center is a high throughput DNA sequencing facility. We have implemented a highly 

adaptable LIMS that integrates fluid-handling robots, sequencers, barcode equipment, PDA’s, and workstations. Integration of all of these 

devices is a challenge, requiring inter-operation with a variety of instrument protocols and interfaces. These interfaces range from simple 

“file-based” data exchange all the way to more elaborate process control and monitoring using J2EE- or COM-based technologies. This 

presentation will highlight the challenges presented by instrument integration, and the approaches and frameworks used to address these 

challenges. 

MP80 

Han-Kuan Tsai 

University of California, Irvine 


tsaih@uci.edu 

Co-Author(s) 

Kuo-Sheng Ma 

Han Xu 

Lawrence Kulinsky 

Marc Madou 

University of California, Irvine 

Development of Integrated Protection for Implantable Controlled Drug Release Systems 

The most common drug delivery methods are swallowing pills or receiving injections. However, precise control of the medication amount 

and release rate is still problematic. The proposed implantable device includes independent energy source, sensors, actuator valves, and 

drug storage reservoirs provide an alternative method for the responsive drug delivery system. In order to achieve responsive drug delivery, 

a reliable release device (e.g., a valve) has to be developed. 

A bi-layer structure where one layer is a thin metal film, functioning as a structural layer and a working electrode, and the other layer is a 

polypyrrole (PPy) film electrochemically deposited on the working electrode was developed as a valve. The actuation mechanism of the 

valve is based on ions flow in and out of the polypyrrole film upon oxidization and reduction. The voltage applied for actuation is less than 

1 V and the current is lower than 1 mA for an actuator with a flap area of 0.04 mm2. An idea is proposed to simultaneously fabricate the 

device reservoirs as well as protective packaging that will guarantee that valve actuation won’t be affected by the surrounding tissues. 

A piece of PDMS with an array of reservoirs has been molded and sealed on the substrate to cover the flap. The testing platform with a 

channel and two reservoirs is fabricated on an acrylic chip to test the efficiency of the valve opening. It is believed that this novel integration 

can enhance a functional drug delivery device. 

142

MP81 

Steven Wilson 

Joint Genome Institute 

Walnut Creek, California 

sewilson@lbl.gov 


Co-Author(s) 

Paul Richardson 

Feng Chen 

Jamie Jett 

Nancy Hammon 

Duane Kubischta 

Diana Lawrence 

Implementing the Agencourt SprintPrep384 Protocol at JGI 

SprintPrep DNA isolation is a process that allows large fragments of DNA and vectors to be isolated from the host E. Coli cell. Agencourt 

has developed SprintPrep reagents and semi-automated methods for performing the necessary protocol. Last year, JGI implemented a 96 

well SprintPrep method. This year, JGI has made the 384 SprintPrep method virtually user-independent. 

Moving from the 96 well fosmid isolation method to the 384 well format has led to cost savings due to reagent reductions and a doubling in 

sequencing throughput. The increase in throughput will lead to an increase in sequencing depth and data confidence. 

This work was performed under the auspices of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research 

Program and the by the University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. W-7405-Eng-48, Lawrence 

Berkeley National Laboratory under contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231 and Los Alamos National Laboratory under contract No. W-7405- 

ENG-36. 

MP82 

Lester Wong 

Alberta Agriculture 

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 

lester.wong@gov.ab.ca 

Co-Author(s) 

John Wu 

Evelyn Bowlby 

Alberta Agriculture 

An Automated High-Throughput Screening Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for 

Johne’s Disease Antibodies in Bovine Serum 

One manual Mycobacterium paratuberculosis enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was fully automated using an Automation 

Workstation System designed based on a modular approach. This high throughput screening configuration consisted of a Beckman 

Coulter hybrid Biomek ® FX liquid handling system integrated with a Molecular Devices Spectramax ® microplate reader, a Biotek ® ELx405 

microplate washer and a Kendro Cytomat ® 6000 hotel. The integrated system function was programmed with an IBM computer using the 

SAMI ® software. This setup was housed in a Class 2 Biosafety Cabinet. The two assays were validated according to the requirements of 

the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Starting in 2001, the test scope has received ISO accreditation from Standard Council of Canada. We have 

been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture to perform Johne’s disease serology using the ELISA since 1998. The 

productivity of full automation of this test has been discussed. The performance characteristics, such as the kappa quotient, identity score, 

test sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 2 commercial manual tests (IDEXX and BIOCOR) were evaluated. 

143

MP83 



Madison, Wisconsin 

tracy.worzella@promega.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Brad Larson 


Siegfried Sasshofer 

Tecan 

High-Throughput Compound Profiling Using Promega Luminescent Assays 

on a Tecan Freedom Evo 200 System 

We demonstrate the use of Promega’s luminescent HTS assays for profiling a collection of test compounds on a Tecan system. This 

profiling example takes a parallel approach to compound analysis by incorporating diverse assay types including cell-based assays for 

viability and apoptosis induction, a cell-based GPCR DRD1 assay, cytochrome P450, P-glycoprotein, and kinase assays. Using a panel 

of assays, we show that one can obtain a better understanding of drug compound properties in order to better predict off-target activity 

and toxicity. To generate the data, a Tecan Freedom Evo 200 with an integrated TeMo was used to dispense cells, serially dilute test 

compounds and assemble assays in 384-well format. Luminescence was recorded with a Tecan GENios Pro plate reader. IC50 or EC50 

calculations were performed for each compound and assay combination. Results show that data from these assays can be used to 

determine multiple compound characteristics for subsequent lead selection or optimization. 

MP84 

Bradley De Bruler 

PfizerDiscovery Technologies 


bradley.debruler@pfizer.com 

Co-Author 

Tivel, Kathleen 

Rapid LCMS Analysis of CombinatorialLlibraries Using Monolithic Columns for 

Preparative Scale-Up 

Traditional approaches to analyzing combinatorial libraries utilize LC/MS methods with packed columns and short gradients to achieve 

fairly rapid results. The ability to develop even faster methods is limited due to high backpressure that prevents significant increases in 

flow rate. Monolithic columns are comprised of a single porous rod and have the advantage of greatly reduced backpressure at a given 

flow rate compared to particulate columns. Our objective was to dramatically decrease our run time, thus greatly increasing the number of 

compounds that can be analyzed in a given time frame. This poster will describe development of analytical scale HPLC methods and their 

incorporation into our process for rapid purification of targeted libraries. 

144

MP85 

Maria DeGuzman 

Affymetrix 

Santa Clara, California 

maria_deguzman@affymetrix.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Patrick Smith 

Richard Watts 

Zuwei Qian 

Automating GeneChip ® Methodologies Using the GeneChip Array Station 

Scientific experiments are increasingly larger scale, of higher complexity, on shorter timelines, and constrained by both budget and 

personnel. These new challenges make it more difficult to rapidly achieve high-quality, meaningful results. Affymetrix has developed 

the GeneChip ® Array Station to effectively address these needs, delivering a complete, flexible solution for increased productivity and 

standardization. The system automates target preparation and processing of GeneChip ® microarrays in a standard 96-well format. 

By using the Array Station for expression target preparation, HT Array hybridization setup, and HT Array Wash Stain processes, we 

demonstrate that this new technology can deliver the same or better performance as the standard manual assay. 

MP86 

Doug Fairbanks 

Elsevier MDL 

BioPharma Consulting Americas 

San Leandro, California 

d.fairbanks@mdl.com 

Improving Biological Workflows in the Lab by Integrating MDL Plate Manager with 

Automated Systems 

As the volume of sample and plate data generated in labs increases, so does the need to facilitate the recording, tracking and management 

of this information. MDL ® Plate Manager provides a central repository for plate and sample information that can be integrated with thirdparty 

automation systems to allow coordinated, efficient biological workflows. We will present detailed scenarios of how this integration and 

management have been accomplished, along with other integration possibilities. 

145

MP87 

Peter Greenhalgh 

Astech Projects ltd 

Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom 

peter.greenhalgh@astechprojects.co.uk 

HTT Automation: The Big Picture 


Co-Author 

Nigel McCoy 

There are many pieces of laboratory equipment that are capable of carrying out High Throughput automation of discrete tasks. Most 

High Throughput Technologies, however, require a combination of a number of these discrete tasks, each capable of high throughput, to 

perform the full HTT process. 

A fully automated HTT system must be capable of performing many experiments at high speed. To maximise the output of the discrete 

components of the overall process, therefore, the fully automated HTT system must determine and utilise the optimum process and 

eliminate bottlenecks. This requires the use of control software to schedule tasks while employing parallel processing and concurrency to 

provide an efficient system. 

The fully automated HTT system must be flexible. It must allow the operator to create new workflows and methods, while scheduling 

and executing the methods in the most efficient manner but leaving the operator with a high level of control requiring the minimum of 

intervention. The fully automated HTT system will operate unattended, leaving automation to carry out the required scheduling and 

necessary transfers between discrete system components. 

The fully automated HTT system must be capable of handling a range of materials, often liquids and / or powders. These materials 

are commonly hazardous so must be handled in a safe and controlled manner. Full automation is intrinsically safer for the operator by 

minimising operator interaction, however, there is always some need for operator interaction so operator safety and ergonomic factors 

must be considered from design through to manufacture. 

MP88 

Danhui Wang 

Sigma-Aldrich Corporation 


dwang@sial.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Lukasz Nosek, 

Jennifer Van Dinther 


GenomePlexâ Whole Genome Amplification Kit: A High Throughput Approach for 

Rapidly Amplifying Genomic DNA from a Variety of Biological Materials 

Genomic characterization has become the starting point for understanding biological systems. In many instances, this process is 

hampered by the availability of sufficient quantities of genomic DNA samples, especially for rare and archived samples. The GenomePlex 

Whole Genome Amplification Kit allows for a rapid and highly representative, ~500-fold amplification of genomic DNA from trace samples. 

This system utilizes a proprietary amplification process in which genomic DNA is subjected to random chemical fragmentation followed 

by a series of stepped, isothermal primer extensions to convert the resulting small DNA fragments to the PCR-amplifiable OmniPlexâ 

Library. The OmniPlex Library is then amplified by PCR using universal primers and a limited number of PCR cycles. To meet the highthroughput 

requirements for amplification of genomic DNA samples, an automated method has been developed using the Biomekâ FX 

workstation with an integrated thermal cycler. The entire process from genomic DNA fragmentation, OmniPlex Library generation, and 

PCR amplification are automated in a single method resulting in highly consistent amplifications across 96 samples. This method has been 

successfully applied to a variety of sources including whole blood, blood cards, and formalin fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. 

146

MP89 

Frank Wallrafen 

Dr. Herterich & Consultants GmbH 

Saarbrucken, Germany 

frank.wallrafen@DHC-GMBH.COM 


LIMS – Equipment Binding in Consideration of the Regulatory Requirements Depending 

on the 21 CFR Part 11 

In the 21 CFR 11 there are requirements stated for validating (computer) systems/defaults for electronic records and electronic signatures. 

This is a large demand in the issue of the equipment interfacing with laboratory information management system (LIMS). This means a 

LIMS has to meet all GxP requirements by providing user identification, auditing, sample tracking and so on. Another point of view is the 

business benefits. (e.g. on-line calculations,automatic check of expiry ...) This means the LIMS must ensure a unique sample tracking and 

positive sample identification in the interrelationship with the instrument connection. 

The equipment binding is very complex and various. These show two different problems. The different types of devices and the not defined 

standards during the data supply. The connection possibilities between the LIMS and the equipment are determined by the equipment 

parameters and feasibility. Depending upon kind of the equipment the following interfaces are available 

• Serial link 

• File Importer - validated “black box” interface 

• Programming - method to handle a bi-directional binding between the equipment and the LIMS . 

The aim is to get results, part 11 compliant, from instruments into the LIMS with as little user interaction as possible to reduce error-proneness. 

And that is the problem, to find a possibility to reach this target. One Method is to put a pc next each instrument. The other possibility is to use 

RS232 over TCP/IP. One example is the “”scanner balance job””. With this solution you are able to be compliant to the 21CFR11. 

MP90 

Lois Tack 

PerkinElmer Life & Analytical Sciences 


lois.tack@perkinelmer.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Earl Ritzline 

Daniel Nippes 

Indian River Regional Crime Laboratory 

Pat Rostron 

Jeremy Sanders 


Robotic QPCR Setup for Small Batches of Forensic Casework Samples Using 

ABI Quantifiler ® Human and Y Male DNA Quantification Kits as Part of a Complete 

Automation Scheme 

Automated DNA sample processing of forensic samples from crime scenes is challenging due to the limited sample numbers and DNA 

amounts. Accurate DNA quantification is critical to successful DNA normalization and forensic STR-based genotyping. Because crime 

scene samples are from diverse biological substrates and display broad concentration ranges, precise quantification is vital. Frequently, 

there is insufficient DNA for more than one profile attempt. The advantages of real time quantitative PCR (QPCR) are sensitivity and linearity. 

For QPCR using ABI Quantifiler ® Human and Y Male DNA Quantification Kits, the reactions resemble STR amplification conditions and can 

reveal the presence of PCR inhibitors. The Y-specific kit allows differential detection of male and female DNA components in mixed samples 

from rape cases. 

We describe validation of a rapid automated QPCR assay using ABI Quantifiler ® Kits for small batch crime scene DNA samples. A 

MultiPROBE ® II 4-Tip PCR Setup Forensic Workstation from PerkinElmer LAS was used with the Low Volume Dispense Option to carry out 

analyses including QPCR setup, normalization and STR PCR setup. A WinPREP ® protocol was developed for QPCR setup using both total 

human and Y-specific DNA kits. The workstation reformatted purified DNA from tubes and prepared serial dilutions of DNA standards from 

both kits in the same 96-well plate. Purified DNA was prepared from dried blood, sperm and saliva on cloth cuttings in batches of 12-24 

samples. An ABI Prism ® 7000 Sequence Detection System was used to detect and quantify the amplified DNA reactions. 

147

MP91 

David Ferrick 

Seahorse Bioscience 

Billerica Massachusetts 

david @seahorsebio.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Mark Rothenberg 

Min Wu 

Chris Braun 

Seahorse Bioscience 

Extracellular Flux Enables Real-time, Non-invasive Measurements of Cellular Metabolism 

Metabolic changes in cells are sensitive and early indicators of biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, activation, and 

apoptosis. We have developed a non-invasive, time resolved, multi-analyte assay for profiling energy utilization in vitro. The Seahorse 

Bioscience XF24 instrument simultaneously measures cellular oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) 

of cells in microplates in minutes. 

Extracellular Flux (XF) assays do not disturb cells and can therefore be repeated frequently to acquire time resolved data, or to compare 

basal and drug-stimulated metabolic rates. Measuring the extracellular flux of OCR and ECAR is the basis for calculating ATP turnover, 

metabolic rate and the relative contributions of aerobic and anaerobic respiration to total energy production. 

Using the Seahorse instrument to profile various cancer cell lines we have demonstrated their well-established increased dependency 

on glycolysis. In some cases we observed an apparent defect in aerobic respiration which is novel and consistent with their glycolytic 

phenotype. 

We have also developed an XF fatty acid oxidation (FAO) assay using palmitate as the fuel source in C2C12 myocytes. Within minutes 

upon the addition of palmitate the ratio of OCR/ECAR is increased. Subsequent addition of the CPT-1 inhibitor, Etomoxir, results in a 

minimum 50% decrease of FAO. 

Because XF assays are rapid and non-invasive, time-resolved drug response profiles can be easily measured. We are exploring 

compounds with several partners in various indications such as cancer and metabolic disease as well as toxicity studies. 

MP92 

Yu Suen 

Beckman Coulter 


ysuen@beckman.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Keith Roby, Beckman Coulter Inc. 

Konstantin Tsinman, pION Inc. 

Automation of Modified Shake Flask Solubility Assay on the Biomek FX 

ADMETox Assay Workstation 

Early drug discovery in vitro ADME assays can help in rejecting or flagging test compounds that lack good pharmaceutical profiles. The 

automated uSOL EVOLUTION96 Assay for solubility and the Double-SinkTM PAMPA Evolution96 Permeability Assay for permeability are 

critical ADME profiling assays, and methods for these assays have been developed for Beckman Coulter’s Biomek FX ADMETox Assay 

Workstation. This poster describes the Biomek ADMETox Assay Workstation performing the uSOL EVOLUTION96 Assay in 96-well format 

with on-deck filtration and integrated SpectraMax* microplate spectrophotometer. The uSOL assay is a novel high-throughput “Modified 

Shake Flask” method utilizing UV technology. The patented “self-calibration” protocol eliminates the need for serial dilutions dramatically 

increasing throughput and enabling high quality in vitro solubility measurements to be performed early in the drug discovery process. The 

instrument allows both kinetic and thermodynamic solubility measurements to be done at different pH values. Kinetic solubility involves 

detection immediately after the sample is added to solution, whereas thermodynamic solubility requires longer incubation to reach 

equilibrium before detection. The batch setup allows thermodynamic solubility, which provides more “downstream” value, to be measured 

without sacrificing throughput of compounds. These automated uSOL and PAMPA assays can be used for high-throughput in vitro 

absorption screening in early drug discovery. 

The information presented here will include: 

• Description of the ADMETox Assay Workstation 

• Description of the uSOL automated methods 

• Results obtained when using the methods on a standard set of drug compounds. 

*All trademarks are property of their respective owners. 

148

MP93 

Charles Ufomadu 

California State University, Los Angeles 

Culver, California 

cufomadu@yahoo.com 


Co-Author 

Frank A Gomez 

Low Pressure Microfluidic-Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) Separations 

The past 10 years have witnessed tremendous advances in the design and use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Applications 

for microfluidic devices (MDs) have proliferated at a speed reminiscent of the explosive use of microelectronics after the integrated circuit 

was invented. One area that microfluidic systems have been used successfully is in capillary electrophoresis (CE) and specifically in 

chemical separations. Unlike HPLC techniques, CE utilizes differences in charge-to-mass ratios to afford separation of chemical species. 

CE and microfluidic systems are congruent in terms of volume requirements and the array of detection modes that can be utilized in a 

given application. The development of a high-throughput technique that couples both CE and microfluidics would be of great interest to 

scientists eager to exploit the power of both techniques. Herein, we report the use of MDs constructed by multilayer soft lithography (MSL) 

and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) in the separation of small biological materials. By automating the sample introduction method whereby 

pressure and voltage are coupled to each other, separation of chemical species is expedited as compared to traditional commercial 

instruments. 

MP94 

Maria-Dawn Lilly 


Bedford, Massachusetts 

maria-dawn_lilly@bd.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Michael Shanler 

Michael Ardiff 

Tim Ciolkosz 

Maurice Kashdan 

Christine Aubin 

Joseph Goodwin 


A Fully Automated Workstation for Testing Flow-Based Kinetic Solubility of Compounds 

An automated flow-based solubility workstation has been created by integrating the BD Gentest Solubility Scanner to a TECAN Freedom 

EVO ® 100 fluid handling workstation. This workstation enables a “walk-away” solution for unattended operation. A robot method is outlined, 

which includes the following: creating compound plates from vials; serially diluting more than 10 concentration wells; bar code scanning 

to track compound data; transferring plates between the scanner and liquhandler; and running a method on the scanner. The workstation 

deck layout is outlined, and a method for optimized liquid handling and analysis is described. Additionally, data from 22 compounds are 

compared using manual versus automated sample preparation methods. High sensitivity for accurate readings of low solubility compounds 

is shown, as well as data on compound solubility

MP95 

Christine Brideau 

Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research 

Kirkland, Quebec, Canada 

christine_brideau@merck.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Sébastien Guiral 

Frédéric Massé 

Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research 

Jeffrey Karg 

Doug Kroncke 

nAscent Biosciences Inc. 

Nanoliter Dispensing of Compounds into Assay Plates Using Disposable PocketTipsTM 

Successful assay miniaturization for screening requires low volume transfer of test compounds dissolved in DMSO. Due to the low DMSO 

tolerance of most assays, many laboratories are required to make intermediate solutions in aqueous buffer. This may result in compound 

precipitation prior to compound dispensing into the assay plate. To circumvent this problem, we evaluated 100nL compound transfer using 

the Biomek FX 96 and 384-head compatible PocketTips. Reproducibility, precision and accuracy will be presented using fluorescent 

dyes and a panel of test compounds. Results from 2 enzymatic assays will be shown and the issue of ‘sticky’ hydrophobic compounds will 

be discussed. 

MP96 

Marc Pfeifer 

Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. 


marc.pfeifer@roche.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Josh Weinberger 

Dan Bristol 

Mike Takeuchi 

Paulette Thomas 

Imre Trefil 

Jon Nunes 

The Cobas s 201 System: Modular Automation for NAT Blood Screening of HCV, HBV, 

HIV, and West Nile Virus 

The Roche cobas s 201 System running the cobas TaqScreen Multiplex (MPX) Test and the cobas TaqScreen West Nile Virus (WNV) Test 

is an automated NAT system for screening donated blood. The system is capable of handling pooled plasma specimen testing, as well 

as single unit resolution testing. Utilizing real-time PCR technology for nucleic acid amplification and detection can effectively help identify 

donations in the pre-seroconversion “window period”. The basic configuration of the modular cobas s 201 consists of a Hamilton Microlab 

Star instrument for pool pipetting, a COBAS AmpliPrep instrument for automated sample preparation, and a COBAS TaqMan instrument 

for PCR amplification and detection. A central host interface computer system running Pooling and Data Management (PDM) software 

is used for automated results compilation and reporting. Pooling, data management, and PCR result handling are integrated. The entire 

testing process for a donor is tracked in the database. Non-reactive test results are transferred to the associated donors automatically for 

reporting. Results requiring resolution, i.e. invalid results or valid Reactive results of a pool, automatically trigger a new pooling action to be 

performed by an operator. Final results are exported to a host LIS system. The full lifecycle of a donor from initial pool until final PCR result 

is tracked. 

150

MP97 

German Eichberger 



geichberger@ucsd.edu 

e-nnovate e-notebook 


Co-Author(s) 

Farbod Rahaghi 

Jared Goor 


We have designed a tool to assist the scientific researcher in the collection of data from, and the visualization of experiments, allowing easy 

access to results obtained from collaborative researchers in multiple sub disciplines. We have aimed our system to assist the biomedical 

research community in overcoming difficulties associated with accessing knowledge that may have been acquired previously. Our tool 

automates many aspects of sharing data and planning experiments. Since we support multiple data formats, we are capable to deliver a 

uniform view regardless how the data was acquired thereby allowing significant simplification in the storing of automatically acquired data. 

When a new team member arrives, he or she can quickly gain an overview of the scope of the project and the approach taken so far. This will 

help avoid repetition of previous experiments and will shorten the time it takes for new researchers joining the project to become productive. 

We have implemented several schemes for data organization to facilitate changes in the direction of the project or interpreting results. 

Additionally we are planning to continue our research to develop a suitable visualization of experiments, results, and how they relate to each 

other. Our goal is to find a descriptive presentation for the biomedical research process itself, which will enable collaborative knowledge 

management and provide easy access to disparate data. 

We have developed in our preliminary research a web based collaboration tool to capture and share disparate data formats generated by 

experiments combined with a powerful text search engine and digital signatures for authentication and security. The system is used in labs 

reaching from cancer to engineering projects. 

MP98 

Menake E Piyasena 

California State University, Los Angeles 


mpiyasena@cslanet.calstatela.edu 

Co-Author 

Frank A. Gomez 

A Bead-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Device for the Detection of Vancomycin Binding 

The antibiotic Vancomycin (Van) from Streptomyces orientalis is effective in treating infections caused by bacteria resistant to other 

antibiotics. Van inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala (DADA) moiety on the cell wall. The 

development of resistance to antibacterial agents is an ever-increasing worldwide problem that threatens the chemical effectiveness of 

drugs used in the treatment of many infectious diseases. Recent reports document the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacterial species 

that are causing serious health problems particularly in third. Hence, the need for examining the Van system and for developing novel 

modes of analysis. Development of high throughput techniques for these studies is important in many respects. Herein, we present a new 

analysis method to study the binding of Van to DADA peptides via UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, we explore the 

development of a microfluidic tool to investigate the binding of Van to DADA. Our ultimate goal is to develop a bead-based lab-on-a-chip 

device integrating labeling, binding and detection steps all in a single microfluidic chip format. We utilized Van tagged micro-magnetic 

beads as the receptors and fluorescent labeled DADA as our model ligands. The manipulation of an external magnetic source for capturing 

and releasing of beads in microchannels prevents the use of internal frits allowing for reuse of the chips. 

151

TP01 

Marc Pfeifer 





Co-Author(s) 

Josh Weinberger 

Dan Bristol 

Mike Takeuchi 

Paulette Thomas 

Imre Trefil 

Jon Nunes 

LeadStream – Galileo Integration Yields a Complete Process and Results Management 

Solution for ADME/Tox 

LeadStream is a fully integrated ADME/Tox screening solution, that combines role-specific automation for sample distribution and preparation, 

integrated LC/MS for analysis, and orchestration software for coordination of laboratory workflow. A LeadStream implementation is able 

to simplify the entire testing process from request to result, including end-to-end data tracking, automated data reduction and reporting. 

Recently LeadStream has been integrated with Galileo, a purpose built ADME/Tox LIMS designed to enhance the manual process of data 

analysis, review and approval. The combined workflow of these two products provides a significant improvement in data quality, processing 

time, and results reporting for a range of Tier 1 and Tier 2 ADME/Tox Screens. 

TP02 


Labcyte 


ellson@labcyte.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Jean Shieh, Labcyte Inc. 

Joseph Olechno 

Using Acoustic Droplet Ejection for Aqueous Samples – The Transfer of Bovine Serum 

Albumin Solutions and the Effect of Salt Concentrations 

We show the application of acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) to the transfer of protein solutions. Effects of buffer concentrations to ADE are 

measured and discussed. Precision and accuracy of transferring 5-100nL fluorescein-doped bovine serum albumin (BSA) droplets are 

measured with fluorescence. We show the effects on ADE of varying concentrations of different typical biological additives that are known to 

change viscosity and surface tension. We illustrate that ADE is only mildly affected by these changes in fluid viscosity and surface tension. 

The ability to precisely place sample droplets of protein solution on a solid surface or in a well significantly expands potential applications. 

We will show examples of arrays of nanoliter droplets of protein solutions on surfaces. 

152

TP03 

Donat Elsener 

REMP AG 

CH-3672 Oberdiessbach, 

Switzerland 

donat.elsener@remp.com 


Co-Author 

Michael Girardi 

REMP 

Centralized vs. Multi-Site Compound Management 

The cost of drug development has soared over the last decades, as well as, the efforts into sales and marketing of the end-product drugs. 

Companies realize that the larger they are the easier it is to bare large investments and leverage their marketing activities. In order to 

maximize return-on-investment, the companies are engaging in continuous merging activities. Life Science Research companies, nowadays, 

consist of multiple R&D sites distributed all around the world. Individual sites often work on dedicated targets or on specific therapeutic areas 

with synergies generated through access to each others research results. In order to maximize global research effectiveness, all research 

scientists need an overview and physical access to the entire compound collection of independently built up libraries. 

TP04 

Nancy Elser 

Eksigent Technologies 

Dublin, California 

nelser@eksigent.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Ring-Ling Chien 

David Rakestraw 


David Emlyn Hughes 

Chromatographic Excellence 

Method Development of Liquid Chromatographic Procedures for Pharmaceutical 

and Biotechnological Entities by Use of the ExpressLC-800 Multi-channel Capillary 

LC System 

Liquid chromatographic (LC) development of methods for conventional and proteineous drug analysis is a time-consuming but critical 

task. Development of a method without sufficient experimentation to produce optimized selectivity often causes significant problems at 

some time in the drug development cycle. A method development chemist would ideally study a number of column stationary and mobile 

phase conditions and choose the stationary/mobile phase combination that optimizes both resolution of important species and method 

robustness. Such an extensive study with conventional LC is often impractical, since investigating multiple chromatographic conditions 

requires time-consuming column exchanges and re-equilibrations. Computer-assisted column switching requires extensive re-equilibration 

times and often produces unreliable results. Multi-channel capillary LC method development will be shown to generate an extensive set of 

chromatograms whereby determination of the most selective separatory conditions can be made. In this presentation, a capillary LC with 

eight independent channels (the ExpressLC-800) will be used to produce sample separations with eight columns, four pH conditions and 

optimized gradient endpoints; typically, within four hours. The instrument provides method development data quickly by performing eight 

separations simultaneously on a capillary LC system that produces high-resolution separations and requires very short re-equilibration times. 

153

TP05 

Marcy Engelstein 

Millipore Corporation 

Danvers, Massachusetts 

marcy_engelstein@millipore.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Libby Kellard 

Chris Barbagallo 

Millipore Corporation 

Lynn Jordan 


Automation of Radiometric Filter-Based Phosphorylation Assays Using Positive Pressure 

A major focus in drug discovery involves the identification of compounds that reduce or modulate biological processes by altering 

the activity of cellular receptors or signal transduction components such as kinases. Heterogeneous filter binding assays have been 

successfully used to screen many compounds for potential drug activity. Filter-based assays have the advantage over homogeneous 

formats in that multiple washing of the filter greatly improves signal to background by removing non-specific binding. 

The recent availability of 384-well filter plates and improved automation capabilities have expanded the utility of heterogenous binding 

assays allowing for higher throughput and reduced reagent costs. Where filter-based assays have traditionally used vacuum as a means of 

separation, positive pressure systems are another effective method of separation which are very amenable to automation. The performance 

of the Millipore MultiScreen ® HTS 384-well filter plate is demonstrated using an automated radiometric assay for screening compounds 

on Caliper’s Sciclone ALH 3000 Workstation with a positive pressure filtration accessory. Protein Kinase A was used as the representative 

assay system with which we were able to screen a number of different compounds. Z’ values were measured showing the integration of 

automation and the 384-well format. 

TP06 

Xingwang Fang 

Ambion, Inc. 

Austin, Texas 

xfang@ambion.com 

Co-Author(s): 

Angela Burrell 

Weiwei Xu 

Quoc Hoang 

Roy Willis 

Mangeky Bounpheng 

Automation of Nucleic Acid Isolation on KingFisher Magnetic Bead Processors 

Magnetic bead-based nucleic acid isolation methods are very efficient and effective for RNA and DNA isolation with high consistency from 

various biological samples. This method also eliminates common problems associated with filter-based methods such as filter clogging and 

RNA and DNA recovery inconsistency. Moreover, small volume elution (20 µl) provides highly concentrated nucleic acids suitable for various 

downstream applications. 

We have developed protocols for the automation of total RNA isolation from cells, tissue lysates and whole blood for gene expression 

profiling on KingFisher Magnetic Bead Processors. The KingFisher dips magnetic rods into solution to collect and transfer magnetic 

particles, which ensures reproducibility and expedites the nucleic acid isolation process. RNA isolation including the DNase treatment 

requires approximately 30 minutes. Purified total RNA is of high yield and quality; >20-30 pg/cell with 28S/18S ~ 2.0 from cultured cells, 

1-30 µg/mg with 28S/18S > 1.2 from various animal tissues, 1 µg/ml with 28S/18S > 1.2 from whole blood. 

We have also developed automated protocols for total nucleic acid isolation from viral and bacterial pathogens from biological samples such 

as plasma, serum and milk. It takes only about 15 min to process up to 96 samples in parallel. The nucleic acid recovery of spiked viral 

particles was ~ 80% and highly consistent. As quantified by real-time PCR and RT-PCR, the overall sensitivity (isolation + detection) was 4 

copies of spiked nucleic acids. The KingFisher process is ideal for fast and effective nucleic acid isolation from diverse biological samples. 

154

TP07 

Anne T. Ferguson 

MDS Sciex 


anne.ferguson@sciex.com 


Co-Author(s): 

Debra Gallant 

Ryan McGuinness 

Gordon Leung 

MDS Sciex 

Yuanping Wang 

Lisa Minor 

Jenson Qi 

Johnson & Johnson, PRD 

Development of a Label-Free Cellular Assay for an Endogenously-Expressed GPCR 

Using Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy 

Cell based assays for drug discovery offer advantages over molecular approaches by providing more complex data in a living cell state. 

Additionally, screening receptor targets in the endogenous setting provides data that is more physiologically relevant with less effort than 

transfected and cloned cell lines. Using CDS, a label-free cellular assay, we analyzed the activation of an important GPCR expressed 

endogenously in two related rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. It is important to note that CDS was capable of measuring cellular responses 

to ligand addition where Ca2+ assays were not. Both a receptor agonist and antagonist were evaluated and EC50 and IC50 values were 

derived. Receptor specificity was also demonstrated by effectively blocking the cellular responses to agonist after antagonist pre-treatment. 

This novel and simplified approach enabled the development of a physiologically relevant cellular assay that is useful in drug discovery 

applications. 

TP08 

Igor Fomenko 

Amgen 

Newbury Park, California 

ifomenko@amgen.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Bahram G. Kermani, Illumina 

Theo Kotseroglou 

Behrouz Forood 

Lori Clark 

David Barker 

Michal Lebl 

Illumina 

Decoding Beads in a Randomly-Assembled Optical Nose 

In Illumina’s technology, the term bead is synonymous with microsensors used in optical arrays. Unlike orderly arranged microarrays, a 

randomly-assembled array would need to be processed via a so-called decoding step, in order to identify the location of each beadtype. 

Illumina’s O-Nose technology is radically different from the electronic nose (E-Nose) technologies by several factors, e.g., the number of 

sensors. In an O-Nose application, one can easily obtain 2000 usable sensors. The quantity of sensors, however, does come at a price, 

i.e., the necessity for a decoding procedure. The decoding step plays a challenging role in the O-Nose technology. A novel supervised 

learning technique of decoding randomly-assembled arrays, based on subspace classifier method is proposed. 

155

TP09 




aoife@deerac.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Joe Graham 

Sheila Fisher 

Tracey Honan 

Susan Faro 

Broad Institute 

Miniaturization of Liquid Handling Procedures in High Throughput Sequencing at the 

Broad Institute. 

Deerac Fluidics Equator products are designed to fit a wide range of applications requiring low volume liquid handling. The products 

have recently been installed as part of the high throughput sequencing production process at the Broad Institute in Boston, MA, USA 

(formerly the Whitehead Center for Genome Research). The Genome Sequencing and Analysis program at the Broad Institute places 

emphasis on the development of scalable methods employing automated laboratory procedures and informatics systems. The current rate 

of sequencing corresponds to over 40 million lanes per year, deployed in sequencing the human, mouse, and other genomes. This poster 

will describe the current process employed by Broad Institute, highlighting where the Equator has played a vital role in performance 

enhancement and cost reduction, enabling the Broad Institute to retain its position as the world’s leading genome research institute. 

TP10 

Huidong Gu 


Princeton, New Jersey 

huidong.gu@bms.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Steve Unger 

Yuzhong Deng 


Fully Automated Sample Preparation by Using Tecan for LC/MS/MS Assay 

In an accelerated drug development process, large numbers of samples from the clinical studies need to be quantified for their concentrations 

in a variety of biological fluids using validated bioanalytical assays. To enhance the throughput, a Tecan RSP liquid handling system is used 

for automated sample preparation in our lab as it provides a friendly user interface for Tecan programming. However, analytical assays 

change on daily basis. It is time consuming and error prone for users to write or modify Tecan programs every day. EZTecan is a program 

designed to help users overcome this problem. 

In the drug development process, Watson LIMS was used to support DMPK/Bioanalytical studies. EZTecan can directly convert the 

information list in Watson to a Tecan program for sample preparation, including sample transfer, dilution, SPE (or PP), and reconstitution. A 

custom designed worktable layout was applied to the Tecan system to save the liquid handler trips for sample transfer and extraction. 

Several bioanalytical LC/MS/MS assays were validated by using the EZTcan program to control the Tecan liquid handler system. This 

approach demonstrates a fast, accurate and reliable procedure for sample preparation. It takes about 90 min to prepare two full 96-well 

plates from sample transfer to reconstitution. Analytical results shown good inter and intra-assay accuracy and precision which met the 

GLP acceptance criteria. EZTecan is very easy to learn and use and bioanalysts can use Tecan without writing a single line of Tecan 

program for various assays on daily base. 

156

TP11 

Carsten Haber 

Ion Gate Biosciences 

Cohasset, Massachusetts 

carsten.haber@iongate.de 


Co-Author 

Wolfgang Doerner 

IonGate Biosciences GmbH 

A Novel Label-free Electrogenic Assay Principle for Transporter Proteins 

IonGate Biosciences (Frankfurt/Germany – www.iongate.de) has developed an electrochemical biosensor which permits robust and labelfree 

screening of electrogenic membrane proteins on solid supported membranes (SSMs). 

The technology can be scaled up in highly parallel fashion for high-throughput screening applications. The central element of the instrument 

is a specially treated gold surface which is designed to specifically adsorb transporter-containing membrane targets. The membrane 

components self-assemble on the gold surface to form a large number of small vesicles doped with transporter molecules. These solid 

supported membranes are highly stable and enclose isolated small volumes of buffer from the bulk solution. The SSM acts as a carrier for 

the membrane fragments, and in parallel as a high-capacitance, low-conductance electrode. Via rapid solution exchange, substrate ions 

are moved by energy (ATP)-driven transport processes out or into the vesicle cell and trigger a capacitive charging current on the sensor 

surface. 

The sensitivity of the sensor is sufficient to detect electrogenic binding of substrates or single turnover reactions within the protein. To date, 

seventeen different transporter proteins have been investigated using IonGate’s biosensor. 

TP12 

Elaine Heron 

Labcyte Inc. 


Elaine.Heron@labcyte.com 

Co-Author(s) 


Shehrzad Qureshi 

Richard Stearns 

Labcyte Inc. 

Non-Invasive Hydration and Volume Measurements of Solutions in Storage Tubes 

Re-sealable tubes are prevalent as containers for compound library storage because they can be individually accessed and replaced. 

However, when aliquots are repeatedly removed from tubes, there is an ever increasing uncertainty about both the volume of the solution 

and the amount of water that was been absorbed. Hydration is especially difficult to measure with existing methods such as Karl Fischer 

titration, a destructive method that requires opening the tube. Other methods have been described, but these approaches are not able to 

measure the entire possible range of water content. We describe the use of acoustics to simultaneously measure both the volume and the 

water content in water/DMSO solutions containing library compounds. These parameters are determined by measuring both the time it 

takes for the sound to travel to the liquid/air interface and amplitude of sound energy reflected. This method does not require opening the 

tubes or removing samples, and the measurement is not hindered by the presence of some formats of 2-D bar codes on bottom surface. 

Analysis time as well as accuracy and precision of volume and % water measurements will be presented for 2-D bar coded tubes as well 

as for tubes held in frames. 

157

TP13 

Ulrike Honisch 



Ulrike.Honisch@gbo.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Rainer Heller, Greiner Bio-One GmbH 

Dagmar Weber, Evotec Technologies GmbH 

Inka Pfitzner, Biotesys GmbH 

Stefan Marose, Evotec Technologies GmbH 

High Content Analysis of Biochemical and Cellular Assays in SensoPlate 

Plus Glass Bottom Microplates 

Integrated and automated workstations do set new standards for ease of use and sophisticated fluorescence techniques. For various 

applications in drug discovery including confocal single molecule detection, high performance microplates are mandatory, when looking 

for superior data quality. To meet this need Greiner Bio-One designed in cooperation with evotec technologies new microplates for High 

Content Screening applications. The CellCarrier microplates are tissue culture treated polystyrene film bottom microplates adapted to 

the needs of cellular assays. The SensoPlate Plus microplates are novel glass bottom microplates especially recommended for use in 

fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and related confocal methods (FCS+plus). The optimized microplate geometry of the Cell 

Carrier and the SensoPlate Plus permits complete utilization of all wells even for measurements with immersion objectives. We tested 

the SensoPlate Plus microplates in different biochemical and cellular assays. Due to the high optical quality of the glass bottom and the 

minimal bending of less than 100 µm SensoPlate Plus shows homogenous readouts with CV’s below 2.5, high count rates and high Z’ 

values. Therefore SensoPlate Plus is particularly suitable for biochemical and non-adherent cell assays. Cell growth of adherent cells on 

glass bottom microplates is more difficult to assess. The performance of SensoPlatePlus, different coatings and polystyrene microplates 

in cell based assays will be discussed. 

TP14 

Peter F. Huefner 

Merck & Co., Inc. 


peter_huefner@merck.com 

Co-Author(s) 

J. Chris McWilliams 

Chaoxian Cai 

High Throughput Screening and Optimization of Catalytic Reactions in the Catalysis 

Lab at Merck 

This poster will present the technology being employed at Merck, using specific examples wherein automation accelerated discovery and 

process development. Particular emphasis will be placed on examples in asymmetric hydrogenations 

158

TP15 

Ken Hunt 

Amphora Discovery Corp 


ken.hunt@amphoracorp.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Clint Walker 

Larry Acquesta 

Matt Orcutt 

Bill Janzen. 

Sean Blake 

Amphora Discovery Corp. 

Improving Data Quality and Productivity through Industrialized Preventative 

Maintenance and In-House Engineering Support 

Drug discovery scientists are voracious consumers of new technology. However, with the need to produce more drug leads while reducing 

cost and increasing data quality, companies are turning to platform technologies. In these cases, the Original Equipment Manufacture 

(OEM) is usually the sole maintenance support for new instrument technologies but they can be slow to respond to equipment failure, 

unwilling to make recommended technology changes and extremely costly. 

In order to address this issue, Amphora Discovery developed on-site engineering and maintenance systems to support platform 

technologies and scientific innovation. With a small staff of knowledgeable engineers, we have been able to adapt our lab structure as 

project requirements change. Also, without OEM restrictions, custom instrument design changes can be made on a much shorter timescale. 

Using a maintenance management system, we collect critical data necessary to develop preventive maintenance procedures, parts 

inventories, issue work orders and create reports. Utilizing the reports section to track failures, problems become readily apparent 

and adjustments are made to prevent repeat occurrences. Creating a maintenance infrastructure has allowed immediate response to 

equipment issues preventing lost effort, time and money. Knowledge gained through troubleshooting and repair has also aided with design 

changes and made upgrades more easily managed. With equipment reliability we were able to concentrate on processes and instrument 

standardization. A well-trained staff, quality documentation and the ability to respond quickly to change, has created superior data quality, 

achieved 95% equipment uptime and drastically reduced equipment support costs. 

TP16 

Stephen Hurt 

Perkinelmer Life and Analytical Sciences 

Boston, Massachusetts 

steve.hurt@perkinelmer.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Hao Xie 

Hanh Le 

Harry Harney 

Robert Stanaker 

Rajesh Manchanda 

Use of the Cellular Workstation System for the Automation of GPCR Cell-Based 

Functional Assays Using LANCE cAMP Technology 

The Cellular Workstation is a fully integrated and automated workstation for performing cell-based assays. The system is comprised of the 

Evolution P3 Precision Pipetting Platform for reagent dispensing, the EnVision multilabel plate reader for detection, a CataLyst Express 

robotic arm, and POLARA scheduling software. In addition to these core components, options such as a microplate incubator, plate 

washer, and filtration unit can also be incorporated. This workstation is a walk-away, easy-to-use solution for cellular applications in the 

areas of target identification and validation, assay development, secondary screening and early ADME/Tox profiling. We present here the 

automation of a GPCR functional assay using the LANCE cAMP technology with mammalian cell lines expressing both Gs- and Gi-coupled 

GPCRs. Results will be presented to demonstrate the key performance and pharmacological parameters of the assay, and the sample 

throughput capabilities of the automated system. 

159

TP17 

Michael Gary Jackson 

Beckman-Coulter 


mgjackson@beckman.com 


Co-Author(s): 

Matthew Cu 

Sunghae Joo 

Han-Chang Chi 

Keith Roby 

Scott Boyer, 

Beckman-Coulter 

Automation of Gene Expression on Beckman Coulter’s Biomek ® 3000 Laboratory 

Automation Workstation 

Manual preparation of materials through the complex gene expression chemistry process can introduce variation in samples and potentially 

distort data output. Even simplified processes with higher numbers of samples would also be likely to suffer from such inaccuracies. 

Automated processing of samples provides consistency in results for the steps from RNA preparation and cDNA setup through PCR1 

setup. Consistency in sample preparation is essential to be able to monitor the variations in cellular signals characteristic of biological 

systems. Automation is based on the Biomek 3000 and requires no changes in the deck configuration through the sample preparation 

process. We evaluated the sample preparation of total RNA from treated and untreated cell cultures for both human and rat cell lines. 

The samples were then processed through automation methods that are part of the GenomeLab GeXP application. Both singlet and 

multiplex PCR primer sets were used for comparison of transcript levels. We also included intra-plate samples to show consistency and 

reproducibility of the process in comparison to the manual process. 

TP18 

Joby Jenkins 

TTP LabTech 

Royston, Hertfordshire, 

United Kingdom 

joby.jenkins@ttplabtech.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Rob Lewis 

Tristan Cope 

Wayne Bowen 

TTP LabTech 

Automated Nanolitre Hit-Picking Using A mosquito ® X1 Low Volume Pipettor 

A prerequisite for efficient primary screening is the automated selection of “hits” for confirmation and secondary profiling. Solutions exist for 

low density microplates, however, the 1,536 well format presents significant challenges for many liquid handling systems. The mosquito ® 

X1 offers precision sampling of any individual well in 48-, 96-, 384- or 1,536-well plates. This enables researchers to quickly select small 

volumes of “hits” from primary screening plates and transfer them directly to the next screening stage without further dilution. mosquito ® 

X1’s disposable pipette tips guarantee zero cross-contamination. The system’s unique positive displacement pipetting technology allows 

it to pipette accurately and reproducibly throughout the 25nl-1.2ìl range, producing CVs of

TP19 

Mike Jones 

Cambridge Antibody Technology 

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 


mike.jones@cambridgeantibody.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Debbie Pattison 

Mark Lidament 

John Andrews 

Ruth Franks 

Stephen Clulow 

High Throughput 96 Well Purification of Biopharmaceuticals for Cell-Based Screening 

Large libraries of biopharmaceuticals, often containing over 1010 members, can be generated using molecular biology techniques. 

These biomolecules are expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems either as culture supernatants or in the periplasm of bacteria. 

By-products from mammalian and bacterial cells (eg. endotoxin) and reagents used to release proteins from the cells (eg. osmotic shock 

reagents) can have adverse effects on biochemical and cell-based assays. Using cell-based assays as primary screens improves the 

correlation between High Throughput Screening (HTS) results and secondary assays. It allows the identification of agonists at an early 

stage in the drug discovery cascade. We describe an automated high throughput 96 well purification process, using PhyNexus’ proprietary 

PhyTip column technology that provides ~2000 purified samples per week. This system has been applied to single-chain antibodies, IgGs 

and therapeutic proteins. By developing a high throughput 96 well sample purification process we can use cell-based assays for primary 

screening. We can also screen a larger number of samples in cell-based assays compared to the previous system, where throughput was 

limited by the capability to produce larger scale purified samples prior to testing in cell-assays. Purified samples are added to the cellbased 

assays and their activity is measured. The amount of inhibitor in these samples can be quantified using HTRF assays and the two 

results can be combined to enable samples to be ranked by potency. 

TP20 

Patricia Kasila 


Windham, New Hampshire 

patricia.kasila@perkinelmer.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Hao Xie 

Harry Harney 

Andy Raneri 

Greg Warner 

LANCETM cAMP + Evolution P3 + ViewLux = uHTS 

High Throughput Screening laboratories have been successfully automating assays to achieve higher throughput. To date only a small 

number of labs have been successfully able to go to even higher density formats, i.e., 1536-well microplates, due to the lack of precise 

liquid handling systems, homogeneous robust detection assays and high density detection equipment. Examples shown here will 

demonstrate that the LANCE cAMP assay, which allows for the direct measurement of receptor mediated adenylyl cyclase activation/ 

inhibition in G-protein coupled receptors, the Evolution P3 liquid handling system and the ViewLux CCD Imager, will give comparable 

results with excellent precision for both 384-well and 1536-well formats. 

161

TP21 

Libby Kellard 

Millipore 

Danvers, Massachusetts 

libby_kellard@millipore.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Andrew Arena 

Matt Wilgo 

Jason Blodgett 

Automating Medium to High Throughput Drug Transport Assays 

Cell-based assays are a common in vitro tool for predicting absorption rates of compounds across the intestinal epithelial. Absorption rates 

can be analyzed at several points in the drug discovery process. Depending on the number of compounds being evaluated for absorption 

these assays may need to be processed in either a medium or high throughput environment. In this case both 24 and 96-well formats 

from Millipore were evaluated. Both plates have the same automation-friendly features including basolateral access holes, an apical assist 

feature to avoid membrane damage and a careful fit between the filter and receiver tray to ensure consistent pipetting from well to well and 

plate to plate. In addition, the 24-well plate has a greater membrane surface area for larger cell monolayers and allows for visual screening 

of cell growth using a microscope. 

Caco-2 and MDCK drug transport assays were automated using the Millicell-24 and Caco-96 well plates on the Tecan Freedom EVO. 

All steps of the assays including washing of the cell monolayer, incubation and drug absorption were carried out on the deck of the 

EVO. TEER (transepithelial electrical resistance), LY (Lucifer yellow) rejection and permeability rates for compounds were determined using 

Caco-2 or MDCK cells grown on either plate. The TEER and LY rejection values for cells grown on the plates demonstrated that there was 

an integral monolayer formation and the drug permeability rates, measured by LC/MS/MS, correlated with values obtained from literature. 

TP22 

Sheri Kelly 

Merck Research Laboratories 

Wayne, Pennsylvania 

sheri_kelly@merck.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Tina Green 

Jeff Van Doren 

Derek Puchalski 

Patricia Boerckel 

Naren Chirmule 

Mark Esser 

Vaccine and Biologics Research 

Automation of a Luminex Immunoassay for Measuring Antibodies to Human 

Papillomavirus Types 6, 11, 16, and 18 following vaccination with Gardasil 

We are currently testing an experimental vaccine (Gardasil) for the prevention of HPV infection and cervical cancer in multiple phase III 

clinical trials. To increase the efficiency and quality of our immunogenicity (anti-HPV antibody) results we have developed an automated 

serological assay. Serum specimen pipetting is a labor intensive process that can be a source of laboratory error, ergonomic stress, and 

a potential source of accidental exposure to infectious pathogens. Automated solutions for sample preparation reduce time spent on 

sample handling, minimize exposure to infectious pathogens, reduce laboratory error, reduce ergonomic stress and save money. A fully 

automated method was developed for a custom-designed competitive Luminex Immunoassay (cLIA) on a TECAN ® Genesis Workstation 

that measures antibodies to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Virus-Like Particles (VLPs). The automated program generated statistically similar 

data to assays performed manually. Overall, HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 antibody titers obtained from samples prepared with the automated 

program were 3.2%, 6.6%, 3.6%, and 2.0% higher, respectively, than antibody titers from samples prepared manually. The agreement 

rates between methods for HPV positive and negative samples for HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 were 100%, 96.8%, 98.4%, and 97.3%, 

respectively. An overview of the basic workflow of the automated HPV cLIA used to support our Phase III clinical trials is described. 

162

TP23 

Tanya R. Knaide 

ARTEL 


tknaide@artel-usa.com 


Co-Author(s) 


Benjamin W. Spaulding 

Alex Rogers 

Ceara McNally 

Rapid Volume Verification in High-Density Microtiter Plates Using Dual-Dye Photometry 

With a significant movement toward miniaturization in liquid volume dispensing for high-density microtiter plate arrays, the need for a 

fast, accurate method for volume verification is imperative. The increase in high-throughput screening for microtiter plate assays is solely 

based on the increased use of automated liquid handling (ALH) systems. Because of this increase, there is a tremendous need for volume 

verification methodology which does not require highly-trained technicians or significantly slow screening processes. Presently, there are 

very few methodologies that can quickly and accurately interrogate dispensed volume in individual wells, within a high-density microtiter 

plate. Validation of sub-microliter liquid volumes in 384-well plates is an extremely challenging task with dramatically increasing regulatory 

importance. Current volume verification methods are subject to external influences such as evaporation, static and incomplete mixing. The 

ALH systems employed require consistently optimum performance in order to prevent instrument down-time and loss of productivity. 

The dual-dye photometric technology employed by Artel’s Multichannel Verification System (MVSTM) overcomes challenges associated 

with determining the dispensed volume within each well of a 384-well microtiter plate. MVS extends it’s currently accepted volume 

measurement approach for 96-well plates to 384-well plates and volumes as low as 30 nanoliters. The measurements collected by the 

MVS in less than 15 minutes provide both precision and accuracy values per individual channel. The system capabilities enable easy 

optimization of small volume dispense protocols to minimize valuable sample waste. This presentation will discuss the system technology, 

validation of the method utilized and ALH protocol optimization using the MVS. 

TP24 

Steffen Koehler 

EVOTEC AG 

Hamburg, Germany 

steffen.koehler@evotecoai.com 

Compound Management at Evotec AG – be Flexible 

Compound logistics centers of biotech and pharmaceutical companies serving HTS facilities face demands for increasing throughput and 

flexibility in terms of plate types, plate layouts and types of HTS systems. Specially for a contract screening service, it is also particularly 

important to ensure the secure separation of customer libraries and to deal with all the different customer needs for e.g. plate types, plate 

layouts, amount of compound, and data formats. 

How does Evotec AG solve the challenge? Which software and hardware is involved? Which screening systems are installed and how is 

everything linked together? What happens from the reception of customer compound libraries until the screening data are transferred to 

our customers? 

Evotec AG shows a solution for a fast, flexible, highly reliable, auditable and safe compound management to meet the demands for the 

next years. 

163

TP25 

Joseph Kofman 

Pfizer 


joseph.kofman@pfizer.com 


Co-Author 

Todd Baumgartner 

Embracing the Unattainable: Creating an Integrated Electronic Environment for 

Analytical Laboratories 

Even a superficial review of working practices within analytical laboratories across the pharmaceutical industry reveals key areas within 

the workflow that have unmet needs with respect to integrated informatics systems. Despite tremendous efforts to move towards a 

“paperless” environment, current systems within analytical laboratories typically provide autonomous support in relation to other analytical 

processes. Knowledge is successfully captured and accumulated, but not shared effectively. The development and implementation of a 

complete “chain of custody” solution for laboratory data and information is needed to fully meet the compliance requirements of 21 CFR 

Part 11, provide extended productivity improvements, and reduce the support and maintenance costs of multiple redundant systems. 

There has been work in integrating different solutions (e.g. CDS and LIMS); however the strategy for a complete system has not been 

defined. A critical aspect of the Analytical Laboratory Integrated Solution (ALIS) is that each of the systems is linked through touch points 

(common interfaces), and all laboratory data is acquired and stored electronically by specialty applications, but is accessible for data 

mining through all associated applications. A prototype of ALIS was built based on a strategic process map and focused on integration 

and information exchange between independent applications. The integrated solution was designed so that information flow within the 

analytical laboratory was improved or at least maintained. The benefits gained from this integrated system are far greater than if the 

components were implemented independently. 

TP26 

Saikalyan Kotha 

Flow Sciences 

Leland, North Carolina 

skotha@flowsciences.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Ray Ryan 

Douglas B. Walters, KCP Inc. 

Ventilated Robotic Enclosures for Product and Personal Protection in 

High-Throughput Laboratories 

Today’s potent material handling laboratories have changed significantly. Synthesis-based R&D has moved into the new millennium and 

been supplemented with processes using sophisticated computer and high throughput robotic technology. The laboratory use of novel 

compounds of unknown potency is rapidly expanding, and requires flexible task-specific containment solutions to minimize environmental 

impact, protect operators, and optimize process efficiency. While many laboratory operations can only be safely performed in large 

traditional chemical hoods, or biological safety cabinets limitations often arise because containment is not always effective, the hood design 

is not task-specific and is not designed for high through put equipment, relocation is difficult, and purchase, installation and operation 

is expensive. Hence, in many cases unique process-specific containment solutions must be developed to provide safe, adaptable and 

energy efficient enclosures in the rapidly changing laboratory environment. This presentation describes several custom designed vented 

enclosures developed for pharmaceutical and medical research. 

This project encompassed three distinct phases critical to the project’s successful completion. 

The definition of specific robotic equipment such as, liquid handling, incubators, and powder handling equipment. Optimizing designs with 

computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to maximize containment and energy efficiency, and to resolve ergonomic issues and provide easy 

operator access to the enclosed equipment. Commissioning of enclosures with on-site testing to ensure effective containment. This project 

emphasizes the importance of task-specific containment solutions for use with high-through put and robotic equipment 

164

TP27 

Steve Lappin 

Amgen 


slappin@amgen.com 


Co-Author 

Alex Mladenovic, Amgen Inc. 

A Simple and Compact Liquid Handler/Centrifuge Integration 

Many biological assays and sample preparation protocols require separation of solids from liquid for processing, often accomplished by 

centrifugation. As centrifuge integrations into automated platforms are typically large and complex and require another component to 

shuttle plates, they are often not appropriate for smaller labs or lower throughput applications and can be prohibitively expensive. We have 

developed and implemented compact platform consisting of an integrated Velocity11 Vspin centrifuge (and Access unit) with a Beckman 

Biomek NX that requires no additional components to load the centrifuge. We have written a rudimentary driver to control the centrifuge 

directly from the Biomek software and is applicable to all Biomek software versions. The entire device measures only 0.9M x 1.3M and 

is appropriate for many applications that require washes and spins, such as flow cytometry sample preparation, blood preparations and 

antibody labeling experiments. 

TP28 

Brad Larson 



brad.larson@promega.com 

Co-Author(s) 



Siegfried Sasshofer 

Tecan 



Automated Multiplexed Cell-Based Assays for High-Throughput Drug Discovery 

Today’s high-throughput screening facilities face increasing demands to generate more information from existing compound libraries. 

An appealing solution is to perform multiplexed assays during the same cell-based screen. A multiplexed-assay approach allows for the 

evaluation of multiple parameters from the same sample source. An overall decrease in screening costs and variability are also realized 

when different assays can be used on the same plate of cells. Here we provide proof-of-principle data by combining Promega’s cell-based 

screening assays in a multiplexed format with a variety of high-throughput instrumentation. Live cell reporter, cell viability, and caspase 

– 3/7 activity assays were combined in 96, 384, and 1536-well formats. A unique combination and detection of both luminescent and 

fluorescent chemistries within the same well is also demonstrated. The single-reagent additions to each well, extended signal half-lives and 

sensitivity of each of these compatible chemistry combinations make them ideal for high-throughput liquid handling and detection. 

165

TP29 

Hanh Le 



hanh.le@perkinelmer.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Harry Harney 

Stephen Hurt 



Rajesh Manchanda 

Utilization of the ATPlite 1step Detection System for Homogenous Automated 

Cytotoxicity Assays 

A number of stategies are currently being implemented in the effort to increase the success rate in identifying new potential therapeutic lead 

compounds, and reducing the number of late stage failures in clinical trials. One approach is to perform ADME/Tox profiling at an earlier 

stage in the drug discovery process, leading therefore to the need for increased efficiency in carrying out these asssays. ATPlite 1step is 

a homogenous, luciferase-based luminescence assay system for the quantitative measurement of proliferation and cytotoxicity in cultured 

mammalian cells. The assay is based on the measurement of ATP as a marker for cell viability, and is both highly sensitive and easy-to-use. 

The single addition format for the assay makes it particulary suitable for automation. We have used the ATPlite 1step system to perform 

automated cytoxicity assays on the Cellular Workstation, an integrated walk-way system for cellular assays. The components of the 

workstation as configured for this assay include an Evolution P3 for reagent dispensing, EnVision microplate reader,CataLyst Express 

robotic arm, Cytomat microplate incubator and POLARATM scheduling sorftware. Data will be presented demonstrating the assay protocol 

and the automation methodology. 

TP30 

Anthony Lemmo 

Entevis Inc 

Sudbury, Massachusetts 

tlemmo@entevis.com 

Automated Dispensing of Solid Powders and Viscous Reagents: Enabling Solutions for 

Material Discovery, Development and Optimization 

Two major challenges in the automation of aspects of new materials development are the dispensing of solid powders and dispensing 

high viscosity reagents. We have developed automated, benchtop systems to address both of these key challenges. The solid dispensing 

system is capable of dispensing powders with bulk densities ranging from 0.03 to 3 in the mass range from 100 micrograms to hundreds 

of milligrams with %CV’s of 15% or better. The viscous fluid dispensing system can handle reagents with viscosities that range from 0.01 

to 900 cp and cover the volume range from 1 microliter to hundreds of milliliters with %CV’s typically < 2%. These systems, either used 

as stand-alone solutions, or in a combined workstation, have utility in the pharmaceutical development process for the automation of 

aqueous solubility, salt selection, polymorph screening and animal dosing experiments. They can also have a major impact in compound 

management operation, where the majority of samples are either solid powders or “difficult” liquids (e.g. oils, waxes, etc.). 

166

TP31 

Sophia Liang 

Aurora Biomed 




Co-Author(s) 

David Wicks 

Joy Goswami 

Dong Liang, 

Aurora Biomed Inc. 

Optimization of A Robotic System For Automation Of Peptide Array Printing 

Printing high-density arrays have become an important tool in drug screening, molecular biology, and genetic analysis. Printing multiple 

samples onto a solid substrate allows researchers to efficiently screen thousands of conditions in a very small space, thereby saving 

time and money. In order to screen for peptides that inhibit bacterial growth, Aurora Biomed Inc. performed array printing onto a solid 

substrate using variations of a peptide sequence with its versatile VERSA1000 liquid handling workstation. In order to optimize the 

nano-array technology and print volumes, careful standardization procedures were carried out on automation parameters such as pulse 

length, pressure, solvent concentration, solvent composition, substrate surface treatment, robotic movement and speed. Results from our 

experiments conclusively showed that the optimization was successful in generating high-density arrays for antibodies and peptides at 

volumes as low as 15nL on the epoxy coated glass slides. We present here, the optimization procedure of our present printing technology 

and explore the applications of the VERSA1000 in array printing. 

TP32 

David Lorenz 



david.lorenz@deerac.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Aoife Gallagher, Deerac Fluidics 

Brad Larson 


Michael Bjerke 


Eric Matthews, BMG Labtech 

High-Throughput Automation of a Dual Reporter Assay in Low-Volume 384 & 1536- 

Well Plate Formats Using the Deerac Fluidics’ EquatorTM HTS- Eight Tip Pipetting 

System, Promega’s Chroma-Luc Technology, and BMG LABTECH’s PHERAstar 

Microplate Reader 

The drive towards miniaturization within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields has created a need for liquid handling technologies 

that accurately deliver low volume reagents to high-density plates. This has also created a need for simple, fully scaleable assays in 

low volumes. Here we demonstrate the successful combination of both through the use of the Equator HTS - Eight Tip Pipetting 

System, and the dual color Chroma-Luc technology. Cellular lysates, containing the green CBG99luc and red CBRluc genes, followed 

by Chroma-Glo reagent, were dispensed in low-volume 384, and 1536-well formats using volumes ranging from 10ul to 500nl. 

Luminescence from the two luciferases was then simultaneously measured using the BMG LABTECH PHERAstar plate reader. The 

exceptional Z’ Factor scores, linearity, limit of detection, and separation of signal data, show the flexibility and reliability of the Equator 

HTS, and Chroma-Luc dual reporter technology in any high-throughput situation. 

167

TP33 

Stephen Lowry 

Thermo Electron Corporation 

Thermo Electron Molecular Spectroscopy 


steve.lowry@thermo.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Dave Dalrymple 

Garry Ritter, Thermo Electron Corporation 

High Throughput Raman Spectroscopy: Integrating the Analysis into the Laboratory 

The high specificity and non destructive sampling capabilities of a Raman microscope creates an excellent platform for analyzing samples 

in a microtiter plate or other array format including micro-arrays. There is a clear need for automated ways to analyze the large amounts 

of data acquired from such measurements and a requirement to integrate this data with other information related to the work. In this 

presentation we will describe the results of research into three areas related to the application of Raman Microspectroscopy to the analysis 

and identification of materials positioned in an X,Y array. The specific example that we will discuss involves a material that can form multiple 

polymorphs. Such high throughput crystallinity studies have become a critical step in the development and scale-up of new drug materials. 

The three key areas that we will address are: 1) automated detection and video image analysis by Raman spectroscopy, 2) Communication 

with a LIMS system and 3) The use of Supervised and Unsupervised algorithms for analyzing the spectral data to identify new polymorphs 

or other unknown materials. We will describe the use of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Multivariate Curve Resolution to determine which 

wells contain similar materials. A key challenge that we will discuss is the automatic acquisition of spectra from a well where a few small 

sample particles are dispersed across a relatively large area. 

TP34 

David Koechlein 


Dublin, Ireland 

davidk@deerac.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Jean Shieh 

Labcyte Inc. 



Keeping DMSO Concentration Below 0.5% to Minimize its Effect in HTS Assays 

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a commonly used solvent for compounds. DMSO accelerates protein unfolding and weakens the binding 

between small molecule compounds and proteins. Consequently researchers keep DMSO concentrations as low as possible, especially 

for sensitive assays. To keep the DMSO concentration at less than one percent of the final assay volume has been difficult due to the 

lack of reliable nanoliter-range liquid handlers for transferring small amount of compound. Intermediate aqueous dilution steps can cause 

the compound to “crash out” of solution. This issue of keeping compound dissolved in DMSO and keeping DMSO concentration low in 

the assay becomes even more critical when preparing compound activity curves - the need for better nanoliter technologies is further 

increased. 

The Labcyte EchoTM 550 liquid handler utilizes acoustic drop ejection (ADE) to transfer 2.5-250 nL of compounds in DMSO directly from 

storage plate to assay plates. Deerac Fluidics LatitudeTM bulk dispenser, which uses “spot-on” technology, can precisely deliver as low as 

50 nL. Pure DMSO can be back filled in seconds to ensure the final DMSO concentration stays uniform in the assay. Here we demonstrate 

the use of these two technologies in combination for keeping final DMSO concentration under 0.5% in HTS assays. 

168

TP35 

Julia Michelotti 

MDS Sciex 

South San Francisco, California 

julia.michelotti@sciex.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Roger Tang 

Ed Verdonk 

Krystal Johnson 

Gordon Leung 

Ryan McGuinness 

MDS Sciex 

Identification of the G-protein Coupling Mechanism of GPCRs Using a 

Label-free Live-Cell Assay 

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest target class in drug discovery, and they are important in therapeutic areas 

such as heart disease, metabolism and immune disorders. Function is commonly assessed in cells artificially overexpressing the receptor 

of interest using fluorescent- or bioluminescent-based probes. With the CellKey system, functional activation of different endogenous 

GPCR subtypes can be measured in the same assay format and in their natural setting. The CellKey platform measures changes in 

impedance before and after stimulation of endogenous (and transfected, where necessary) receptors and generates unique CDS response 

profiles that clearly represent the activation of different GPCR subtype-mediated signal transduction pathways. Here, we demonstrate 

these types of data for multiple ligands that activate differently-coupled receptors in several mammalian cell lines (e.g. CHOm1, U-2 

OS, HeLa) and primary human osteoblasts. The CellKey assay provides a large advantage over other universal cellular assays in that it 

distinguishes between different GPCR subtypes but does not require genetic or chemical manipulation of the cells. Lastly, it is becoming 

increasingly apparent that crosstalk between signaling pathways occurs as a result of the normal activation of GPCRs. We show data to 

illustrate that the CellKey system can reveal the complex interplay among some GPCR-mediated signaling pathways and that the data 

provides information to allow deconvolution of a complex signaling pathway. 

TP36 

Dana Moss 

Corning Incorporated 

Corning, New York 

mossdd@corning.com 

Mannix Aklian, Corning Inc. 

Label-Free Detection of Biomolecular Interactions for HTS 

A beta version of the 384-well Epic Label-Free Detection System has been used to study several biomolecular assay models. Beyond its 

application to direct binding label-free HTS assays on immobilized therapeutic targets, several assays have been derived based on isolated 

proteins (kinases, proteases, peptides, and antibodies), membrane preparations (GPCR), cell lysates and whole cells cultured directly on 

the Epic microplate. The data generated by some of these assays will be presented. 

169

TP37 

Donald J. Nagy 

California Computer Research, Inc 

Lake Arrownead, California 

ccrican1@wmconnect.com 


Co-Author 

Tadahiro Kawada 

Kawada Indurties Inc. 

Automated Specimen Transportation Increases Productivity 

The task of moving specimens around the clinical laboratories occupies about 25%-35% of a technologist’s time. Leading edge solutions 

from California Computer Research, Inc (CCRI) are designed to increase the technologists’ productivity by moving specimens to and from 

various locations without human intervention. In developing this solution - CCRI addressed the following four aspects. 

The CCRI RoboCart specimen carrier is used to move the specimens from receiving to processing workbenches. The RoboCarts move 

the specimens using the current aisles in the Lab - eliminating the need to redesign the lab. The new CCRI RoboStation workbench is 

designed with robot arms to perform specimen transfer into an accumulating ‘work in process’ shelving area. The robot arms - based on 

LIS scheduling - transfer specimens to diagnostic units without human intervention. These units are either under autonomous mode or 

under remote control mode of an Internet Call Center specialist. The specialist can monitor and control all of the functions including the 

review and release of results. 

For ‘walk-around-management’ - the Call Center specialist can operate the Kawada Industries Inc of Japan HRP-2 humanoid robot to 

inspect and operate specimen processes as if the specialist were on-site. The HRP-2 with dual arms can walk around the clinical lab. 

Using the HRP-2’s stereovision - this specialist can attend to ‘exception-to-the-rule’ demands. CCRI, located in California, has these new 

units going through clinical testing in the U.S. and foreign countries. 

TP38 

Johanna Neumayer 

Xiril AG 

Hombrechtikon, 

Switzerland 

johanna.neumayer@xiril.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Ralf Bartl 

Thomas Oberholzer 

Xiril AG 

Franz Bucher 

Hans Werhonig 

MedicTools AG 

Automated Tissue Homogenization – A Novel “Touch-less” Solution for High- 

Throughput Tissue Preparations 

Many biological processes have been traced back to the molecular level in living cells and high effort has been spent on the analysis of 

cellular functions. Significant progress has been made in the isolation and purification of nucleic acids or proteins from cells and tissue 

material, but there is still no comprehensive technology known which allows to handle a broad range of cellular or tissue material in an 

automated environment. 

Xiril introduces a novel solution for tissue homogenization, DispomixR, which will be available as stand-alone and automated platforms. 

For both, several outstanding features can be highlighted, such as an absolute contact- and contamination free operation. Mini-mixers are 

directly integrated into a disposable device, therefore, a “touch-less” homogenization is guaranteed and the mixers are powerful enough 

to handle a broad selection of cellular or tissue material, independent of its origin. The automated platform implements all features of the 

stand-alone version, but it will in addition significantly contribute to increase the throughput of the sample preparation. 

The novel Xiril platform for Automated Tissue Homogenization will contribute to induce a new generation of solutions for tissue 

preparations. 

170

TP39 

Robert Newman 

Merck Sharp And Dohme 

Harlow Essex, United Kingdom 

robert_newman@merck.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Samentha Ellis 

Julie Kerby 

Mathew Leveridge 

Peter Simpson 

Carmel Nanthakumar 

Kevin Moore 

Merck, Sharp and Dohme 

Development of an Automated High Throughput Assay to Measure Amyloid’s Peptides 

Using Meso Scale Discovery Electrochemiluminescence Detection 

Alzheimer’s disease is pathologically characterised by extracellular deposits of amyloid-â (Aâ) in the cerebral parenchyma or surrounding 

blood vessels and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Robust and reliable assay methodologies for identifying small molecules that inhibit Aâ 

formation could provide useful tools in drug discovery. The aim of the present study was to develop an automated high throughput assay to 

quantify Aâ peptides secreted from SH-SY5Y cells over-expressing human amyloid precursor protein (APP). The Meso Scale Discovery 

(MSD) platform is based on the electrochemical properties of the ruthenium cation and carbon electrode arrays inserted into microtitre 

plates. Cells were seeded into 96-well plates at a range of densities and incubated for 20 h at 37°C/5% CO2. Aâ peptides were detected 

by transferring cell plate supernatant to 96 well streptavidin coated MULTI-ARRAY plates with 4µg/ml biotinylated 4G8 and 1µg/ml 

ruthenylated anti-amyloid beta antibodies, and incubating for times ranging between 1h to 24h. Electrochemiluminescence was detected 

using a MSD SECTORTM 6000 plate reader. 

Secretion of Aâ peptides was detected at all cell densities with the greatest signal from cells seeded at 3.5 x104. DMSO concentrations of 

up to 2% were well tolerated. Generation of a stable antibody-peptide complex was detected at 1h incubation, and reached equilibrium 

at 12h to 24h, yielding a Z’ between 0.6 and 0.7. Using synthetic Aâ peptides, the limit of detection of the assay was determined to be 

between 10-100pM. This sensitive and robust assay to quantify Aâ peptides has been automated on a Beckman-Sagian robotic system. 

TP40 

Peter Nollert 

deCODE biostructures 

Bainbridge Island , Washington 

pnollert@decode.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Mark Mixon, Stuart Bowers, Brendan Gan 


Geetha Rao, Norgren Systems 

Larry Nickell, Appalachian Electronic Instruments 

Lance Stewart, deCODE biostructures 

DETECT-X: an Automated Microscope for Bulk Crystal Contrast Enhancement 

A mission-critical event in X-ray crystallographic protein structure determination is the accurate detection of protein crystals in a 

crystallization chamber. While protein crystallization trials are usually prepared using high-throughput liquid dispensation technology, the 

assessment of such experiments is usually carried out by visual inspection of each individual crystallization chamber by an experienced 

individual. This poses a substantial burden on operator-based resources especially when large numbers of crystallization experiments (i.e. 

more than 10,000/day) need to be evaluated. 

The presence of crystals is generally established by the observation of crystal edges in 2D images taken with a microscope. For a number 

of reasons such edges are frequently disguised and it is desirable to detect crystals by virtue of bulk contrast. Polarization microscopy, a 

method that can provide bulk color for non-cubic space group crystals, would be formidable tool for bulk contrast generation. However, 

its application is severely hampered due to the ubiquitous use of polymer-based birefringent crystallization trays that provide a substantial 

background in which it is difficult to spot crystals. 

We show how bulk contrast of micro crystals grown in birefringent plastic trays can be enhanced dramatically by digital processing of 

images that were captured with an integrated Extinction Polarization Microscope with Birefringence Difference Contrast. 

171

TP41 

Clifford Olson 

Zinsser Analytic 

Northridge, California 

cliffolson@zinsserna.com 


Co-Author 

Werner ZInsser, Zinsser Analytic 

Powder Dispensing – The Challenge for Automation New Technologies in 

Powder Dispensing 

Competition in chemical related markets, i.e. pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fine chemicals, paint development, etc. has put pressure on 

the development of new compounds. Speed has become a cost factor, as only the first in the market will harvest extra profits. Skilled and 

educated manpower for the research work is becoming a limited factor. Automation is considered the key to increase efficiency, to improve 

the timelines and to produce reproducible methods. Liquid handling systems have already been on the market for decades and are 

established in every lab. However, numerous applications also require dispensing solid samples. Still, the distribution of solid compounds 

has just become an issue in automation in the last few years. 

Dispensing powders manually is not only a time-consuming and tedious job, it may also lack precision and reproducibility. This is due to the 

characteristics of powders such as particle size, electrostatics as well as their behaviour when being shaken, which also poses a challenge 

to automating this process. There are companies with very sophisticated powder distribution techniques, but no one had automated a 

complete integration of powder distribution, liquid pipetting, weighing, barcode tracking, database im-/export, etc. Zinsser Analytic had 

addressed this issue already a few years ago and has gained expertise in dispensing solid compounds. Now, we have developed new 

technology for precise distribution of difficult powders ranging from 1µl to 2000µl volume which could not be automated before. With this 

new developed technology we can achieve a CV of 3% for 1mg depending on the powder properties. 

TP42 

Tom Onofrey 

Nanostream 


nilma.rubin@nanostream.com 

Co-Author 

Paren Patel 

Nanostream, Inc. 

Parallel Liquid chromatography to increase throughput for ADME and DMPK studies 

Demand for ADME profiling has increased in early stages of drug discovery (i.e., in lead optimization) as well as in downstream areas 

closer to the clinic (i.e., drug metabolism). The increase in demand has resulted in the proliferation of instrumentation and techniques 

aimed at the characterization of various physiochemical properties and the need for software solutions to extract meaningful results from 

increasing amounts of data and types of data formats. Recent advances in high-throughput liquid chromatography systems and in analysis 

software have reduced the total amount of time associated with characterization of ADME properties such as log P/log D, solubility, and 

permeability—all using a familiar and standardized platform. The increase in analytical throughput has also allowed researchers in drug 

metabolism to overcome LC and sample preparation constraints associated DMPK assays (e.g., drug drug interaction studies) performed 

using MS/MS. Examples will be shown to demonstrate how these strategies can be used to accelerate ADME assays conducted at the 

lead optimization and pre-clinical stages of drug discovery. 

172

TP43 

Joe Palandra 

Pfizer 

Ann Arbor, Michigan 

joe.palandra@pfizer.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Dave Weller 

Lisa Buchholz 

Pfizer PDM 

Let the Robot Do the Work: Completely Automated Biological Sample Preparation 

The pharmaceutical industry is in a state of constant evolution necessary to ensure long-term prosperity and survival. We are constantly 

being challenged to increase efficiency and productivity while minimizing costs. The discovery bioanalytical group provides both in-vivo and 

in-vitro support for ADME, pharmacology and toxicology studies primarily with the use of HPLC-MS-MS systems. Prior to sample analysis 

the drug of interest must be extracted out of a sample matrix, typically plasma or urine, to a liquid suitable for the mass spectrometer 

(MS). Protein precipitation, a widely recognized sample preparation method of choice for rapid method development consistent with the 

discovery decision making timeline, is typically performed manually. This process is not only time consuming due to the many volumetric 

transfer and processing steps involved but is also prone to human errors. Automation, with all of its efficiency gains, has had a slow uptake 

in the bioanalytical discipline, especially in a discovery environment where previous instruments were not broadly applicable to the small 

batches and variable matrices typically seen. The Hamilton Microlabstar, however, provides the bioanalytical chemist a more efficient and 

broadly applicable technique to sample preparation. The Microlabstar is a robotic pipetting workstation capable of performing all of the 

sample preparation steps prior to LC-MS-MS sample analysis using a flexible software interface. In this poster we will discuss the software 

development, validation of the instrument and efficiencies gained by using the Hamilton software for sample preparation. 

TP44 

Marc Pfeifer 




Co-Author(s) 

Bruno Alessandri 

Roche Instrument Center AG 

Chris Parkhouse 


Judith Pinsl-Ober 

Peter Wenzig 

Roche Diagnostics GmbH 

The Cobas s 401 System: High-Throughput Automation for Simultaneous Screening of 

HCV, HBV and HIV Nucleic Acids in Plasma Samples 

Molecular diagnostic tests for infectious diseases require RNA/DNA extraction, amplification and detection of nucleic acid targets present 

in the specimen. Operator “hands-on” time, increasing testing volumes, as well as process variability and errors can be addressed by 

automation. For many blood testing laboratories, however, automation alone is insufficient. Medical device regulations and a highly 

controlled environment put particular emphasis on assuring system reliability and result integrity. The cobas s 401 system represents 

another evolution step in the development of PCR automation as it not only fully combines sample preparation and multiplex PCR steps, 

but also includes state of the art process surveillance features. Device built-in quality control measures include temperature sensing, robotic 

positioning and motion control, as well as liquid flow, air-pressure-based and capacity-coupled liquid (cLLD) sensors to detect aspiration 

and dispensation inaccuracies. Residual risk is addressed by chemistry in-process control that includes the use of internal control (IC), one 

negative external control (NC) and five positive armored external controls (PC) used in conjunction with the cobas TaqScreen MPX assay 

that can detect HIV-1 (groups M and O), HIV-2, HCV and HBV simultaneously. In addition to the Roche provided kit controls the cobas s 

401 system supports running of user-defined external controls for co-validating the batch. 

173

TP45 

Nick Price 

Invitrogen Corporation 

Carlsbad, California 

nick.price@invitrogen.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Byung-in Lee 

Lansha Peng 

Karl H. Hecker 

PureLink 96 Purification Kits: High-throughput isolation of nucleic acid suitable for all 

downstream applications 

The ever increasing demand for high-throughput applications for nucleic acid purification have led to development of a number of 

automated protocols. Here we describe the use of the Tecan Freedom EVO ® liquid handling platform equipped with a vacuum separation 

system, to automate purification of plasmid DNA, PCR products, and total RNA using Invitrogen’s PureLink 96-well purification kits. 

The PureLink 96 HQ Plasmid DNA Purification Kit is based on a modified alkaline cell lysis procedure and selective plasmid DNA 

binding to glass microfiber filters. Eluted plasmid DNA can be used directly in all relevant downstream applications. The PureLink 96 

Total RNA Purification Kit is based on binding of total RNA from crude lysate to silica-based membranes. The lysate can be prepared 

from bacteria, yeast, mammalian and plant cells and tissue. The eluted total RNA is of high quality, as demonstrated by the absence 

of genomic DNA contamination and reliable qRT-PCR performance. When a PCR product is used in downstream applications such as 

cloning or sequencing it is often necessary to purify the DNA fragment from reaction components. The PureLink 96 PCR Purification 

Kit provides fast and quantitative recovery of PCR products. The purified DNA can be used in all relevant downstream applications. The 

above-mentioned kits for nucleic acid purification provide turnkey, completely hands-free nucleic acid purification solutions. The scripts give 

the added flexibility of processing from 1 up to 96 samples. The protocols are fast and reliable producing high quality nucleic acid products 

suitable for all relevant downstream applications. 

TP46 

Giovanna Prout 



giovanna_prout@auroradiscovery.com 

Using Aurora Discovery’s BioRAPTR FRD for Improved Performance of 

High-Throughput Bead-based Assays 

Bead-based assays are a cost effective alternative to a number of currently-utilized biological assays. New applications for bead-based 

assays have surfaced in the biotech, pharmaceutical and genomic fields, but have been limited to 96-well and 384-well format. These 

applications range from biodefense and forensics to immunoassays and genotyping. With industry rapidly progressing towards high 

throughput automation of these bead-based applications, the need for precision low-volume liquid dispensers has never been greater. 

Yet, despite this progression, many difficulties arise when dispensing low volumes of suspended material that have not been addressed by 

most low-volume liquid dispensers. These challenges include non-uniform distribution of the particles across the microplates, tips clogging, 

parameter restrictions including pressure and speed adjustment, and limitations of dispensing into designated areas within a plate. Aurora 

Discovery’s BioRAPTR Flying Reagent Dispenser (BioRAPTR FRD) offers a novel solution for precision high throughput dispensing of 

beads into 384-well, 1536-well, and 3456-well microplates using efficient, non-contact micro-solenoid valve dispensing starting at 100nL 

dispense volumes. This poster will describe how the BioRAPTR FRD addresses the challenges of dispensing bead-based solutions and 

explores the experimental results of dispensing a variety of bead sizes, densities, and volumes in 1536-well microplates. 

174

TP47 

Jun Qiu 



jun.qiu@bms.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Erik Rubin 

Edward Delaney 

Impact of an Automated Solubility Workflow on Pharmaceutical Process Research and 

Development at Bristol-Myers Squibb 

Solubility is frequently a critical parameter in pharmaceutical process development, but for countless practical reasons, this important 

measurement is often not adequately pursued by PR&D scientists. To fill this gap, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) acquired a Symyx solubility 

workflow and began offering a solubility determination service in late 2003. In two years, the solubility team has worked on dozens of 

projects and provided thousands of solubility measurements. This automated workflow allowed a large number of solvents and conditions 

to be screened, and led to unexpected observations in many cases. As a result, it has significantly affected how processes are developed 

in PR&D, and its success inspired development of other services that will be deployed in the near future. 

TP48 

Catherine Quintero 

Merck 


catherine_quintero@merck.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Craig Rosenstein 

Richard E. Middleton 

Ilona Kariv 

Merck 

Quantitative Evaluation and Comparison of Piezoelectric and Acoustic Nanoliter 

Dispense Technologies 

Nanoliter compound dispensing has become an essential part of miniaturized screens in high density plate formats. As random screening 

progresses to the lead optimization stage, the ability to generate response curves with high accuracy and precision becomes even more 

critical. Thus, novel liquid dispensers able to deliver nanoliter volumes of compounds in DMSO, allowing conservation of compound as 

well as eliminating the need for intermediate compound dilutions steps to minimize DMSO concentrations, are becoming an integral part 

of miniaturized assays. We have evaluated accuracy and precision of two different nanodispensers, Aurora PicoRapTR, which employs 

piezo-dispensing technology, and the Labcyte Echo, which relies on acoustic wave dispensing, and compared these instruments 

to traditional approaches. Among the challenges in evaluating the performance of nanodispensers is choosing between the different 

standard methods available to find the most reliable strategy to measure dispense volumes. For this task the fluorophore, Alexa Fluor, was 

used instead of the traditional Fluorescein due to Alexa Fluor’s resistance to photo-bleaching and higher quantum yield. We have tested 

accuracy and precision under a variety of conditions and over a wide volume range to determine parameters to reproducibly and reliably 

generate compound dose titrations using both instruments. The results of this study validate the use of nanoliter dispense technology for 

the titration of compounds in high-throughput lead optimization strategies. 

175

TP49 

Michael Raimo 

Arqule Inc. 


mraimo@arqule.com 


Automated Centralized Solvent Delivery/ Waste Removal System 

Automated parallel synthesis is a widely adopted approach, able to generate large numbers of small organic molecules for high throughput 

screening. Most synthetic reactions require a work-up to achieve a suitable compound purity to ensure reliable results from biological 

assays. Due to the broad range of polarity and large diversity of molecules encountered in early discovery, RP-HPLC with MS detection has 

become the most commonly used technology for the preparative separation and analytical characterization of such molecules. In a high 

throughput operation where hundreds of thousands of molecules are synthesized annually, this process requires an effective infrastructure 

to deliver the significant amounts of organic solvents and remove waste. This presentation will detail how we acomplished this task by 

installing an automated, centralized solvent delivery and waste removal system with multiple distribution points throughout our 125,000 

sq. ft. facility. An account of the benefits of installing a gravity fed system, such as significantly reducing the amount of gas dissolved in the 

solvents and reduced operator dependency will be included. 

TP50 

Charles Reichel 


San Jose, California 

creichel@edcbiosystems.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Michael Forbush 

Humphrey Chow 

James Chiao 

Andrew Rose 

Non-Invasive Fluid Property Measurements Using Acoustic Methods 

The properties of a fluid are normally determined using invasive methods. These methods may lead to possibly contaminating or 

consuming the sample. When only very small amounts of a valuable sample exist non-invasive measurement methods are preferred. The 

properties of fluids can then be used to deduce additional properties based on known relationships. In one case the surface tension of a 

fluid may be used to determine the concentration of a fluid. We describe a measurement technique involving excitation of the surface of the 

fluid and the measurement of its response. An acoustic wave is used to both excite and monitor the surface of the liquid. This technique is 

employed in determining the concentration of DMSO and water in solution and the result determines the amount of fluid needed to deliver 

an accurate amount of solute in solution. 

176

TP51 

Thomas Rothmann 

Qiagen Gmbh 

Hilden, Germany 

thomas.rothmann@qiagen.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Thorsten Voss 

Ralf Wyrich 

Daniel Langendörfer 

PreAnalytiX 

Uwe Oelmüller 

Lynne Rainen 

PreAnalytiX 

High-Throughput Automation for RNA Isolation From Blood Stabilized in PAXgene 

Blood RNA Tubes Allows State-of-the-Art Gene Expression Profiling 

Artificial modifications of the RNA content and profile blood samples post-phlebotomy caused by degradation and gene induction is well 

documented. Doubtful or inconsistent results are the consequence, especially for quantitative or semi-quantitative analytical methods such 

as qRT-PCR assays and microarrays. There is a need, therefore, for stabilization of cellular RNA species to freeze the gene expression 

profile at the time of blood collection. The manual version of the PAXgene Blood RNA System is commonly used to address this problem. 

To allow a higher sample throughput combined with a controlled and completely documented process (e.g. for clinical trials), we have 

designed protocols and kits for two state-of-the-art robotic platforms. This study was conducted to show the performance of these robotic 

solutions. The prepared RNA was tested in several qRT-PCR assays and on Affymetrix GeneChips. Results comparing the RNA quality 

from manual versus automated protocols on the BioRobot ® MDx and the BioRobot® Universal System (QIAGEN) will be presented. 

TP52 

Jas Sanghera 

TTP LabTech 

Melbourn, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom 

jas.sanghera@ttplabtech.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Richard Shaw, TTP LabTech 

Simon Tullet, TTP LabTech 


A Flexible Solution for High-Speed Sample Cherry-Picking From Frozen Storage 

To successfully automate sample storage and retrieval, compound samples must be quickly and reliably delivered to the location where 

they are required. The implementation of the store itself should not cause a company major upheaval and reorganisation, and – especially 

important for smaller companies – the store must be able to grow with a company’s business. The comPOUND sample store (TTP LabTech) 

is a modular and flexible system that can be installed almost anywhere and offers a range of solutions from manual, front of store retrieval, 

through remote delivery, walk away overnight processing to full store-to-assay-plate automation with no operator intervention. This fully 

scaleable approach to compound storage also allows sample throughputs to increase with the library size to match process needs. 

177

TP53 

Jim Schools 

Biosero, Inc 

Monrovia, California 

jimschools@bioseroinc.com 

Tom Gilman, Biosero, Inc. 


A Rapid Global Access System for High Throughput Automation 

The SpaceLab is a new vertically integrated platform for laboratory automation. The Spacelab uses vertical space for the placement of 

instruments and labware and therefore optimizes the use of valuable laboratory floor and bench space. The system uses a precision gantry 

robot to rapidly move labware, and features a dual gripper design to help achieve high throughput. 

The system can be fully contained and have controlled environment such as HEPA filtration, nitrogen environment, temperature control, or 

even Class-II type control for protection of the operator and the contents. Spacelab systems are modular and can easily be positioned as 

multiple units that can transfer labware back and forth. The system is designed to fit through standard doors to improve the simplicity and 

efficiency of installation. 

The Spacelab is controlled and scheduled by Overlord software from PAA. The Overlord software for lab automation has an available 

driver set for more than 200 instruments on the market, meaning the user can select the individual components that work the best for their 

required assay and not be tied to a single vendor. Spacelab also features a modular design that allows the user to change the instruments 

and quickly set up the system for a different application. 

The Spacelab was developed to meet the continuing needs for assay automation and is especially suited to cell-based assays used for 

high content screening or high content analysis. 

TP54 

Paula Selley 

Glaxosmithkline 


paula.k.selley@gsk.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Strum, Jay 

Bruner, Jimmy 

Smith, Ginger 

Maurio, Frank 

Graham, K. Michelle 


Automated Solutions for Total RNA Isolation from Diverse Sample Types 

In response to the increasing demands to generate larger amounts of quality gene expression data faster, we have automated a number 

of our lab processes. One of the most resource intensive steps in conducting gene expression studies is the isolation of total RNA. 

Historically, automated methods that can handle the diversity of sample size and quality have not been successfully applied, leaving manual 

processing as the only option. We have incorporated several automated solutions for isolating total RNA in our lab. For blood collected 

in PAXgene tubes, we have successfully employed the Qiagen BioRobot8000, which can process up to 96 samples per run. For total 

RNA from cells we have adapted a 96-well plate Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) method using Promega SV96 reagents on the Biomek FX, 

capable of isolating from one to ten plates of RNA from cell lysates. Finally, if starting from tissues, we utilize a semi-automated method 

where a Genogrinder or Mixer Mill is used to generate a tissue lysate and an Autogen robot performs an automated Trizol extraction. 

Following the isolation of total RNA, the quality, including gDNA contamination and quantity of the RNA, is evaluated through a series 

of semi-automated methods. The use of automation in place of manual isolation has led to more consistent and reproducible results, 

specifically in terms of yield and quality. In applying automation to the laborious steps of gene expression analysis, we have been able to 

significantly increase our throughput while maintaining data integrity. 

178

TP55 

Eric Shain 

Abbott Molecular 

Des Plaines, Illinois 

eric.shain@abbott.com 


Automation of Results Validity Checking on the m2000 Real Time PCR System 

The Abbott m2000 system (not available in the U.S.) uses a novel, robust data reduction approach that allows analysis of real time PCR 

signals and confirmation of results validity for the IVD market without need for user interaction or inspection. Historically, analysis of PCR 

reactions has required visual inspection of the analyzed PCR growth curves to assure reliable results. The m2000 data reduction algorithm 

utilizes both a threshold based analysis (Ct method), and a curve shape analysis (MaxRatio method) to analyze real time PCR signals. An 

automatic baseliner handles transients in early cycles as well as early rising signals associated with high concentration samples. While the 

Ct method provides linear and precise quantitation, it can be sensitive to anomalies in the baseline portion of the signal. The MaxRatio 

method is an alternative algorithm for analyzing real time PCR signals that is highly robust to signal anomalies. It calculates quantitative 

cycle numbers independent of Ct as well as a relative measure of reaction efficiency. These measures assure reliable reactive/non-reactive 

determinations for a PCR reaction and also check the quality of the Ct value. In addition, curve shape analysis within the MaxRatio method 

can provide an indication of reaction normality/abnormality. Result validity is evaluated on several levels including the integrity of the raw 

fluorescence signals, amplification curve shape analysis, cycle number validity, internal control evaluation and plate controls. 

TP56 

Chris Bridge 

DNA Research Innovations Ltd 

Kent Science Park, United Kingdom 

chris.bridge@invitrogen.com 

Co-Author(s) 

M, Crow 

M.Baker 

Nucleic Acid Purification From a Variety of Biological Samples Using ChargeSwitch ® 

Technology in Coated Plate Format 

In recent years there has been a drive towards higher and higher throughput in automated nucleic acid purification techniques. Here we 

present a purification method specifically designed for integration into high throughput automation processes. ChargeSwitch ® chemistry 

has been applied to 96 and 384 well microtitre plates to enable single-tube processing of a wide range of biological samples, offering fast, 

efficient quantification-free purification directly into downstream applications such as PCR amplification or cycle sequencing. 

179

TP57 

Darcy Shave 

Waters Corporation 

Milford, Massachusetts 

darcy_shave@waters.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Warren Potts 

Michael D. Jones 

Paul Lefebvre 

Rob Plumb 

System Management Tools for a High Throughput Open Access UPLC/MS System 

Used During the Analysis of Thousands of Samples 

Many compound libraries contain compounds which were synthesized several years prior or obtained from outside resources. It is 

important that the expected composition of each compound be confirmed. LC/MS has become the standard technique for confirming 

the purity of a compound which has demonstrated activity in a biological screen. If unchecked, inaccurate structures, impurities and 

degradants can lead to incorrect physicochemical property results. Because these libraries may contain thousands, if not millions, of 

compounds, an open access UPLC/MS system was investigated for this high throughput library QC. 

Due to the large amount of data generated, a new software package was created which facilitated the administration of this open access 

system. It created new project directories for the open access users and moved the resulting project data (such as raw data files) across 

the network as it was created. Data processing could then be done on a separate dedicated computer. The software also monitored the 

instrument PC, providing on-the-fly information about its status and the status of its sample queue from a centralized location. 

TP58 

Stephen Skwish 

Merck & Company Inc. 


stephen_skwish@merck.com 

Co-Author 

Don Conway 

Merck & Co., Inc. 

Integrating a Matrix 2X2 with A Tecan Genesis System 

The matrix 2X2 can be configured with either a 96 or 384-well head using disposable tips or a 384 syringe head. However, there is no 

native integration from Matrix into a fully automated plate handling system, incubation or plate readers. We designed and implemented a 

fully automated system incorporating a Tecan Genesis for plate handling, a Heraeus Cytomat 6000 incubator and a BioTek PowerWaveHT 

as an absorbance reader. Tecan’s software FACTs was used as the scheduler and custom drivers were designed and written for the 

PowerWaveHT and the Matrix 2X2 utilizing Matrix’s ControlMate OLE component for communication with the instrument. All custom tables 

and deck layouts were made in house. 

180

TP59 

Tia Smallwood 

CerionX 

Pennsauken, New Jersey 

tia_smallwood@cerionx.com 


Co-Author 

Paul Hensley 

Cerionx 

Using Plasma Technology to Clean Pipettes: Analysis of Bacteria and Yeast Removal 

The use of automated liquid handling devices in diagnostic, forensic, and general laboratory operation has made quantitative studies 

much more rapid and reliable. Despite recent advances in assay technology, most such procedures still require at least one liquid transfer 

operation. The liquid handling system must be able to change a disposable tip or exhaustively wash the cannula or pin tool used in the 

transfer operation. Plasma technology has been shown to be a reliable alternative to the more typical tip wash or replacement techniques 

currently used with automated liquid handling devices throughout the biopharmaceutical and diagnostic industries. In this presentation, 

we will discuss the efficacy of The TipCharger System by Cerionx in the elimination of bacteria and yeast from disposable polypropylene 

pipette tips as well as pin tools. A two-dimensional matrix relating initial live cell concentration to cleaning time (i.e. plasma exposure) and 

quantitative data further validating the cleaning protocol will be presented. 

TP60 

N Somasiri 

3M Company 

Austin, Texas 

nlsomasiri@mmm.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Robert Wilson 

Moses David 

Steven Johnson 

Mark Richmond 

Paul Huynh 

Enabling Technologies for High Throughput Fabrication of Polymer Microfluidic Devices 

with Integrated Metal Electrodes 

Due to the emergence of point-of-care diagnostics, the demand for polymer based microfluidic devices is expected to rise very rapidly 

over the next few years. Polymer based devices offer significant advantages in design flexibility, ease of fabrication and ultimately the 

low cost solution for disposable biochips. During the past few years, significant attention has been focused on electrochemical methods 

for developing more accurate, fast and reliable detection systems. In this poster, we will present some of the enabling technologies that 

are required to develop such systems for high throughput manufacturing. These technologies involve flexible circuitry, polymer substrate 

patterning, surface modification and coverlay structures. Flexible circuit fabrication methods have been used to pattern inert metal 

electrodes with microfluidic channels. Polymeric substrates have been used to form various microfluidic channels and reservoir structures 

by using wet chemical processes. The surface of the polymer channels has been modified to impart hydrophilic and hydrophobic 

properties. Polymer coverlay materials have been used to seal the microfluidic channels. The electrochemical test results of a prototype 

device that demonstrates the viability of these technologies will also be presented. 

181

TP61 


Perkin Elmer 


rob.stanaker@perkinelmer.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Len Dugad 

James Clark 


High Throughput Nanoliter Dispensing Using NanoHead Technology 

The NanoHead is an optional dispense head for the Evolution P3 automated precision liquid dispensing platform for use in HTS and 

cell based assays. It can dispense compounds, nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies in the 50 nL to 1 µL volume range. The Evolution 

P3 with Modular Dispense Technology (MDT) allows automated exchange of dispense heads enabling dynamic range of dispensing from 

50 nL to 235 µL without manual intervention. Dispense accuracy, precision, and sample carryover results are presented for typical highthroughput 

screening, genomics and proteomics applications. The NanoHead can be used for dispensing drug compounds dissolved in 

DMSO to minimize DMSO content in the final assay reaction mixture. 

TP62 

Olaf Stelling 

Agencourt Bioscience Corp. 

Beverly, Massachusetts 

ostelling@agencourt.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Dustin Giberson, Kimberly Sparks, 

Agencourt Bioscience Corp., A Beckman Coulter Company 

Lakeisha Tillery, Martina Werner, Erik Gustafson 


Kelly Marshall, Laura Pajak 


An Automated Method for the Isolation of Genomic DNA from Whole Blood using 

Beckman Coulter’s Biomek ® Laboratory Automation Workstations and Agencourt’s ® 

GenfindTM DNA Isolation Kit 

Isolation and purification of nucleic acids is a crucial step in basic research, molecular diagnostics and pharmacogenomics applications. 

Whole blood is commonly used for the extraction of genomic DNA in clinical research settings, but presents many challenges in sample 

preparation. Blood is rich in proteins, lipids and other cellular materials that need to be effectively removed to isolate high quality genomic 

DNA. Traditional methods have relied on separation of white blood cells via density gradient centrifugation and extraction with harsh organic 

chemicals. Column purification techniques exist, but are not easily automated. We present a scalable, 96-well, automatable method 

for effectively isolating large quantities of genomic DNA from fresh or frozen whole blood using the magnetic-bead based, Solid Phase 

Reversible Immobilization (SPRI ® ) technology in the Genfind DNA Isolation Kit.. Furthermore, sufficient genomic DNA can be isolated from 

serum samples for amplification-based analyses. This SPRI-based process is easily automated to produce high yield, high quality genomic 

DNA from whole blood. We present automation methods that can process up to 200 µL of whole blood or serum per well when introduced 

onto the system in a 96-well format. An entire plate of samples can be processed using a multi-channel Biomek FX Laboratory Automation 

Workstation or 1 to 96 samples in sets of 8 (per column) using a Span-8 Biomek NX Laboratory Automation Workstation. 

182

TP63 

Andreas Stelzer 



andreas.stelzer@thermo.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Marta Kozak 

Robert DeWitte 

Robert Dunn-Dufault 


High-Throughput Intrinsic Clearance Studies with Thermo’s LeadStream 

ADME/Tox Solution 

ADME/Tox screening continues to play an integral role in the drug development process with more assays putting higher throughput 

demands onto screening. The rate of metabolism, measured as intrinsic clearance is one such assay. With the multiple samplings required 

and subsequent increased plate handling the current capacities of manual and semi-automated procedures is being strained. LeadStream 

enables this assay to be fully automated with out trading off quality for quantity. Utilizing the complete LeadStreamTM platform, WorkCell, 

LC/MS, and Reformattor, we have performed high throughput in vitro intrinsic clearance studies with human microsomal preparations. In 

this poster the LeadStream performance for this assay will be reported and compared to typical literature values. With the minimal operator 

assistance a LeadStream system can easily fulfill the demands of today and tomorrow. 

TP64 

Joni Stevens 

Gilson, Inc. 



Co-Author(s) 

Mark muncey 

Greg Robinson 

Norbert Wodke 

Automated Fast-Bead Synthesis of Small Peptides 

In proteomic research the synthesis of peptides in small quantities is required for “fast and quick assays”. These assays provide possible 

hits that can be synthesized at greater concentrations later. The synthesis of these peptides is usually in the 1 mg range and requires 

hundreds of peptides to be synthesized at a time. The application presented offers a novel yet simple automated system to accomplish this 

task. An automated liquid handler is equipped with 96-well filter plates attached to a vacuum system/rack. The resin has been manually 

added to the individual wells of the filter plate. Employing the capabilities of the liquid handler reagents, solvents, and amino acids are 

added to the resin, based on the order and volume defined by the researcher. This information is quickly accessed through a text file into 

the program. A series of activated valves allows positive pressure to be applied to the plates, in order to maintain the interaction with the 

resin in the wells and the added components. Valves access the vacuum capabilities of the rack to withdrawal the solutions through the 

resins. The individual steps, capabilities and synthesis of a series of peptides via this automated system will be presented. 

183

TP65 

Henrik Svennberg 

Astrazeneca R&D Molndal 

Molndal, Sweden 

henrik.svennberg@astrazeneca.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Anna-Karin Norlén 

Michael Wirth Färdigh 

LLEX and SPEX, Two Work Tools for Control of Tecan Robots During Development of 

Liquid-Liquid and Solid Phase Extraction Methods 

Sample preparation with Liquid-Liquid Extraction and Solid Phase Extraction is most conveniently performed with the aid of liquid handling 

robots, in our case Tecan robots. To avoid extra automation efforts, the sample preparation method should preferably be developed with 

the automation equipment intended for the final method. We wanted to make the liquid handling robot available for method development 

work by analytical chemists without skills in script writing. Therefore the LLEX and SPEX work tools were designed. They utilise Microsoft 

Excel as a user interface for visualised and intuitive robot command input. Some Excel formulas and Visual Basic macros are then used to 

create worklists. These worklists are executed by a Gemini script to control the robot. This speech/poster will describe how the work tools 

are designed and the use of them will be exemplified with a sample preparation method development for Nexium. 

The Microsoft Excel ® user interface made it very convenient for the analytical chemist to set up the method development experiments on 

the Tecan robot. New methods for sample preparation were established within a few Tecan runs. 

TP66 

Bruce Tyley 

PerkElmer Life Sciences 

Downer’s Grove, Illinois 

bruce.tyley@perkinelmer.com 

Co-Author 

Lois Tack 

Positive Sample ID and Tracking with the JANUS Robotic Liquid Handling System 

Many key applications, such as forensic DNA processing, compound storage and high through-put screening, require strict tracking of 

samples to create sample records or (as required by crime labs) accurate evidence records. During an automated procedure, a sample 

can be transferred among several physical locations and container types where various operations in the procedure take place. These 

locations, whether test tubes, microtiter plates or other labware, usually are identified by one- and two-dimensional bar codes. Faithful 

tracking of samples as they progress through a process can be successfully automated only if the instrument system software captures 

and stores all sample activities related to the run. 

The JANUS Automated Workstations from PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences support the integration of various bar code reading 

devices for tubes and plates. This poster presentation will illustrate how sample data, which are tracked in the JANUS system database, 

can be checked and verified according to user requirements. Some examples of these activities include verifying bar coded samples 

against laboratory worklist files from a LIMS database, checking that labware has been placed at expected positions on the instrument 

deck, and checking for missing and extra samples. Data from a protocol can be extracted from the database and formatted into secure 

sample tracking reports. Sample tracking is compatible with all variations of JANUS platforms including both the 4-tip and 8-tip Varispan 

arms and the Modular Dispense Technology (MDT) using 96-tip and 384-tip heads. 

184

TP67 

Kathleen Tivel 

Pfizer Global R&D 


kathleen.tivel@pfizer.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Yunwen Chiu 

Loanne Chung 

Brad De Bruler 

Christine Aurigemma 

Jeff Elleraas 

William Farrell 

Recent Developments in High-Throughput Analysis and Purification by LC/MS and 

SFC/MS at Pfizer La Jolla 

Combinatorial chemistry technologies, including parallel synthesis and high-throughput analysis techniques, allow rapid synthesis and 

screening of potential drugs. Pfizer’s High-Throughput Discovery facility in La Jolla produces purified small-molecule targeted libraries via a 

highly integrated system of instrumentation, custom software and databases. While this is our primary focus, we are often called upon to 

provide other analytical and preparative services to allow projects to move forward with critical compounds of interest that do not fit into the 

process model. 

Our technology includes high-throughput LC/MS, SFC/MS, UV- and MS-based preparative LC and UV-based preparative SFC. These 

complementary techniques enabled purification of tens of thousands of compounds at the rate of up to 2,000 per week. Purity, assessed 

by ELSD, UV, APCI-MS, and NMR is over 85%, with a success rate generally over 60%. 

A single, universal analytical method is desirable, but due to the diversity of compounds produced, multiple methods are required to produce 

quality compounds for screening. We present recent experiments exploring technologies to ensure realistic assessment of libraries while 

maximizing success of preparative HPLC and SFC and increasing throughput. These include monolithic columns for analysis and purification, 

nitrogen chemiluminescence detection (NCD), novel columns for SFC analysis and purification and rapid unattended method screening. 

TP68 

Mark Truesdale 

Genetix 

New Milton, United Kingdom 

mark.truesdale@genetix.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Irene Bramke 

Chris Mann 

Julian F Burke 

The Optimisation of Semi-Solid Media for High-Throughput Screening and Picking of 

Mammalian Cells 

The ability to increase the through-put of mammalian cell screening, and shorten the discovery process, is critical to all Biopharmaceutical 

companies. The automated screening and selective picking of clonal cell colonies direct from media offers a solution to a bottle neck in 

this process. The use of semi-solid media confers positional integrity on the growing cell colonies and therefore can facilitate automated 

screening and picking of the colonies using criteria based upon protein secretion or morphology. We will present data on semi-solid media 

that allows the transition from liquid to semi-solid cell culture for a range of different cell types. 

185

TP69 

Paige Vinson 


Brentwood, Tennesee 

paige.vinson@Thermo.com 


Description of a “Data-centric” Approach to a Fully Integrated Protein 

Crystallization System 

Crystallization is a process within crystallography that consists of many trials before observing the desired outcome. Each experiment is 

comprised of several separate, yet linked, steps that are associated with each other through the data and results that each generates. 

The retrieval of these data is necessary for the thorough evaluation of experimental results and for refinement of experimental conditions. 

Presented here is a description of a “data-centric” approach through which all the data that are entered and generated are available to 

aid the user in observing trends in the data, determining future experimental conditions, as well as configuring and controlling hardware 

components involved in the process. Part of this approach includes a modular and highly integrated set of software that provides an 

interface enabling the user to enter and retrieve data from the database. The software also guides the crystallographer from the planning 

stage through to the refinement of the experimental process including data mining using an intuitive tool for this purpose. These and other 

features of the software will be presented in a format describing typical scenarios and methods of use including remote resource sharing. 

TP70 

Leslie Walling 

Amgen Inc. 


lwalling@amgen.com 

Effective Mixing in 384-Well Micro Titer Plates 

Co-Author(s) 

Craig Schulz 

Tim Romig 

Mike Johnson 

Nelson Carramanzana 

Amgen 

Mixing in SBS standard 384-well plates has proven quite different from 96-well and other larger well formats. The aspect ratio of a typical 

well, the balance of surface tension and mass of the fluids and the scale of diffusion all add to the increased difficulty in mixing fluids in 

higher density plates. Here we will introduce methods to quantify the effectiveness of mixing in 384-well plates. The methods are used 

to benchmark the performance of several commercial shakers. Additionally some high-performance techniques are introduced where 

complete well mixing is attainable in seconds. 

186

TP71 

Danhui Wang 

Sigma-Aldrich Corporation 


dwang@sial.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Derek Douglas 

Carol Kreader 

Jennifer Van Dinther 


A High Throughput Approach for Rapidly Identifying Knockdown of Gene Expression 

for Functional Profiling of Biological Processes 

As genome sequencing projects for different organisms are completed, the identification and characterization of the gene function 

becomes fundamental to understanding the complexity of these systems. This creates a need for comprehensive studies to fill the gap 

between sequence and function. Many investigative approaches for identifying gene function have been introduced, but RNA interference 

(RNAi) studies have gained the most prominence due to its potential to enable rapid genome-wide loss-of-function screens in mammalian 

systems. RNAi experiments demand careful control of a wide range of variables, and require a high throughput approach for isolating and 

quantifying mRNA levels to allow for optimization and validation of experimental parameters. Standard methods for isolating mRNA can be 

laborious, time consuming, and not amenable to automation. An automated system has been developed for the isolation and subsequent 

analysis of the mRNA. This system utilizes Sigma’s SpyLine Poly A+ Capture kit, a novel system for the rapid isolation of poly A+ mRNA 

from cultured mammalian cells for direct use in quantitative reverse transcriptional PCR (RT-PCR) analysis. The automated method was 

used to identify effective RNAi gene knockdown. Results indicate that this approach has both the sensitivity and reproducibility necessary 

for measuring transcript levels following gene knockdown. 

TP72 

Jennifer Halcome 

Eppendorf-5 Prime, Inc. 

Boulder, Colorado 

halcome.j@e5p.com 

Co-Author(s) 

JaNae Myers 

George Halley 

Lars E Peters 

Eppendorf - 5 Prime, Inc. 

Tatiana Oustich 

University of Colorado Health Science Center 

Automated Library Screening Using an In Vitro Plasmid Amplification System on the 

Eppendorf Workstation 

The streamlined automation of routine tasks such as library screening has become an important objective for researchers in many 

fields. Eppendorf has developed a novel approach to rapid and efficient library screening. This approach pairs the epMotion 5075 MC, 

a workstation that is completely integrated with a Mastercycler ep thermal cycler, and our new in vitro plasmid amplification system, 

OriMaster. In this study, a neurotoxin cDNA library was prepared for sequencing using both OriMaster automated on the epMotion 5075 

MC, and a traditional alkaline lysis plasmid purification automated on the epMotion 5075 Vac. The methods were compared with regards 

to overall time, hands-on time, sequencing quality, and data reliability. Eppendorf OriMaster provided DNA ready for sequencing from 

single bacterial colonies in about 18 hours less time than the overnight growth and purification. Once colonies were picked, this automated 

amplification protocol required five minutes to set up—there were no filter plates or adapters to stack, and the workstation performed all 

mixing and diluting. OriMaster created linear, double-stranded plasmid DNA copies that were easily screened on a gel to determine which 

plasmids contained inserts before sequencing. OriMaster sequencing quality and read lengths were higher than the traditional plasmid 

preparation. Over 100 different OriMaster clone sequences were aligned with, and found to be identical to, the corresponding sequences 

of the traditional plasmid preparation. Finally, the clones were independently classified for each preparation method and these classification 

schemes were found to be congruent. 

187

TP73 

Thomas Weierstall 

Qiagen Gmbh 

Hilden, Germany 

thomas.weierstall@qiagen.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Anja Schultz, QIAGEN GmbH 

Martin Heller, QIAGEN Instruments AG 

Carola Schade, QIAGEN GmbH 

The BioRobot ® Universal System – Multiple Applications on One Instrument 

During recent years many researchers in the field of molecular biology have turned from studying individual elements such as DNA 

sequences, RNA expression levels, or individual proteins, to a more integrated approach in order to understand the functioning of whole 

systems and their reaction to any perturbation. Using a broad range of high-throughput technologies, these studies often involve a global 

network of researchers and laboratories contributing to the project. Therefore, standardization of procedures is a pre-requisite to ensure 

comparability of data being generated. 

We developed an automation solution that allows users to perform a wide range of standardized high-throughput applications using pretested, 

optimized protocols on a single platform, the BioRobot Universal System. These protocols include purification of DNA and RNA 

from a variety of sample types like cells, tissue, blood, and buccal swabs, as well as RT-PCR and PCR setup. Total RNA can be purified 

from up to 192 cell culture samples per run. The efficiency of the purification procedure is demonstrated by linear CT values over a wide 

range of starting template amounts. Downstream analysis of replicate samples using quantitative RT-PCR show a %CV of CT values ‹3%, 

demonstrating high reproducibility of the purification and reaction setup procedure. The system also allows high-throughput total RNA 

purification from tissue, including difficult-to-lyse fatty and fibrous tissues, and from PAXgene blood RNA preparations. Users can easily 

switch between applications since no hardware configuration changes are required making the BioRobot Universal System the ideal 

solution for performing high-throughput systems biology applications. 

TP74 

Christian Wendler 

Celisca 


Christian.Wendler@uni-rostock.de 

Co-Author(s) 

Arne Allwardt, celisca 

Kerstin Thurow, celisca 

Fully Automated Catalyst Screening in the Micro Plate Format 

The advantages of High Throughput Screening processes of homogeneous catalyst reactions in the micro plate format will be 

demonstrated with different examples. Different commercially available catalyst components were combined under equal reaction 

conditions. The results were compared regarding different criteria. Particularly reactions with gases, such as carbon monoxide or hydrogen, 

have been investigated. The heart of the system, the HPMR 50-96, has the capability, to ensure reactions up to 50 bar while ensuring inert 

gas conditions in a standard laboratory environment. Heating and cooling in a range of 0 to 100°C can be realized using Peltier elements. 

Mixing of the reaction partners will be provided by a rotating permanent magnet under the reactor with coated stirring discs in the wells of 

the micro plate. 

The reactor is integrated into a laboratory robot environment based on the SILASTM software environment (Beckman Coulter, USA). 

Besides the ORCA robot as a system integrator, a Biomek 2000 system is responsible for a fully automated sample treatment including 

filtration and dilution of the samples. An online analysis will be enabled by a combination of GC/FID (Agilent, Germany) and a PAL robot 

(CTC, Switzerland). A comfortable software solution for the data interpretation creates concise visualization of the results. 

188

TP75 

Julian Willmott 

White Carbon 

Royston, Herts, United Kingdom 

julian.willmott@white-carbon.com 



Biological reagents are the single most important factor in the success of assays. Use of poor or unsuitable biological materials can lead 

to huge wastage of time and resources. CIMS is a novel system that provides a unique combination of active tracking in the laboratory 

and desktop analysis software. It provides laboratories with easy-to-use data portals for gathering cell quality data such as cell viability, cell 

density and passage number. It associates these reagent quality data with plates and tracks their progress around the lab. Once assay 

screening has been performed, the screening results for plates are merged with the reagent quality data. The CIMS viewer application can 

then be used to quickly and easily identify whether poor or unexpected screening results were caused by biological factors. 

The poster will show the CIMS laboratory and desktop applications, how they integrate with instrumentation (such as SelecT cell culture) 

and how they integrate with existing IT systems (such as Spotfire). 

TP76 




tracy.worzella@promega.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Brad Larson 


Phillip Hassell 


Kinase Assay Optimization and Profiling in uHTS Format 

Kinases play a crucial role in regulating complex cellular processes including activation, growth, and differentiation. Considering this, it is 

not surprising that abnormal kinase activity or function can lead to a variety of human diseases including cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. 

Pharmaceutical companies are focusing efforts more than ever to find the next kinase inhibitor in their compound librairies. Companies look 

to assay miniaturization to do this cost effectively, yet obtain value-added information from assay development and screening activities. 

We demonstrate the use of Promega’s Kinase-Glo ® Plus Luminescent Kinase Assay for miniaturized kinase assays using Deerac Fluidics’ 

Equator HTS liquid handling system. The Kinase-Glo ® Plus Assay is a homogeneous method of measuring kinase activity by quantifying 

ATP in solution following a kinase reaction. The Equator HTS is a non-contact liquid dispenser capable of delivering volumes from 20ul 

down to 50nl. 

Because assay development and screening are key uses for miniaturized assays, we show the Equator HTS can be used to optimize 

Kinase-Glo ® reactions, and screen for kinase activity. We use the Equator HTS to titrate kinases, substrates and ATP to determine optimal 

concentrations for subsequent screening activities in 1536-well format. A panel of kinases and compounds are counter-screened for kinase 

selectivity profiling. 24-point serial titration is performed to determine potency. Data show that miniaturization of the Kinase-Glo ® Plus Assay 

does not compromise assay quality. The combination of Kinase-Glo ® Plus and the Equator HTS provides an integrated solution for kinase 

drug discovery. 

189

TP77 

Susan Yan 

Pierce Biotechnology 


susan.yan@perbio.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Scott Van Arsdell 

Christine Burns 

High-Throughput Detection of Human Cytokines Using Fluorescent Multiplex 

SearchLight Assay 

We have developed a fluorescent multiplex protein array on the SearchLight platform for the quantification of 12 human cytokines that 

are involved in Th1/Th2 and inflammatory responses. Twelve different human cytokines (IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, 

IL-12p70, IL-13, IFNg, and TNFa) were printed in each 96-well plate. The assay was carried out as typical ELISA assay until the last step: 

instead of adding HRP conjugated to streptavidin for chemiluminescent detection, a fluorescent dye-streptavidin conjugate was introduced 

followed by laser scanning. The results show that this multiplexed assay can be used to measure 12 or more analytes at once in a single 

50 ul patient sample. We demonstrate the fluorescent multiplexed protein array as a powerful tool for screening patient samples or profiling 

cytokines in different disease stages. 

TP78 

Kate Yu 


Milford, Massachusetts 

kate_yu@waters.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Peter Alden, Rob Plumb 


Li Di, Susan Li, Edward Kerns 

Wyeth Research 

Paul Chilvers 

Waters Micromass UK Limited 

Automated ESCi LC/MS/MS Quantification Protocol Applied for Microsome Stability 

Test in Drug Discovery 

Physical chemical information plays an important role in drug discovery. For example, the stability test screens compound stability in 

microsomes etc. providing important information about potential liabilities of drug candidates. The application of LC/MS/MS in drug 

discovery demands throughput, sensitivity and wide coverage of diverse structures. A combined ESI and APCI ionization source (ESCi) 

increases the throughput and sample coverage by eliminating the need to physically change the ionization source and to repeat injections 

for failed samples. We have developed an automated analytical protocol using the multi-mode ionization cusing an UPLC-Tandem 

Mass Spectrometer; this protocol was applied to a microsome stability test. A 2.1x50 mm UPLC column (1.7 ƒÝm) was used for the 

separation at 0.6 ml/minute flow rate. Four ionization modes (ESI+/ESI-/APCI-/APCI+) were used simultaneously during the analysis. 

The quantitative analysis was automatically accomplished from MS and MSMS scan optimizations, to MRM method creation, to data 

acquisition and processing as well as report generation. For the 96 well plate microsome stability test, standards with known metabolism 

were incorporated as QC checks. Samples at Time 0 and Time 20 were measured. % remaining is calculated by divided the area at Time 

15 over the area at Time 0 and times 100. From that, half-life is derived. We will present the MS optimization results as well as the MRM 

analysis results from the microsome stability test samples. 

190

TP79 

Sutian Zhu 

Quest Diagnostics 


sutian.x.zhu@questdiagnostics.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Jamie Platt 

Greg Putignani 

Michelle McGill 

Kevin Chen 

Hasnah Hamdan 

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 

Validation of HIV-1 Genotype on the Protedyne BioCube 

HIV-1 Genotype, Virtual Phenotype is a semi-automated assay having automated steps at several points in the assay (RNA extraction and 

sequence detection) interspersed with many manual procedures. More fully automating the assay should allow us to improve the assay in 

terms of throughput, turn-around-time, labor and reagent savings, and quality. 

To achieve this goal we have automated this assay by using Protedyne’s BioCubeÔ system, which is a customized robotic platform. The 

customized BioCubeÔ provide automation through steps from Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR), nested PCR (PCR2), PCR product 

purification, gel check, cycle sequencing, and dye terminator clean-up. 

For method Comparison Amplification rates were compared across methods and analyzed using a paired t-test. No significant difference 

in amplification rates was observed between the current method and the BioCubeÔ method (Mean = 82.9%; SD = 0.03; p = 0.40; n = 

1334). Recovery on BioCube was 100% concordant with recovery by manual method. No significant difference in sequence data between 

the current method and the BioCubeÔ method. 99.99% concordance was observed at the inferred amino acid level (n = 12475). All 

sequencing controls gave the expected result. 

We project that multiple new assays can be configured on the BioCube in the future by the addition of modules or robotic attachments. 

The BioCube designed for Molecular Microbiology at Quest Diagnostics will be the first to be configured for molecular diagnostic testing 

and will serve as a prototype for use of industrial-grade automation in the clinical laboratory. 

TP80 

Zhu Zhu 



zzhu@beckman.com 

Zhu Zhu 

Laura Pajak 

Automated Target Preparation for GeneChip* Arrays Using the ArrayPlex Application 

on Beckman Coulter’s Biomek ® 3000 Laboratory Automation Workstation 

Microarray technology enables the simultaneous parallel analysis of changes in gene expression across the whole genome. However, the 

process of target preparation for the gene expression analysis is time consuming and labor intensive. We present here the development 

of the automated target preparation process using the ArrayPlex application on Beckman Coulter’s Biomek 3000 Laboratory Automation 

Workstation with Affymetrix’ GeneChip Expression 3’-Amplification reagents and Agencourt ® RNAClean. This highly automated process 

is comprised of three methods, cDNA Synthesis, in vitro Transcription (IVT) and Fragmentation. It allows for the processing of a partial or 

a full 96-well plate of samples from total RNA to the biotin-labeled complementary RNA (cRNA). The target cRNA generated using these 

methods was analyzed on Agilent’s 2100 Bioanalyzer and hybridized to Affymetrix’ Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array. 

The information provided here includes: 

• The description of the automated methods 

• The results obtained when using the methods. 

*All trademarks are property of their respective owners. 

191

TP81 

Wayne Bowen 

TTP LabTech 

Melbourn, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom 

wayne.bowen@ttplabtech.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Ben Schenker 

TTP LabTech 

Ian Yates 

Velocity11 

A Total Solution to Provide High Content Primary and Secondary Screening of a 

Compound Library 

This is because primary screens need to be fast, low cost and generate limited information. In contrast, secondary screens must provide 

robust, detailed information, requiring the application of more sophisticated liquid handling and detection capabilities. 

Advances in automation, integration, scheduling and high-content analysis technology have enabled the design of a single system to 

perform both the primary and secondary screens of a compound library. The primary screen process involves the initial selection of 

compounds from a library, which are sampled in assay-ready volumes to produce 384 well plates. Assay constituents and cells are added 

prior to incubation with test compound, followed by high content read-out using an Acumen Explorer microplate cytometer, giving a daily 

throughout of over 100,000 compounds. 

The secondary screen process involves cherry-picking the hits from the primary screen and generating dose response curves for each one, 

again in assay-ready volumes. The plates are prepared as before and analysed using an Acumen Explorer. 

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) represent the largest and most frequently screened class of receptors. TTP LabTech recently 

published a novel approach combining the Acumen Explorer with Invitrogen’s GeneBLAzer technology to measure GPCR activation in 

cell-based assays. Here, we show how this approach could be fully automated by the system described to complete the primary and 

secondary screens on 400,000 compounds in less than a week. 

TP82 

Chris Bridge 

DNA Research Innovations Ltd 

Kent Science Park, United Kingdom 

chris.bridge@invitrogen.com 

Co-Author(s): 

A. Potts 

T. Stevenson, 

M.Baker 

Fully Automated Extraction of gDNA From up to 10mL Whole Blood 

Recent advances in the fields of molecular screening, diagnostics, and clinical applications have led to increased demand for high quality 

dna purification techniques from whole blood (clinical) samples. Here we present a fully-automated, scalable gDNA extraction method, 

purifying high quality gDNA from up to 10mL whole blood. The centrifuge-free, single-tube protocol has been fully automated, from blood 

collection tube to purified dna on a Tecan Freedom Evo automated liquid handler. 

192

TP83 


HTG 

Tucson, Arizona 



Co-Author 

Ralph Martell, HTG Tucson 

qNPATM Gene Expression Cell and Tissue-based Assays for Target Validation, 

Screening, EC50-Based Assessment and Optimization of Efficacy, Specificity, 

Metabolism and Safety 

The quantitative Nuclease Protection Assay (qNPATM) is a microplate-based multiplexed assay technology for measuring gene expression. 

The reproducibility of qNPA, providing whole cell or tissue assay average CV’s ~10% (between biological samples and thus including cell 

or animal treatment variability), with repeatable day-to-day with >85% certainty, enables precise determinations of gene levels between 

differently treated samples in vitro and in vivo. qNPA also allows for accurate measurement of time course and dose response curves 

from which precise EC50 values can be calculated. By utilizing a lysis only protocol without the need for extraction or gene amplification, 

small samples can be tested, thousands per day in high throughput, Therefore, qNPA can be used to measure gene expression from any 

sample, including fixed tissue, whole blood, and melanoma tissue which are examples of samples that may prove to be difficult for other 

methods. 

An example of EC50-based gene expression QSAR will be presented. 

The qNPA gene expression assay has the advantage over protein assays that all metabolism pathways can be efficiently assessed in a 

cost effective manner, yet delivers a high reproducibility. Both in vitro and in vivo predictive qNPA tox models will also be discussed. 

In summary, qNPA can be applied to all stages of target validation, drug discovery, and used to assess drug efficacy, specificity, 

metabolism and safety in the same dose response manner. It can also have the same precision as proteins simply by just changing the 

genes monitored. 

TP84 

Kerstin Thurow 



kerstin.thurow@uni-rostock.de 

Co-Author(s) 

Daniel Haller 

Norbert Stoll 

celisca 

Establishment of an Automated Procedure for Viral RNA Isolation From Cell-Free 

Bovine Samples 

During the recent years, detection of viruses, bacteria or other pathogens in a variety of different samples was put into focus of scientific 

and ecological interest. By using a High Throughput Screening platform thousands of samples might be examined within a single run. 

Serum samples of infected cattle are investigated on the presence of viral RNA on a robotic core facility asset in a 96-well format. 

Therefore magnetic beads are automatically subjected to the serum sample and incubated for 5 minutes . The beads are dislodged 

from the liquid phase and attracted to the wall of each cavity. The RNA-free supernatant is removed automatically (Biomek NX Span-8, 

Beckman Coulter) and beads carrying target RNA are washed several times in wash buffer. Finally the viral RNA is eluted in 30 µl low salt 

buffer and transferred into a clean RNAse-free target plate. Automated measurement of RNA concentrations is performed by appliance 

of a dye emitting a fluorescence signal after complexing with RNA. The total concentration is obtained relatively to a standard curve on a 

fluorescence reader. 

First simulation results display high recovery rates of control RNA. However, additional test are imperative to evaluate the system and to 

adjust the pipetting strategy to the needs of liquid parameters. As intended the automation of the assay has shown to be a time – effective 

tool for future high throughput applications. Since the assay method is not limited to the selected viral RNA but applicable to virtually all RNA 

and DNA species an extension of the method onto other samples e.g. blood, tissue or cells is possible and will be done in the near future. 

193

TP85 

Evan F. Cromwell 

Blueshift Biotechnologies 


ecromwell@blueshiftbiotech.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Steven C. Miller, Blueshift Biotechnologies 

Paul B. Comita, Chris B. Shumate, Paul Tam 

Development and Use of IsoCyteTM-HTS: A High Throughput Platform for Single Cell 

and Clonal Analysis 

Hybridoma technology traditionally has involved a series of steps, here broadly categorized as cell fusion, the plating of master cell 

cultures, and antibody screening. The ultimate goal is to identify a single hybridoma cell producing a monoclonal antibody with a desired 

specificity or function. Until recently, hybridoma producing laboratories have pursued a labor-intensive and time consuming serial path of 

hybridoma culturing and limiting dilution cloning to achieve clonality. Blueshift Biotechnologies has developed a powerful new screening 

platform, the IsoCyteTM, as a high throughput platform for multiparametric screening of cells in multi-well plates using laser scatter and 

fluorescence measurements. Here we report on the development and use of the IsoCyteTM-HTS for automated screening of hybridoma 

and transfectoma cultures for antibody production. The automated instrument acquires a laser scatter and/or fluorescence image of each 

well allowing true full well or plate inspection at throughputs of 120 seconds/plate, and at a resolution of 10 microns regardless of the 

plate well density. The platform addresses the need to i) detect wells containing a single fluorophore-labeled cell, ii) monitor the growth of 

cultures, and iii) verify cell clonality in an automated fashion. The IsoCyteTM-HTS enables a high degree of process control and automated 

data processing important for therapeutic discovery and development environments. 

TP86 

Peter Greenhalgh 

Astech Projects ltd 

Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom 


Co-Author 

Anthony Moran 

Next Generation Automated Emitted Dose Testing System 

Consistent dose delivery is one of the most important performance requirements for inhalation drug products to ensure that such products 

deliver a predictable and reproducible therapeutic dose throughout the lifetime and expected patient use of the delivery device. One 

possible solution to manage the extent of testing is by automation of device testing. At the same time however, regulatory pressures and 

CFR21 part11 compliance issues render the development of such automation systems complex. 

Inhalers are becoming ever more sophisticated with the inclusion of advanced design features such as lid opening mechanisms, dose 

counters, firing mechanisms and breath actuation. These modifications in themselves often add complexity in, for example, device handling 

and firing and thus, device performance checks and extensive system suitability checks are required before use or firing of each dose. The 

barriers for entry and development of such automation systems is often prohibitive. 

This paper describes the development of a next generation, highly flexible, high throughput Automated Emitted Dose system. One of the 

main features of the system is the unique modular library approach and scalability to both design and system build. System advances 

include capacity to fire up to 150-200 emitted dose collections per day, dose parameter control, dose indexing, waste fire collection and 

bar code tracking. Device performance checks such as air-flow resistance, leak testing and check weighing modules will be described. 

Sample collection includes an innovative emitted dose collection chamber that can recover drug product in as little as 25ml solvent with 

rinsing and a fully automated HPLC vial collection module with capacity for up to 400 HPLC vial collections. 

194

TP87 

Stefanie Hagemann 

Center for Life Science Automation Dipl.-Ing. 


stefanie.hagemann@celisca.de 


Co-Author(s) 

Ilka Schneider 

Paul Stoll 

Establishment of an Automated Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay 

Enzyme – linked immunosorbend assay (ELISA) represents one of the most commonly applied methods providing a simple, rapid, safe 

and cost – effective way of protein determination. Nevertheless the process suffers from being highly time consuming and requires multiple 

pipetting steps as well as extensive washing procedures leading to both manpower requirements and an increased risk of errors due to 

the human factor. We therefore established an automated ELISA using a robotic system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was 

chosen as the protein to be measured. Blood samples from canulation of a cubital vein of voluntary healthy probands were collected into 

additive – free and heparinised containers to obtain serum and plasma samples. Blood was placed at rest for 60 minutes to allow clotting 

and degranulation of the thrombocytes leading to the release of BDNF from platelets to serum. Sample containers were centrifuged 

at 2000 g and 10° C for 15 minutes. Serum and plasma samples were aliquoted and stored at – 80° C until measurement. For the 

quantitative determination of BDNF concentrations a commercially available kit 

BDNF protein was detectable in all measured samples. Serum concentrations derived from the automated assay were comparable to 

those from manually operated assays. Measured serum concentrations were in good keeping with recently published data obtained from 

the largest conducted study on neurotrophin concentrations 1. Automated processing of the whole assay took 6:00 hours for 1 assay plate 

(40 samples in double) and 11:40 hours for 7 assay plates (280 samples in double). 

TP88 

Frithjof von Germar 



germar@imm-mainz.de 

Co-Author 

Frank Doffing 


Extraction and Centrifugation of Proteins in a Modular Microsystem 

Coeliac disease is an inflammatory disease of the upper small intestine and is the only life long nutrient-induced enteropathy. It is caused by 

a gluten intolerance and the only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. 

A microsystem is developed in which the extraction of gluten is performed followed by an immunoassay for the quantitative detection. 

Two components of a modular microchip system are presented which perform the extraction of gluten from unprocessed and processed 

food and the separation of unsolved sample from the extract. 

Lab scale extraction requires vigorous mixing combined with temperatures of several 10°C. This functionality is transferred to a chip based 

peristaltic pump which provides a circular mixing in a flexible silicon tube. This module is divided in two parts. One permanent component 

includes the heating device and the pump and one disposable block containing a valve to switch from loading to extraction and the silicon 

tube. The performance of gluten extraction is on the same level as lab scale methods. 

The separation of the extract from unsolved sample is performed with an on chip centrifuge. The separation/connection of the rotating 

chip from a stator chip which is necessary for the filling of the rotating chip and the connections to the other modules is provided by an 

appropriate mechanical system containing springs. An electric motor is capable to accelerate the chip containing 200 µl of sample to 

15000 rpm which means approx. 4500g. This is sufficient to obtain a particle free extract of gluten. 

195

TP89 

Wanli Xing 

Tsinghua University School of Medicine 

Beijing, China 

wlxing@tsinghua.edu.cn 


Co-Author(s) 

Dong Liang, Tsinghua University 

Wanli Xing, Tsinghua University School of Medicine 

Qiang Peng, Tsinghua University 

Zhongyao Yu, National Engineering Research Center for Beijing 

Biochip Technology 

Jing Cheng, Tsinghua University School of Medicine 

The Design and Development of a Gas Chromatography Column Chip With High Efficiency 

The design, fabrication, and performance of a gas chromatography (GC) column chip with high efficiency are described. Wet chemical 

etching formed a 3.46 m ¡Á 100 ¦Ìm ¡Á 48 ¦Ìm channel on a silicon wafer. A Pyrex glass wafer was anodically bonded to the silicon, forming 

an intact column. Fused silica capillary connecting tubes were sealed into the laser-drilled inlet and outlet of the chip. A dynamic coating 

method was used to deposit a film of nonpolar dimethyl polysiloxane stationary phase, SE-30. The chip was evaluated using a commercial 

GC instrument. The height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) under the pressure of 55 psi was 0.30 mm for n-octane and 0.29 mm 

for n-nonane, respectively. Both regression and comparison calculation led to the same conclusion that a rather low Hmin have been 

achieved. In conclusion, we have made a GC column chip with greatly improved efficiency. 

TP90 

Keith Albert 

Artel Marketing R&D 


kalbert@artel-usa.com 

Co-Author(s) 


Tanya R. Knaide 

Alexis L. Rogers 

Verifying Volume Dispensing Device Performance for Complex and/or Non-Aqueous 

Reagents: A New Approach 

Multichannel volume dispensing devices, such as automated liquid handling (ALH) systems, are widely used in drug discovery assays 

and other high-throughput screening processes. The performance of these systems is heavily based on the ability to deliver proper 

volumes of specific reagents. For instance, because concentrations of species within an assay are volume-dependent, assay integrity 

and the subsequent interpretation of assay results are directly tied to ALH performance. While ALH instruments are capable of handling 

a wide array of reagent types, it is commonly known that performance parameters can vary significantly when the reagents are complex 

in nature. When ALH systems are employed to aspirate/dispense aqueous-based reagents, there are many accepted methodologies 

(including photometric and gravimetric) used to calibrate/verify the system’s ability to properly perform within a user’s tolerance window. 

In other situations, however, ALH systems are employed to dispense complex and/or non-aqueous reagents (dimethyl sulfoxide, serum, 

aqueous-based mixtures with detergents, etc.) for which there are fewer accepted methodologies to verify system performance. ALH 

software packages incorporating computational algorithms may provide users with the ability to adjust aspirate/dispense parameters to 

help compensate for liquid-dependent performance differences, but these parameters could lead to a false-sense of performance when a 

custom, or complex, reagent is employed. We present our recent research on developing a novel photometric method for ALH calibration 

and volume verification when dispensing complex and/or non-aqueous reagents. Accurate and reliable adjustment of ALH performance 

using this method could have far-reaching adoption in all scientific communities for any volume dispensing device. 

196

TP91 

Casey Williams 

Agencourt Bioscience Corporation 

Beverly, Massachusetts 

cwilliams@agencourt.com 


Co-Author(s) 

Olaf Stelling, Dustin Giberson, Kimberly Sparks, Lakeisha Tillery 

Martina Werner, Erik Gustafson, 


Kelly Marshall, Laura Pajak 


An Automated Method for the Isolation of Genomic DNA from Whole Blood using 

Beckman Coulter’s Biomek ® Laboratory Automation Workstations and Agencourt ® 

GenfindTM DNA Isolation Kit 

Isolation and purification of nucleic acids is a crucial step in basic research, molecular diagnostics and pharmacogenomics applications. 

Whole blood is commonly used for the extraction of genomic DNA in clinical research settings, but presents many challenges in sample 

preparation. Blood is rich in proteins, lipids and other cellular materials that need to be effectively removed to isolate high quality genomic 

DNA. Traditional methods have relied on separation of white blood cells via density gradient centrifugation and extraction with harsh 

organic chemicals. Column purification techniques exist, but are not easily automated. We present a scalable, 96-well, automatable 

method for effectively isolating large quantities of genomic DNA from fresh or frozen whole blood using the magnetic-bead based, Solid 

Phase Reversible Immobilization (SPRI ® ) technology in the Genfind DNA Isolation Kit.. Furthermore, sufficient genomic DNA can be isolated 

from serum samples for amplification-based analyses. This SPRI-based process is easily automated to produce high yield, high quality 

genomic DNA from whole blood. We present automation methods that can process up to 200 µL of whole blood or serum per well when 

introduced onto the system in a 96-well format. An entire plate of samples can be processed using a multi-channel Biomek FX Laboratory 

Automation Workstation or 1 to 96 samples in sets of 8 (per column) using a Span-8 Biomek NX Laboratory Automation Workstation. 

TP92 

Justin Murray 

Merck & Co. Inc. 

North Wales, Pennsylvania 

justin_murray@merck.com 

Co-Author(s) 

Jason Cassaday 

Phil Moravec 

Merck & Co. Inc. 

Carissa Ohart 

Kelly Scientific Resources 

Tarak Shah 

Merck & Co. Inc 

1536-Well Non-Contact Dispense of YOx Imaging SPA Beads 

Yttrium Oxide (YOx) imaging SPA beads are more desirable to use than plastic beads (PS - Poly Styrene). However, YOx beads are also 

4 times as dense making them very difficult to keep in suspension and dispense without well to well concentration variance. We have 

created a way to keep the beads in suspension for extended periods of time. We have also developed a method for quickly calculating 

bead concentration without the use of radioactive materials. Using these practices we have optimized two dispensers for YOx SPA bead 

non-contact dispense into 1536 well format – the Kalypsys SPA Bead Dispenser and the Cartesian Dispenser. We will compare these QC 

results from each dispenser along with a comparison using real assay data. 

197

TP93 

Holger Gumm 

Sepiatec GmbH 

Berlin, Germany 

hgumm@sepiatec.com 


Fast Chiral Column Screening and Evaluation With the CCS Wizard 

Quick chiral column screening has become an increasing challenge for all pharmaceutical companies. The Sepmatix System offers 

unsurpassed quick screening for the optimal column/mobile phase combination for separation of enantiomers. Up to 8 different columns 

can be screened in parallel with mixtures of up to 24 different solvents and under different temperatures. This parallel chromatography 

approach considerably speeds up method development for optimal separation of chiral compounds, normally a tedious and time 

consuming process. 

To circumvent this bottleneck, the patented Sepmatix 8x FlowControl splits the flow from one HPLC pump onto 8 columns, ensuring the 

same flow rate in each parallel channel even with individual column back pressures differing as much as 1450 psi. The new Sepmatix 8x 

ColumnOven allows individual temperature regulation for each column and thereby simultaneous temperature screening. This unique 8-fold 

parallel chiral column screening yields the chromatography data of a working week in less than one day. 

Quick data evaluation is imperative, so Sepiatec has recently launched an upgraded version of its proprietary software with several 

innovative features: The new Sepmatix CCS Wizard shows up to 80 different chromatograms on one screen. All chromatograms can be 

checked at a glance, easily re-integrated if necessary and ranked according to e.g. selectivity, capacity and resolution. Printouts of the 

chromatograms containing all essential parameters allow quick identification and documentation of the optimal separation conditions for 

chiral samples. 

198

Notes 


199

Notes 


200


Industry-Sponsored Workshops 


Exhibitors host a 90-minute workshop luncheon on Monday, January 23 and Tuesday, January 24 from 

12:30 - 2:00 pm Workshops are open to all registered ALA attendees, please visit the company’s booth 

at the Palm Springs Convention Center to inquire about attending their workshop. 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Smoketree C, Palm Springs Convention Center 

Beckman Coulter, Inc. (Booth 327) 

4300 N. Harbor Boulevard 

Fullerton, California 92834 

800.742.2345 

www.beckmancoulter.com 

New Tools That Enable Confidence in Data 

Beckman Coulter presents what’s new in its automation tool box that enables end users to have more confidence in their data. This includes 

Biomek ® hardware and software updates as well as new automated applications. 

The new member of the applications team, from Agencourt Biosciences (Beverly, Mass.), shares new applications for genetic analysis. 

The applications teams from Fullerton (Calif.) and Indianapolis (Ind.) shares new verified and validated automated applications that provides 

robust solutions. 

Rounding out the agenda are presentations from Beckman Coulter’s chemistry partners – Promega, Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich – addressing 

new assay kits automated on Biomek liquid handlers. 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Santa Rosa, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Corning Incorporated (Booth 304) 

45 Nagog Park 

Acton, Massachusetts 01720 

+1.978.635.2200; +1.978.635.2476 fax 

www.corning.com/lifesciences 

Label-Free High-Throughput Screening in 384-Well Format 

This workshop provides an overview of the performance of an innovative and high throughput label-free detection technology that addresses 

difficult to detect drug-target interactions, as well as improve biochemical pathway exploration. The Epic System, comprised of a 384-well 

microplate with optical biosensors and attachment surface chemistry inside each well and an optical reader detection instrument, facilitates 

the detection of biomolecular interactions without the use of fluorescent or radioactive labels. A beta version of the 384-well Epic System 

has been used to probe many of the biomolecular interactions involved in cellular and molecular biology. This talk highlights data from various 

biochemical and cell-based assays, including drug-protein, protein-protein, protein-DNA, and cellular mass redistribution. 

201


Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Pueblo A, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Deerac Fluidics (Booth 317) 

Unit 8, Enterprise Centre, Pearse Street 


353(1)6791464; 353(1)6791544 fax 

www.deerac.com 

An Integrated Solution for Assay Optimization and Kinase Profiling in uHTS Format 

Promega and Deerac Fluidics presents an integrated solution for kinase profiling in 1536-well format using Promega’s luminescent Kinase-Glo ® 

Plus assay with the Deerac Fluidics Equator HTS dispenser. The attendee learns about the features of the Kinase-Glo ® Plus assay and the 

Equator HTS for drug discovery applications. In addition, the attendee learns about a process used for determining optimal kinase assay 

parameters with the Equator HTS. Lastly, data is presented showing how these optimal kinase assay conditions can be used with 24-point 

titrations of compounds to determine selectivity and potency against a panel of kinases. 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Andreas, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Labcyte, Inc. (Booth 477) 

1190 Borregas Avenue 

Sunnyvale, California 94089 

+1.408.747.2000; +1.408.747.2010 fax 

www.labcyte.com 

Acoustic Droplet Ejection 

The Echo 550 liquid handler has been updated with customer-driven improvements. This ”touchless” nanoliter transfer system provides 

better results in high-throughput screening by reducing false negatives while dramatically reducing costs. Hear the latest on this technology 

from users in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Eliminate Edge Effects in Multi-Well Plates 

The new MicroClimeTM Environmental lid cuts edge effects by reducing evaporation and hydration. This lid carries a reservoir of fluid 

designed to produce a vapor barrier that prevents gas exchange with the outside environment while maintaining a saturated environment 

for the wells. See dramatic proof of reduced evaporation and hydration and an example of DMSO dehydration. 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location– Smoketree E – Palm Springs Convention Center 

Nanostream, Inc. (Booth 251) 

580 Sierra Madre Villa Avenue 

Pasadena, California 91107 

+1.626.351.8200: +1.626.351.8201 fax 

www.nanostream.com 

Simultaneous 24-Channel Analyses Using Micro Parallel LC for Drug Release Profiling 

Oral osmotically-controlled tablets are designed to have patterned drug delivery profiles. Different drug release profiles (e.g., zero-order 

or ascending) can be generated with specific configurations in the extended-release dosage form. Therefore, pharmaceutical analysis of 

the drug released from the designed dose has become a critical step in formulation and product development. Scientists must rely on 

research tools like micro parallel liquid chromatography (PLC) to accelerate formulation studies while minimizing costs, bench space, 

solvent consumption and waste. 

In this workshop, Dr. Jerry Yeh, Director of Analytical Sciences at Alza Corporation, discusses how his group applied Nanostream’s PLC 

system to simultaneously analyze samples from a United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Type VII apparatus in 24 channels. Dr. Yeh reviews 

how data obtained using the PLC system produced a seven-fold concomitant reduction in solvent consumption compared to conventional 

HPLC instrumentation. 

202


Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Smoketree F, Palm Springs Convention Center 

Retisoft, Inc. (Booth 515) 

55 Forty-Second St., Suite 306 

Toronto, Ontario M8W 3P3 

Canada 

+1.416.521.9720; +1.416.521.9277 fax 

www.retisoft.ca 

Software for Laboratory Automation, Hybrid Scheduler and LIMS 

With the increasing level of lab automation investments, there is an increasing need for off-the-shelf software products complementing laboratory 

automation systems. In particular, products that bridge the integration and compatibility gap between different instruments. Genera Suite is 

one of the few software products that accomplish this. 

Developed using an object oriented design, the software is built upon an open and extensible architecture that allows the user to control 

and monitor any instrument. With the Genera Suite your lab automation system can quickly become a mix of instruments from multiple 

hardware vendors. You can competitively select the best-of-breed equipment to meet your unique lab automation requirements. 

This workshop presents the Genera Suite architecture, and explains our Supra hybrid (i.e. static and dynamic) scheduler and provide you 

with an overview of the DataPilot LIMS. At the end of the workshop you are able to model complex scheduling problems using our suite of 

instrument integration tools. 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Chino B, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Roche Applied Science (Booth 166-68-70) 

9115 Hague Road, Building B 

Indianapolis, Indiana 46250 

800.428.5433; +1.317.521.7317 fax 

www.roche-applied-science.com 

High-Throughput Instruments and Reagents for Real-Time PCR and Genome 

Sequencing: Accuracy, Versatility, and Speed for Your Genomic Applications 

The 96- and 384-multiwell plate format LightCycler ® 480 System leverages the accuracy and speed of Roche’s LightCycler ® family of qPCR 

instruments to perform true high-throughput real-time PCR in less than 40 minutes. The LightCycler ® 480 technology drastically reduces 

the real-time PCR bottleneck faced by laboratories by as much as 50 percent. 

The Genome Sequencer 20 System is a picotechnology-based genome sequencing system, provided in partnership with 454 Life Sciences, 

that can sequence on average 20 million bases per 5.5-hour instrument run. The Genome Sequencer 20 System can sequence a 2-million-base 

genome with 10x coverage in one day – an achievement that used to take weeks. 

The technology used for the LightCycler ® System is licensed from Idaho Technology Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 

LIGHTCYCLER is a trademark of Roche. 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Smoketree A, Palm Springs Convention Center 

SciGene (Booth 202) 

530 Mercury Drive 


800.342.2119; +1.408.733.7336 fax 

www.scigene.com 

ClearSpot: A New Robotic System for Processing Microarrays in an Ozone-Safe 

Environment 

The ClearSpot Microarray Workstation uses process control and robotics to reduce the human, physical, and environmental variables that 

negatively effect microarray data. The workstation is composed of three modules that work together to reliably perform incubation, washing 

and drying of microarrays in an ozone-safe environment. Features of this unique system are presented at this workshop along with results 

of various system benchmark and process optimization studies. 

203


Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Chino A, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Tecan (Booth 305) 

P.O. Box 13953 

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 

800.352.5128; +1.919.361.5201 fax 

www.tecan.com 

Next generation of PMP-Pressing Monitoring Pipetting 

Tecan’s new pressure monitored pipetting (PMP) tool is an independent option for Freedom EVO ® platforms that brings a number of benefits 

to biopharma applications, including DNA extraction and screening assays. With PMP, the pipetting quality can be observed online for both 

aspirations and dispensations, and anomalies including tip leakage, air bubbles, occluded tips or inappropriate sample volumes can quickly 

be detected. The PMP can also detect the liquid level of non-polar organic liquids (pLLD or DUAL LLD). 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Mesquite H, Palm Springs Convention Center 

The Automation Partnership (Booth 443/200) 

3411 Silverside Road, Webster Building 

Wilmington, Delaware 19810 

+1.302.478.9060; +1.302.478.9575 fax 

www.automationpartnership.com 

Automated Cell Culture Moves Into the Smallest Lab: 

Presenting Two New Systems – CompacT SelecT and CellBase 

The new – CompacT SelecT and CellBase bring the benefits of automated cell culture in a package that fits smaller budgets and 

standard laboratories. This workshop highlights how TAP has downsized the SelecT to enable processing of full size, T175 flasks in a 

space that is only slightly larger than a standard Class II safety cabinet. By using standard tissue culture flasks rather than specialized ‘automation’ 

flasks, virtually any attachment dependent cells grown manually in T-flasks can be rapidly introduced onto the system 

without developing new procedures and either output as a harvested suspension or automatically plated into 96 and 384 formats. 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Smoketree D, Palm Springs Convention Center 

The Automation Partnership (Booth 443/200) 



+1.302.478.9060; +1.302.478.9575 fax 


Large-Scale Automated Biological Sample Storage at -80°C: 

The Challenges in Designing an Automated Bio-Repository for Biobanking 

This workshop describes the unique issues, challenges and possible solutions an organization should consider if planning for a large-scale 

automated repository for their biological samples. Concerns about larger collections requiring ultra-low temperature (ULT) storage such as 

accuracy of sample identity, tracking of sample history and continuity of controlled sample condition are discussed. This workshop is based 

around The Automation Partnership’s development of the Polar ULT robotic sample archive. Polar’s novel design meets the growing 

demand from national Biobanks, academic institutions and private facilities for a new type of large-scale repository for long-term storage 

(20-25 years) of biological samples at -80°C. 

204


Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Snow Creek Board Room, 

Thermo Electron Corporation (Booth 415) Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

81 Wyman Street 

Waltham, Massachusetts 02454 

+1.877.843.7668 

www.thermo.com 

New Approach to High Throughput Reagent Dispensing 

Thermo Electron’s introduction of the Multidrop Combi and the RapidStak provides a high throughput, yet simple and affordable bench-top 

automation solution. Multidrop Combi, a high-speed reagent dispenser for multiple plate formats offers precise volumes, even for 1536. The 

RapidStak seamlessly integrates with all the Multidrops and offers the fastest throughput and most capacity options of any stacker. Plates 

can be delivered and processed using two instruments simultaneously with Rapidstak’s intuitive design and new Polara RS software. A live 

demonstration of Polara RS is conducted. 

Monday, January 23, 2006 Location – Smoketree B, Palm Springs Convention Center 

Velocity11 (Booth 449) 

3565 Haven Avenue 

Menlo Park, California 94025 

+1.650.846.6600; +1.650.846.6620 fax 

www.velocity11.com 

Strategies for Implementing Successful Laboratory Automation 

This workshop starts by looking at the reasons for introducing automation, which types of processes to automate and important considerations 

before starting an automation project. The workshop also describes key considerations for success: Matching the right automation to the right 

process; reliability vs flexibility, facilities requirements, common pitfalls and problems, etc. The workshop then discusses how to measure the 

success, or the true value added, by transitioning to an automated process. Finally the workshop concludes with a brief open discussion on 

how the automation industry should be changing to meet the future demands of the life science industry. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Pueblo A, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

ARTEL (Booth 204) 

25 Bradley Drive 

Westbrook, Maine 04092 

+1.207.854.0860; +1.207.854.0867 fax 

www.artel-usa.com 

Performance Optimization of Multichannel Liquid Handling Equipment and High 

Throughput Assays 

All users of automated liquid handling equipment are familiar with the need to ensure proper performance of their equipment. But for 

most users, calibration and performance testing is time consuming and burdensome. The Artel MVS Multichannel Verification System 

overcomes the inefficiencies of calibration testing, and also significantly reduces the time needed to optimize performance to ensure data 

quality. Together with Caliper Life Sciences, Artel demonstrates the use of MVS for rapidly improving the aspirate/dispense protocols for 

optimizing liquid handler performance. This demonstration highlights not only the ease of use of the Artel MVS, but also the performance 

capabilities of Caliper equipment. 

205


Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – San Jacinto, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Corning Incorporated (Booth 304) 

45 Nagog Park 


+1.978.635.2200; +1.978.635.2476 fax 


Introduction to the Corning 1536-Well Echo Qualified Plate – A New Compound 

Source Plate for Use on the Labcyte Echo 550 

This joint workshop from Corning, Labcyte, and BMS demonstrates the technical advantages of the Corning 1536-well Echo Qualified plate 

on the Labcyte Echo 550 liquid handler. The Echo 550 uses acoustic energy to precisely transfer nanoliter volumes of compounds from 

source plates to assay plates. An end-user will show applications and validations of the 1536-well plate. Topics covered include compound 

storage capabilities, extractables, transfer precision, sealing methods and assay performance. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Andreas, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

CyBio AG (Booth 505) 

500 West Cummings Park, #1800 

Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 

+1.877.879.5624; +1.787.376.9897 fax 

www.cybio-ag.com 

UHTS GPCR Screening Using CyBi-Lumax Flash in 1536 and 384 

The urgency of finding more cost effective, functional screening solutions for GPCRs and Ion Channels has prompted a growing interest 

in novel cell based techniques. Luminescent approaches using photo proteins, which respond to the receptor’s activation, are growing in 

popularity. CyBio has responded to this demand by developing an ad-hoc reader for these applications and forging relationships with the 

leading providers of this technology. This workshop presents the CyBi-Lumax family of flash imagers from CyBio, and their performance in 

the context of HTS. The technical overview includes the instruments’ sensitivity, innovative micro fluidics, and exceptional speed. Multiple 

available biologies are compared and recent developments from users will be shared. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Smoketree E, Palm Springs Convention Center 

Elsevier MDL (Booth 538) 

14600 Catalina Street 

San Leandro, California 94577 

+1.510.895.1313; +1.510.614.3608 fax 

www.mdl.com 

MDL Plate Manager — A Compound Management System for Quality Libraries 

Managing compound libraries can be a daunting task when Excel spreadsheets are used to track volumes and locations; spreadsheets 

get lost and are often not updated in a timely manner. Ensure the quality of your libraries being screened and compounds are delivered to 

biologists on time with an integrated system using off the shelf software and commercially available hardware. See how MDL Plate Manager 

from Elsevier MDL has been integrated with two commercially available sample management systems to provide a streamlined compound 

management system to track and manage plates and samples, ensuring quality libraries delivered on time. 

206


Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Santa Rosa, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Eppendorf North America (Booth 181) 

One Cantiague Road 

Westbury, New York 11590 

+1.516.334.7500; +1.516.334.7521 fax 

www.eppendorfna.com 

The Complete Solution for Automated Real-Time PCR 

Automated processes are an integral part of every molecular biology lab. A wide variety of automated solutions are available from different 

suppliers; however, only Eppendorf offers a full range of instruments, consumables and reagents for automated liquid handling, PCR and 

qPCR. Our systems are ahead of the pack, featuring novel technologies, such as self-adjusting Mg2+ buffer and an advanced optical 

sensor for precision pipetting. Eppendorf epMotion workstations, along with out kits and reagents, ensure results are extremely accurate 

and reproducible. Come experience the Eppendorf definition of complete automation solutions. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Smoketree D, Palm Springs Convention Center 

IDBS (Booth 228) 

750 US Highway 202, Suite 200 

Bridgewater, New York 08807 

+1.908.429.2900; +1.908.429.2901 fax 

www.idbs.com 

Improving the Quality of Valuable Screening Data 

Screening generates a vast amount of data, which is increasing daily as technologies evolve. The XE module for ActivityBase provides 

specific functionality to address this increase. By providing a single environment that is easy to use, flexible and intuitive, ActivityBase XE 

facilitates data visualization, analysis, QA and QC, and verification, resulting in improved workflow and productivity. 

This workshop will address how to achieve ultra high performance screening and streamline workflow for the screening scientists by providing 

enhanced data visualization, plate format flexibility, sophisticated curve fitting, data selection, multi-level annotation and automatic plate 

exclusion. Join this workshop to learn more about ActivityBase XE, a comprehensive, flexible and dynamic tool to manage and drive your 

screening research. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Snow Creek Board Room, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Nanostream, Inc. (Booth 251) 



+1.626.351.8200: +1.626.351.8201 fax 


Micro Parallel Liquid Chromatography µPLC for Sample Verification in HTS 

The identification of biologically active compounds from HTS involves considerable post-screening analysis to verify the nature of the 

sample activity. By incorporating a separation prior to detection, the use of liquid chromatography for secondary screening can reduce 

interferences, offer quantitative information about hits and facilitate assay development. In this workshop, Dr. Anton Simeonov discusses 

how his team employed Nanostream’s 24-column µPLC system for secondary screening to support small molecule analysis at the National 

Institutes of Health (NIH) Chemical Genomics Center (NCGC). As one component of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research, NCGC is at 

the center of a nationwide network focused on producing innovative chemical tools for use in biological research and drug development. 

Dr. Simeonov shares specific results for a cerebrosidase assay and review general benefits offered by LC-based assays for biochemical 

screening programs. 

207


Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Chino B, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Pierce Biotechnology, Inc. (Booth 583) 

P.O. Box 117 

Rockford, Illinois 61105 

800.874.3723; +1.815.968.7316 fax 

www.piercenet.com 

SearchLight Plate-Based Protein Arrays: Chemiluminescent, Infrared, and Fluorescent 

Options for Multiplex Quantification 

SearchLight Multiplex Assays are plate-based arrays for the quantification of 2 to 37 different proteins in each well of a 96-well plate. 

This workshop reviews the strengths of the three different detection platforms that have been evaluated with SearchLight Multiplex Assays: 

Chemiluminescence, infrared, and fluorescence. Array data from the various platforms as well as validation data from some commercially 

available products will be presented. Researchers attending this workshop gains insight into how multiplex arrays can enhance their 

research efforts, the advantages and disadvantages of various detection platforms, and the products and instruments available for 

multiplex protein analysis. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Smoketree F, Palm Springs Convention Center 

Promega Corporation (Booth 217) 

2800 Woods Hollow Road 

Madison, Wisconsin 53711 

+1.608.274.4330; +1.608.277.2601 fax 

www.promega.com 

High-Throughput Bioluminescense Profiling for Drug Discovery 

Promega has developed partnerships between our Scientific Applications & Technology Integration Group and instrument providers to create 

integrated solutions of reagent chemistry and automated work stations. In this workshop, we present a variety of integrated automated 

solutions designed to save you time, labor and improve your productivity. 

Automated nucleic acid purification scaled to meet your needs: 

Compact purification yields powerful results: MaxwellTM 16 System. 

Large scale, high-throughput purification: MagneSil® Genomic, Large Volume System. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Smoketree C, Palm Springs Convention Center 

QIAGEN, Inc. (Booth 576) 

19300 Germantown Road 

Germantown, Maryland 20874 

+1.240.686.7688; +1. 240.686.7689 fax 

www.qiagen.com 

Point-of-Sale and After-Sale Support Expertise 

Laboratory robotic expenditures represent investments requiring a number of purchasing justifications. One of these is consideration of 

the reputation and value of support provided by the supplier. When choosing a supplier, the choice for ensuring delivery of a high level of 

service and support from all departments should be considered and not just repair of the robot through an engineer. QIAGEN addresses 

concerns related to its proprietary purification kits, hardware, software, and applications through a complete support network. By providing 

the unique offering of its own consumables and instrumentation, regardless of automation throughput, QIAGEN offers point-of-sale and 

after-sale support expertise. This complete solution, coupled with our range of service products, enables troubleshooting upstream and 

downstream, supports future application upgrades, and ensures the automation platform performs to the task for which it was purchased. 

208


Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Chino A, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Thermo Electron Corporation (Booth 415) 



+1.877.843.7668 


Utilizing Vertical Space in High Demand Applications 

The demand for compact but powerful automated solutions is on the rise, to address this Thermo Electron Corporation has developed 

dedicated WorkCells that optimize vertical integration to deliver results in record time. Of particular interest is an overview of the ADME 

Workcell and the NEW High Content Screening (HCS ) WORKCELL, an easy-to-use high-throughput/small footprint system that meets and 

exceeds the needs of cell-based analysis for primary screening and toxicity applications where throughput and consistency are required. 

Web service capabilities are also new to the workcells which allows more flexible connectivity to corporate data management systems 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Location – Mesquite H, Palm Springs Convention Center 

TTP LabTech LTD. (Booth 340) 

Melbourne Science Park 

Cambridge Road Melbourn 

Royston, Herts SG8 6EE 


+44 1763 262626; +44 1763 261964 fax 

www.ttplabtech.com 

Miniaturisation of Screening Assays Using a Mosquito Low Volume Pipettor 

The user is expected to leave the workshop with an understanding of the benefits of assay miniaturisation, the issues facing the automation 

of low volume assays, and what kind of solutions the mosquito nanolitre pipettor provides for these. The workshop looks in detail at methods 

for improving plate preparation for screeners, including assay ready plate preparation, ultra-low volume serial dilutions, and hit picking for 

secondary stage screening. We also cover integration into current screening setups and across multiple plate formats. 

209

Notes 


210


Exhibition LabAutomation2006 

Location: Convention Center, Oasis 1-4 

Exhibition Days & Hours 

Sunday, January 22 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm 

Monday, January 23 10:00 am - 6:30 pm 

Tuesday, January 24 10:00 am - 6:30 pm 

Your laboratory automation continuing education depends not only on the information you 

gain in sessions, but also through the experiences you gain walking the expo floor. 

LabAutomation2006 features the world’s largest laboratory technology exhibition with 

more than 300 of today’s product and services providers, scientific equipment manufacturers 

and more. The LabAutomation2006 exhibition showcases the latest advances in the 

pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical, agricultural and food, forensic and security, and 

energy services. 

ALA_office@labautomation.org 

labautomation.org 

SPACE RESERVATIONS! 

To purchase exhibition space for LabAutomation2007 

Short Courses: January 27-28, 2007 

Conference: January 28-31, 2007 

Exhibition: January 28-30, 2007 

Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, California 

Secure Premium LabAutomation2007 Booth Space Today! 

Exhibitors: Take an Integrated Approach to Marketing at LabAutomation2007 

With a global membership of academicians, scientists, engineers, 

business leaders and post-doctoral and graduate students, 

LabAutomation2007 is “the” event for the introduction and demonstration 

of laboratory technologies and automation. When you partner with ALA, 

you’ll discover a comprehensive marketing platform through 

LabAutomation2007 to help your company. 

Contact: 

Linda Griffin, ALA Integrated Marketing Specialist at +1.312.588.0996 

211


New Product Launches to 

Debut at LabAutomation2006 

ASI/Applied Scientific Instrumentation (Booth 571) 

Ultra Precise Piezo-Z Focusing XYZ Stage with FlatTrak ® 

Technology 

The PZ-2000 XYZ stage has been designed to provide a high 

resolution, and highly repeatable, means of X, Y, and Z positioning. 

The Z-axis is positioned via a piezo element with nanometer 

resolution and accuracy. The system can utilizes ASI’s FlatTrak ® 

technology for maintaining focus while scanning well plates. 

ARTEL (Booth 204) 

Introduces Performance Verification System for 384 

Channel Liquid Handlers 

ARTEL announces the new generation MVSTM Multichannel 

Verification System for performance management of 384-channel 

liquid handlers. The new MVS can also verify liquid handler 

performance using non-aqueous solutions. The MVS provides 

the easiest, most cost-effective, accurate and precise method 

for optimizing protocols, standardizing results across laboratories, 

and ensuring data integrity. 

Contact ARTEL at http://www.artel-usa.com/resources/more/ 

moredes.htm#Videos to view a product demonstration. 

Apricot Designs (Booth 226) 

Launches Three New Products 

Personal Pipettor M6 Series 

New automated 6-station multichannel pipettors. 

TPS-H Series 

New automated multichannel pipetting platform with integrated 

enclosure for operator protection or contents protection. 

Personal Pipettor M6S 

New syringe-based multichannel pipettor for low-volume pipetting. 

AutoDose SA (Booth 214) 

Introduces a New Workstation, TRUE-FLEX 2 

Powder Dispensing Automation Systems 

AutoDose introduces: New workstation, TRUE-FLEX 2, provides 

an open access architecture (powder dispensing) coupled with 

optional functions such as liquid handling, capping/decapping, 

inerting, crimping. POWDERNIUM MICRO is a new powder 

dispensing technology, designed for smallest starting API-amount 

(10mg.) allowing for submg dispenses. Capsules, vials, bottles, 

microplates. 

212 

Beckman Coulter, Inc. (Booth 327) 

Automate Microarray Target Preparation With Confidence 

Coulter launches its latest solution for microarray target 

preparation at LabAutomation2006. The ArrayPLEX application 

on the Biomek ® 3000 provides robust Affymetrix GeneChip 

preparation, offering streamlined workflow and superior 

Agencourt ® mag bead purification technology on a small- 

footprint, flexible system with proven field performance. 

Bio/Data Corporation (Booth 174) 

Introduces IMIXX ® , Vertical Stirring Systems 

IMIXX ® , our new Vertical Stirring Systems, mix samples rapidly 

at very low speeds and shear. Vertical Stirring moves the stir 

bar randomly through the fluid using multiple magnetic fields. 

Speed and temperature (up to 80°C) are precisely controlled. 

These systems stir conical vials along with any other shape 

and size (0.2mL to 1 Liter) containers. 

Bishop-Wisecarver (Booth 559) 

Announces Three New Products 

New Integrated DualVee ® Wheel Technology 

From Bishop-Wisecarver 

Bishop-Wisecarver announces Integral studs and bushings that 

eliminate tolerance stack-up and improve durability and stability. 

Wheels with Integral bushings and studded shafts provide higher 

load capabilities and reduce installation time. Offered in 52100 

carbon bearing steel and 440C stainless steel, shielded or 

sealed; studded wheels available in sizes 0 - 4; bushed wheels 

available in sizes 2 - 4. Multiple components consolidated into 

one part number allows for simple procurement. 

New Miniature Slide System With High Load Capabilities 

Introducing the MinVee linear slide system built on 

Bishop-Wisecarver’s tried and true DualVee ® Guide Wheel 

Technology. MinVee is a low profile, slide system consisting 

of a 4-wheel carriage riding a 1⁄2 inch double-edge hardened 

steel track. The 2” x2” carriage plate features integral bushing and 

stud shaft wheels, available in steel or polymer. Load capacities 

of 12 to 110 lbs. and speeds up to 5 m/sec make this low 

profile system ideal for laboratory, medical, semi-conductor and 

packaging applications. 

UtiliTrak ® Linear Motion Guides With Polymer Wheels 

Bishop-Wisecarver announces the PW UtiliTrak ® with signature 

DualVee Motion Technology ® guide wheels. This smooth, low cost, 

corrosion resistant linear guidance solution features a pre-assembled 

carriage with studded polymer wheels and predrilled track, loads 

up to 118 N, speeds up to 1 m/s, and acceleration up to 3 g’s. 

UtiliTrak ® is ideal for lab, medical and packaging industries where 

load capacity, stiffness and positional accuracy are less demanding.

Cambridge Applied Systems (Booth 165) 


Unveils VISCObot Robotic Viscometer at LabAutomation2006 

The VISCObot is a robotic measurement system that allows fully 

attended viscosity analysis using very small sample sizes of less than 

6ml. Operation is self-regulated based on the actual conditions of the 

fluid being tested and the overall constraints defined by the lab. The 

VISCOpro can measure from virtually any sample via its 

automated sampler and deliver results in whatever format is 

desired, saving 

Douglas Scientific (Booth 579) 

Introduces the Genotape High Throughput 

Screening Instrument 

Douglas Scientific introduces the Genotape TM array tape based 

high-throughput screening instrument. Standard SBS format 96, 

384 or 1536 well arrays embossed onto a continuous, sprocketdriven 

polypropylene tape material replace individual microplates. 

Miniaturized well sizes plus savings on consumables result in overall 

screening cost savings of up to 90 percent. 

Dynex Technologies, a Magellan Biosciences 

Company (Booth 175) 

New Product: DS2 walk-away ELISA workstation 

Step up to automation with Dynex Technologies’ DS2 walk-away 

ELISA workstation for clinical diagnostics and other demanding 

applications. A flexible open system designed for the needs of 

lower-throughput labs, the DS2, with intuitive instrument control 

and built-in QC and security features, is reliable, cost-effective, 

and easy to use and maintain. 

EDC Biosystems (Booth 665) 

Introduces the HTS-03 

The HTS-03 is our third product utilizing the Company’s patented 

True Non-contact Technology TM for Acoustic Dispensing of compounds 

and reagents. The HTS-03 precisely transfers 1-500 nL from 384 and 

1536 well plates to a wide array of targets and can perform everything 

from primary screening and assay development to cherry picking 

and IC50’s. 

213 

Eppendorf North America (Booth 181) 

Advancing Real-time PCR: 

Eppendorf Mastercycler ® ep realplex and epMotion 5070 

Eppendorf introduces the realplex*, a licensed real-time PCR system 

which combines Eppendorf optical systems and Mastercycler** ep 

gradient thermocyclers with intuitive software. The partnership of 

realplex with epMotion automation for reaction preparation offers 

substantial advantages towards high reproducibility of sensitive 

qPCR samples. 

*Practice of the patented polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process requires a license. The Eppendorf 

Thermal Cycler is an Authorized Thermal Cycler and may be used with PCR licenses available from 

Applied Biosystems. Its use with Authorized Reagents also provides a limited PCR license in accordance 

with the label rights accompanying such reagents. This is a Licensed Real-Time Thermal Cycler under 

Applera’s United States Patent No. 6,814,934 and corresponding claims in non-U.S. counterparts 

thereof, for use in research and for all other applied fields except human in vitro diagnostics. No right 

is conveyed expressly, by implication or by estoppel under any other patent claim.**Practice of the 

patented polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process requires a license. The Eppendorf® Thermal 

Cycler is an Authorized Thermal Cycler and may be used with PCR licenses available from Applied 

Biosystems. Its use with Authorized Reagents also provides a limited PCR license in accordance with 

the label rights accompanying such reagents. 

Eppendorf® and Mastercycler® are registered trademarks of Eppendorf AG. 

Ivek Corporation (Booth 127) 

Launches Two New Products 

AutoPipettor 

IVEK’s AutoPipettor operates by the same principle as a hand- 

held pipette, but offers enhanced liquid aspirating, dispensing and 

aliquoting performance due to a close-fitting ceramic-on-ceramic 

piston and cylinder set. The piston is coupled to and driven by a 

stepper motor linear actuator that creates tightly controlled piston 

motion, yielding outstanding accuracy, precision and reliability. 

Displacement Pump 

IVEK’s growing line of Displacement Pumps accommodates fluid 

volumes ranging from sub-microliter through 5mL. Various actuator 

sizes (NEMA 8, 11, 14, 17), lead screw pitches, ceramic piston 

sizes, valve options, sensors, encoders and port configurations 

are available to allow customization for numerous fluidic protocols. 

Optional wash ports are available to handle aggressive fluids. 

Ceramic-on-ceramic piston and guide bearings provide significantly 

enhanced seal life.


New Product Launches to 

Debut at LabAutomation2006 (continued) 

Labcyte Inc. (Booth 477) 

Introductions Four New Products 

New Echo 555 Liquid Handler with Greater Throughput 

The new Echo 555 liquid handler dramatically increases throughput 

while maintaining high precision and high accuracy. The unique 

acoustic droplet ejection technology in the Echo 555 eliminates 

pipette tips, tip washes and intermediate dilutions with savings of 

$400,000 or more per year when fully utilized. Traditional intermediate 

dilutions can produce false negatives when measuring the activity of 

compounds. The Echo 555 can boost the number of true hits while 

reducing the amount of DMSO in your final assays. 

New MicroClime Environmental Lids 

Reduce or eliminate edge effects in your multi-well plates with the 

new MicroClime lids. Each of these lids safely carries a reservoir 

of unspillable liquid. As the liquid slowly volatilizes it forms a vapor 

barrier to slow down evaporation and to reduce the hydration of 

hygroscopic liquids including DMSO. Don’t abandon the edges of 

your plates because of poor results. These lids are an unbeatable 

option when handling unsealed plates. 

New Echo Qualified Low Dead Volume 384-Well Microplates 

Labcyte introduces a new 384-well plate that is compatible with 

acoustic droplet ejection and the Echo liquid handlers. This new 

plate reduces the minimum volume required for acoustic liquid 

handling providing up to 3400 ejections from a single well. The 

microplate and its unique diamond pattern of the wells meet all 

SBS standards. 

Labcyte/Corning Echo Qualified COC 1536-Well Microplates 

Labcyte and Corning have combined their technological know-how 

to make a new 1536-well microplate that can be used as a source 

plate on the Echo 550 and Echo 555 liquid handlers. The working 

range of 3 to 10 mL is appropriate for many screening applications. 

The inert COC (cyclic olefin copolymer) polymer looks like polystyrene 

but is similar to polypropylene in its stability. 

LabVantage Solutions Inc. (Booth 661) 

Announces the Availability of the Sapphire BioBanking Solution 

LabVantage Solutions Inc., a leading provider of browser-based 

laboratory information management solutions tailored for the life 

sciences industry, announces the availability of the Sapphire 

BioBanking Solution. Built in conjunction with the original developers 

of the widely-recognized Spectrum repository management tool, 

the solution offers a complete, out-of-the-box sample management 

and tracking system for biological specimens. 

214 

LiCONiC US, Inc. (Booth 330) 

Introducing The Store-X Complete 

The first Automated Incubator to address all environmental and 

serviceability issues in one unit. This unit has adjustable temperature 

settings from 4-70°c, Adjustable Relative Humidity Ranges ~12-97%, 

and Tri-gassing options. The unit offers self decontamination feature 

as well. You will never need to remove the unit from its work-station 

to run diagnoses or repairs. 

Nalge Nunc International (Booth 418) 

NNI Announces Shallow Well, Standard Height 384 & 

1536 Polystyrene 

Plates, available clear for colorimetric and cell assays, black for 

fluorescence or white for luminescence. The plates feature optimal 

handling and barcoding, untreated or cell-culture treated. Working 

volume is 2-22µL for 384 well and 2-10µL for the 1536. 

Omni International (Booth 680) 

Launches Three New Products 

See the Omni Veribot HT Homogenizer 

at LabAutomation2006 

Operation with disposable Omni Tip probes eliminates cross 

contamination and cleaning. The unique Veribot is a compact and 

versatile liquid handler that fits in safety hoods or on any lab bench. 

The new Dispomix ® System is designed to homogenize, mix, and 

extract samples in disposable containers to eliminate the hassles 

of cleaning and cross contamination. Control the speed, time, and 

power of processing with Dispomix ® Profile Editor. 

The new Omni Prep High Throughput Homogenizing 

System is designed to homogenize up to 250 samples per hour. 

Operation with disposable Omni Tip probes eliminates cross 

contamination and cleaning. 

SCHOTT Nexterion (Booth 264) 

Nexterion MTP-96 microarray plate: A unique modular design of 

the SBS format MTP-96 well-plate, which allows printing with all 

commercially available microplate arrayers. 

Nexterion HiSens reflective microarray slide: Sophisticated optical 

layer boosts fluorescent signals by 8 times. Industry standard 

DNA/protein attachment chemistry, produces superior results 

with no protocol modifications.

Scientific Specialties Inc (Booth 260) 

Launches Two New Products 


IsoFreezeTM PCR SBS 

The latest IsoFreeze rack is suitable for all PCR strips, tubes and 96 

well plates. The gel-filled chiller stays cold for up to three hours and 

is manufactured using thermochromatic polypropylene, thus giving 

a visual indicator of temperature. 

384 Racked Tips 

The latest addition to the line is the 384 position FX-style racked 

“30µL” tip. Following the established Automation Assured QC 

protocol, this tip delivers outstanding precision and accuracy. 

SciGene (Booth 202) 

BriteSpot: A New Robotic System for Processing 

Microarrays in an Ozone-Safe Environment 

The BriteSpot Microarray Workstation uses process control and 

robotics to reduce the human, physical, and environmental variables 

that negatively effect microarray data. The workstation is composed 

of three modules that work together to reliably perform incubation, 

washing and drying of microarrays in an ozone-safe environment. 

Features of this unique system are presented at this workshop 

along with results of various system benchmark and process 

optimization studies. 

Sepiatec GmbH (Booth 233) 

The Sepmatix System is Further Enhanced by 

The New CCS Wizard 

The Sepmatix System for 8-fold parallel chiral column screening 

is further enhanced by the new CCS Wizard, displaying 80 

chromatograms at a glance, allowing quick identification and 

documentation of the optimal separation conditions for enantiomers, 

and the new Sepmatix 8 x Column Oven for individual temperature 

control of each column. 

215 

Sias AG (Booth 245) 

Introduces Xantus Junior (XantusJr) 

The new Xantus Junior (XantusJr) robotic sample processor is 

designed for maximum capacity and throughput in a small 

footprint, at a cost-effective price. Based on the proven core 

technology of the Xantus, XantusJr accommodates up to 12 

microplates and can be equipped with 1-4 pipetting channels. 

XantusJr shares many advanced features with the Sias Xantus 

platform, and is now available for OEM customization. 

The Automation Partnership Inc. (Booth 443/200) 

Announces CompacT SelecT 

CompacT SelecT is a new automated cell culture and assay-ready 

plating system from The Automation Partnership. It’s designed 

to meet the needs of medium throughput laboratories. It has the 

capabilities of the established SelecT system but with a lower 

throughput, lower capacity and smaller footprint. 

V&P Scientific (Booth 227) 

V&P Scientific Pin Tool Robot 

The VP 903B Pin Tool Robot is our third generation robot with 

electrical, fluid and/or vacuum connections available to all 16 

deck positions. This inexpensive robot is remarkable for its ease 

of programming and flexibility. Compatible with 429 different 

V&P Pin Tools covering the delivery range of 2 nanoliters to 

25 microliters.

LabAutomation2006 Exhibitor List (as of December 22, 2005) 

4titude Booth 151 Page 219 

AB Controls, Inc. Booth 140 Page 219 

ABgene, Inc. Booth 253 Page 219 

Adhesives Research, Inc. Booth 509 Page 219 

Advalytix AG Booth 652 Page 219 

Akubio Booth 133 Page 219 

Allmotion Booth 663 Page 220 

American Pharmaceutical Review Booth 159 Page 220 

Analytical Instrument GmbH Booth 211 Page 220 

Applied Fluidics LLC Booth 213 Page 220 

Applied Mechatronics Booth 240 Page 220 

Applied Precision LLC Booth 201 Page 220 

Applied Robotics, Inc. Booth 483 Page 221 

Applied Scientific Instrumentation Booth 571 Page 221 

Apricot Designs, Inc. Booth 137 Page 221 

Arcus Technology, Inc. Booth 631 Page 221 

Art Robbins Instruments Booth 349 Page 221 

ARTEL Booth 204 Page 221 

ASDI Booth 254 Page 223 

Astech Projects Ltd. Booth 105 Page 223 

Asymtek, A Nordson Company Booth 639 Page 223 

ATI Industrial Automation Booth 606 Page 223 

Atlantic Lab Equipment LLC Booth 513 Page 223 

Aurora Biomed Booth 100 Page 223 

Aurora Discovery, Inc. Booth 220 Page 224 

AutoDose Booth 214 Page 224 

Avantium Technologies BV Booth 262 Page 224 

Avegene Life Science Booth 235 Page 224 

Axygen Scientific, Inc. Booth 272 Page 224 

Bal Seal Engineering Co. Booth 600 Page 224 

Barnstead Genevac Booth 644 Page 225 

Barnstead International Booth 359 Page 225 

BC Tech Booth 590 Page N/A 

Beckman Coulter, Inc. Booth 327 Page 225 

Berthold Technologies GmbH Booth 216 Page 225 

Bio-Chem Valve and Omnifit Booth 622 Page 225 

Biocompare Booth 150 Page 225 

Bio/Data Corporation Booth 174 Page 226 

Biodirect Inc. Booth 634 Page 226 

BioDot, Inc. Booth 207 Page 226 

BioFluidix GmbH Booth 146 Page 226 

Biohit Booth 653 Page 226 

BioMedTech Laboratories Booth 461 Page 226 

BioMicrolab Booth 256 Page 227 

Biosample, Inc. Booth 511 Page 227 

Biosero Booth 139 Page 227 

BioTek Instruments, Inc. Booth 457 Page 227 

BioTX Automation Booth 277 Page 227 

Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation Booth 559 Page 227 

Black Dog Technical Services Booth 231 Page 229 

Blueshift Biotechnologies Booth 519 Page 229 

BMG LabTechnologies Inc. Booth 173 Page 229 

Bosch Rexroth Corporation Booth 336 Page 229 

Brady Corporation Booth 123 Page 229 

Brandtech Scientific, Inc. Booth 582 Page 229 

Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. Booth 405 Page 230 

Cambridge Applied Systems Booth 165 Page 230 

Cambridge Health Tech Institute Booth 144 Page 230 

Cell Press/Elsevier Booth 161 Page 230 

Cerionx, Inc. Booth 115 Page 230 

ChemImage Booth 491 Page N/A 

Chemspeed Technologies Booth 577 Page 230 


216 

Computype, Inc. Booth 416 Page 232 

Corbett Robotics, Inc. Booth 361 Page 232 

Corning Incorporated Booth 304 Page 232 

Covaris Booth 633 Page 232 

CyBio AG Booth 505 Page 232 

Datalogic, Inc. Booth 573 Page 232 

deCODE biostructures Booth 372 Page 234 

Deerac Fluidics Booth 317 Page 234 

Del-Tron Precision Inc. Booth 551 Page 234 

Dimatix, Inc Booth 487 Page N/A 

Dionex Booth 236 Page 234 

Douglas Scientific Booth 579 Page 234 

Drug Discovery News Booth 131 Page 234 

Drug Discovery World Booth 132 Page 236 

DYNEX Booth 175 Page 236 

E&K Scientific Products Booth 149 Page 236 

EDC Biosystems Booth 665 Page 236 

Eksigent Technologies Booth 473 Page 236 

ELMO Motion Control, Inc. Booth 237 Page 236 

Elsevier MDL Booth 538 Page 238 

Emerald BioSystems Booth 370 Page 238 

Entevis Inc. Booth 208 Page 238 

Eppendorf North America Booth 181 Page 238 

EPSON Robots Booth 604 Page 238 

ESI Group Booth 163 Page 238 

Essen Instruments, Inc. Booth 271 Page 240 

Evergreen Scientific Booth 501 Page 240 

Evotec Technologies Booth 333 Page 240 

Excel Scientific, Inc. Booth 615 Page 240 

Fiberlite Centrifuge Inc. Booth 682 Page 240 

Flow Sciences, Inc. Booth 376 Page 240 

Genedata Booth 167 Page 241 

Genmark Automation Booth 135 Page 241 

Genomic Solutions Booth 614 Page 241 

Gilson, Inc. Booth 458 Page 241 

Green Mountain Logic Booth 338 Page 241 

Greiner Bio-One, Inc. Booth 281 Page 241 

Hamilton Company Booth 134 

& 427 Page 243 

Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc. Booth 553 Page 243 

Hettich Centrifuges Booth 205 Page 243 

High Resolution Engineering, Inc. Booth 610 Page 243 

Hiwin Corporation Booth 660 Page 243 

Hudson Control Group, Inc. Booth 326 Page 243 

IDBS Booth 228 Page 245 

IKO International, Inc. Booth 351 Page 245 

ILS Innovative Labor Systeme GmbH Booth 234 Page 245 

Innovadyne Technologies, Inc. Booth 676 Page 245 

InnovaSystems, Inc. Booth 110 Page 245 

Innovative Microplate Booth 221 Page 245 

Institut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz Gmbh Booth 580 Page 246 

Intelligent Motion Systems, Inc. Booth 517 Page 246 

Invetech Instrument Development Booth 308 Page 246 

ISC BioExpress Booth 648 Page 246 

Isensix Inc. Booth 113 Page 246 

IVD Technology Booth 138 Page 246 

Ivek Corporation Booth 127 Page 247 

JUN-AIR USA, Inc. Booth 574 Page 247 

KBiosciences Booth 633 Page 247 

KBiosystems Booth 633 Page 247 

Kloehn Co. Ltd. Booth 617 Page 247 

KMC Systems, Inc. Booth 212 Page 248 

Lab Services B.V. Booth 157 Page 248 

Labcon North America Booth 156 Page 248

Labcyte Inc. Booth 477 Page 248 

LabVantage Solutions, Inc. Booth 661 Page 248 

Lathrop Engineering, Inc. Booth 334 Page 248 

LCGC Booth 608 Page 249 

LEAP Technologies Booth 158 Page 249 

Leister Technologies, LLC Booth 255 Page 249 

LemnaTec Booth 575 Page 249 

LiCONiC US Inc. Booth 330 Page 249 

Lin Engineering Booth 618 Page 249 

Lorring & Associates Booth 557 Page 250 

Magellan BioSciences, Inc. Booth 175 Page 250 

Magstar Technologies, Inc. Booth 109 Page 250 

MatriCal Booth 570 Page 250 

Matrix Technologies Booth 354 Page 250 

Maxon Precision Motors Booth 143 Page 250 

MeCour Temperature Control Booth 238 Page 252 

Micronic North America Booth 561 Page 252 

Microscan Systems, Inc. Booth 448 Page 252 

Microstein Booth 155 Page 252 

Miele Booth 128 Page 252 

MM Laboratory Systems Booth 549 Page 252 

Molecular BioProducts Booth 420 Page 254 

Molecular Devices Corporation Booth 541 Page 254 

Motion Components Booth 618 Page 254 

Nalge Nunc International Booth 418 Page 254 

NanoScreen, LLC Booth 239 Page 254 

Nanostream Booth 251 Page 254 

nAscent BioSciences, Inc. Booth 545 Page 256 

Networked Robotics Booth 111 Page 256 

New England Small Tube Corporation Booth 249 Page 256 

Nexus Biosystems Booth 171 Page 256 

Nippon Pulse America, Inc. Booth 241 Page 256 

Norgren Systems Booth 619 Page 256 

NSK Precision America, Inc. Booth 558 Page 258 

Omni International, Inc. Booth 680 Page 258 

Opticon Inc. Booth 101 Page 258 

Oriental Motor USA Corp. Booth 439 Page 258 

Pall Life Sciences Booth 226 Page 258 

Parker Hannifin Corporation Booth 565 Page 261 

Partek Incorporated Booth 273 Page 261 

PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences Booth 339 Page 261 

Phenix Research Products Booth 218 Page 261 

Pierce Biotechnology, Inc. Booth 583 Page 261 

Plastic Design Corporation Booth 357 Page 263 

Popper & Sons, Inc. Booth 432 Page 263 

Porvair Sciences Ltd. Booth 674 Page 263 

Precise Automation, LLC Booth 116 Page 263 

Pressure Biosciences, Inc. Booth 452 Page 263 

Pro-Dex/Oregon Micro Systems Booth 119 Page 263 

ProGroup Instrument Corporation Booth 312 Page 264 

Promega Corporation Booth 217 Page 264 

Protedyne Corporation Booth 527 Page 264 

Qiagen, Inc. Booth 576 Page 264 

Reed Life Science Group Booth 107 Page 264 

REMP AG Booth 549 Page 265 

Reptron Outsource Manufacturing & Design Booth 318 Page 265 

ReTiSoft, Inc. Booth 515 Page 265 

Rheodyne LLC Booth 257 Page 265 

Rixan Associates/Mitsubishi Robotics Booth 320 Page 265 

Robots and Design Co., Ltd. Booth 670 Page 267 

Roche Applied Science Booth 166 Page 267 

Roche Instrument Center Ltd. Booth 651 Page 267 

RTS Life Science Booth 465 Page 267 

SAGE Publications Booth 352 Page 267 


217 

Sapphire Engineering Booth 261 Page 267 

Schaeffler Group Industrial Booth 300 Page 269 

SCHOTT Nexterion Booth 264 Page 269 

SCIENCE/AAAS Booth 148 Page 269 

SCIENION AG Booth 209 Page 269 

Scientific Specialties, Inc. Booth 260 Page 269 

SciGene Booth 202 Page 269 

Seahorse Bioscience Booth 106 Page 270 

SelectScience Ltd Booth 114 Page 270 

Sepiatec GmbH Booth 233 Page 270 

Seyonic SA Booth 535 Page 271 

Sias Booth 245 Page 271 

Sigma-Aldrich Booth 456 Page 271 

Silex Microsystems Booth 654 Page 271 

Silicon Valley Scientific, Inc. Booth 215 Page 271 

SKF USA Inc. Booth 152 Page 271 

SMC Corporation of America Booth 129 Page 272 

Spark Holland B.V. Booth 176 Page 272 

Specialty Motion Booth 112 Page 272 

SPECS Booth 154 Page 272 

SpinX Technologies Booth 656 Page 272 

SSI Robotics Booth 314 Page 274 

STARLIMS Corporation Booth 172 Page 274 

Staubli Corporation-Robotics Division Booth 302 Page 274 

Steinmeyer, Inc. Booth 210 Page 274 

STRATEC Biomedical Systems AG Booth 641 Page 274 

Tecan Booth 305 Page 275 

Technical Manufacturing Corporation Booth 503 Page 275 

Technology Networks Ltd. Booth 121 Page 275 

Tekcel Booth 175 Page 275 

Tensor Automation, Inc. Booth 588 Page N/A 

Teranode Corporation Booth 252 Page 275 

The Automation Partnership Booth 200 

& 443 Page 276 

The Lee Company Booth 244 Page 276 

The Precision Alliance Booth 586 Page N/A 

Thermo Electron Booth 415 Page 276 

THK America Inc. Booth 321 Page 276 

Titertek Instruments Booth 471 Page 276 

Titian Software Booth 556 Page 276 

TOMTEC Booth 521 Page 277 

Torcon Instruments, Inc. Booth 275 Page 277 

Tricontinent Booth 266 Page 277 

TTP LabTech Booth 340 Page 277 

UltraSource, Inc. Booth 130 Page 277 

Upchurch Scientific / Scivex Booth 259 Page 278 

USA Scientific, Inc. Booth 450 Page 278 

V&P Scientific Booth 227 Page 278 

Velocity11 Booth 449 Page 278 

VICI Valco Instruments Co. Inc. Booth 542 Page 278 

Vitra Bioscience Booth 374 Page 278 

Waters Corporation Booth 153 Page 279 

Watson-Marlow Bredel Pumps Booth 537 Page 279 

Whatman Booth 434 Page 279 

White Carbon Booth 270 Page 279 

Xiril Booth 248 Page 279 

Yamaha Robotics Booth 540 Page 280 

Zinsser Analytic Booth 230 Page 280

LabAutomation2006 Exhibit Hall January 22-24, 2006 

Oasis 1-4, Palm Springs Convention Center

4titude Ltd. 

Unit 4bc 

Jayes Park Courtyard 

Ockley, Surrey United Kingdom 

RH5 5RR 

+44 (0) 1306 621 111; +44 (0) 1306 621 162 fax 

thomasl@4ti.co.uk 

www.4ti.co.uk 

AB Controls 

192 Technology Drive, Suite J 

Irvine, California 92618 

+1.949 341 0977; +1.941.341.0988 fax 

mnariman@abcontrols.com 

www.abcontrols.com 

ABgene, Inc. 

565 Blossom Road 

Rochester, New York 14610 

800.445.2812; +1.585.654.4800 fax 

sales@us-abgene.com 

www.abgene.com 

Adhesives Research, Inc. 

400 Seaks Run Road 

Glen Rock, Pennsylvania 17327 

800.445.6240; +1.717.235.8320 fax 

bday@arglobal.com 

www.adhesivesresearch.com 

Advalytix AG 

Eugen Sanger - Ring 4 

Brunnthal D-85649 

Germany 

+49 (89) 628366-0 

feist@advalytix.de 

www.advalytix.de 

Akubio 

181 Cambridge Science Park 

Cambridge, Cambs CB4 0GJ 


+44(0)1223 225347; +44(0)1223 225336 fax 

info@akubio.com 

www.akubio.com 


Booth 151 (10x10) 

4titude Ltd. specializes in the design, manufacture and marketing of high throughput consumables and 

bench top instrumentation suitable for integration into automated processes. In addition we offer custom 

design tool making and contract injection moulding services. Current fields of activity include compound 

storage, assay screening and surface treatments. ISO certified manufacturing and the associated 

management and monitoring processes guarantee the quality procedures to meet the high technical 

requirements of all customers in our industry. The 4titude management team has a proven track record 

in product development, manufacturing, sales and marketing. With a focus on quality, innovation and 

flexibility we are committed to meet the highest customer expectations at all times. 

Booth 140 (10x10) 

AB Controls’ focus is the design and implementation of automated delivery systems with emphasis on 

smart software to create a seamless environment for integration of liquid handling instruments, readers, 

titrators, sealers, etc. Our standard products are iX for plate delivery and Trx for nested tip delivery, and 

we can build custom machines for specific laboratory tasks. 

Booth 253 (10x10) 

ABgene ® develops, manufactures and distributes a comprehensive range of molecular biology reagents, 

plastic consumables and specialist instrumentation for designed to be complete solutions for PCR 

and Biostorage. This range of products distinguishes us from our competitors and has enabled us to 

develop an unrivalled family of innovative products and technologies to facilitate research. 

Booth 509 (10x10) 

Adhesives Research designs and manufacturers custom high-performance, pressure-sensitive adhesive 

tapes and coated film products for the healthcare industry. AR tape systems meet defined design 

criteria for microfluidic devices and microplate sealing tapes. Specific technologies including low 

fluorescence systems, conductive adhesives, structural systems, adhesives that withstand rapid thermal 

cycling processes, and systems that exhibit hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface characteristics. Four 

separate cGMP manufacturing facilities (Glen Rock, PA and Limerick, Ireland) are dedicated to adhesive 

formulating, coating, laminating, slitting and finishing. 

Booth 652 (10x10) 

Advalytix AG’s surface acoustic wave MTP mixer is the fastest, most effective mixing solution available 

for 96-well MTPs. It is contamination-free, non-contact, totally silent, and has no moving parts. 

Applications include re-suspending reagents and cell assays. Our surface structured AmpliGrid slides 

allow robot-compatible micro-liter PCR with unparalleled sensitivity and robustness at significant 

reagent savings. 

Booth 133 (10x10) 

Akubio is creating a new standard for real time, label-free analysis of molecular binding interactions. 

Akubio’s robust proprietary acoustic technology, derived from work spun out of Cambridge University 

in 2001 is transforming label-free analysis techniques in the Life Science Research and Drug 

Discovery markets. 

219

Allmotion Inc. 

5501 Del Oro Ct. 

San Jose, California 95124 

www.allmotion.com 

American Pharmaceutical Review 

9200 Keystone Crossing, Suite 475 


+1.317.816.8787; +1.317.816.8789 fax 

sv@russpub.com 

www.americanpharmaceuticalreview.com 

Analytical Instrument GmbH 

Friedrich-Barnewitz-Strasse 4 

Rostock 18119 Germany 

+1.381.54345.570; +1.381.54345.571 fax 

norbert.stoll@aigis.de 

www.aigis.de 

Applied Fluidics LLC 

138 Gray Ct. 

Santa Rosa, California 95404 

+1.707.367.3812 

info@appliedfluidics.com 

www.appliedfluidics.com 

Applied Mechatronics 

3053 Bowling Green Drive 

Walnut Creek, California 94598 

+1.925.280.0472; +1.925.280.0572 fax 

joe@appliedmechatronics.com 

www.appliedmechatronics.com 

Applied Precision LLC 

1040 12th Avenue NW 

Issaquah, Washington 98027 

+1.425.557.1000; +1.425.557.1055 fax 

www.appliedprecision.com 


Booth 663 (10x10) 

AllMotion Inc. develops and manufactures miniature high-performance stepper and servo drives for 

the medical, scientific, optical and general automation markets. Its mission is to create superior, ultracompact 

motion control solutions that reduce costs and readily integrate into OEM instrumentation 

designs across a wide range of industries. The AllMotion EZSV10 Servo measures just 0.95” x 1.4” x 0.6” 

(24mm x 35mm x 15.24mm) - smaller than a standard quadrature encoder. The fully intelligent Driver 

+ Controller accepts high-level commands from a RS232/USB port to control motors at 1.5 Amp 

continuous, from 12V-40V. A single 4-wire bus (2 power, 2 communications) can daisychain up to 

16 DC motors simultaneously. Programming the EZSV10 is intuitive; first-time users can make their 

servo motor move intelligently in usually less than half an hour. 

220 

Media Partner 

Booth 159 (10x10) 

American Pharmaceutical Review is the leading review of business and technology for the 

pharmaceutical industry throughout North America. Each issue offers our 30,000 readers unbiased 

editorial on the following topics: drug delivery, information technology, research & development, 

analytical development and control, equipment and facility manufacturing, and regulatory affairs. 

With its cross border perspective, American Pharmaceutical Review is able to keep its readership 

of senior executives, technical personnel, scientists, and others fully abreast of the latest trends and 

developments in the process of pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

Booth 211 (10x10) 

Founded in 1997 and with headquarters in Rostock (Germany) the Analytical Instrument GmbH (AIG) 

dedicated itself to the research and development of fully automated laboratory systems. Today the 

AIG provides suitable and customer specific solutions for high-pressure applications in synthesis 

optimization, process development and system integration. The AIGmbH is partner of the Center for 

Life Science Automation - Rostock. 

Booth 213 (10x10) 

Applied Fluidics LLC is dedicated to bringing affordable sub-microliter liquid dispensing solutions 

to Scientists and Engineers. Our sub-microliter capable MiniQuot Bulk Reagent Dispenser can help 

transition researchers into high-density, low-volume assays for a price-to-performance ratio better 

than any existing low-volume solution, while also maintaining backward compatibility with current plate 

formats and assay volumes. 

Booth 240 (10x20) 

Applied Mechatronics is a manufacturers’ representative firm. We offer technical sales and application 

assistance for the products we represent, including: Agile Systems integrated drive controllers; 

Renishaw high-resolution linear encoders; and Nutec linear and rotary precision stages. Please 

visit us with your application. 

Booth 201 (10x10) 

Applied Precision is a leading manufacturer in high-precision, high-resolution imaging products 

including the DeltaVision ® RT Image Restoration System for live-cell microscopy imaging, the 

arrayWoRx ® family of multi-format imagers and microarray biochip readers, and the cellWoRx TM 

High-Content Screening System. cellWoRx, based on Applied Precision’s proprietary imaging platform, 

is a four-color (UV to near-IR) screening system with fast image acquistion, integrated autofocus and 

robot-ready design and is compatible with SBS standard 96-, 384- and 1536-well formats.

Applied Robotics, Inc. 

648 Saratoga Road 

Glenville, New York 12302 

+1.518.384.1000; +1.518.384.1200 fax 

info@arobotics.com 

www.arobotics.com 

Applied Scientific Instrumentation 

29391 West Enid Road 

Eugene, Oregon 97402 

+1. 541.461.8181; +1.541.461.4018 fax 

info@asiimaging.com 

Apricot Designs, Inc. 

825 S. Primrose Avenue, Unit I 

Monrovia, California 91016 

+1.626.256.6088; +1.626.256.6060 fax 

wyiu@apricotdesigns.com 

www.apricotdesigns.com 

Arcus Technology, Inc. 

4160-G Technology Drive 

Fremont, California 94538 

+1.510.405.2073 

chris.chang@arcus-technology.com 

www.arcus-technology.com 

Art Robbins Instruments 

1293 Mountain View Alviso Road, Suite D 


+1.408.734.8400; +1.408.734.8420 fax 

info@artrobbins.us 

www.artrobbins.us 

ARTEL 

25 Bradley Drive 

Westbrook, Maine 04092 

+1.207.854.0860; +1.207.854.0867 fax 

bdanis@artel-usa.com 

www.artel-usa.com 


Booth 483 (10x10) 

Applied Robotics, a global end-of-arm tooling supplier, offers a flexible solution package that enables 

system integrators and end users to acquire the robotic tools needed to carry out the multitude of tasks 

required in scientific discovery. This customizable suite of products, including servo and pneumatic 

grippers, microplate handling fingers, microplate hotels, tool changers and collision sensors, are 

essential to improving accuracy, increasing efficiency and reducing costs for many key laboratory 

automation applications. 

Booth 571 (10x10) 

Applied Scientific Instrumentation, Inc. (ASI) manufactures top-of-the-line products for micropositioning, 

microscope automation, and fluorescence microscopy including closed-loop DC servomotor XY stages 

and Z-axis focus controllers for ultra-precise positioning, automated stages with integrated piezos 

for high-speed ultra-precise Z stacks, and laser feedback systems for maintaining focus stability. ASI 

also offers high-speed filterwheels, shuttering devices, and monochromators, as well as video-based 

autofocus systems, cameras, monitors, micromanipulators, microinjectors, and custom solutions for 

OEM’s and end users. 

Booth 137 (10x10) 

Apricot Designs, Inc. provides accurate and affordable liquid handling technologies. We manufacture 

compact & robust multi-channel liquid handling systems with easy-to-use operator interfaces. Liquid 

handling products from Apricot are flexible, easy to use, reliable, and have small footprints that maximize 

your valuable laboratory space. 

Booth 631 (10x10) 

Arcus Technology offers innovative Stepper Motion Controller solutions based on popular USB 2.0 

communications for Windows PC based control systems. New Performax Series Motion Control Product 

line includes advanced single axis closed-loop control, motor/driver/controller combination package, 

joystick interface, and multi-axis coordinated control. 

Booth 349 (10x10) 

The former Robbins Scientific team that designed the Hydra and Tango is featuring the PHOENIX 

Dispenser. The Phoenix is a 9 position platform with either a 96 or 384 syringe head. It is capable 

of dispensing volumes as low as 100 nanoliters into a dry plate. The Phoenix can also be equipped 

with an additional non-contact nanodispenser capable of dispensing volumes below 50 nanoliters. 

The Phoenix has user-friendly software, a small foot print, new syringe technology and state-of-the-art 

electronics. Also being exhibited is a line of syringes with Nitinol or Stainless Steel needles that can be 

used with the original Robbins Scientific Hydra and Tango. 

Booth 204 (10x20) 

ARTEL is the leader in ultra low-volume liquid delivery measurement and quality assurance. ARTEL’s 

patented Ratiometric Photometry provides exceptional accuracy and precision in easy-to-use systems 

for ensuring liquid delivery performance to improve process productivity and enhance quality. MVS TM 

Multichannel Verification System for automated liquid handlers. PCS ® 

Pipette Calibration System for 

handheld pipettes. Since 1982 ARTEL technology has been proven in thousands of labs including 

Amgen, Eli Lilly, Merck, the FDA and the Mayo Clinic. 

221

ASDI 

601 Interchange Boulevard 

Newark, Delaware 19711 

+1.302.266.6891; +1.302.266.8296 fax 

info@asdi.net 

www.asdi.net 

Astech Projects Ltd. 

15 Berkeley Court, 

Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire 

WA7 1TQ United Kingdom 

+ 44 (0)1928 571797; + 44 (0)1928 571162 fax 


www.astechprojects.co.uk 

Asymtek, A Nordson Company 

2762 Loker Avenue West 

Carlsbad, California 92010 

+1 760.431.1919; +1.760.930.7439 fax 

info@asymtek,com 

www.asymtek,com 

ATI Industrial Automation 

1031 Goodworth Drive 

Apex, North Carolina 27539 

+1.919.772.0115; +1.919.772.8259 fax 

info@ati-ia.com 

www.ati-ia.com 

Atlantic Lab Equipment LLC 

P.O. Box 4405 

Salem, Massachusetts 01970 

+1.866.484.6031 toll free; +1.978.740.5678 fax 

answers@atlanticlabequip.com 

www.atlanticlabequip.com 

Aurora Biomed 

1001 E. Pender Street 

Vancouver, BC V6A 1W2 Canada 

+1.604.215.8700; +1.604.215.9700 fax 

thomas@aurorabiomed.com 

www.aurorabiomed.com 


Booth 254 (10x10) 

ASDI, with a primary focus on contract Materials Management and Sample Preparation Services, has been 

in operation since 1988 supporting Drug Discovery Screening, Chemistry, and Compound Management. 

ASDI performs millions of weighings and liquid transfers annually, including: vial taring, powder weighing, 

solubilization, replication, reformatting, storage and distribution, and sample analysis. 

Booth 105 (10x10) 

ASTECH Projects create bespoke automation solutions for each customer’s unique requirements. 

ASTECH are specialists in a number of key areas such as Respiratory and Solid Dose testing 

automation, we are famous throughout the industry for delivering automation solutions that are 

innovative, robust and fit for purpose. ASTECH is launching their next generation fully automated tablet 

processing workstation at this year’s conference. This system’s unique design gives it the ability to fully 

automate content uniformity testing and stability analysis, leading to higher throughput rates than ever 

before. To celebrate our 10th anniversary we are holding a daily draw for a number of 128Mb flash 

drives, please enquire at booth 105 for details. 

Booth 639 (10x10) 

Asymtek’s automated fluid dispensing systems systems can jet, coat, and dispense during 

manufacturing operations in many industries including medical device, biotech, electronics, 

semiconductor, flat panel display, photonics/optics, automotive, and disk drive. With more than 

20 years of experience, the company is committed to providing innovative dispensing solutions 

and world-class support to customers worldwide. 

Booth 606 (10x10) 

ATI Industrial Automation is a leading world developer of Automatic Tool Changers, Multi-Axis 

Force/Torque Sensing Systems, Robotic Collision Sensors, Robotic Deburring Tools and Remote 

Center Compliance Devices. Our products are found in thousands of successful applications 

around the world. Since 1989, our engineers have been developing cost-effective, state-of-the-art 

products and solutions to improve manufacturing productivity. For more information visit our website 

at www.ati-ia.com 

Booth 513 (10x10) 

Atlantic Lab Equipment LLC buys and sells high-quality, reconditioned lab instruments and automation 

systems. We typically provide HPLC and LCMS systems, GC and GCMS systems, liquid handlers, plate 

readers, plate washers, liquid scintillation counters and luminescence counters. Our commitment is 

“Excellent Equipment for Less.” 

Booth 100 (10x10) 

Aurora Biomed develops and customizes instrumentation and methods for laboratory automation 

and HTS. VERSA Automation Liquid Handling systems are designed for cell/solution based assays, 

serial dilution, array printing, peptide synthesis and IC50 preparation. Our engineering teams provide 

customized robotic systems for end-user applications. For customers interested in products for HTS, 

ion channel research and Cardiac Safety Screening, we offer instrumentation and selected cell lines for 

screening, as well as, assay services to facilitate your requirements. 

223


9645 Scranton Road, Suite 140 

San Diego, California 92121 

+1.858.334.4500; +1. 858.334.4564 fax 

info@auroradiscovery.com 

www.auroradiscovery.com 

AutoDose SA 

18 chemin des Aulx 

Geneva CH-1228 Switzerland 

+1.732.494.7900; +1.732.494.8825 fax 

info@autodose.ch 

www.autodose.ch 

Avantium Technologies BV 

Zekeringstraat 2g 

Amersterdam, The Netherlands 

1014 BV 

+ 0031 20 5868080; + 031 20 5868085 fax 

receptie.penta1@avantium.com 

www.avantium.com 

Avegene Life Science 

10F, NO81, Hsin Tai Wu Road Sec. 1, HSI CHIH 

Taipei Hsien 221 Taiwan R.O.C. 

+88 62226980369; +88 626980368 fax 

alexwang@scanace.com.tw 

www.avegene.com 

Axygen Scientific, Inc. 

33210 Central Avenue 

Union City, California 94587 

+1.510.494.8900: +1.510.494.0700 fax 

bob@axygen.com 

www.axygen.com 

Bal Seal Engineering 

19650 Pauling 

Foothill Ranch, California 92610 

+1.949.460.2100: +1.949.460.2300 fax 

sales@balseal.com 

www.balseal.com 


Booth 220 (10x20) 

Aurora Discovery, Inc. is a leading provider of products and services that are used in early stage 

pharmaceutical research, particularly drug discovery and chemical genomics. Aurora’s products shorten 

the time its takes to identify and evaluate new chemical entities and novel chemical structures against 

genomic targets in a biological or cell-based assay. The company provides high value solutions to life 

science research through low volume microplates, precision non-contact dispensers, multi-wavelength 

fluorescence detectors, and systems integration. 

Booth 214 (10x10) 

Powder dispensing automation systems. AutoDose introduces: New workstation, TRUE-FLEXT 2, 

provides an open access architecture (powder dispensing) coupled with optional functions such as 

liquid handling, capping/decapping, inerting, crimping. POWDERNIUM MICROT is a new powder 

dispensing technology, designed for smallest starting API-amount (10mg.) allowing for submg 

dispenses. Capsules, vials, bottles, microplates. 

Booth 262 (10x10) 

Avantium is a contract research company specialized in high throughput screening based on 

rational design. Avantium exhibits parts of its workflow that have been commercialized recently. 

The Crystal16 TM has been designed for medium-throughput crystallization studies. The tool can 

be used for a range of experiments such as meta-stable zone width determination and solubility 

measurements. Avantium’s QCS96 Parallel Reactor Station is an easy-to-use high-throughput 

experimentation platform for studying gas-liquid batch reactions, such as asymmetric 

hydrogenations, in a quick and reproducible manner. Meet us at booth 262! 

Booth 235 (10x10) 

Avegene Life Science located in Taipei, Taiwan, is a leading company in providing biomedical 

solutions. Avegene is dedicated itself in providing biomedical solutions through the product innovation 

by the integration of multiple techniques including optics, automation, thermal control, biosensors, 

biochemistry, materials science, mechanics as well as molecular biology. The core businesses Avegene 

aims for: Biomedical Laboratory Instrumentation; Reagents; Medical Devices; and Healthcare Products. 

Booth 272 (10x10) 

Axygen Scientific is a leading original manufacturer of laboratory disposable plastics for the worldwide 

scientific research market. These products include the world’s largest array of robotic tips, deep well 

plates, sealing options, PCR plates, tubes, tube/cap strips and general lab use consumables such as 

microtubes, general use pipet tips, and racking systems. Axygen’s Maxymum Recovery technology has 

revolutionized manual and robotic liquid handling by greatly enhancing sample recovery. 

Booth 600 (10x10) 

Bal Seal pioneered spring energized, PTFE seals for a wide variety of analytical applications. Our 

patented, canted-coil spring, provides uniform loading of the seal which ensures long life and leak-tight 

sealing. Bal Seal has successfully developed products for HPLC, lab equipment, and liquid handling 

applications where tight tolerances, high pressures, and aggressive solvents are commonplace. Let Bal 

Seal custom design a seal for your specific application. 

224

Barnstead Genevac 

707 Executive Boulevard, Suite D 

Valley Cottage, New York 10989 

+1.845.267.2211; +1.845.267.2212 fax 

mward@genevacusa.com 

www.genevac.com 

Barnstead International|STEM 

2555 Kerper Boulevard 

Dubuque, Iowa 52001-1478 

+1.563.556.2241: +1.563.589.0516 fax 

aewagner@barnstead.com 

www.barnstead.com 


4300 N. Harbor Boulevard 

Fullerton, California 92834 

800.742.2345 

www.beckmancoulter.com 

Berthold Technologies USA 

99 Midway Lane 

Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830 

+1.865.483.1488; +1.865.425.4309 fax 

berthold-us@berthold.com 

www.berthold-us.com 

Bio-Chem Valve and Omnifit 

85 Fulton Street 

Boonton, New Jersey 07005 

+1.973.263.3001; +1.973.263.2880 fax 

ggaetano@bio-chemvalve.com 

www.bio-chemvalve.com 

The Buyer’s Guide for Life Scientists. 

Biocompare, Inc. 

395 Oyster Point Boulevard Suite 330 

So. San Francisco, California 94080 

+1.650.873.9031; +1.650.873.9038 fax 

www.biocompare.com 


Booth 644 (10x10) 

Barnstead Genevac’s leading edge centrifugal evaporation systems have been developed to eliminate 

the solvent drying bottleneck in the drug discovery laboratory. Our versatile systems include the popular 

bench top HT-12 Series II. This high performance system is ideal for high throughput evaporation and 

can accommodate a large variety of sample formats. 

Booth 359 (10x10) 

Barnstead|STEM, a division of Fisher Scientific Products is a manufacturer of synthesis equipment for 

the pharmaceutical/fine chemical market. The STEM products range from RS10/RS12 reaction blocks 

for parallel synthesis to the Clarity Solubility Station for solvent screening to the ReactArray workstation 

for complete automation of your reaction preparation, sampling and analysis. These tools are widely 

used for applications including process development, forced drug degradation, and crystallization 

applications. 

225 

Silver Sponsor 

Booth 327 (20x30) 

Beckman Coulter, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of biomedical testing instrument systems, tests and 

supplies that simplify and automate laboratory processes. Spanning the biomedical testing continuum 

– from Systems Biology and clinical research to laboratory diagnostics and point-of-care testing 

– Beckman Coulter’s 200,000 installed systems provide essential biomedical information to enhance 

health care around the world. For more information: www.beckmancoulter.com 

Booth 216 (10x10) 

Berthold Technologies well known for its gamma counters and tube and plate lumi-nometers, offers 

a broad line of bioanalytical instruments: multimode plate readers, fluorometers, imaging systems, 

HPLC detectors, stacker and plate handling systems. More than 50 years of proven and certified 

manufacturing practice ensure the high quality of all instruments. 

Booth 622 (10x10) 

Bio-Chem Valve and Omnifit offer fluid components including inert solenoid valves and pumps, pinch 

valves, relief valves, check valves, rotary valves, manifolds, tubing, connectors, bottles, bottle caps, 

filters, adapters, fittings, and chromatography columns that can be combined into a customized solution 

that meets objectives for reliable fluid control. Customer markets for Bio-Chem Valve and Omnifit 

products include analytical, biotech, clinical diagnostics, chromatography, life sciences, environmental, 

pharmaceutical, semiconductor, ink jet printing, and other high purity markets. 

Booth 150 (10x10)

Bio/Data Corporation 

155 Gibraltar Road, PO Box 347 

Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-0347 

+1.215.441.4000; +1.215.443.8820 fax 

customer.service@biodatacorp.com 

www.biodatacorp.com 

Biodirect, Inc. 

305 Constitution Drive 

Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 

+1.508.884.5010; +1.508.884.5015 fax 

info@biodirect-us.com 

www.biodirect-us.com 

BioDot, Inc. 

17781 Sky Park Circle 

Irvine, California 92614 

+1.949.440.3685; +1.949.440.3694 fax 

www.biodot.com 

BioFluidix GmbH 

Georges-Koehler-Allee 106 

Freiberg D-79110 

Germany 

+49 761 2037282; +49 761 2038539 fax 

peter.koltay@biofluidix.com 

www.biofluidix.com 

BIOHIT OYJ 

Laippatie 1 

00880 Helsinki 

Finland 

+358 9 773 861; +358 9 773 86 200 fax 

info@biohit.com 

www.biohit.com 

BioMedTech Laboratories 

6408 East Fowler Avenue 

Tampa, Florida 33617 

+1.813.985.7180; +1.813.985.7957 fax 

info@biomedtech.com 

www.biomedtech.com 


Booth 174 (10x10) 

Bio/Data Corporation, an ISO 9001:2000 registered company is a manufacturer, marketer, and 

distributor of hematology instrumentation and reagents. IMIXX ® , our new Vertical Stirring Systems, mix 

samples rapidly at very low speeds and shear. These systems stir conical vials along with any other shape 

and size (0.2mL to 1 Liter) containers. Another technology, Direct Sample Microfiltration is a simple, 

inexpensive technology that quickly prepares plasma or serum from an unprocessed, primary tube. 

Microfiltered samples are better suited for analysis; producing more precise test results in devices ranging 

from POC to Automation. These technologies are patented and available for OEM use or license. 

Booth 634 (10x20) 

Biodirect Inc. is a provider of strategic technology solutions. Offering services that enable companies to 

make informed decisions, minimize risk, reduce capital expenditure and increase efficiency. Services 

include: Technology Sourcing, Procurement & Consulting; Risk & Life-cycle Management; Capital 

Recovery; Valuations & Assessments; Pre-owned & New Equipment Sales; Remarketing Services; 

Sales Representation; Service, Maintenance & Integration. “Accelerating drug discovery for less.” 

Booth 207 (10x10) 

BioDot is the leading supplier of dispensing systems for the research, development and 

commercialization of diagnostic tests. Its mission is to enable, inspire and educate scientists to 

commercialize their R&D ideas through to manufactured product. Using its core competencies in 

low volume non contact and contact dispensing, cutting and lamination equipment and technology 

transfer services, BioDot has developed a range of equipment for the research and development and 

manufacture of rapid tests. 

Booth 146 (10x10) 

BioFluidix supplies end-users and OEM partners with patented, leading-edge pipetting and dispensing 

solutions to handle minute amounts of even difficult liquids in the nanoliter and picoliter range. BioFluidix’s 

proprietary liquid handling technologies are enabled by micro machined components providing highest 

dispensing quality and functionality at a competitive price. 

Booth 653 (10x10) 

Biohit offers state-of-the-art liquid handling instruments; including hand-held electronic and manually 

operated pipettors with outstanding ergonomic and performance features. The rLINE robotic pipettor 

module offers a flexible and accurate front-end solution for integration into existing or planned 

instrumentation. Disposable tips are available for all Biohit products. 

Booth 461 (10x10) 

BioMedTech Laboratories custom-coats 6-, 12-, 24-, 96-, 384-, 1536- and 3456-well plastic 

and glass-bottom microplates, tissue-culture flasks and roller bottles, filterplates, and microarray- 

slides. Coatings include cell culture substrates (polylysine, collagen, fibronectin, laminin, or low 

cell-attachment), assay coatings (streptavidin, biotin, protein A/G/L, antibodies, glutathione, 

oligonucleotides, or non-binding) and custom surfaces. BioMedTech also manufactures highperformance 

blocking reagents and incubation buffers engineered for maximal signal-to-noise 

ratio in receptor-, immuno-, kinase assays, and microarray & biochip experiments. 

226

BioMicrolab 

2500 Dean Lesher Drive Suite A 

Concord, California 94520 

+1.925.689.2055; +1.925.689.1263 fax 

lsimmons@biomicrolab.com 

www.biomicrolab.com 

Biosample, Inc. 

4866 NW-100 Terrace 

Coral Springs, Florida 33076 

+1.954.346.0362; +1.954.346.2541 fax 

info@biosample.com 

www.biosample.com 

Biosero, Inc. 

825 S. Primrose Ave., #G 

Monrovia, California 91016 

+1.626.303.0309; +1.626.256.6088 fax 

tomgilman@bioseroinc.com 

www.bioseroinc.com 

BioTek Instruments, Inc. 

Highland Park, PO Box 998 

Winooski, Vermont 05404 

+1.888.451.5171; +1.802.655.7941 fax 

customercare@biotek.com 

www.biotek.com 

BioTX Automation 

16753 Donwick Drive, Suite A-6 

Conroe, Texas 77385 

+1.877.ask.biotx; +1.936.273.0551 fax 

jdfiii@biotxautomation.com 

www.biotxautomation.com 

Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation 

2104 Martin Way 

Pittsburg, California 94565 

+1.925.439.8272; +1.925.439.5931 fax 

info@bwc.com 

www.bwc.com 


Booth 256 (10x20) 

BioMicroLab offers robotic tube sorting, scanning, and weighing instruments for 96 tube rack format 

samples. BioMicroLab’s XL20 Tube Handler automates sample management tasks, including rearraying, 

weighing, and cherry picking of tubes. The XL20 features integrated 2D bar code scanning 

technology for sample tracking during the sort and weigh processes. BioMicroLab’s easy-to-use bench 

top tube sorters, analytical balances, and 2D bar code scanners automate manual tasks for improved 

sample management and productivity. 

Booth 511 (10x10) 

BioSample provides a system/solution which automates human biological sample handling and 

preservation procedures. The solution is meant for deployment within clinical and medical analyses 

labs. The system enables regulatory compliance with specific regulations governing the preservation of 

human biological samples. It also provides a rapid ROI and enables rationalization of clinical labs while 

freeing up staff for more interesting and less routine jobs within the laboratory. The solution is made 

up of a benchtop apparatus (the ‘BSMS Robot’ – where BSMS is stands for BioSample Lifecycle 

Management System) and of patented consumables. 

Booth 139 (10x10) 

Biosero brings together a consortium of businesses into a sales and support structure that provides an 

ideal communication path between our customers and our business partners. Biosero offers a range of 

products and services, from reagents and consumables to software to instrumentation, with a focus on 

laboratory automation. 

227 

Sustaining Sponsor 

Booth 457 (10x20) 

BioTek ® Instruments, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of microplate 

instrumentation and software including microplate readers, washers, automated pipetting systems, 

dispensers and software. BioTek’s instrumentation is used to accelerate the drug discovery process, 

to advance discoveries in genomics and proteomics, and to aid in the advancement of life science 

research. 

Booth 277 (10x10) 

BioTx develops software-driven solutions for life sciences. For the researcher in the laboratory and the 

marketer attempting to generate new sales prospects, our products automate and simplify repetitive, 

stressful and tedious tasks. We work with our customers to develop and commercialize innovative 

solutions to niche problems in this critical industry. 

Booth 559 (10x10) 

Since 1950, Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation has continued to be one of the most respected names in 

the field of guided motion technology. BishopWisecarver manufactures, distributes and custom engineers 

guided motion components and systems for linear, rotary and curved track applications. Whether your 

laboratory applications require reliability, flexibility, or durability, BishopWisecarver has the components and 

systems needed for today’s cutting edge industries.

Black Dog Technical Services, Inc. 

14405 Possum Track Road 

Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 

+1.919.602.5988 

blackdogts@yahoo.com 

Blueshift Biotechnologies 

238 East Caribbean Drive 


+1.408.542.0901; +1.408.542.0999 fax 

cshumate@blueshiftbiotech.com 

www.blueshiftbiotech.com 

BMG Labtech, Inc. 

2415 Presidential Drive Suite 118 

Durham, North Carolina 27703 

+1.919.806.1735; +1.919.806.8526 fax 

usa@bmglabtech.com 

www.bmglabtech.com 

Bosch Rexroth Corporation 

5150 Prairie Stone Pkwy 

Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60192 

+1.847.645.3600; +1.847.645.6201 fax 

info@boschrexroth-us.com 

www.boschrexroth-us.com 

Brady Corporation 

6555 W. Good Hope Road 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223 

+1.414.358.6600; +1.414.358.6642 fax 

julie_schoenborn@bradycorp.com 

www.bradylabid.com 

BrandTech Scientific, Inc. 

11 Bokum Road 

Essex, Connecticut 06426 

+1.860.767.2562; +1.860.767.2563 fax 

products@brandtech.com 

www.brandtech.com 


Booth 231 (10x10) 

Black Dog Technical Services, Inc. offers various services to our customers, including installation, repair, 

preventative maintenance, evaluation, and consultation. Our goal is to consistently exceed our customer’s 

expectations by providing quick response by highly skilled engineers at reasonable prices. At Black Dog, 

we are “Dedicated to Excellence in Customer Service.” 

Booth 519 (10x10) 

Blueshift has adapted technology from the semiconductor inspection field to offer instrumentation 

that enables high throughput and enhanced content for genomic, proteomic, and cellular analysis. 

Our technology is based on fluorescent imaging beyond intensity; specifically anisotropy and lifetime. 

Two-dimensional anisotropy allows homogeneous and miniaturized bead, array, and live-cell assays 

including high-speed FRET imaging. 

Booth 173 (10x10) 

BMG LABTECH is a leading developer and global manufacturer of microplate reader instrumentation with 

a wide range of measurement methods. Microplate readers are used in the pharmaceutical and biotech 

industries, as well as in academic research establishments, for both basic research analysis and High 

Throughput Screening. BMG LABTECH focuses solely on microplate readers and offers the most diverse 

selection of optical detection systems in conjunction with integrated liquid handling equipment. Since our 

establishment in Offenburg Germany during 1989, BMG LABTECH has been committed to developing 

and producing high quality microplate readers and microplate handling systems. 

Booth 336 (10x10) 

Bosch Rexroth Corporation provides Best-In-Class products and solutions for factory and laboratory 

automation worldwide. Our precision servo/motion control, linear motion and pneumatics products 

are used widely for high-performance, precision dispensing, filling, testing, quality control and pickand-place 

applications of all kinds. Visit us and learn how Rexroth can help you handle even the most 

precise and demanding applications—with the added benefits of global expertise, service and support. 

Booth 123 (10x10) 

High-performance labels, barcode printers (hand-held and bench-top), software, scanners and 

applicators. Brady has a full range of label sizes, materials and adhesives specifically designed for 

laboratory applications like vial and plate identification. Our labels are chemical and solvent resistant 

and can withstand exposure to liquid nitrogen, freezer storage, hot water baths, and autoclave process. 

Booth 582 (10x10) 

BrandTech has a full line of UHTS, HTS and PCR plates and other life science plastics, electronic 

single and multi-channel pipettes and PFA trace analysis labware. Other BrandTech products include 

high-performance oil-free vacuum, liquid handling, UV-transparent, solvent resistant disposable 

cuvettes, stainless steel support jacks and support accessories, plastic labware and consumables for 

pharmaceutical, chemical, biotech, industrial and other labs. 

229

Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. 

68 Elm Street 

Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748 

+1.508.435.9500; +1.508.435.3439 fax 

www.caliperLS.com 

Cust.support@caliperLS.com 

Cambridge Applied Systems 

10 President’s Way 

Medford, Massachusetts 02155 

+1.339.674.9157; +1.781.393.6515 fax 

info@cambridgeapplied.com 

www.cambridgeapplied.com 

Cambridge Health Tech Institute 

1037 Chestnut Street 

Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts 02464 

+1.617.630.1392; +1.617.630.1325 fax 

mhandy@healthtech.com 

www.healthtech.com 

Cell Press/Elsevier 

600 Technology Sq., 5th Floor 

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 

+1.617.397.2879; +1.617.397.2810 fax 

www.cell.com 

Cerionx, Inc. 

4300 Haddonfield Road, Suite 117 

Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109 

+1.856.963.5535; +1.856.663.1774 fax 

tia_smallwood@cerionx.com 

www.cerionx.com 

CHEMSPEED Technologies AG 

Rheinstrasse 32 

CH-4302 Basel 

Switzerland 

+41 61 8169500; +41 61 8169509 fax 

chemspeed@chemspeed.com 

www.chemspeed.com 


230 

Gold Sponsor 

Booth 405 (20x40) 

Caliper Life Sciences uses its advanced liquid handling and LabChip technologies to create leading 

edge tools that accelerate drug discovery and enable diagnosis of disease. Caliper customers 

and partners include many of the world’s largest pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences 

companies. For more information, please visit Caliper’s Web site at www.caliperLS.com. 

Booth 165 (10x10) 

Cambridge Applied Systems, Inc. (CAS) is a manufacturer of “set and forget” viscosity measurement 

systems, for process and laboratory applications. CAS viscometers are highly accurate, reliable and 

self-cleaning by design, with thousands of systems installed worldwide. 

Booth 144 (10x10) 

Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI) is a premier information resource for life science professionals. 

Through the organization of scientific conferences, publication of market reports, and compilation of 

advisory services, CHI is your leading source for learning about the latest technological and business 

developments in such areas as genomics, proteomics, drug discovery & development, informatics, 

biomarkers, and microarrays. 

Media Partner 

Booth 161 (10x10) 

Cell Press, publisher of Cell, Molecular Cell and eight other leading journals, publishes highly cited, cuttingedge 

research, with each title viewed as a must-read by the scientific community it serves. www.cell.com 

Booth 115 (10x20) 

Cerionx develops technology-based state-of-the-art products for laboratory research applications in 

pharmaceutical, biotech, genomic and other life science companies. The TipCharger System by Cerionx TM 

simplifies the liquid handling process and integrates into existing and new automation. It speeds run 

time, produces high quality results without contamination, and eliminates environmental waste. 

Booth 577 (10x10) 

Chemspeed Technologies, headquartered in Augst (Basel), Switzerland, is a global leader in the 

development of innovative instruments and consumables for scientists working in research and 

development laboratories including a line of fully automated parallel synthesizers, instruments for 

high throughput solid dispensing and liquid handling, and workstations for process research and 

development. Chemspeed is a premier provider of products and services, that reduce time-to-market 

schedules, increase productivity, and lower costs in research and development.

Computype, Inc. 

2285 West County Road C 

St. Paul, Minnesota 55113 

800.328.0852; +1.651.633.5580 fax 

info@computype.com 

www.computype.com 

Corbett Robotics Inc. 

China Basin Landing 

185 Berry Street, Suite 5200 

San Francisco, California 94107 

+1.415.359.7337; +1.415.512.7884 fax 

dale.levitzke@corbettrobotics.com 

www.corbettrobotics.com 

Corning Incorporated 

45 Nagog Park 


+1.978.635.2200; +1.978.635.2476 fax 

clswebmail@corning.com 


Covaris, Inc. 

25 Olympia Avenue, Unit F 

Woburn, Massachusetts 01801-6307 

+1.781.932.3959; +1.781.932.8705 fax 

info@covarisinc.com 

CyBio AG 

500 West Cummings Park, #1800 


+1.877.879.5624; +1.787.376.9897 fax 

customer.support@cybio-ag.com 

www.cybio-ag.com 

Datalogic, Inc. 

3000 Earhart Court Suite 135 

Hebron, Kentucky 41048 

800.849.5358; +1.859.334.4970 fax 

info@us.datalogic.com 

www.datalogic.com 


Booth 416 (10x10) 

Computype specializes in unique identification of labware items via bar code technology. We provide 

variable bar code labels, on-demand printing systems, bar code scanners, software and print/apply label 

applicators for slides, tubes, vials, and microwell plates. Our customized LabelMorphor II TM provides 

on-demand printing without a PC. 

Booth 361 (10x10) 

Corbett Robotics has been at the forefront of development of innovative technologies based around 

genetic analysis applications. This evolution has resulted in the development of the CAS 1820 

Xtractor-Gene automated nucleic acid purification robot, a cost effective compact and fully automated 

DNA/RNA extraction system, and precision liquid handling robots (the CAS-1200), the newest in the 

range of Corbett Robotics specialized genetic analysis equipment. Visit us at www.corbettrobotics.com 

for more information. 

Booth 304 (10x20) 

Corning Incorporated, a diversified technology company, manufactures high quality, high performance 

research tools for high-throughput screening, cell culture, genomics, and liquid handling. Corning will 

exhibit a comprehensive line of products, including microplates with modified surface treatments for 

optimized performance of cell based and homogeneous assays. 

Booth 633 (10x30) 

Covaris Inc develops and markets instrument systems and consumables based on its proprietary, 

patented technology. This technology, know as Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA), utilizes focused, 

high frequency acoustic energy to control high intensity, non-linear shock wave physics. Some of the 

Covaris products are used for advanced and high-throughput sample preparation in both biological and 

chemical applications. Founded in 1999, Covaris is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA. 

Booth 505 (10x20) 

CyBio is a global life sciences enterprise with its headquarters in Jena, Germany, and offices all over the 

world. With more than 15 years of experience CyBio develops, produces and sells technology platforms 

for drug discovery. The portfolio covers a broad range of excellent solutions for pharmaceutical and 

agrochemical research: liquid handling, incubation, imaging reader, software and system integration 

to achieve fully automated screening technologies. CyBio is a global market leader in the field of 

simultaneous pipetting technology. 

Booth 573 (10x10) 

Datalogic manufactures hand-held bar code readers and fixed industrial scanners. Datalogic handles 

all the aspects of the design and manufacturing process, including optics, mechanics, electronics and 

software. This manner of operation allows Datalogic to be the best partner for OEMs, embedding Auto- 

ID technologies in their machines, with the unique capability to rapidly and effectively study, develop and 

manufacture complete products as well as separate parts to cover various market needs. 

232


7869 NE Day Road West 

Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110 

+1.206.780.8535; +1.206.780.8547 fax 

jlambert@decode.com 

www.decodebiostructures.com 


Unit 8, Enterprise Centre, Pearse Street 


+353(1)6791464; +353(1)6791544 fax 

info@deerac.com 

www.deerac.com 

Del-Tron Precision Inc. 

5 Trowbridge Drive 

Bethel, Connecticut 06801 

+1.203.778.2727; +1.203.778.2721 fax 

deltron@deltron.com 

www.deltron.com 

Dionex Corporation 

1228 Titan Way 


+1.408.737.0700; +1.408.730.9403 

marcom@dionex.com 

www.dionex.com 

Douglas Scientific 

Distributed by Global Array 

9555 James Avenue South 220 

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55431 

+1.952.886.0987; +1.952.884.0202 fax 

emay@global-array.com 

www.global-array.com 

Drug Discovery News 

19035 Old Detroit Rd., Suite 203 

Rocky River, Ohio 44116 

+1.440.331.6600l +1.440.331.7563 fax 

poorman@drugdiscoverynews.com 

www.drugdiscoverynews.com 


Booth 372 (10x10) 

deCODE biostructures is a leading provider of contract research services in X-ray crystallographic 

structure determination of protein-ligand complexes. deCODE’s capabilities span the entire gene-tostructure 

landscape including gene synthesis, construct engineering, large scale protein production and 

purification, high-throughput crystallization screening, small molecule pre-formulation screening, X-ray 

diffraction data collection, model building, and refinement. 

Booth 317 (10x20) 

Deerac Fluidics provides microliter and sub-microliter liquid handling instruments for genomics, 

proteomics and drug discovery research. The Equator TM offers the ultimate in pipetting flexibility and 

performance. The Latitude TM provides reliable, high-throughput bulk reagent dispensing. Both systems are 

based on Deerac’s proprietary spot-on TM dispensing technology and provide a number of unique features: 

* Rapid dispense of reagents (

Drug Discovery World 

39 Vineyard Path 

London SW14 8ET UK 

+44 208 4875656; +44 208 4875666 fax 

robert@rjcoms.com 

www.ddw-online.com 

Dynex Technologies Inc. 

14340 Sullyfield Circle Chantilly, Virginia 20151 

800.288.2354; +1.703.631.7816 fax 

info@dynextechnologies.com 

www.dynextechnologies.com 

E&K Scientific 

3575 Thomas Road 

Santa Clara, California 95054 

+1.408.567.9670; +1.408.567.9671 fax 

www.eandkscientific.com 


871 Fox Lane 


+1.408.273.2300; +1.408.273.2329 fax 

info@edcbiosystems.com 

www.edcbiosystems.com 


5875 Arnold Road, #300 

Dublin, California 94568 

+1.925.560.2600; +1.925.560.2700 fax 

aschenck@eksigent.com 

www.eksigent.com 

ELMO Motion Control, Inc. 

1 Park Drive, Suite 12 

Westford, Massachusetts 01886 

+1.978.399.0034; +1.978.399.0035 fax 

jmclaughlin@elmomc.com 

www.elmomc.com 


236 

Media Partner 

Booth 132 (10x10) 

Drug Discovery World (DDW) is the world’s leading, truly global business review of drug discovery and 

development. Written by the world’s leading experts and aimed at a more senior audience across the 

various R&D disciplines, DDW discusses the latest technological and scientific advancements and the 

commercial implications of implementing these advancements. 

Booth 175 (20x20) 

A Magellan Biosciences company with advanced-microplate instrumentation—from powerful 

Multimode TRIAD TM detection readers to fully automated DSX TM ELISA processing systems—Dynex 

Technologies designs systems, consumables, and accessories to meet the demands of research, 

clinical, and pharmaceutical customers worldwide. Come discuss your assay needs with the “Experts in 

Microplate Analysis.” For more information, visit www.dynextechnologies.com. 

Booth 149 (10x10) 

E&K Scientific Products has been serving the life science and drug discovery markets for over 30 

years. Core products include consumables for storage, HTS, automated liquid handling systems, 

reservoirs, cell culture, immunology, sequencing and real time PCR. We offer a complete line of small 

bench-top instruments including centrifuges, incubators, shakers and rockers. New product lines 

to LabAutomation2006 include our Prospector robotic arm and Micronic – an industry leader in 

traceable sampling solutions. 

Booth 665 (10x10) 

EDC Biosystems provides leading edge Research & Development tools and services to the Life Science 

Industries. More specifically, we offer novel solutions for the Combinatorial Materials Sciences and 

Drug Discovery markets with our patented True Non-contact Technology TM for low-volume liquid 

compound handling. 

Booth 473 (10x20) 

Eksigent Technologies creates microfluidic systems for use in proteomics, drug discovery, and other 

life science applications. NanoLC-1D TM and NanoLC-2D TM systems for proteomics research generate 

precise LC gradients at nanoliter-per-minute flow rates. ExpressLC TM -100 and ExpressLC-800 systems 

deliver increased sample throughput making them perfect for high throughput applications in drug 

discovery and development. 

Booth 237 (10x10) 

Elmo Motion Control is a high quality manufacturer of Servo Amplifiers and Intelligent Digital 

Servo Drives. Our product offering incorporates superior Motion Control Technology and industry 

leading power density with a wide range of motor feedback options, programming capabilities and 

communication protocols (including CANopen). We also offer a wide range of servo motors, both 

rotary and linear. If your application requirements are for single or multi-axis motion control, we 

have a solution.

Elsevier MDL 

14600 Catalina Street 

San Leandro, California 94577 

(510) 895-1313; (510) 614-3608 fax 

info@mdl.com 

www.mdl.com 


7869 NE Day Road West 

Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110 

+1.206.780.8535; +1.206.780.8549 fax 

mbringham@emeraldbiosystems.com 

www.emeraldbiosystems.com 

Entevis 

Incorporated 

Entevis Incorporated 

3 Washington Drive 

Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776 

+1.978.579.0082; +1.978.579.0083 fax 

www.entevis.com 

Eppendorf North America 

One Cantiague Road 

Westbury, New York 11590 

+1.516.334.7500; +1.516.334.7521 fax 

info@eppendorf.com 

www.eppendorfna.com 

EPSON Robots 

18300 Central Avenue 

Carson, California 90746 

+1.562.290.5910; +1.562.290.5999 fax 

info@robots.epson.com 

www.robots.epson.com 

ESI Group 

6767 Old Madison Pike, Suite 600 

Huntsville, Alabama 35806 

+1.256.713.4700; +1.256.713.4799 fax 

Srn@esi-group-na.com 

www.esi-group-na.com 


238 

Gold Sponsor 

Booth 538 (10x10) 

Elsevier MDL will demonstrate integrated biology and chemistry experiment management solutions 

supporting automated workflows. MDL ® Assay Explorer, now with a powerful new visualization and 

statistical analysis module from Partek, makes it easy to capture, analyze, and store biological data. 

MDL ® Plate Manager, built on the open MDL ® Isentris architecture, greatly simplifies the creation and 

management of plate and sample information. MDL ® Report Manager is the ideal tool for enterprisewide 

reporting of complex chemical and biological information. 

Booth 370 (10x10) 

Emerald BioSystems offers laboratory automation tools for protein crystallography and formulation 

studies including liquid handling robotics, microscope plate hotels, integrated database control software, 

and software for design of synthetic genes. Together with our line of consumable products including 

Crystal Growth Matrices and crystallization plates, our systems offer the component flexibility to 

eliminate bottlenecks in your research. 

Booth 208 (10x10) 

Entevis was founded in 2003 to serve the growing needs of materials discovery, development and 

optimization. We have a series of liquid dispensers that offer non-contact dispensing for volumes 

ranging from nanoliters to milliliters, on reagents with viscosities from 1 to 2000 centipoise. We also 

have automated systems for dispensing solids and dry powders from 100 micrograms up to hundreds 

of milligrams. Solid and liquid dispensers can be combined on the same system for complete materials 

handling capability. 

Booth 181 (20x20) 

Eppendorf North America will feature epMotion liquid handling workstations, which range in 

performance from automated single tube to 384-well pipetting applications. This new line of laboratory 

robotics is designed to be the most flexible, easy-to-use, precise and accurate system available in 

the market. This versatile system can perform nucleic acid purification, cell culture, ELISA, rearraying, 

aliquoting, and PCR applications. In addition to the workstations, the exhibit will include our Nucleic 

Acid Purification, PCR enzyme and reagent system offering for molecular biology applications. 

Booth 604 (10x10) 

EPSON Robots is the global leader in PC controlled precision robotic automation, with an installed 

base of over 17,000 robots. Our robots’ compact size and high-precision motion combined with the 

powerful, yet easy to use, EPSON RC+ programming software make EPSON the perfect choice for 

many lab automation applications. ActiveX Controls, Vision Guidance & Bar Code Reading, Conveyor 

Tracking and many I/O options are easy to use enhancements that reduce development time while 

significantly increasing the capabilities of a system. 

Booth 163 (10x10) 

ESI CFD is a technology leader in the field of advanced computational fluid dynamics simulation software 

backed by more than 20 years of research based knowledge throughout a wide range of industries. ESI 

CFD’s broad range of products and services provide all the necessary tools for advanced mulitphysics 

analysis in areas such as automotive, fuel cell, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, biomedical, 

MEMS and microfluidics.

Essen Instruments 

1156 Oak Valley 

DriveAnn Arbor, Michigan 48108 

+1.734.769.1600; +1.734.769.7295 

faxsales@essen-instruments.com 

www.essen-instruments.com 

Evergreen Scientific 

2254 E. 49th Street 

Los Angeles, California 90058 

+1.323.583.1331; +1.323.581.2503 fax 

info@evergreensci.com 

www.evergreensci.com 

Evotec Technologies 

Schnackenburgallee 114 

Hamburg 22525 Germany 

+49 40560810222; +49 40560 81488 fax 

contact@evotec-technologies.com 

www.evotec-technologies.com 

Excel Scientific, Inc. 

P.O. Box 2625 

Wrightwood, California 92397 

+1.760.249.6371; +1.760.249.6395 fax 

info@excelscientific.com 

www.excelscientific.com 

Fiberlite Centrifuge, Inc. 

422 Aldo Avenue 


+1.408.988.1103; +1.408.988.1196 fax 

sabbwu@piramoon.com 

www.piramoon.com 

Flow Sciences, Inc. 

2025 Mercantile Drive 

Leland, North Carolina 28451 

+800.849.3429; +1.910.763.1220 fax 

info@flowsciences.com 

www.flowsciences.com 


Booth 271 (10x10) 

Essen Instruments is an instrumentation company founded by the inventors of the FLIPR and 

IonWorks HT systems. Essen products and services include assay development and compound 

profiling via the IonWorks electrophysiology system, the Pipeline Dispenser, and our newest product 

IncuCyte. IncuCyte provides around-the-clock kinetic imaging of live cells without ever removing 

the cells from the incubator. This non-invasive approach makes collecting Kinetic images a snap! 

Whether you are developing or optimizing an assay let IncuCyte take the guesswork out of it. For more 

information, please visit our website at - www.essen-instruments.com 

Booth 501 (10x10) 

Evergreen Scientific designs and manufactures plastic laboratory disposables for clinical, bioresearch, 

pharmaceutical and industrial laboratories. From serum cups to multi-well microplates. Our centrifuge 

tubes run the gamut of 250 µL to 50 milliliters. Our replacement tips cover the range from 10 ul to 

10 ml. If it is plastic laboratory disposables you are looking for, chances are we have what you are 

looking for. 

Booth 333 (10x20) 

Evotec Technologies GmbH offers lab automation products and customized solutions in life sciences. 

Based on our strong experience from various life science automation product developments and our 

outstanding toolbox of state-of-the-art technology components we are able to provide mature turnkey 

solutions with full service in a very short timeframe. ET’s portfolio comprises uHTS screening platforms 

EVOscreen ® and plate explorer, high content analysis plate readers for biochemical assays (Clarina TM II 

and plate::vision) and cellular imaging (Opera TM and Insight Cell). 

Booth 615 (10x10) 

Excel Scientific, Inc., manufacturer of adhesive sealing films for 96-well and 384-well microplates and 

other devices, will exhibit specialty sealing films for automation. EZPierce films are pierceable by 

pipette tips and robotic probes. A new pre-scored film has precut flaps that move easily to permit entry 

of a probe or tip without adhesive contact, then reseal after sampling. And Zone-Free films have 

adhesive-free areas over each well to avoid fouling of tips or probes. Custom OEM film designs in sheet 

and roll format and custom packaging are available. 

Booth 682 (10x10) 

We offer a wide range of Carbon Fiber composite rotors and the new FIBERFuge, the world’s first totally 

composite centrifuge. Our product can be used to improve laboratory safety worldwide by replacing 

metallic centrifuge rotors with safer, stronger and lighter Carbon Fiber Rotors. 

Booth 376 (10x10) 

Flow Sciences, Inc. designs and manufactures safety containment solutions for Research and 

Development Laboratories, Pilot Facilities, Automation Equipment and Robotics, Manufacturing and 

Production Plants. Flow Sciences brings improved and customized products to the demanding 

marketplace ensuring safety and quality solutions. Flow Sciences’ containment products and systems 

provide many benefits to meet your needs. As the innovator in customer-focused safety containment 

products, Flow Sciences, Inc. remains dedicated to engineering effective solutions for your application 

now and in the future. 

240

Genedata, Inc. 

1601 Trapelo Road, Suite 350 


+1.781.290.2350; +1.781.290.2370 fax 

contact@genedata.com 

www.genedata.com 

Genmark Automation 

1201 Cadillac Ct. 

Milpitas, California 95035 

+1.408.678.8500; +1.408.942.7561 fax 

mktg-sales@genmarkautomation.com 

www.genmarkautomation.com 

Genomic Solutions 

4355 Varsity Drive 

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 

+1.734.975.4800; +1.734.975.4808 fax 

judy.thompson@genomicsolutions.com 

www.genomicsolutions.com 

Gilson, Inc. 

3000 W. Beltline Hwy. 

Middleton, Wisconsin 53562 

800.445.7661; +1.608.831.4451 fax 

sales@gilson.com 

www.gilson.com 

Green Mountain Logic 

45 State Street, #144 

Montpelier, Vermont 05602 

+1.866.522.7271; +1.802.262.1065 fax 

dphillips@gmlogic.com 

www.gmlogic.com 

Greiner Bio-One Inc. 

1205 Sarah Street 

Longwood, Florida 32750 

800.884.4703: +1.407.333.3001 fax 

info@us.gbo.com 

www.gbo.com/bioscience 


Booth 167 (10x10) 

Genedata AG is a bioinformatics company specialized in developing computational solutions for the life 

science industry. The company’s core products – Genedata Phylosopher ® , Genedata ScreenerHelvetica 

Neue ® , and Genedata ExpressionistHelvetica Neue ® - analyze, validate, and manage data from genomics, 

transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and screening technologies. Extensive scientific and technical 

consulting services provided by a staff of in-house, international experts round off the company’s offering. 

References include top pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as well as some of the world’s most 

prestigious life science research organizations. Genedata AG is a privately held company headquartered 

in Basel (Switzerland) with subsidiaries and branch offices in Munich (Germany), Boston (USA), and San 

Francisco (USA); the company is also represented by a partner network in Asia and Japan. 

Booth 135 (10x20) 

Genmark Automation is a complete Automation Solutions provider for use in the laboratory, biotech, 

pharmacutical and semiconductor industries. Genmark offers the most advanced, high throughput, fully 

customizable robotics, isolated ultra clean robotic workcell solutions, and complete “real time” virtual reality 

software control tools. From R& to total high volume low cost tool manufacturing solutions, Genmark 

Automation serves and supports its install base 24/7/365 through offices in the United States, Europe, 

Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea. 

Booth 614 (10x20) 

Genomic Solutions offers a full complement of hardware, software, consumables, and hands-on 

expertise for genomic, proteomic, and HTS life science research. Our Genomic Systems provide 

versatile instrument choices for such applications as microarraying, hybridization, scanning, and 

DNA/RNA synthesis. The Proteomic Systems include instrumentation and methodology for automation 

of protein gel picking, digestion, and spotting, in addition to 2-D electrophoresis instruments and 

consumables. Moreover, our HTS Systems offer non-contact, low volume dispensing of sample 

materials. 

Booth 458 (10x20) 

Gilson, Inc. is a manufacturer of high-quality, dependable automated liquid handling instruments for 

the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Product lines include a full range (nano to preparative) 

of HPLC systems, along with liquid handlers and high-throughput robotic workstations. Gilson also 

manufactures instruments for OEM customers who incorporate these instruments into existing 

laboratory systems. Gilson offers technical training courses that are designed to help customers 

maximize the operation of their Gilson instruments and software. 

Booth 338 (10x10) 

Looking for a LIMS that evolves with your laboratory’s changing needs? You’ll find it with LabPAS TM , 

Adaptive LIMS. LabPAS is a next-generation Life Sciences LIMS based on the Process Automation 

System model. Our software actually adapts to meet the needs of your lab environment, not the other 

way around. This makes LabPAS the most configurable and customizable LIMS on the market today. 

LabPAS utilizes web architecture and supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. 

Booth 281 (20x20) 

A leading designer of innovative platforms for emerging technologies, Greiner Bio-One features a 

vast array of labware for automation: HTA TM microArray products, Half Area, UV-Star ® , PCR and 

CELLCOAT ® protein-coated microplates, new tools for protein-crystallization, ThinCert ® TC inserts, 

along with enhanced offerings for molecular biology, cell-culture, and immunological investigations. 

GREINER Bar-codes. 

241

Hamilton Company 

4970 Energy Way 

Reno, Nevada 89502 

+1.775.858.3000; +1.775.856.3227 fax 

sales@hamiltoncompany.com 

www.hamiltoncompany.com 

Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc. 

1500 Meriden Road 

Waterbury, Connecticut 06705 

+1.203.756.7441; +1.203.756.8724 fax 

info@hsi-inc.com 

www.hsi-inc.com 

Hettich Centrifuges 

100 Cummings Center, Suite 130G 

Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 

+1.978.232.3957; +1.978.232.3958 fax 

nick.horsley@hettichab.com 

www.hettichlab.com 

High Resolution Engineering, Inc. 

214 W. Cummings Pk. 


+1.781.932.1912; +1.781.938.0813 fax 

info@hireseng.com 

www.hireseng.com 

Hiwin Corporation 

520 Business Center Drive 

Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 

+1.847.827.2270; +1.847.827.2291 fax 

tradeshows@hiwin.com 

www.hiwin.com 

Hudson Control Group, Inc. 

10 Stern Avenue 

Springfield, New Jersey 07081 

+1.973.376.7400; +1.973.376.8265 fax 

info@hudsoncontrol.com 

www.hudsoncontrol.com 


Booth 134 (10x20) & 427 (20x50) 

HAMILTON’s MICROLAB ® STAR series represents a new generation of liquid handling workstations. 

With the introduction of the STAR-Plus and Scheduling software, Hamilton combines the innovative 

pipetting technology with a high grade of flexibility. Hamilton also can provide validated solutions for 

the following applications: protein crystallization, MALDI target spotting, PCR setup, genomic DNA 

purification, ELISA etc. The key technological innovations implemented in the STAR series are: CORE 

Tip Attachment Technology, Dynamic Positioning, and Air-filled Liquid Handling. 

Booth 553 (10x20) 

Haydon Switch & Instrument (HSI) offers a complete family of linear actuators and stepper motors. 

Motors are used in a wide variety of applications, including medical equipment, instrumentation, and 

machinery automation. Other products available from HSI include linear/rotary actuators, pancake 

motors, rotary motors, and hermetically and environmentally sealed switches. HSI can custom design 

products to meet customer application needs. 

Booth 205 (10x10) 

Hettich is a German manufacturer of centrifuges: Hettich manufactures a high-performance automated 

centrifuge. This is used for centrifuging everything from micro liter tubes, micro titer plates, deep 

well plates and a variety of tubes and containers up to 4 x 750 ml, in an automated liquid handling 

environment. This robotic friendly centrifuge can create a G-force of 6,446 x g. This unit can be 

interfaced with most automation systems requiring centrifugation. 

Booth 610 (10x20) 

High Resolution Engineering provides world-class engineering services for the life science community. 

Our MicroCell TM is designed for unmatched reliability and features self identifying, dockable peripheral 

carts paired with innovative docking stations. Our multithreading, dynamic scheduling algorithm 

Cellario TM will improve your assay scheduling timings and is easy to use. 

Booth 660 (10x10) 

HIWIN is a linear motion manufacturer combining state-of-the-art machining technology along with 

customer care excellence in order to offer the best possible linear motion and control solutions. HIWIN 

has earned a reputation for maintaining uncompromising quality standards while providing competitively 

low pricing. Our line of products: Ballscrews, Linear Guideways, Linear Stages, Linear Actuators, Linear 

Motors and Drives. 

Booth 326 (10x20) 

Hudson Control Group, founded in 1983 has a long-standing history in robotic automation. 

The company focuses on simplifying approaches to automation by making modular systems that 

integrate with all manufacturers’ plate washers, plate readers, liquid-handling systems, plate sealers, 

thermalcyclers, etc. These low-cost alternatives offer an easy way to automate entire processes with 

instrumentation. The user chooses from any vendor of analytical instrumentation that best meets 

their application requirements. We offer innovative solutions for Genomics, Proteomics, ELISA’s and 

Compound Storage Systems. 

243

IDBS 

750 US Highway 202, Suite 200 

Bridgewater, New York 08807 

+1.908.429.2900: +1.908.429.2901 fax 

email: info@idbs.com 

web: www.idbs.com 

IKO International, Inc. 

20170 S. Western Avenue 

Torrance, California 90501 

+1.310.609.3988; +1.310.609.3916 fax 

wco@ikonet.co.jp 

www.ikont.com 

ILS Innovative Laboratory Systems GmbH 

Mittelstrasse 37 

Stuetzerbach D-98714 Germany 


2835 Duke Court 

Santa Rosa, California 95407 

+1.707.547.2500; +1.707.547.2501 fax 

lfischer@innovadyne.com 

www.innovadyne.com 

Innova Systems, Inc. 

840 N. Lenola Rd., Unit B 

Moorestown, NJ 08057 

Phone: 856-722-0410 

Fax: 856-722-0042 

lwagner@innovasystemsinc.com 

www.innovasystems.com 

Innovative Microplate 

16 Esquire Road 

North Billerica, Massachusetts 01862 

+1.978.671.1687; +1.978.671.1161 fax 

jlipsky@innovativemicroplate.com 

www.innovativemicroplate.com 


Booth 228 (10x10) 

IDBS is a leading provider of advanced software solutions to the life sciences industry. Our newest 

offering, ActivityBase XE is driving the revolution in screening data management. The XE module 

enhances screening workflow by providing a single environment that is easy to use, flexible and 

intuitive. ActivityBase XE facilitates data visualization, analysis, QA and QC, and verification, 

resulting in improved workflow and productivity - delivering ultra high performance screening. 

Booth 351 (10x20) 

ISO 9001 Linear Ways components and Needle Bearings. long-term maintenance-free series, ML, 

MUL, ME & MH are newly available. Anti-Creep Cage Crossed Roller Way, CRWG will ultimately improve 

the mechanical reliability on your stage. Reliable IKO Precision Positioning Table series TU stocked in 

US, TC for Class 2(ISO) Cleanroom environment, and TSL for vacuum environment have wide size with 

various optional specifications as single actuators in FA equipments. 

Booth 234 (10x10) 

ILS manufactures precision microsyringes from 1 µl to 100ml for manual dosing and automatic 

systems such as autosamplers, syringe pumps, dilutors and dispensers. For better precision, maximum 

chemical resistance and a longer lifetime, all syringes are made of genuine 3.3 borosilicate glass 

(DURAN ® = Schott Glaswerke AG). More than 900 types and variations are available from the 

catalogue. As an OEM supplier ILS assists its customers in solving their liquid handling and dosing 

problems. ILS also offers a unique precision syringe pump VP 9100 for OEM application. 

Booth 676 (10x20) 

Innovadyne Technologies, Inc is a privately held fluidics-technology company that manufactures and 

sells state-of-the-art, high-precision, low-volume dispensing devices to Life Science and Diagnostic 

researchers worldwide. Innovadyne’s flexible platforms enable miniaturized screening assays, bead and 

cell-based assays, protein crystallization screens, and low-volume genomic amplification protocols. 

Platforms range from single-tip OEM solutions to turnkey 96+8 systems. 

Booth 110 10x10) 

InnovaSystems, Inc. provides products and custom solutions for automated sample handling and 

preparation. Laboratories performing routine sample preparation including weighing, dispensing, 

capping, and barcode reading can realize improvements in productivity, throughput, quality and safety 

with InnovaSystems automated solutions. 

Booth 221 (10x20) 

The leader in premium custom labware solutions for scientists and OEM’s. With unparalleled design 

expertise we offer low cost and provide fast turn around for all your custom labware requirements. We 

also offer a complete line of filter plates, reservoirs, and storage plates to meet your non custom needs. 

245


Carl-Zeiss-Strasse 18-20 

D-55129 Mainz 

Germany 

www.imm-mainz.de 

TM 

Intelligent Motion Systems, Inc. 

370 North Main Street 

Marlborough, Connecticut 06447 

+1.860.295.6102; +1.860.295.6107 fax 

info@imshome.com 

www.imshome.com 

Invetech Instrument Development 

44 Montgomery Street Suite 1308 

San Francisco, California 94104 

+1.415.533.1483; +1.415.693.0826 fax 

instruments@invetech.us 

www.invetech.us 

ISC BioExpress 

420 North Kays Drive 

Kaysville, Utah 84037 

800.999.2901; 800.574.7892 fax 

isc@bioexpress.com 

www.bioexpress.com 

Isensix, Inc. 

8555 Aero Drive, Suite. 201 


+1.858.503.7447; +1.858.503.7452 fax 

info@isensix.com 

www.isensix.com 

IVD Technology Magazine, 

Canon Communications, LLC 

1144 W. Olympic Boulevard, Suite 900 

Los Angeles, California 90064 

+1.310.445.3728; +1.310.445.3799 fax 

rebecca.bermudez@cancom.com 

www.ivdtechnology.com 


Booth 580 (10x10) 

The broad experience of IMM in the development of lab-on-a-chip and integrated microfluidic systems 

especially serves industry relevant applications. IMM is offering its experiences and technology platform 

to industry and research partners and designs specific solutions, helping to simplify and speed-up the 

development process of new assays or pharma products. 

Booth 517 (10x10) 

Compact, powerful and inexpensive motion control products including: MDrives - high-torque stepping 

motors with integrated electronics; MicroLYNX - a complete motion control solution that fits in the palm 

of your hand; microstepping drives from 1-7 Amps RMS at 12-80 VDC, full/half step bipolar drives 

from 2-9 Amps at 12-80 VDC, power supplies up to 6 Amps peak, complete microstepping systems, 

and motors including NEMA size 14 to 42 high-torque stepping, patented IOS, DC and linear actuators. 

246 


Booth 308 (10x20) 

Invetech’s track record includes 60+ projects in design, development and manufacturing for leading 

biotechnology, drug discovery, pharmaceutical and clinical diagnostics companies. Our 200+ in-house 

team works with systematic ISO 9001, QSR compliant development processes and FDA registered 

manufacturing. Our responsive approach and effective communications help us integrate with our global 

partners to deliver high-quality, fast-to-market results at competitive cost. We look forward to meeting 

you and hearing about your outsource engineering needs. 

Booth 648 (10x20) 

ISC BioExpress offers technologies and products for drug discovery and life science research. Key 

products include 2D-coded sample storage systems, filter plates, microplates, novel reservoirs, 

innovative deep-well storage plates, and robotic pipet tips. Additionally ISC supplies reagents, RNase/ 

DNase-free consumables, and equipment for research procedures involving electrophoresis, nucleic 

acids, hybridization, immunology, and tissue culture. The extensive equipment offering includes products 

for robotic sample sorting, plate washing, plate reading, gradient thermal cycling, centrifugation, gel 

documentation, and more. 

Booth 113 (10x10) 

Isensix manufactures the Advanced Remote Monitoring System (ARMST) which utilizes wireless, electronic 

and Internet technologies in an optimal web-based solution. The ARMS system centralizes all operations 

and automates continuous monitoring of vital environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, 

CO2, liquid nitrogen, differential pressure and other conditions. Isensix has placements in some of the 

nation’s leading medical facilities where it enhances the quality and safety of monitoring and meets the 

compliance requirements of regulatory agencies. 

Media Partner 

Booth 138 (10x10) 

IVD Technology is the only publication devoted to the worldwide development and manufacturing of in 

vitro diagnostics. Reaching technical and management personnel from leading diagnostic companies 

with over 15,000 BPA-audited subscribers, IVDT is part of the highly respected family of OEM 

publications from Canon Communications. IVDT’s editorial reports on existing IVD technologies as well 

as cutting-edge innovations. Free subscriptions available to qualified professionals.

Ivek Corporation 

10 Fairbanks Road 

N. Springfield, Vermont 05150 

+1.802.886.2238; +1.802.886.8274 fax 

ivek@ivek.com 

www.ivek.com 

Jun-Air, USA 

1350 Abbott Court 

Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089 

+1.847.215.9444; +1.847.215.9449 fax 

info@jun-air.com 

www.jun-air.com 

KBiosciences 

Unit 7 Maple Park, Essex Road 

Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 OEX 


+44 (0) 1992 470 757; +44 (0) 8700 511302 fax 

info@kbiosciences.co.uk 

KBiosystems 

Unit 5-10 Paycocke Close 

Basildon, Essex SS143HS 


+44 1268 522431; 44 1268 270231 fax 

sales@kbiosystems.com 

www.kbiosystems.com 

Kloehn Co. Ltd. 

10000 Banburry Cross Drive 

Las Vegas, Nevada 89144 

+1.702.243.7727; +1.702.243.6036 fax 

info@kloehn.com 

www.kloehn.com 


Booth 127 (10x10) 

IVEK Corporation manufactures single and multiple channel, precision liquid metering and dispensing 

systems to specification. Capabilities include dispensing volumes from nanoliters to continuous metering 

rates approaching 4 liters/minute. These positive displacement pumps produce outstanding accuracy 

and repeatability. Ceramic internal components prove reliability and low maintenance. Free validation 

testing is available. 

Booth 574 (10x10) 

Specializing in clean and quiet Air. Powering gas generating equipment, rheometers, and laboratory 

instruments. Air bearings, leveling and suspension systems. Medical, dental and optical equipment and 

applications. Animatronics, airbrushing, automation, system pressurization, and particle analyzing and 

our newest product, medical-grade compressed air. In-house custom applications and worldwide sales, 

service, and distribution. 

Booth 633 (10x30) 

KBiosciences Ltd develops and distributes enabling instrumentation where large unmet need exists. 

Current products address the sealing of high-density microplates using transmission diode laser 

welding, and the non-contact mixing of solutions or homogenisation of biological tissue using AFA from 

Covaris. KBiosciences, founded in 2002 and located in Hoddesdon, UK is the European distributor of 

the Covaris product range. 

Booth 633 (10x30) 

KBiosystems Ltd are specialist designers and manufacturers of automation instruments and systems 

for the life science industry, providing desktop instrumentation, in addition to complete “turn key” 

automated solutions KBiosystems has collaborated with all aspects of the life science community, to 

develop robust automation to assist the user in their chosen field. KBiosystems combine the latest 

automation techniques with sound engineering, providing the customer with reliable proven automation. 

Booth 617 (10x10) 

Kloehn Company is a primary manufacturer of precision liquid handling components including syringes, 

solenoid and shear valves, single and multichannel syringe pumps, needles and probes, and associated 

tubing and fittings. We specialize in turnkey fluidic systems for OEM instrumentation. 

247

KMC Systems 

220 Daniel Webster Highway 

Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054 

+1.603.886.7501; +1.603.594.7022 fax 

kcushman@kollsman.com 

www.kmcsystems.com 

Lab Services B.V. 

PO Box 4697 Breda 

The Neterhlands 42303 ER 

+31 76 5310 420; +31 76 5310 421 fax 

info@lab-services.nl 

www.lab-services.nl 

Labcon North America 

3700 Lakeville Highway 

Petaluma, California 94954 

+1.707-766-2100; +1.707.766.2199 fax 

info@labcon.com 

www.labcon.com 

Labcyte Inc. 

1190 Borregas Avene 


+1.408.747.2000; +1.408.747.2010 fax 

info@labcyte.com 

www.labcyte.com 

LabVantage Solutions, Inc. 

1160 US Highway 22 East, 2nd Floor 

Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807 

+1.908.707.4100; +1.908.707.1179 fax 

www.labvantage.com 

Lathrop Engineering, Inc. 

1101 S. Winchester Boulevard, B110 


+1.408.260.2111; +1.408.260.2242 fax 

jennyd@lathropengineering.com 

www.lathropengineering.com 


Booth 212 (10x10) 

Design, development and production of electronic and electromechanical devices, including diagnostic, 

therapeutic, and biomedical instrumentation. Expert in all aspects of engineering, validation, and design 

for production; 25 years of medical industry experience. Flexible turnkey manufacturing with full warranty 

and depot support. ISO 13485 certified; FDA registered. Full compliance with quality system regulation. 

Booth 157 (10x10) 

As specialists in liquid handling, our work is right at the cutting edge. At Lab Services, we’ve been 

presenting the latest advances for more than 10 years. At Labautomation we will present PlateButler 

the most effective tool to set-up compact modular automated microplate systems. It was developed 

in house specifically to meet the increasing demand for compact, automated microtiterplate systems. 

PlateButler uses extremely flexible software, and can be set to match your requirements, turning your 

lab into a 24/7 workstation. Beside PlateButler we will have “Viall” the total solution to read all the 

different manufactured 2D coded tubes. 

Booth 156 (10x10) 

Labcon operates from a 125,000 square foot facility about 45 minutes north of San Francisco. We develop and 

market Earth Friendly ® Disposable Pipet Tips for many automated pipettors. Our focus is on solutions that eliminate 

or reduce waste from the disposables you use. We have a variety of refilling systems for pipet tips available some of 

which can be supplied directly to your pipetting station with our proprietary LightsOff Robots. 

Booth 477 (10x30) 

The next generation Echo TM 555 compound reformatter doubles throughput. This acoustics-based 

technique is rapid, extraordinarily precise and highly accurate. It eliminates hundreds of thousands of 

dollars in consumable costs while decreasing process time and facilitating compound stability. A new 

addition to a full range of competitively priced consumables, the new MicroClime TM environmental lid, 

saves samples from edge effects. The Echo 380 auditor non-invasively determines volume and DMSO 

hydration in open or sealed tubes or plates. 

Booth 661 (10x10) 

LabVantage Solutions, Inc., an innovative global provider of enterprise solutions tailored for leading 

laboratories, serves discovery, development, formulation, process research, raw material testing, and 

quality management laboratories across multiple industries. Sapphire, a browser-based information 

management solution, is tailored to manage an organization’s critical laboratory information across 

its worldwide development pipeline and manufacturing supply chain to optimize productivity and 

more effectively share knowledge. Further information about LabVantage and Sapphire is available at 

www.labvantage.com. 

Booth 334 (10x10) 

Lathrop is a fast-track, full-service product development organization. From concept to pre-production 

prototypes and manufacturing transfer, we have expertise in microfluidics, optics, robotics, thermal, 

electronics, industrial design, packaging, embedded software, plastics, FEA analysis, systems integration, 

design for manufacturability, serviceability and cost reduction. Exceeding customer’s expectations by 

design since 1982. ISO9001: 2000 Certified. 

248

LCGC 

485 Route 1 South, Building F, 1st floor 

Iselin, New Jersey 08830 

+1.732.346.3015; +1.732.596.0048 fax 

efantuzzi@advanstar.com 

www.chromatographyonline.com 

LEAP Technologies 

P.O. Box 969 

Carrboro, North Carolina 27510 

800.229.8814 (Toll Free); +1.919.929.8956 fax 

info@leaptec.com 

www.leaptec.com 

Leister Technologies, LLC 

1253 Hamilton Parkway 

Itasca, Illinois 60143 

+1.630.760.1000; +1.630.760.1001 fax 

sales@leisterusa.com 

www.leisterusa.com 

Lemnatec 

18 Schumanstr 

Wuerselen 52146 Germany 

011 49 2405 4126 12; 011 49 2405 4126 26 fax 

joerg@lemnatec.de 

www.lemnatec.com 

Liconic US Inc. 

1 Presidential Way, 104B 


+1.781.933.2050; +1.781.933.2260 fax 

paul@liconic.com 

www.liconic.com 

Lin Engineering 

1990 Russell Avenue 


+1.408.919.0200; +1.408.919.0201 fax 

jrobinson@linengineering.com 

www.linengineering.com 


Booth 608 (10x10) 

With a circulation of 50,100, our magazine is the largest dedicated publication in North America 

serving the chromatography market. With our commitment to editorial excellence, our magazine covers 

all key growth segments in the industry by providing peer-reviewed, technical, applications oriented 

information to influential chromatographers so they can improve productivity in their laboratory. 

Booth 158 (10x10) 

LEAP’s TMiD Tissue-MALDI does imaging and matrix-spotting. FractPAL does sample-injection, 

fraction-collection, and nano-fraction to MALDI. 3xTi-NanoLC-Pump produces accurate gradients over 

three flowrate ranges, combine with 2D-NanoPAL for 2D-Chromatography. CSAnalytics Chorus220 

Pump does capillary/nano flow without splitting. Cyclone, Rapid-Solvent-Evaporator is an alternative to 

centrifuge based or hot gas blow-down tubes. 

Booth 255 (10x10) 

Polymer Micro-Fluidic Assemblies The Novolas TM µ laser welding system for plastics is an important 

breakthrough for micro-fluidic manufacturing. A unique combination of diode laser, precision mask, 

and automated mask alignment system generates micro welding seams as narrow as 100 microns 

with position resolution of 2 µm. Precise laser power and speed parameter control allows for fast, 

non-contact welding of micro structured plastic parts (PC, PMMA, PEEK, COC, etc.) with high 

reproducibility and excellent welding quality. 

Booth 575 (10x10) 

LemnaTec is an innovative company in image processing for ecotoxicology, healthcare and 

biotechnology purposes. The LemnaTec team combines engineering and scientific competences. 

Together with leading scientists in medical and biological research LemnaTec develops integrated 

solutions for evaluation methods based on optical recognition and statistical analysis. The LemnaTec 

products meet all requirements from small bio assay analysis to big high-throughput screening systems. 

Booth 330 (10x20) 

LiCONiC is the leading manufacturer of automated incubator specializing in custom solutions. Our units 

have been integrated with over 1,500 installations with all types of liquid handlers and robotic platforms 

and making integration easy with our Active X interface. We use the most sophisticated components 

to ensure assay accuracy and results. Our service department is capable of servicing all automated 

incubators. Our capacity range is 40, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and Temperature range −20...70°C. 

Booth 618 (10x20) 

Lin Engineering, the step motor specialists, has earned the reputation as the technical leader in 

step motor design with the ability to “Maximize Torque at Desired Speed”. With basic application 

information Lin Engineering will assist you in selecting the right motor the first time; eliminating the 

trial and error process. 

249

Lorring & Associates 

7080 Donlon Way Suite 214 


+1.925.803.9565; +1.925.803.9566 fax 

sales@gotmotion.com 

www.gotmotion.com 

Magellan BioSciences, Inc. 

22 Alpha Road 

Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824 

+1.978.250.7000; +1.978.250.7087 fax 

www.magellanbio.com 

Magstar Technologies, Inc. 

410 11th Avenue South 

Hopkins, Minnesota 55343 

+1.952.935.6921; +1.952.933.5803 fax 

jlreissner@magstar.com 

www.magstar.com 

MatriCal, Inc. 

665 N. Riverpoint Boulevard 

Spokane, Washington 99202 

+1.509.343.6225; +1.509.343.6220 fax 

sales@matrical.com 

www.matrical.com 

Matrix Technologies 

22 Friars Drive 

Hudson, New Hampshire 03051 

+1.603.595.0505; +1.603.595.0106 fax 

idion@matrixtechcorp.com 

www.matrixtechcorp.com 

Maxon Precision Motors 

838 Mitten Road 

Burlingame, California 94010 

+1.800.865.7540 

info@maxonmotorusa.com 

www.maxonmotorusa.com 


Booth 557 (10x10) 

Lorring & Associates is a Manufacturers Representative firm specializing in Motion Components and 

Controls for Rotary and Linear applications, offering Mechanical, Electro-Mechanical and Electronic 

Components. Services include application assistance, motion programming and product integration 

through Precision Motion Distributors. 

Booth 175 (20x20) 

Magellan Biosciences develops point-of-care products, related consumables, laboratory instruments, 

and automated systems for clinical diagnostics and biomedical research worldwide. These tools 

enable scientists and clinicians to produce better, more-reliable results. And improved results help 

drive better outcomes – a new understanding of health and disease, earlier, more-accurate diagnoses 

– breakthrough discoveries that can lead to novel treatments, new cures – innovations to enhance 

life. Magellan serves customers through its wholly owned subsidiaries: ESA Biosciences, Dynex 

Technologies, and TekCel. For more information, visit www.magellanbio.com. 

Booth 109 (10x10) 

MagStar is a manufacturer of material handling, motion control, and contract manufactured medical 

devices.MagStar’s primary product is Quickdraw brand conveyors systems, used in factory and 

laboratory factory and laboratory automation. MagStar also manufactures customized motion control 

products (custom servo motors and linear slides), disposable based medical centrifuges and devices, 

and its’ other proprietary product, oil centrifuges. Products manufactured by MagStar are used in high 

tech manufacturing, assembly, surgical, and laboratory processes. Engineering, recision machining, and 

assembly services enable MagStar to be a prototype developer and production manufacturer of high 

performance and cost effective products. 

Booth 570 (10x20) 

MatriCal, Inc. is a leading supplier of lab instrumentation and consumables to the life science research 

market. We specialize in microwell plates with proprietary well geometries, and work directly with clients 

to help create custom parts. We also specialize in automated compound management. Our systems 

store anywhere from 1,500 to 40 million compounds and support all plate formats. In addition, 

MatriCal creates technologies for high throughput screening and high throughput sonication 

to accelerate drug discovery. 

Booth 354 (10x40) 

Matrix Technologies provides a complete line of liquid handling products for drug discovery. Products 

range from high-throughput hand-held electronics pipettors to pipet tips and syringe based automated 

liquid handling robotics. Matrix also offers a full line of related consumables for secure, traceable sample 

storage in plates or tubes as well as a complete line of assay microplates. 

Booth 143 (10x20) 

Maxon Precision Motors, inc. manufactures small, high-quality, DC brush & brushless motors. These 

motors range in size from 0.2” to 3.5” (6mm to 90mm) and from 0.03 to 500 Watts. Maxon also 

offers a complete line of control electronics as well as spur and planetary gearheads, encoders and 

tachometers to compliment these motors. 

250

MeCour Temperature Control, LLC 

10 Merrimack River Road 

Groveland, Massachusetts 01834 

+1.978.372.6085; +1.978.372.8462 fax 

mail@mecour.com 

www.mecour.com 

Micronic North America, LLC 

PMB 301, 4017 Washington Road 

McMurray, Pennsylvania 15317 

+1.724.941.6411; +1.724.941.8662 fax 

MicronicNA@cs.com; 

www.MicronicNA.com 

Microscan Systems, Inc. 

1201 SW 7th Street 

Renton, Washington 98055 

+1.425.226.5700; +1.425.226.8250 fax 

info@microscan.com 

www.microscan.com 

Microstein 

145 E. Pine St. 

Central Point, Oregon 97502 

+1.541.664.2335; +1.541.664.2752 fax 

baima@microstein.biz 

www.microstein.biz 

Miele 

9 Independence Way 

Princeton, New Jersey 08540 

800.991.9380; +1.609.419.4241 fax 

labanswsers@mieleusa.com 

www.labwasher.com 

MM Laboratory Systems 

MMLS tm 

1630 Hemmeter Road 

Saginaw, Michigan 48638 

800.729.5746; 

+1.989.790.3287 fax 

info@labcappers.com 

www.labcappers.com 


Booth 238 (10x10) 

Precise Temperature Control for Critical Applications MeCour Temperature Control offers automated 

systems the alternative to imprecise methods of temperature control. MeCour’s proprietary Thermal 

Block technology with a circulator provides stable uniform temperature control from –100ºC to 

+200ºC with precision of + 0.1ºC . All Blocks are insulated and accommodate commonly used 

glassware and plasticware. Standard or custom configurations available to meet customer’s specific 

requirements. Contact us at 877-398-6085, mail@mecour.com or visit www.mecour.com for more 

information. 

Booth 561 (10x10) 

Micronic North America, LLC, located in McMurray, Pa., offers a comprehensive line of sample storage 

products including bar coded tubes (plastic and glass) in a variety of sizes, caps, racks, bar code 

readers and automation equipment including an Auto Decapper and an Automated tube sorter system. 

Contact information: www.MicronicNA.com 

Booth 448 (10x10) 

Microscan manufactures imagers and laser scanners designed for reading linear and 2D codes. 

Microscan‘s latest product Quadrus MINI TM combines mega pixel processing with wide field of view. Half 

the size of a deck of cards, it is easily integrated into instruments or equipment. Offering customizable 

solutions and a full-service applications lab, Microscan solves even the most challenging applications. 

Booth 155 (10x10) 

Microstein produces ergonomic laboratory disposables. The first of the product range is the versatile 

1.6ml microtube. Our redesigned ergonomic opening features the patented Flip Top Lid. The flip top is 

easy to open and use one handed, prevents sample contamination, fits all standard racks and rotors and 

is RNase, DNase and pyrogen free. So the next time your hands hurt from using microtubes, don’t flip 

your top just flip your lid. 

Booth 128 (10x10) 

Miele Glassware Washers – Superior Products, Superior Results Miele large glassware washers are 

ideally suited for central washing areas, offering high-throughput, RS-232 ports, and advanced drying 

features, eliminating the need for a separate and costly drying oven. Complete validation documentation 

and execution services by highly trained Miele technicians are available for all washers. 

Booth 549 (10 x 10) 

MMLS TM is the leader in small bench-top capping and uncapping machines for laboratory automation. 

Our machines are specifically designed for the laboratory, and can be operated manually or incorporated 

into automation, maximizing your investment and productivity. We have capping and uncapping machines 

for all known closure processes; screw thread caps, crimp caps, snap caps, stoppers and corks, and heat 

sealing ampules. Our screw thread machines are available in 3 torque ranges, and can be configured for 

a specific task; capping, uncapping, torque only, or multi-tasking all of the above. All our screw cappers 

will sit on a bench for hand loading, or under an automation platform for robot loading. Options are 

available to automatically feed, store, and discharge vials and caps. 

252

® 

Molecular BioProducts 

9880 Mesa Rim Road 


+1.858.453.7551 X5143; +1.858.546.1360 fax 

epancook@mbpinc.com 

www.mbpinc.com 

Molecular Devices 

1311 Orleans Drive 


+1.408.747.1700; +1.408.747.3601 fax 

info@moldev.com 

www.moldev.com 

Motion Components 

Motion Components 

749 South Brea Boulevard Ste 45 

Brea, California 92821 

+1.714.255.1080; +1.714.255.1772 fax 

ereese@motioncomp.com 

www.motioncomp.com 

Nalge Nunc International 

75 Panorama Creek Drive 

Rochester, New York 14625 

800.446.2543; +1.585.586.3294 fax 

nnitech@nalgenunc.com 

www.nuncbrand.com 

Nanoscreen 

499-A Jessen Lane 

Charleston, South Carolina 29492 

+1.843.881.8841; +1.843.881.1956 fax 

ecummings@nanoscreen.com 

www.nanoscreen.com 

Nanostream 



+1.626.351.8200; +1.626.351.8201 fax 

sales@nanostream.com 



Booth 420 (10x20) 

Molecular BioProduct’s BioRobotix brand offers tips that fit most major workstations in the widest variety 

of styles including tips for Beckman, Tecan, Perkin-Elmer, Qiagen and Molecular Devices. Log on to our 

web site at www.mbpinc.com to order free samples of our newest 384-well tips for Biomek FX, CCS 

384 and FLIPR Liberty. 

Booth 541 (20x30) 

Molecular Devices provides innovative solutions that accelerate and improve drug discovery and 

life sciences research. Systems include multimode and dedicated bench top readers and liquid 

handling instruments, laboratory automation, systems for electrophysiology, high-content screening, 

live-cell imaging, and genomics. The company also offers a full line of reagent assay kits and cellular 

neuroscience products. Visit us at booth 541 to learn more about our complete solutions. 

Booth 618 (10x20) 

Motion Components offers rotary/linear stepper motors, step motor controls and microchips, linear 

actuators, brush/brushless DC motors and controllers, DC gearmotors, slip rings, precision gears, pulleys, 

gaskets, seals, grommets, vibration isolators, linear/angular measurement devices, bearings, acme/ball 

screws, actuated linear systems, construction elements for modular automation. 

Booth 418 (10x10) 

Nalge Nunc International (NNI) presents several new NUNCTM Brand Microwell TM plates and dishes. 

CC3 TM plates offer the benefits of Poly-D-Lysine in a sterile, non-animal-derived analog featuring a 

5-year shelf. When cell binding and differentiation are not desired, Low Cell Binding Dishes and Plates 

are the choice for stem cells and suspension cells. For optimal robotic handling and bar coding in small 

volumes, 384 & 1536 Shallow Well Standard Height plates feature a robotic-friendly design. 

254 


Booth 239 (10x10) 

NanoScreen is a provider of 96, 384, and 1,536 well pipetting products and services for the Life 

Sciences market. Founded by former CCS-Packard employees, NanoScreen brings many years of 

engineering and manufacturing experience to the industry. NanoScreen also produces high precision, 

low retention, 384 and 1,536 channel pipette tips for robotic applications. 

Booth 251 (10x10) 

Nanostream provides high-throughput microfluidic analytical systems to companies involved in drug 

discovery and development. Nanostream’s systems are based on proprietary, modular product design 

that allows for timely introduction of new products based on market needs. Nanostream is pioneering 

micro parallel liquid chromatography (µPLC) with its premier product, the Veloce system. The Veloce 

system, designed for scientists who can benefit from greater sample analysis capacity, integrates with 

existing workflow and increases the throughput of established HPLC techniques.

nAscent BioSciences Inc. 

101 Rogers Street, Suite 216 

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142 

+1.617.679.9790; +1.617.679.9791 fax 

dstoldt@nascentbiosciences.com 

www.pockettip.com 

Networked Robotics 

906 University Place; Suite B200 

Evanston, Illinois 60201 

+1.847.491.8922: +1.847.491.8924 fax 

andrew_panahon@networkedrobotics.com 

www.networkedrobotics.com 

New England Small Tube 

480 Charles Bancroft Highway 

Litchfield, New Hampshire 03052 

+1.603.429.1600; +1.603.429.1601 fax 

erica@nesmalltube.com 

www.nesmalltube.com 

Nexus Biosystems 

12140 Community Road 

Poway, California 92064 

+1.858.679.0770; +1.858.679.1260 fax 

info@nexusbio.com 

www.nexusbio.com 

Nippon Pulse America, Inc. 

1073 East Main Street 

Radford, Virginia 24141 

+1.540.633.1677; +1.540.633.1674 fax 

info@nipponpulse.com 

www.nipponpulse.com 

NorgrenSystems 

Norgren Systems 

100 AEI Drive 

Fairlea, West Virginia 24902 

+1.304.647.5855; +1.604.645.4006 fax 

info@norgrensystems.com 

www.norgrensystems.com 


Booth 545 (10x10) 

PocketTipsTM offer nanoliter dispensing from your existing liquid handling equipment. Perform assays 

quicker, conserve valuable compound, prevent compound precipitation, eliminate intermediate dilutions, 

and provide excellent mixing. Presently, PocketTip delivers 50nl, 100nl, 250nl, or 500nl of compound 

directly to selectivity assays (P450), potency determinations (IC50), cell-based or low-DMSO tolerant 

assays, and kinetic read (FLIPR.) Visit us at booth 545 and www.PocketTip.com 

Booth 111 (10x10) 

Networked Robotics’ mission is to enable the collection of scientific raw data from diverse scientific 

instruments. The company’s new Tempurity product, based on distributed network architecture, collects 

temperatures from FDA-regulated refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and ovens. 

Booth 249 (10x10) 

New England Small Tube is an ISO 9001: 2000 Certified company, providing small diameter tube 

bending and fabrication. Our capabilities include burr-free cutting, bending, brazing, swaging, flaring, 

bulging, micropolishing, electropolishing, passivation and Teflon coating. New England Small Tube is a 

specialist in custom fabrication of sampling and reagent probes, preheater tubes, dispensing manifolds, 

and 96/384 well-plate tips! 

Booth 171 (10x10) 

Nexus Biosystems develops innovative enabling technologies for pharmaceutical, biotech, agrochemical 

and academic research centers worldwide. Current automation products include the Universal Store 

family of next generation high capacity sample storage and retrieval systems, the IRORI® line of chemical 

synthesis technologies, and the Crystal Farm® line of protein crystallization systems. 

Booth 241 (10x20) 

Nippon Pulse America, Inc. (NPA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Pulse Motor Co., Ltd. NPA’s 

product line includes stepping motors (tin-can and hybrid types), drivers, controllers (chip level and 

board level with communication), and Linear Shaft Motors. NPA has a model shop for quick turnaround. 

Limited quantities of stock on standard motors and electronics are available to allow faster response to 

customer needs. 

Booth 619 (10x10) 

Norgren Systems offers the ACIS for fully automated colony spreading, incubation and picking and will 

soon introduce new bench-top systems for a variety of laboratory applications. Our systems are robust 

and manufactured in the USA. Norgren Systems proudly offers complete contract manufacturing 

services for life science companies needing an option for small-volume assembly, design services and 

component manufacturing. From prototype, sub-assemblies to 100+ complex units, we get it done 

right. Visit us today at www.norgrensystems.com. 

256

Five things to remember when buying 

your next reader… 

tel. +1-800-635-5577 | www.moleculardevices.com 

Introducing SpectraMax ® 

M5 

Molecular Devices is the leading supplier of benchtop microplate 

readers. Now we’re introducing SpectraMax M5, a compact benchtop 

reader that gives you superior results in five modes. 

The widest spectrum of absorbance and fluorescence applications 

in microplates or cuvettes 

Sensitive luminescence at one or multiple wavelengths 

FP performance that is unparalleled by any monochromatorbased 

instrument 

TRF and TR-FRET assay capabilities 

Complete hardware and software validation tools 

Whether you’re screening at high throughput or developing assays 

in cuvettes or 6- to 384-well microplates, SpectraMax M5 is the only 

reader you’ll need. And we think that’s a good thing to remember. 

Stop by Booth #541 or visit our web site at www.moleculardevices.com 

for more information.

NSK Precision America, Inc. 

3450 Bearing Drive 

Franklin, Indiana 46131 

+1.317.738.5038; +1.317.738.5050 fax 

info@nskprecision.com 

www.nskprecision.com 

Omni International, Inc. 

1000 Williams Drive, Suite 1024 

Marietta, Georgia 30066 

800.776.4431; +1.770.421.0206 fax 

abailey@omni-inc.com 

www.omni-inc.com 

Opticon, Inc. 

11400 SE 8th Street, Suite 445 

Bellevue, Washington 98004 

+1.425.651.2120: +1.425.454.0865 fax 

sales@opticonusa.com 

www.opticonusa.com 

Oriental Motor USA Corp. 

2570 W. 237th Street 


800.418.7903; +1.800.309.7999 fax 

sales@orientalmotor.com 

www.orientalmotor.com 

Pall Life Sciences 

2200 Northern Boulevard 

East Hills, New York 11548 

+1.516.484.5400 

www.pall.com 


Booth 558 (10x20) 

NSK Precision America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of precision motion control products including 

ball screws and support units, linear guides, linear actuators, rotary direct drive motors, linear motors, 

robot modules and X-Y stages. NSK manufactures standard and custom precision ground ball screws, 

robot modules and linear guides at its ISO9002 certified and ISO14000 compliant manufacturing 

facility in Franklin, Indiana. For more information, please visit NSK Precision America, Inc. at www. 

nskprecision.com or call 800.255.4773. 

Booth 680 (10x10) 

Omni International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of laboratory and batch process scale products 

to homogenize samples from .03ml to 500 L in open or aerosol sealed containers. Eliminate cross 

contamination with patented Omni Tip disposable plastic processing probes and PCR kits. Visit us at 

www.omni-inc.com. 

Booth 101 (10x10) 

Founded in 1984, Opticon Inc. has been the industry leader in barcode scanning, 2-D imaging, CCD 

and data collection technologies. Opticon Inc. carries a proud tradition of serving the needs of a diverse 

array of customers worldwide. For more information about Opticon Inc. and its technologies, visit www. 

opticonUSA.com. 

Booth 439 (10x20) 

Manufacturer of motion control products. 5-Phase and 2-Phase stepping motors, motors only or as a 

complete system with driver and controller. AC/DC motors, gearmotors, and DC brushless motors with 

controllers. AC/DC cooling products – fans, blowers, and cross flow fans. 

Booth 226 (10x10) 

Pall offers process filtration, separation and purification development, pilot and manufacturing equipment 

and validation services together with pre-inspection reviews, troubleshooting consultancy, training, 

contamination analysis and other technical assistance. We offer protein expression monitoring and multistep 

chromatography purification development, target and impurity tracking and host cell protein assay 

development, purification optimization and custom affinity sorbents 

258

Expect 

CELLULAR IMAGING 

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY SYSTEMS 

FLUOROMETRIC IMAGING PLATE READERS 

LIQUID HANDLING 

MICROARRAY ANALYSIS 

MICROPLATE READERS 

REAGENTS 

SOFTWARE AND VALIDATION 

tel. +1-800-635-5577 | www.moleculardevices.com 

More 

It’s rare when a CEO is pictured in an ad, but I wanted to tell you personally 

what I believe you can expect from Molecular Devices’ products and people 

around the globe. 

Expect to propel your research and drug discovery efforts further than 

you thought possible with the technology-leading capabilities in Molecular 

Devices instruments, software and reagents. 

Expect our employees—both in the field and in-house—to understand 

your science and goals to ensure you have the right 

products for your applications, today and in the future. 

And, expect us to be available when you need us with local sales, service 

and support anywhere in the world—whether it’s Shanghai, China, Nutley, 

New Jersey or Milan, Italy. 

I expect a lot from the team of individuals who work for Molecular Devices. 

You can too. Expect more. We’ll do our very best to exceed your expectations. 

President and CEO 

Expect More Corporate ad (LabAut1 1 12/14/05 3:09:28 PM

Parker Hannifin Corporation 

6035 Parkland Boulevard 

Cleveland, Ohio 44124 

+1.216.896.3000; +1.216.896.4010 fax 

c-parker@parker.com 

www.parker.com 

Partek Incorporated 

12747 Olive Boulevard, Suite 205 

St. Louis, Missouri 63141 

+1.314.878.2329; +1.314.275.8453 fax 

information@partek.com 

www.partek.com 


710 Bridgeport Avenue 

Shelton, Connecticut 06484 

+1.203.925.4600; +1.203.944.4904 fax 

productinfo@perkinelmer.com 

www.perkinelmer.com 

Phenix Research Products 

1459C Sand Hill Rd. #324 

Candler, North Carolina 28715 

800.767.0665 x166; +1.828.670.7020 fax 

gschulz@phenixresearch.com 

www.phenixresearch.com 

Pierce Biotechnology, Inc. 

P.O. Box 117 

Rockford, Illinois 61105 

800.874.3723; 

+1.815.968.7316 fax 

cs@piercenet.com 

www.piercenet.com 


Booth 565 (20x20) 

Parker Life Sciences, a business unit within Parker Hannifin, brings leading motion control and fluidic 

control solutions together for life sciences applications. Parker products, sub-systems, and systems 

are integral to the world’s drug discovery, bioanalytical, and medical instrumentation. From miniature 

solenoid valves to highly integrated automation systems, Parker Life Sciences develops solutions that 

help OEM instrument builders speed their products to market faster and lower their overall cost of 

ownership. 

Booth 273 (10x10) 

Partek Incorporated is the maker of Partek software, a family of statistical analysis and interactive 

data visualization tools. Partek offers general data analysis packages, as well as application packages 

designed for doing genomic, HTS, or QSAR studies. All Partek software is especially well-suited for 

analysis of studies that involve high-dimensional response vectors. 

261 


Booth 339 (20x40) 

PerkinElmer is a global technology leader providing products and services to customers in health 

sciences and other advanced technology markets that require innovation, precision and reliability. 

PerkinElmer provides scientific instruments, consumables and services to the pharmaceutical, 

biomedical, environmental testing and industrial markets. PerkinElmer has a broad global sales and 

service network, with approximately 2,500 representatives operating in 45 countries, and marketing its 

products in 125 countries. 

Booth 218 (10x10) 

Phenix Research Products - A leading national provider of consumables & equipment for automation, 

genomics and core labs. Products include microplates and storage products, robotics tips, sealing 

systems and plates and columns for purification or solid phase extraction. Instruments include readers, 

fluorometers, luminometers and dispensers that are automation friendly. 

Booth 583 (10x10) 

Pierce offers many high-quality research tools for drug discovery. Searchlight ® Arrays quantify multiple 

analytes from each sample simultaneously, maximizing information gained while minimizing time and 

cost. IQ ® Technology is a homogeneous, universal detection platform designed for high-throughput 

kinase and phosphatase assays. Pierce offers wide selection of microplates pre-coated with a variety of 

molecular species or a custom plate-coating service. Pierce soluble colorimetric, chemifluorescent and 

chemiluminescent substrates for ELISAs provide sensitivity and value.

Plastic Design Corporation 

15475 N. Greenway/Hayden Loop, Suite 7 

Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 

+1.480.596.9380; +1.480.596.9474 fax 

info@plasticdesigncorporation.com 

www.plasticdesigncorporation.com 

Popper & Sons, Inc. 

300 Denton Avenue 

New Hyde Park, New York 11040 

+1.516.248.0300; +1.516.747.1188 fax 

sales@popperandsons.com 

www.popperandsons.com 

Porvair Sciences Ltd. 

Unit 6, Shepperton Business Park, Covett Ave. 

Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8BA 


+ 01932 240255; +01932 254393 fax 

chenville@porvair.com 

www.porvair-sciences.com 

Precise Automation, LLC 

727 Filip Road 

Los Altos, California 94024 

+1.408.224.2838; +1.408.516.8348 fax 

sales@preciseautomation.com 

www.preciseautomation.com 

Pressure Biosciences, Inc. 

217 Perry Parkway 

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877 

+1.301.208.8100: +1.301.208.8829 

jlanuza@bbii.com 

www.pressurebiosciences.com 

Pro-Dex/Oregon Micro Systems 

1800 NW 169th Place; Building C100 

Beaverton, Oregon 97006 

+1.503.629.8081; +1.503.629.0688 fax 

sales@@pro-dex.com 

www.pro-dex.com 


Booth 357 (10x10) 

Plastic Design Corporation (PDC) offers an integrated approach to developing and manufacturing 

medical and lab automation components and devices. Products include assay plates, micro-fluidic 

circuits, micro connectors, and dispensing tips. Capabilities include tool construction, clean room 

molding/manufacturing, and micro-component fabrication. We have extensive experience with 

ultra-pure resins such as COC and COP. 

Booth 432 (10x10) 

Popper & Sons., Inc. is an ISO 9001_2000 US manufacturer of needles, probes and tips for laboratory 

automation. We offer standard, custom and OEM solutions for sample preparation, liquid handling, 

genomic automation, HTS, pipetting and micro-dispensing. Products include: blunt tubes, non-coring 

needles and coating solutions. 

Booth 674 (10x10) 

Porvair Sciences concentrate on microplate technology. Their plates range from 24 to 384 wells. 

Manufactured in a range of materials like polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, nitrocellulose and 

polysulphone. In addition to the patented Microlute TM system, other novel products include Krystal and 

Krystal 2000 clear bottomed plates, MaxiLute, Ultravap, MiniVap, Thermobond, TriSeal, P3 precipitation, 

Matcapper and Mirror Racks. Other products include Assay plates, PCR, Reservoirs, Filter plates, 

Sealing mats and Vacuum Manifolds. 

Booth 116 (10x10) 

Designs and sells compact, low-cost, high-performance vision-guided Cartesian robots and robotic 

motion controllers with integrated motor drives for the electronics, semiconductor, life sciences, medical 

products, mass storage, and automation industries. Robots available as standalone units, with standard 

application specific accessories or as fully tooled turnkey solutions from partner organizations. 

Booth 452 (10x10) 

Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (PBI) is focused on the development of Pressure Cycling Technology 

(PCT). PCT uses cycles of hydrostatic pressure between ambient and ultra-high levels (35,000 PSI) 

to control bio-molecular interactions. PBI currently holds 17 patents covering multiple applications of 

PCT, including the extraction of RNA, DNA, proteins, and small molecules from cells and tissues. The 

PCT Sample Preparation System, which includes the Barocycler instrument and disposal reaction/ 

transportation containers (PULSE Tubes), will be displayed. 

Booth 119 (10x10) 

Pro-Dex Inc. specializes in bringing speed to market in the development and manufacture of 

technology-based solutions that incorporate embedded motion control and miniature rotary drive 

systems. With operations in Santa Ana, California and Beaverton, Oregon, Pro-Dex designs and 

produces products serving the medical, dental, factory automation and scientific research markets. 

The Company’s strategic focus is to get customers to market faster, at a lower cost and with a higher 

quality product. Pro-Dex’s products are found in hospitals, dental offices, medical engineering labs, 

scientific research facilities and high tech manufacturing operations around the world. 

263

ProGroup Instrument Corporation 

4947 Fosterburg Road 

Alton, Illinois 62002 

800.471.1916; +1.618.259.4582 fax 

www.wellpro.us 


2800 Woods Hollow Road 

Madison, Wisconsin 53711 

+1.608.274.4330; +1.608.277.2601 fax 

mary.oconnell@promega.com 

www.promega.com 

Protedyne Corporation 

1000 Day Hill Road 

Windsor, Connecticut 06095 

+1.860.683.1860; +1.860.683.4178 fax 

info@protedyne.com 

www.protedyne.com 

Qiagen, Inc. 

19300 Germantown Road 

Germantown, Maryland 20874 

+1.240.686.7688; +1.240.686.7689 fax 

pam.muck@qiagen.com 

www.qiagen.com 

Reed Business Information 

100 Enterprise Dr., Suite 600 

P.O. Box 912 

Rockaway, New Jersey 07866-0912 

+1.973.920.7515; +1.973.920.7542 fax 

rvallari@reedbusiness.com 

www.reedbusiness.com 


Booth 312 (10x10) 

ProGroup Instrument Corporation is the manufacturer of The WellPro Automated Liquid Handling 

System since 1991. The WellPro Serial Diluter has a 15 year history of reliability and value 

unsurpassed in the industry. 

Booth 217 (10x20) 

Promega Corporation is a worldwide leader in applying biochemistry and molecular biology to the 

development of innovative, high-value products for the life sciences, including the following areas: 

Molecular Biology, Cell Biology (Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation), Neuroscience Clinical 

Research and Industrial applications (Diagnostics and Pharmaceutical Processes and Materials), 

Bioluminescence and Non-isotopic Reporter Systems and Immunology Reagent Systems. 

Booth 527 (20x30) 

Protedyne Corporation brings serious laboratory automation to today’s progressive biotech, diagnostics, 

and pharmaceutical companies. Using the design principles of industrial automation, Protedyne’s 

BioCube TM System combines powerful laboratory robotic hardware with a software infrastructure that 

ensures complete data management and process tracking. The BioCube System can be configured 

for applications in functional genomics, proteomics, drug discovery and diagnostics. Visit our website at 

www.protedyne.com for more information. 

Booth 576 (10x20) 

Qiagen, the world’s leading supplier of products and services for separating, purifying, amplifying, and 

handling nucleic acids, includes a proteomics portfolio; offering cloning systems, expression purification, 

fractionation, and multiplex detection of proteins. The company’s portfolio includes automation systems 

for nucleic acid purification and molecular diagnostic applications. Qiagen offers custom siRNA services. 

264 

Media Partner 

Booth 107 (10x10) 

Reed Business Information/Life Science Publications - A leading publisher of information used by 

the scientific R&D community. Journals include: BioScience Technology, DRUG DISCOVERY & 

DEVELOPMENT, and G&P (formerly Genomics & Proteomics), annual supplier directories, market or 

technology supplements, newsletters and Internet-based publications. FREE subscriptions are available.

REMP 

Weststrasse 12 

Oberdiessbach, Switzerland 3672 

+ 41 31 770 70 70; +41 31 770 72 66 fax 

info@remp.com 

www.remp.com 

Reptron Outsource Manufacturing & Design 

47241 Bayside Parkway 

Fremont, California 94538 

+1.510.490.7117; +1.510.490.7062 fax 

sales@app-inst.com; 

www.reptronomd.com 

Retisoft, Inc. 

55 Forty-Second St., Suite 306 

Toronto, Ontario M8W 3P3 Canada 

+1.416.521.9720; +1.416.521.9277 fax 

info@retisoft.ca 

www.retisoft.ca 

Rheodyne LLC 

600 Park Court 

Rohnert Park, California 94928 

+1.707.588.2000; +1.707.588.2020 fax 

info.rheodyne@idexcorp.com 

www.rheodyne.com 

Rixan Associates, Inc./Mitsubishi Robotics 

7560 Paragon Road 

Dayton, Ohio 45459 

+1.937.438.3005; +1.937.438.0130 fax 

robots@rixan.com 

www.rixan.com 


265 


Booth 549 (10x20) 

REMP is the global leader in the supply of large-scale automated storage and retrieval systems for 

sample management in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Compound management is 

a key foundation of the drug discovery and development process as compound libraries represent one 

of the most important assets of life science companies. REMP products include systems, workstations, 

consumables and software applications for sample storage and retrieval, cherry-picking, climate 

control, plate replication and reformatting, powder dosing, vial weighing, tube capping and uncapping, 

thermal sealing, and piercing. Founded in 1986, REMP today has over 140 employees worldwide. 

Headquartered near Berne, Switzerland, the company has subsidiaries in the USA, Germany and Japan. 

Booth 318 (10x10) 

Reptron Outsource Manufacturing & Design (ROMD)is a leading provider of “state of the art” 

engineering, design & manufacturing services to medical equipment OEMs. Strategically based in 

Silicon Valley, CA., ROMD is focused on fast-turn, low to medium volume production. From prototypes 

to subsystems to complete finished products, ROMD provides high reliability products on-time, every 

time. Class 100 clean rooms, 100% high temperature burn-in, ISO 9001:2000, ISO 13485, FDA 

registered. Preview us at www.reptronomd.com. 

Booth 515 (10x10) 

ReTiSoft is a software research and development enterprise. Our products include a software 

framework (Genera) which simplifies instrument integration, a hybrid scheduler (Supra), a webenabled 

LIMS (DataPilot), a 3D simulation viewer (SimView) and a simple batch scheduler (NeXus) the 

laboratory automation market. For companies which would like to automate processing of microplates 

in batches, e.g. 80 microplates in sequence, we recently developed simple sequential scheduler. NeXus 

bridges the integration and compatibility gap between different instruments, as well as provides a simple 

way to setup your assays. 

Booth 257 (10x10) 

Rheodyne will exhibit TitanEX TM —a family of long-life, economical, low-pressure, fluid valves for 

OEMs. TitanEX integrates several new technologies for a dramatic enhancement in shear-face valve 

performance. Advanced composite materials qualify TitanEX performance to 6,000,000 actuations. 

A unique, (patent pending) fittingless connection system simplifies tubing interface to a finger tight 

operation. TitanEX—for stream selection, sample injection, and fluid switching applications. 

Booth 320 (10x20) 

Rixan Associates, Inc., established 1959, is the exclusive North American Distributor and value-added 

retailer of robots from Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Rixan also supplies turn-key 

automation, engineering and design services, warranty and non-warranty service, SME certified robot 

training, custom tooling and end effector design and program consulting.

Robots and Design Co., Ltd. 

E-801 Bundang TEchnopark 

151 Yatap-dong Bundang-gu 

Seongnam-city Kyunggio-do 463-760 Korea 

+82 31 708 2684; +82 31 706 9093 fax 

jylee@rnd.re.kr 

Roche Applied Science 

9115 Hague Road, Building B 


800.428.5433; +1.317.521.7317 fax 

www.roche-applied-science.com 

Roche Instrument Center Ltd 

OEM Instrumentation 

Forrenstrasse 

Rotkreuz 6343 Switzerland 

+ 41 41 799 2555; +41 41 799 2287 fax 

oem.instrumentation@roche.com 

www.roche-oem-instrumentation.com 

RTS Life Science 

Northbank, Irlam 

Manchester M44 5AY 


+ 44 161 777 2000; +44 161 777 2002 fax 

lifescience.info@rts-group.com 

www.rtslifescience.com 

SAGE Publications 

2455 Teller Road 

Thousand Oaks, California 91320 

800.818.7243; +1.805.499.0871 fax 

lisa.lamont@sagepub.com 

www.sagepub.com 

Sapphire Engineering 

53 Portside Drive 

Pocasset, Massachusetts 02559 

+1.508.563.5531; +1.508.563.6908 fax 


Booth 670 (10x20) 

Robots and Design Co., Ltd.(RND) develops, manufactures and sells advanced robots and 

manufacturing equipments, based on the experience and technology for more than 20 years. Robots 

include industrial robots (assembly, semiconductor and display), educational robots, service robots and 

field robots. Manufacturing equipments include equipments for semiconductor, display, photonics as 

well as bio-engineering (lab automation in genomics, proteomics, lab-on-a-chip, drug discovery, cell 

cultivation). The mission is to provide customers with agile, sincere and optimal robotic solutions. 

Booth 166 (10x30) 

Roche Applied Science introduces the latest innovations for high-throughput genomic research with the 

launch of the new, ultra-fast LightCycler ® 480 and Genome Sequencer 20 Systems. Roche also offers 

the dynamic new Universal ProbeLibrary System, consisting of 90 prevalidated probes that cover the 

entire human transcriptome! 

Booth 651 (10x10) 

Built on Roche Diagnostics’ more than 35-years of experience as a leading supplier of pioneering 

solutions for laboratory diagnostics – OEM Instrumentation offers compact modules for seamless 

integration into OEM customers’ instrumentation and complete, fully automated systems for diagnostics 

and research applications. Customers benefit from a highly professional support in development, 

application and servicing and from most efficient and competitive manufacturing capabilities. Come and 

see what we mean with Innovating Instrument Intelligence! 

267 


Booth 465 (20x20) 

RTS Life Science is a major supplier of integrated automation systems and products for sample 

management and screening. Solutions encompass drug discovery applications within pharmaceutical 

and biotechnology companies; sample preparation and storage for medical research, clinical trials 

and pharmaceutical manufacturing applications. RTS SmaRTStore TM , our off-the-shelf fully automated 

system for low volume or satellite storage will be displayed. 

Booth 352 (10x10) 

SAGE Publications-an independent international publisher in the social sciences, technology and 

medicine-provides journals, books, and electronic media of the highest caliber. Researchers, students, 

and professionals have relied on our innovative resources for 40 years. Please stop by our booth or 

visit us at www.sagepub.com. 

Booth 261 (10x10) 

Sapphire Engineering TM serves the lab automation market through its premium line of Confluent TM 

precision dispense pumps – including the new S11 miniature pump. Using positive displacement 

pistons instead of traditional syringes, these long-life pumps accurately dispense volumes from below 

1µL up to 5mL. Furthermore, our ceramic-to-ceramic shear valves offer superior life compared to 

traditional low pressure, polymer valves. We also provide OEMs with complete dispensing modules, 

such as our Confluent PVM, including a pump integrated with a valve and appropriate motor controller.

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. 

308 Springhill Farm Road 

Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715 

+1.803.548.8500; +1.803.548.8599 fax 

ulrich.mayr@us.ina.com 

www.ina.com 

SCHOTT Nexterion 

5680 Shepherdsville Road 

Louisville, Kentucky 40228 

+1.502.657.4417; +1.502.966.4976 fax 

coatedsubstrate@us.schott.com 

www.us.schott.com/nexterion 

SCIENCE/AAAS 

1200 New York Ave. 

Washington, DC 20005 

+1.202.326.6417 

www.scienceonline.org 

SCIENION AG 

Volmerstrasse 7b 

Berlin 12489 Germany 

+49 (0)30.6392.1700; +49 (0)30.6392.1701 fax 

info@scienion.de 

www.scienion.de 

Scientific Specialties, Inc. 

1310 Thurman Street 

Lodi, California 95240 

+1.209.333.2120; +1.209.333.8623 fax 

info@ssi-plastics.com 

www.ssi-plastics.com 

SciGene 

530 Mercury Drive 


800.342.2119; +1.408.733.7336 fax 

sales@scigene.com 

www.scigene.com 


Booth 300 (10x10) 

Schaeffler Group Industrial (INA, FAG & Barden) is your one stop source for linear and rotary motion 

systems - 2 & 4 row ball & roller profile systems, roundshaft systems, track roller systems, mechanical 

actuators, roller & ball screws, ball splines, ball screw support bearings, turntable bearings. State-of-the- 

art technology for every application. 

Booth 264 (10x10) 

SCHOTT Nexterion is a leading worldwide supplier of high-quality microarray solutions for all DNA and 

protein microarray applications. SCHOTT Nexterion has dynamically expanded its product portfolio and 

now offers one of the most comprehensive product ranges of both coated and uncoated microarray 

surfaces. www.us.schott.com/nexterion 

269 

Media Partner 

Booth 148 (10x10) 

Founded in 1880 by Thomas Edison and published by the AAAS, SCIENCE ranks as the world’s 

leading scientific journal. Each week, SCIENCE provides over 136,000 global subscribers with peerreviewed 

original research, scientific research articles, reports, science and research news as well as 

policy forums and perspectives on current topics. Scientists can also access the journal online at www. 

scienceonline.org. The site includes a comprehensive recruitment site, www.sciencecareers.org, offering 

job listings, career advice and a resume/cv database as well as a database of scientific meetings at 

www.sciencemeetings.org. 

Booth 209 (10x10) 

SCIENION AG is a Berlin-based life science company well positioned in the field of ultra low 

level liquid handling systems including applications in genomics, proteomics and high 

throughput screening. The prize-awarded sciFLEXARRAYER allows the aspiration of low 

level liquid volumes from different reservoirs and contact-free micro drop delivery in the 

picoliter range onto a variety of carriers. 

Booth 260 (10x10) 

Scientific Specialties Inc. of California, manufactures injection-molded plastic consumables intended 

for applications in life science research laboratories. Products fall into four broad groupings: 

Centrifuge tubes; PCR plastics; Pipette tips; Tube Racks. We specialize in tips for robotic workstations, 

manufactured using a quality control regime which is not bettered in the industry. Scientific Specialties 

works with an established network of dealers and distributors in the US and worldwide, providing 

comprehensive local support. ALA LabAutomation2006 will include the launch of new products for 

HTS and molecular biology applications. 

Booth 202 (10x10) 

SciGene provides an integrated suite of instruments that use process control, automation, and protocol 

optimization to reduce microarray data errors, enabling researchers to quickly and reliably obtain 

meaningful results. Products include the Little Dipper Microarray Processing Systems, Hybex Microarray 

Incubation Systems, Series 700 Microarray Ovens and Gemini Twin Shaking Waterbaths.

Seahorse Bioscience, Inc. 

16 Esquire Road 

North Billerica, Massachusetts 08162 

+1.978.671.1673; +1.978.671.1611 fax 

www.seahorsebioscience.com 

selectscience.net 

The Scientists Choice 

SelectScience.net 

Church Farm Business Park, Corston 

Bath BA2 9AP 


+44 1225 874 666; +44 1225 874 123 fax 

office@selectscience.net 

www.selectscience.net 

SEPIAtec GmbH 

Louis-Bleriot-Str. 5 

Berlin, Germany 12487 

+49 306322340; +49 3063223410 fax 

info@sepiatec.com 

www.sepiatec.com 


Booth 106 (10x20) 

Seahorse Bioscience will be presenting its novel XF24 instrument for determination of energy 

expenditure, fatty acid oxidation and cell signaling in mammalian cells. The easy-to-use instrument 

takes little lab space, works with standard microplates, and allows reuse of the cells for other assays. 

Learn how this new label free, non-radioactive technology can impact your metabolic, cancer, or early 

toxicity drug discovery program. 

270 

Media Partner 

Booth 114 (10x10) 

Sign up for free lab automation email newswires! SelectScience, the leading online resource for 

laboratory scientists, offers the latest news, views, events and applications straight to your inbox, 

keeping you updated on the latest advances in lab automation. To sign up visit www.selectscience.net. 

Booth 233 (10x10) 

Innovative solutions for drug discovery and development in two product lines: Sepbox ® and Sepmatix. 

The automated online HPLC/SPE (1D/2D) coupling technology of the Sepbox ® systems provides total 

separation of complex mixtures of natural products or combinatorial compounds.The 8-fold parallel 

HPLC system Sepmatix offers an ultimate solution for high sample throughput. All channels are run 

using one single pump. Sepmatix modules for parallel injection, flow control, multiplex detection and 

parallel fraction collection are also available as standalone units.

Seyonic SA 

Puits-Godet 12 

CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland 

+41 32 729 2828; +41 32 729 2829 fax 

marc.boillat@seyonic.com 

www.seyonic.com 

Sias AG 

Eichtal 

Hombrechtikon 8634 Switzerland 

+ 41 55 254 1122; + 41 55 254 1123 fax 

info@sias.biz 

www.sias.biz 

Sigma-Aldrich 

3050 Spruce Street 

St. Louis, Missouri 63103 

+1.314.771.5765; +1.314.286.7817 fax 

agant@sial.com 

www.sigmaaldrich.com 

Silex Microsystems 

Box 595, Bruttov. 1 

Jarfalla, Sweden SE-175 26 

+46 8 580 249 09; +46 8 580 249 01 fax 

henrik.hellqvist@silexmicrosystems.com 

www.silexmicrosystems.com 

Silicon Valley Scientific 

6693 Sierra Lane, Suite F 


+1.510.438.9342; +1.510.438.9311 fax 

sales@svsci.com 

SKF USA Inc. 

1530 Valley Center Parkway 

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017 

+1.610-861-4800; +1.610-861-4811 fax 

medical@skf.com 

www.skfusa.com 


Booth 535 (10x10) 

Seyonic SA is a company specialized in the application of microsystem technology for measurement 

and control in laboratory instrumentation. One of our core competencies is accurate small volume 

liquid handling in the sub-microliter range. Seyonic assists in the development of applications and 

also takes care of component manufacturing and specialized assembly and testing of OEM instrument 

sub-systems. 

Booth 245 (10x10) 

Sias is a leading independent developer and supplier of innovative multi-tipped robotic XYZ liquid 

handling systems and robot friendly functional modules. Our Xantus and Ixion products were also 

developed to meet the needs and expectations of OEM and Private Label partners, and offer unrivalled 

flexibility and adaptability for integration and customization, combined with excellent performance 

and reliability. Sias is ISO 9001.2000 certified, and our products are CE and IVD compliant. Sias is a 

dedicated and skilled partner to help you realize your automation projects efficiently and cost effectively. 

Booth 456 (10x10) 

Sigma-Aldrich your global resource for life science products has assembled a team of scientists 

dedicated to adopting a range of innovative new products for automation. Currently, automated 

methods have been developed for Whole Genome Amplification, Poly A+ mRNA isolation and 

Quantitative PCR. In addition, high-throughput methods exist for genomic DNA extraction for genetic 

analysis of blood, tissue or plant material and high-throughput protein purification for large-scale 

protein studies including screening assays. Visit Booth 456 to learn more about these exciting new 

advancements and upcoming plans for additional protocols in the area of functional genomics and 

proteomics. 

Booth 654 (10x10) 

Silex Microsystems delivers customised MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) solutions to the 

medical, biotech, telecom and high-tech industry. The company is a leader in its field and has a broad 

customer base world wide. The qualified Silex staff develops MEMS solutions in close cooperation 

with its customers and the facility provides volume production of up to 100 000 6” wafers / year. For 

instance Silex manufactures spiked electrodes to measure bio signals, micropumps and microneedles 

for drug delivery and diagnostics, disposable pressure and flow sensors for medical devices as well as a 

variety of microfluidic components. 

Booth 215 (10x10) 

Silicon Valley Scientific offers innovative, efficient solutions for automation of laboratory instrumentation. 

Our core product is the LabRAT TM (Laboratory Rapid Automation Toolkit) automation platform, now in its 

second generation. LabRAT TM defines and implements a standardized state machine architecture and 

messaging protocols to allow rapid development of sophisticated instrument control systems. 

Booth 152 (10x10) 

SKF is a leading global manufacturer of engineered products, customer solutions and services for 

the medical laboratory instrument manufacturers. SKF will exhibit an array of linear motion and rotary 

bearing solutions. The linear motion products will include ball screws, rail guides, and the PICO screw 

driven miniature stage. SKF will also exhibit an assortment of radial bearing products including sensor 

bearings. 

271

SMC Corporation 

3011 North Franklin Road 


+1.317.899.4440; +1.317.899.3102 fax 

kbodycom@smcusa.com 

www.smcworld.com 

Spark Holland BV 

P. de Keyserstraat 8 

Emmen 7825VE 

The Netherlands 

+31 (0) 591 631700; +31 (0) 591 630035 fax 

sales@spark.nl 

www.sparkholland.nl 

Specialty Motions, Inc. 

1801 Railroad Street 

Corona, California 92880 

+1.951.735.8722; +1.951.735.8915 fax 

carl.koch@smi4motion.com 

www.smi4motion.com 

specs - USA 

40 Rockland Drive 

Wakefield, RI 02879 

+1.401.782.2994; +1.401.782.3508 fax 

David.Hayes@specs.net 

www.specs.net 

SpinX Technologies 

Rue Lecht 29 

Meyrin, Geneva 1217 

Switzerland 

+41 22 782 67 00; +41 22 782 66 45 fax 

contact@spinx-technologies.com 

www.spinx-technologies.com 


Booth 129 (10x10) 

World leading manufacturer of automation components covering pneumatic valves and control 

components, liquid isolation valves and bonded acrylic manifolds. Other products include digital 

pressure and flow control switches and regulators, electric actuators and slides, plus chiller and peltier 

temperature controllers. Capabilities include high volume and custom design. SMC and Ivek, by 

strategic alliance, combine the technologies of both companies to provide the complete designed, 

assembled and tested fluidics solution for your instrument needs. 

Booth 176 10x10) 

Spark System Components is a world-class developer and manufacturer of innovative autosamplers for 

separation technologies as HPLC, LC-MS, GC and NMR Systems. We are the OEM autosampler supplier 

that is ‘recognized for being invisible.’ Our famous autosamplers are ALIAS, RELIANCE, 

ENDURANCE, MIDAS, TRIATHLON and BASIC MARATHON. 

Booth 112 (10x10) 

Specialty Motions is a manufacturer of linear stages, slides and custom sub assemblies. SMI 

offers leadscrew, ballscrew and belt drive linear stage products as well as complete motion 

control solutions. Slide products range from miniature precision ball and cross roller slides to 

extreme long travel positioning stages. 

Booth 154 (10x10) 

Specs offers 18 years of compound management experience as a service to the drug discovery 

industry. Specs’ task in this is to process (reformat, vial standardization, compound registration, QC, 

etc.) for more efficient utilization of research compounds in storage and retrieval systems. Specs 

compound management services include: compound registration; labeling; quality control; weighing; 

plating; reformatting; shipping; and storage (off-site). 

Booth 656 (10x20) 

SpinX Technologies develops and commercializes a programmable lab-on-a-chip platform, for 

applications ranging from drug discovery to consumer diagnostics. The company’s innovative, laserbased 

valving technology enables complex biological experiments in nanoliter volumes, integrating 

assay preparation and assay readout in a bench-top device. The consumable part of the technology is 

fully compatible with existing infrastructure. Currently, the SpinX development is focused on offering a 

solution to perform panels of assays in drug discovery. 

272

SSI Robotics 

3002 Dow Ave. #112 

Tustin, California 92780 

+1.714.505.9600; +1.714.505.9656 fax 

mgiesemann@ssirobotics.com 

www.ssirobotics.com 

STARLIMS Corporation 

400 Hollywood Boulevard #515 South 

Hollywood, Florida 33021-6755 

+1.954.964.8663; +1.954.964.8113 fax 

sales@starlims.com 

www.starlims.com 

Staubli Corporation 

Robotics Division 

201 Parkway West 

Duncan, South Carolina 29334 

+1.864.486.5416; +1.864.486.5497 fax 

www.staubli.com 

Stäubli Corporation - West Coast 

6773-D Sierra Court 


+1.925.551.7090 

Steinmeyer, Inc. 

45 South Gate Park 

Newton, Massachusetts 02465 

+1.617.527.0542; +1.877.237.8812 fax 

gjaffe@steinmeyer.com 

www.steinmeyer.com 

STRATEC Biomedical Systems AG 

Gewerbestr. 37 

75217 Birkenfeld, Germany 

+49 (0) 7082 7916 0; +49 (0) 7082 7916 90 fax 

info@stratec-biomedical.de 

www.stratec-biomedical.de 


Booth 314 (10x30) 

SSI Robotics provides tube, vial and microplate-based automation systems. Our multi-purpose 

equipment performs labeling, capping, HTS/Screening, storage/retrieval, order processing, liquid/ 

powder dispensing, etc. for drug discovery, clinical and production applications. Products include 

the QUICKSTACK TM , MINILAB TM and patents pending FLASH-4X TM (for tubes/caps) and FLASH-6X TM 

(for microplates). SSI Robotics works closely with both engineers and scientists to provide solutions for 

their specific biotech/pharmaceutical challenges. We are ISO9001, ISO13485 (biomedical) certified, 

GMP compliant and FDA registered. 

Booth 172 (10x10) 

STARLIMS Corporation has a 15-year track record providing future-proof laboratory information 

management systems (LIMS). STARLIMS off-the-shelf software ensures complete traceability and regulatory 

compliance—without compromising process versatility. A rich web-based application with 

a full set of features and easy-to-use GUI, STARLIMS vastly facilitates enterprise-wide collaboration. 

Booth 302 (10x20) 

Stäubli Robotics - offers a full range of high-speed four & six-axis industrial, clean room, and laboratory 

robots. The New RS series four axis SCARA and TX series six-axis robots incorporate highly innovative 

features giving them a level of performance unmatched by other robots whichs makes them ideal for 

Laboratory applications. Now with the most complete robot range, we now cover 400 - 3,200mm 

reach and 1kg - 220kg payload all on a single PC based control platform. 

Booth 210 (10x10) 

Steinmeyer manufactures precision ground and rolled ball screws, in diameters from 3mm up to 

125mm, with pitches from 0.5mm to 80mm. Our ball screws are available with single nuts, with or 

without preload, and double nuts. All screws are manufactured to ISO/DIN standards or custom design. 

Steinmeyer also offers an extensive line of precision linear and rotary stages with and without controls. 

Booth 641 (10x10) 

STRATEC Biomedical Systems AG designs and manufactures fully automated analyzer systems for 

partners operating in the fields of diagnostics and life science. 

274

Tecan 

P.O. Box 13953 

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 

800.352.5128; +1.919.361.5201 fax 

info@tecan.com 

www.tecan.com 

Technical Manufacturing Corporation 

15 Centennial Drive 

Peabody, Massachusetts 01960 

+1.978.532.6330; +1.978.531.8682 fax 

sales@techmfg.com 

www.techmfg.com 

Technology Networks Limited 

Crestland House 

Bull Lane Industrial Estate 

SUDBURY 

CO10 0BD 


+44 (0) 1787 31 92 34; +44 (0) 1787 31 92 35 fax 

info@technologynetworks.net 

www.technologynetworks.net 

TekCel, LLC 

103 South Street 

Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748 

+1.508.544.7000; +1.508.544.7001 fax 

sales@tekcel.com 

www.tekcel.com 

Teranode Corporation 

83 King Street, Suite 800 

Seattle, Washington 98104 

+1.206.219.3000; +1.206.219.3001fax 

sales@teranode.com 

www.teranode.com 


275 

Silver Sponsor 

Booth 305 (20x50) 

Wherever you are in the world, whether you are working in clinical diagnostics, genomics, proteomics, 

or drug discovery, Tecan is here to help. Our stand-alone, modular and fully customized products and 

services are all backed up by comprehensive support and advice. With more than 25 years’ experience, 

Tecan is in touch with what our customers need most, providing products that offer significant 

advantages in your day-to-day laboratory work. Tecan is synonymous with outstanding liquid handling 

platforms, microplate readers and washers, and microarray instrumentation to address the profound 

challenges facing biomedical laboratories today. 

Booth 503 (10x10) 

TMC’s CleanTop ® Steel Honeycomb Optical Breadboards are an ideal base for mounting optical 

sub-assemblies and robotic automation equipment. The patented technology provides a flat, stiff, 

damped, stainless steel mounting surface with custom sizes, shapes, and hole patterns to meet a wide 

range of applications. TMC also manufactures precision floor vibration isolation systems. New products 

include STACIS ® piezoelectric active vibration isolators, Lightweight Breadboards, Cleanroom Compatible 

systems and Radius Corner Tops. TMC has full custom capabilities. 

Media Partner 

Booth 121 (10x10) 

Technology Networks Ltd. are publishers of Free Portal Websites for specific internet communities. 

We specialise in the scientific marketplace and have a particular focus on the Drug Discovery and 

Nanotechnology sectors. Our sites typically include the following sections: industry news; new products; 

exclusive interviews; supplier index; symposia; jobs; books; publications; research links; forums. 

Booth 175 (20x20) 

A Magellan Biosciences company, TekCel’s modular, scalable family of products includes samplemanagement 

automation, liquid handling, software, and proprietary consumables addressing the 

researchers’ needs from archive compound storage through screening result. TekCel’s solutions yield 

dramatic improvements in efficiency and effectiveness, while ensuring biological and chemical sample 

integrity and data fidelity. For more information, visit www.tekcel.com. 

Booth 252 (10x10) 

Teranode Corporation, a venture-backed company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is the 

leading innovator of experiment design automation (XDA) software that integrates in-silico and 

lab experimentation. Teranode’s award-winning products are used by leading pharmaceutical, 

biotechnology, research and academic organizations, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, NIH Chemical 

Genomics Center, MIT, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, to improve the speed and value 

of experimentation in R&D and share chemical and biological knowledge enterprise-wide. For more 

information, visit www.teranode.com.

The Automation Partnership 



+1.302.478.9060; +1.302.478.9575 fax 

info@automationpartnership.com 


The Lee Company 

2 Pettipaug Road, P.O. Box 424 

Westbrook, Connecticut 06498-0424 

800.533.7584; +1.860.399.2270 fax 

inquiry@theleeco.com 

www.TheLeeCo.com 




+1.877.843.7668 


THK America Inc. 

200 East Commerce Drive 

Schaumburg, Illinois 60107 

+1.847.490.6773; +1.847.310.1182 fax 

gpelster@thk.com 

www.thk.com 

Titertek 

330 Wynn Drive 

Huntsville, Alabama 35805 

+1.256.859.8600; +1.256.859.8698 fax 

inquiry@titertek.com 

www.titertek.com 

Titian Software 

2 Newhams Row 

London SE1 3UZ 

+44.20.7367.6869; 

+44.20.7367.6868 fax 

info@titian.co.uk 

www.titian.co.uk 


276 


Booth 443 (10x20); 200 (10x10) 

The Automation Partnership (TAP) is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of advanced 

automation systems for life sciences research. TAP provides innovative systems and products for cell 

culture, sample management, screening and genomics applications. TAP is a private company with 

headquarters near Cambridge, UK and a U.S. office in Wilmington, Delaware. 

Booth 244 (10x10) 

The Lee Company manufactures a complete line of precision, miniature fluid control products offering 

reliable, consistent performance. On display are 2-and 3-way inert, semi-inert, and non-inert solenoid 

valves, high speed micro-dispensing valves, fixed and variable volume dispense pumps and associated 

inert fluid handling components. Featured are new micro-dispensing valves capable of high speed 

nanoliter dispensing, new calibrated orifices designed for installation in plastics, and a new integrated 

pump/valve dispensing system. 

Platinum Sponsor 

Booth 415 (20x50) 

Thermo Electron Corporation is the world leader in analytical instruments. Our instrument solutions 

enable our customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place by providing analytical 

instruments, scientific equipment, services and software solutions for life science, drug discovery, 

clinical, environmental and industrial laboratories. Visit Thermo in booth 415 to see the latest offering in 

automation solutions. 

Booth 321 (10x20) 

The world leader in linear motion technology. Linear motion systems and components: linear motion 

guides, including the SSR, SHW, SRS caged ball retainer models; HCR curved rail; CSR & MX cross 

LM guide; SBN, SBK, HBN caged ball screws; ball splines, miniature RSR LM guides in stainless steel, 

and a KR miniature series. New VLA & CRES products. Manufacturing in the USA. 

Booth 471 (10x10) 

Titertek Instruments is an established company providing a wide range of microplate processing 

equipment for medium-to high-volume users. Robust dispensers, washers, and multifunction assay 

processors will be shown at LabAutomation2006. New equipment for filter plate processing and 

agar and medium dispensing will be on display. 

Booth 556 (10x10) 

Titian Software specializes in sample management software for the life science industries. Our 

Mosaic TM product improves the quality, efficiency, throughput and data integrity of sample processing. 

Researchers review the available inventory of compounds and reagents in Mosaic, and place orders 

from their desk. Mosaic then orchestrates the entire preparation process guiding operators through 

manual processes and driving integrated robotic workstations. Suitable for large and small companies 

alike, Mosaic provides a seamless error-free sample supply chain.

Tomtec, Inc. 

1000 Sherman Avenue 

Hamden, Connecticut 06514 

+1.203.281.6790; 

+1.877.TOMTEC 3 Toll Free; +1.203.248.5724 fax 

info@tomtec.com 

www.tomtec.com 

Torcon Instruments, Inc. 

22301 Western Avenue, Building 105 


+1.310.320.7313; +1.310.618.0143 fax 

rkg@torconinstruments.com 

www.torconinstruments.com 

Tricontinent 

12555 Loma Rica Drive 

Grass Valley, California 95945 

+1.530.273.8888; +1.530.273.2586 fax 

aimee_driggs@tricontinent.com 

www.tricontinent.com 

TTP LabTech LTD. 

Melbourne Science Park 

Cambridge Road Melbourn 

Royston, Herts SG8 6EE 


+44.1763.262626; +44.1763.261964 fax 

sue.newman@ttplabtech.com 

www.ttplabtech.com 

UltraSource, Inc. 

22 Clinton Drive 

Hollis, New Hampshire 03049 

+1.603.881.7799; +1.603.881.9966 fax 

sletourneau@ultrasource.com 

www.ultrasource.com 


Booth 521 (10x20) 

Tomtec is a leading provider of innovative automated solutions for drug discovery research—96 & 384 

well pipettors and instruments for microplate washing, sealing and storage—supporting a wide range 

of applications including HTS, SPE and Genomics. Tomtec continues to enhance existing products and 

introduce new technology to meet the changing needs of research. Tomtec has introduced a number of 

innovative instruments over the years including the Harvester96, Quadra96 and the new Quadra DSV, 

a disposable small volume tip option. Tomtec will display the latest instruments for use in cell-based 

assays, bioanalysis and genomics/proteomics: Quadra Nano, Quadra DSV, The Tower, and AutoSeal. 

Booth 275 (10x10) 

Torcon Instruments has been designing and manufacturing equipment in the microplate format since 

1984. Personnel at Torcon have designed and/or been on the design team for the first dual wavelength 

Optical Density Reader, Fluorometer, and Luminometer in the microplate format. Torcon will be showing 

their 350 plate Prospector II microplate manager. 

Booth 266 (10x10) 

TriContinent, an ISO 9001-certified company, manufactures precise, reliable and affordable liquid 

handling instruments and devices, specializing in custom-made OEM products for clinical and 

biotechnology applications. TriContinent manufactures OEM syringe pumps. Our pumps, whether 

standard, custom or modified are designed for Low Cost, Quality and Application Optimization 

TriContinent has established relationships with the most knowledgeable and successful clinical 

diagnostic and biotech companies in the world. 

Booth 340 (10x30) 

TTP LabTech supplies laboratory-scale instrumentation and custom automation for the healthcare, biotech 

and pharmaceutical sectors. Its products include: comPOUND ® modular cherry-picking sample store; 

mosquito ® nanolitre liquid handler using disposable micropipettes for zero cross-contamination; and 

Acumen Explorer TM microplate cytometer for simultaneous 4-colour analysis of ultra high throughput, high 

content screening assays. 

Booth 130 (10x10) 

UltraSource is a manufacturer of Thin Film Circuits. We focus on building a thin film fabrication facility 

capable of creating unique solutions. For biomedical applications, we offer a variety of chip layout 

and fabrication options for custom microfluidics chips. Our components are being used in the most 

challenging biomedical applications. 

277

Upchurch Scientific 

619 Oak Street 

Oak Harbor, Washington 98277 

+1.360.679.2528; +1.360.679.3830 fax 

www.upchurch.com 

USA Scientific, Inc. 

PO Box 3565 

Ocala, Florida 34478-3565 

800.522.8477; +1.352.351.2057 fax 

infoline@usascientific.com 

www.usascientific.com 

V&P Scientific, Inc. 

9823 Pacific Heights Boulevard, Suite T 


+1.858.455.0643; +1.858.455.0703 fax 

azabrocki@vp-scientific.com 

www.vp-scientific.com 

Velocity11 

3565 Haven Avenue 

Menlo Park, California 94025 

+1.650.846.6600; +1.650.846.6620 fax 

info@velocity11.com 

www.velocity11.com 

VICI Valco Instruments 

P.O. Box 55603 

Houston, Texas 77255 

800.367.8424; +1.713.688.8106 fax 

vici@vici.com 

www.vici.com 

Vitra Bioscience 

2450 Bayshore Parkway 

Mountain View, California 94043 

+1.650.988.4600; +1.650.988.4639 fax 

lbourget@vitrabio.com 

www.vitrabio.com 


Booth 259 (10x10) 

Upchurch Scientific manufactures custom and off-the-shelf fluid transfer components, including: fittings, 

polymer and metallic tubing, unions, adapters, filters and frits, valves and numerous other accessories 

for applications from micro and nanoscale through large bore. We offer custom injection molding, 

extrusion and machining – specializing in high-performance engineering thermoplastics and corrosionresistant 

metals. Services include custom kits/tubing assemblies, custom forming and labeling. We work 

closely with OEMs to provide rapid, full-service support throughout product development. 

Booth 450 (10x10) 

USA Scientific provides solutions for liquid handling and sample testing, storage, and tracking. Products 

on display include: TipOne ® automation and standard tips; Micronic ® racked tubes, barcoded tubes, and 

sealing caps; sealing films; amplification and assay plates; freezer racks and labels; OptiCell ® 

cell culture 

systems; and more. 

Booth 227 (10x20) 

V&P Scientific is proud to introduce the VP 903B Pin Tool Robot. Priced at under $20,000, we now 

have an efficient and simple robotic system for 2 nanoliter to 25 microliter transfers that can be used 

for 24, 48, 96, 384 and 1,536 microplate formats without the use of costly pipette tips. We have also 

added the Vortex Microplate Lateral Tumble Stirrer to our line of mixers. This stirrer produces a vortex 

cone in the liquid and efficiently mixes the contents of the liquid. 

278 

Premier Sponsor 

Booth 449 (20x30) 

At Velocity11, we are committed to providing complete solutions to solve real problems and 

dramatically enhance your productivity. It just so happens that we like to make those solutions 

compact, flexible, user friendly and very, very fast. Through highly configurable automation systems, 

benchtop instrumentation, consumables and first-class service, Velocity11 is committed to leadingedge 

innovation, whether it is for drug discovery, proteomics, storage or genomics. To see how we 

provide the flexibility to meet your needs today and in the future, please stop by our booth or contact a 

Velocity11 sales representative. 

Booth 542 (10x20) 

For 35 years, Valco Instruments Co., Inc (VICI) has been the leading designer and manufacturer 

of standard and custom valves and fittings for precision analytical, biomedical, and biocompatible 

instrumentation. Our product line also includes a wide range of related products such as pneumatic 

and electric actuators, tubing and sampling loops, heated enclosures, valve sequence and temperature 

controllers, gas purifiers, GC detectors, and digital interfaces. 

Booth 374 (10x10) 

Vitra Bioscience has developed the CellCard TM 

System, the first technology of its kind capable of the 

parallel analysis of multiple cell types in the same assay well. By examining multiple cell lines and 

targets simultaneously, compounds can be prioritized based on selectivity and potency, ultimately 

resulting in more accurate toxicity and efficacy profiles.

Waters 


34 Maple Street 

Milford, Massachusetts 01757 

+1.508.478.2000; +1.508.872.1990 fax 

info@waters.com 

www.waters.com 

Watson-Marlow Bredel Pumps 

37 Upton Technology Park 

Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887 

+1.978.658.6168; +1.978.658.0041 fax 

support@wmbpumps.com 

www.watson-marlow.com 

Whatman 

200 Park Avenue, Suite 210 

Florham Park, New Jersey 07932 

+1.973.245.8326; +1.973.245.8329 fax 

info@whatman.com 

www.whatman.com 

White Carbon 

Melborun Science Park 

Melbourn, Royston 

Herts SG8 6EE, United Kingdom 

+44 1763 262626; +44 1763 262495 fax 

info@white-carbon.com 

www.white-carbon.com 

Xiril 

11A Parkway Circle 

New Castle, Delaware 19803 

+1.302.326.0433; +1.302.326.0492 fax 

lee.carter@xiril.com 

www.xiril.com 


Booth 153 (10x10) 

Waters offers comprehensive system solutions for scientists. Liquid Chromatography. Mass Spectrometry. 

Informatics. Columns and Chemistries. Services and Support. Waters offers a suite of leading scientific 

information management solutions, including electronic laboratory notebook software. Whatever your 

laboratory’s needs, Waters provides complete confidence in the technologies you need, when you need 

them. Visit www.waters.com to learn more. 

Booth 537 (10x10) 

Complete range of peristaltic pumps and tubing for OEM, sterile reagent dispensing, and general 

pump applications. Systems include precision single and multichannel dispensers from 1 to 48 

channels and accuracy to + 0.5%. OEM systems include pumpheads, panel-mount motor 

drives and control systems. 

Booth 434 (10x10) 

Whatman, a global leader in sample preparation technology, is known throughout the scientific 

community for providing innovative life science products and solutions. Whatman offers complete, 

start-to-finish solutions for a wide range of industries, helping you simplify research and discovery. 

Whether you’re looking for trusted lab equipment like filtration devices and multiwell plates, or unique 

technologies like FTA and FAST Quant protein arrays, Whatman has the range and expertise to advance 

your research. 

Booth 270 (10x10) 

White Carbon brings software-based solutions to life sciences. Its Pathways workflow system crosses 

the boundary between conventional LIMS systems and workcell control software, offering unrivalled 

integration and analysis capabilities. Pathways can be used to develop workflow systems rapidly and 

incrementally, enabling controlled process evolution and the capture of best practice. 

Booth 248 (10x20) 

Xiril was founded in 2001 by a team of robotic liquid handling experts committed to the development 

and production of automated systems for Life Science and Diagnostic applications. Xiril Robotic 

Workstations are the long-awaited solution for the mid to low-end pipetting market, combining robust 

technology, high precision, and maximum flexibility - all within a space-saving footprint. The unique 

combination of liquid handling and robotic manipulation within the same robotic arm results in an 

extraordinary performance/price ratio attracting end users as well as OEM partners. “A striking design 

with complete flexibility for a very competitive price!” 

279

Yamaha Robotics 

Box 937 5123 West Chester Pike 

Edgemont, Pennsylvania 19028 

+1.610.325.9940; +1.610.325.9946 fax 

info@yamaharobotics.com 

www.yamaharobotics.com 

Zinsser Analytic 

19145 Parthenia St., Suite C 

Northridge, California 91324 

+1.818.341.2906; +1.818.341.2927 fax 

info@zinsserna.com 

www.zinsserna.com 

Advertisers 

Arcus Technology, Inc. Page 222 

Biodirect Inside Front Cover 

BioTechniques Page 228 

Caliper Life Sciences Back Cover 

Cell Page 231 

Drug Discovery News Page 233 

Drug Discovery/Russell Publishing Page 235 

EDC Biosystems Page 237 

Emerald BioSystems Page 239 

Genetic Engineering News Page 242 

Genmark Automation Page 244 

LabAutomation2007 Page 304 


Booth 540 (10x10) 

Yamaha Robotics, a world leader in the robotic automation market, manufactures the widest variety of 

SCARA, Cartesian, Pick and Place and single axis robots available anywhere. Standard options include 

Class 10 clean room, cold environment, and IP65 versions. Ethernet, Device Net, CC Link and PC 

based controls are available. 

Booth 230 (10x20) 

Zinsser Analytic supplies a range of sophisticated systems and solutions for applications in 

biotechnology, modern drug discovery, combinatorial chemistry, screening and synthesis, and standard 

laboratory automation. As a customer you get reliable hardware and excellent software and premium 

support backed by 30 years accumulated experience in automation and liquid handling. 

280 

Magellan BioSciences Page 251 

MatriCal Page 253 

Micronic North America Page 255 

Molecular Devices Pages 257 & 259 

Nature’s Publishing Group Page 260 

RTS Life Sciences Page 266 

Roche` Diagnostics Page 268 

Select Science Page 270 

Staubli Corp - Robotics Division Page 273 

Tecan Inside Back Cover 

Velocity11 Page 1

Notes 


281

Notes 


282


Short Courses: Large Impact 

The LabAutomation2006 Short Course Program provide a rapid introduction to topics, issues and techniques related to the laboratory 

automation issues you face daily. Each course is a full day and is led by distinguished faculty with deep expertise in their respective 

course topic. The courses are suited for students, faculty, industry or technology providers. 

Saturday, January 21, 2006 Location Page 

Applied Information Technology for the Laboratory Smoketree A 284 


Automated Identification Techniques and Technology Smoketree F 284 


Economic Justification of Laboratory Automation Smoketree E 284 


Getting Started With Excel and VBA in the Laboratory Mesquite G 285 


Introduction to Laboratory Automation Sierra 285 


Introduction to Nanobiotechnology Mesquite H 285 


Microarray Applications From the Inside Out Smoketree D 286 


Microfluidics I/II Mesquite F 286 


Molecular Diagnostic Automation Smoketree B 286 


Sunday, January 22, 2006 Location Page 

Electronic Laboratory Notebooks Smoketree D 287 


Getting Started With Excel and VBA in the Laboratory Mesquite G 287 


Introduction to Design of Experiments (DOE) Pueblo A 287 


Introduction to Laboratory Automation Sierra 288 


Introduction to the Theory and Automation of Pharmacogenomics Smoketree B 288 


LIMS in the Organization Mesquite H 288 


Liquid Handling Boot Camp — A Hands-On Introduction to Lab Robotics Smoketree F 289 


Mass Spectrometry in Drug Discovery, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Pueblo B 289 


Microfluidics I/II Mesquite F 289 


Technical Project Management Smoketree A 290 


283



Applied Information Technology for the Laboratory Smoketree A 

Burkhard Schaefer, Burkhard Schaefer Software & Networks Palm Springs Convention Center 

Torsten A. Staab, Los Alamos National Laboratory 

Who Should Attend 

This short course is for individuals looking for an overview of information technology topics relevant to a laboratory environment. Possible 

attendees for this class are laboratory IT decision makers and professionals from pharmaceutical, biotech, clinical companies, and research 

institutions. There are no prerequisites for this class. 

How You’ll Benefit From This Course 

• Learn about current and upcoming information technology and how to leverage them in a laboratory 

• Improve your IT fundamentals so you can discern hype and reality 

• Become aware of applicable standards and component software architectures 

• Understand how to store, manage, and analyze your data 

Automated Identification Techniques and Technology Smoketree F 

Niels Wartenberg, Microscan Systems, Inc. Palm Springs Convention Center 

Dan Cinicola, Millennium Pharmaceuticals 


This course is for anyone seeking an introduction to bar codes, bar code technologies, and how they are used in the BioPharmaceutical 

laboratory. A basic understanding of the use of bar codes either in or outside the laboratory environment is useful but not required. Typical 

attendees include scientists, engineers, lab managers, marketing and sales professionals, and students. 


• Understand the different bar code symbologies 

• Work with off the shelf bar code scanners and software 

• Understand the parameters involved in acquiring and decoding a bar code 

• Learn about the different types of bar coded consumables and the technologies to decode them 

• See how the bar code is essential for sample tracking from order entry through HTS and beyond 

• Learn about new means of sample identification 

Economic Justification of Laboratory Automation Smoketree E 

Douglas Gurevitch, University of California, San Diego Palm Springs Convention Center 


This short course is for anyone interested in analyzing the costs and justifications of laboratory automation, from laboratory scientist or 

manager to financial officer needing an introduction into laboratory financial issues. 


• Familiarized with the terminology and methods of Economic Analysis 

• Learn how to use these methods to compare technological alternatives 

• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the various levels of automation 

• Examine the costs of error and how to account for them in your comparisons 

• Examine the costs of personnel and how to account for the opportunity costs of having them dedicated to a project 

• Exposure to real case studies from industry 

284


Getting Started With Excel and VBA in the Laboratory Mesquite G 

Erik Rubin Palm Springs Convention Center 

William Neil 


This short course is for bench scientists, laboratory managers, and students who want to get more out of Microsoft Excel through the 

use of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The course material is targeted at beginners and no prior experience with VBA is assumed. 

A practical knowledge of the use of Excel® is required and familiarity with a procedural programming language such as C, Pascal, 

Fortran, or BASIC is advantageous. 


• Learn the fundamentals of the VBA core language 

• Be introduced to the interaction between VBA and common Excel objects such as Workbooks, Worksheets, and Cells 

• Explore the use of Excel and VBA programming to address basic laboratory automation challenges 

Introduction to Laboratory Automation Sierra 

Steven D. Hamilton, Sanitas Consulting Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Gary W. Kramer, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Mark F. Russo 


This short course is for anyone seeking an introduction to the field of laboratory automation. A general understanding of a laboratory 

environment is helpful. Typical attendees include scientists, engineers, lab managers, marketing and sales professionals, and students. 


• Understand industry drivers, costs and benefits of lab automation 

• Learn methods of planning and executing successful automation projects 

• Appreciate the strategy and technical features that make up a successful automated system 

• Become aware of up and downstream impacts of lab automation 

• Develop an understanding of the issues, strategies and tools for managing data from automated systems. 

• Learn about current and future lab automation technologies 

Introduction to Nanobiotechnology Mesquite H 

Dean Ho, California Institute of Technology Palm Springs Convention Center 

Angelika Niemz, Keck Graduate Institute 


This short course is for those interested in an overview of nanometer scale materials and nanofabrication and how these concepts are 

applied to developing novel assays and devices for the life sciences. 


• Learn about unique material properties that arise at the nanoscale 

• Learn how to interface man-made with biological nanostructures 

• Learn how to integrate these in the fabrication of devices 

• Discuss specific applications, their implications for medical diagnostics and the biomedical industry 

in general, and some recent examples of their commercialization 

285


Microarray Applications From the Inside Out Smoketree D 

Martin Dufva, Danish Technical University Palm Springs Convention Center 

Michael Stangegaard, Technical University of Denmark 


This course is for scientists, technicians, and engineers that consider working with microarrays and for those who are currently working with 

some applications of microarrays. It is helpful to be familiar with genes, RNA and proteins to follow the course. In many cases, we will use 

biological or clinical relevant examples to illustrate how DNA and protein microarrays work. 


• Learn about one of the hottest topics in genomics and proteomics 

• Understand how this technology operates 

• See examples of realized commercial solutions 

Microfluidics I/II Mesquite F 

Jörg Kutter, Danish Technical University Palm Springs Convention Center 


Johan Nilsson, Lund University 


This course is for anyone interested in getting a basic understanding of design, fabrication and workings of microfluidics-based devices for 

chemical and biomedical applications. Typical attendees include scientists, engineers, lab managers, and students. 


• Understand the basics of microfluidics 

• Get insight into the advantages and challenges of microfabricated chemical systems 

• Understand the considerations about design and choice of materials for those systems 

• Develop an understanding for the cross-disciplinarity of this research field 

• Get an overview of existing and envisioned applications for this technology, as well as already available commercial implementations 

• Hear about the latest developments and trends 

Molecular Diagnostic Automation Smoketree B 

Patrick Merel, Beckman Coulter, Inc. Palm Springs Convention Center 


This course is for anyone seeking to improve throughput and automation levels of molecular testing, or wanting to have an overview on 

solutions for Nucleic Acid Testing automation. 


• Understand why automation is necessary in molecular diagnostics 

• Overview of the existing solutions for automation of molecular testing 

• Appreciate the strategy and technical features of recent molecular products from major diagnostic companies 

• Develop an automation project for a molecular testing core facility 

• Learn about current and future automation technologies used for molecular testing 

286



Electronic Laboratory Notebooks Smoketree D 

Simon Coles, Amphora Research Palm Springs Convention Center 

John Trigg, phaseFour Informatics 


This course is intended for anyone seeking a comprehensive introduction to electronic laboratory notebooks, including scientists, engineers, 

lab managers, project managers, and IT specialists. A general understanding of laboratory operations is helpful. 


• Understand the traditional roles and functions of laboratory notebooks 

• Understand the reasons why paper notebooks are becoming obsolete 

• Develop an appreciation for the nature of data flow in an automated laboratory 

• Apprehend the critical importance of metadata, and the unique ability of ELN to handle metadata 

• Become familiar with the concepts of knowledge management 

• Understand the legal and regulatory issues addressed by ELN technology 

• Learn about the current ELN market and the new capacities of next-generation ELN 

Getting Started With Excel and VBA in the Laboratory Mesquite G 

Erik Rubin Palm Springs Convention Center 

William Neil 


This short course is for bench scientists, laboratory managers, and students who want to get more out of Microsoft Excel through the 

use of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The course material is targeted at beginners and no prior experience with VBA is assumed. 

A practical knowledge of the use of Excel® is required and familiarity with a procedural programming language such as C, Pascal, 

Fortran, or BASIC is advantageous. 


• Learn the fundamentals of the VBA core language 

• Be introduced to the interaction between VBA and common Excel objects such as Workbooks, Worksheets, and Cells 

• Explore the use of Excel and VBA programming to address basic laboratory automation challenges 

Introduction to Design of Experiments (DOE) Pueblo A 

Maneesha Altekar, Hercules, Inc. Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Paul Taylor, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 


This course is for any scientists involved in experimental work, in particular, assay and instrumentation performance optimizations. A 

general understanding of basic statistical concepts such as mean, variance and the normal distribution is helpful. Typical attendees 

include scientists, engineers, and students. 


• Understand the principles of statistically designed experiments 

• Become aware of where DOE can be applied 

• Learn how DOE can make the experimental process more efficient 

• Appreciate the importance of carefully planning and executing your experiment 

• Learn about the different designs available for achieving specific objectives 

287


Introduction to Laboratory Automation Sierra 

Steven D. Hamilton, Sanitas Consulting Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Gary W. Kramer, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Mark F. Russo 


This short course is for anyone seeking an introduction to the field of laboratory automation. A general understanding of a laboratory 

environment is helpful. Typical attendees include scientists, engineers, lab managers, marketing and sales professionals, and students. 


• Understand industry drivers, costs and benefits of lab automation 

• Learn methods of planning and executing successful automation projects 

• Appreciate the strategy and technical features that make up a successful automated system 

• Become aware of up and downstream impacts of lab automation 

• Develop an understanding of the issues, strategies and tools for managing data from automated systems. 

• Learn about current and future lab automation technologies 

Introduction to the Theory and Automation of Pharmacogenomics Smoketree B 

Paul Kayne Palm Springs Convention Center 

Thomas Hartmann, Amgen, Inc. 


This course is for anyone seeking an introduction to the field of pharmacogenomics and its automation. As this is an introductory course, 

prior knowledge of pharmacogenomics is not required. Typical attendees include scientists, engineers, lab managers, marketing and sales 

professionals, and students. 


• Learn how our genetic code can provide the basis for predisposition to disease 

• Understand how differences in our genetic makeup affects our response to medicine 

• Learn how these differences are detected 

• Appreciate the regulatory issues surrounding pharmacogenomics 

• Explore the possibilities for personalized medicine 

• Receive an introduction to laboratory automation 

• Learn the major platforms used for genotyping and biomarker studies 

LIMS in the Organization Mesquite H 

Robert D. McDowall, McDowall Consulting Palm Springs Convention Center 


This course is for managers involved with a project who need an understanding of what is involved; users or super users of a LIMS who 

would also be on a project team; IT staff involved in a LIMS project; Quality Assurance personnel wanting to understand about the stages 

of implementing a LIMS. 


• Receive an overview of the system development life cycle of a LIMS and the identification of the common issues and 

problems associated with a project 

• Learn how to develop an overall strategy for a project via a LIMS matrix 

• Learn how to write a User Requirements Specification for the LIMS 

288


Liquid Handling Boot Camp — A Hands-On Introduction to Lab Robotics Smoketree F 

Douglas Gurevitch, University of California, San Diego Palm Springs Convention Center 

Petar Stojadinovic, National University/Coleman College 


Anyone interested in hands-on experience and training with pipetting/liquid handling techniques on liquid handling robots. 1/3 of the class 

time will be lecture and 2/3 will be hands on work with the robots. 


• Familiarized with the terminology and methods of automated liquid handling 

• Learn optimal pipetting techniques 

• Learn about reagent and chemical compatibility issues 

• Become aware of validation/QC testing techniques and options 

• Discuss proper decontamination techniques 

• Try hands-on operations on real liquid handling robots with liquids of various viscosities and handling “issues.” 

Mass Spectrometry in Drug Discovery, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Pueblo B 

Mike Greig, Pfizer Global R&D Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel 

Gary Siuzdak, The Scripps Research Institute 


Anyone seeking an introduction to the field of mass spectrometry its instrumentation and its application to proteomics, metabolomics, and 

drug discovery. A general understanding of a mass spectrometry is helpful. Typical attendees include scientists, engineers, lab managers, 

marketing and sales professionals, and students. 


• Learn about the most recent technology developed for proteomics, metabolomics, PK-ADME analysis, and drug discovery 

• Obtain a basic understanding of ionization and mass analysis 

• Learn why mass spectrometry is one of the most important tools in biology and chemistry 

• Learn the methods of generating data from mass spectrometers 

• Approaches to data analysis for protein identification and characterization 

• Become aware of quantitative analysis for both small molecule metabolites and proteins 

• Learn the advantages and limitations of this technology for these specific applications 

Microfluidics I/II Mesquite F 

Jörg Kutter, Danish Technical University Palm Springs Convention Center 


Johan Nilsson, Lund University 


This course is for anyone interested in getting a basic understanding of design, fabrication and workings of microfluidics-based devices for 

chemical and biomedical applications. Typical attendees include scientists, engineers, lab managers, and students. 


• Understand the basics of microfluidics 

• Get insight into the advantages and challenges of microfabricated chemical systems 

• Understand the considerations about design and choice of materials for those systems 

• Develop an understanding for the cross-disciplinarity of this research field 

• Get an overview of existing and envisioned applications for this technology, as well as already available commercial implementations 

• Hear about the latest developments and trends 

289


Technical Project Management Smoketree A 

Brian J. Koziol, Amgen, Inc. Palm Springs Convention Center 

David James, Invetech 


This course is for anyone interested in seeking an introduction about mapping the phases of a project; learning about specific project 

management tools; and discussing and demonstrating the application of these tools in the development and implementation of new 

technologies and processes for diagnostics, manufacturing, and drug discovery. 


• Learn about project planning, management/execution, and evaluation/reporting 

• Be introduced to the Gantt chart, application of the concept of earned value, scenario and 

contingency planning, risk assessment, stakeholder analysis 

• Identify and manage a project’s critical path, and review various other techniques used to 

manage people (teams), budget and time 

290

Notes 


291

Notes 


292

Index 

4titude ................................................... 219 

A 

AB Controls, Inc. .................................... 219 

Abassi, Yama ......................................... 62 

ABgene, Inc. ......................................... 219 

Acquesta, Larry ................................ 40, 159 

Adhesives Research, Inc. ....................... 219 

Advalytix AG ........................................... 219 

Aglione, Anthony .............................. 34, 103 

Agrawal, Nitin .................................... 34,103 

Aguinaldo, A.M. ....................................... 96 

Ahn, Chong H. ................................. 37, 132 

Akubio .................................................... 219 

Al-Abdulmohsen, Ismail .................... 34, 104 

Albert, Keith .......................34, 45, 104, 196 

Alberto, José .................................... 35, 114 

Alden, Peter ..................................... 44, 190 

Alessandri, Bruno ............................. 42, 173 

Allmotion ................................................ 220 

Allwardt, Arne .....................34, 44, 105, 188 

Altekar, Maneesha .................................. 287 

Alvarez, Julio C. ................................ 37, 134 

American Pharmaceutical Review .......... 220 

Amirkhanian, Varouj .......................... 34, 106 

Analytical Instrument GmbH .................. 220 

Andrews, John ................................. 41, 161 

Applied Fluidics LLC ............................... 220 

Applied Mechatronics ........................... 220 

Applied Precision LLC ............................ 220 

Applied Robotics, Inc. ........................... 221 

Applied Scientific Instrumentation ........... 221 

Apricot Designs, Inc. .............................. 221 

Arcus Technology, Inc. ............................ 221 


Ardiff, Michael ................................... 39, 149 

Arena, Andrew ................................. 41, 162 

Art Robbins Instruments ....................... 221 

ARTEL ............................................. 17, 221 

Arulnayagam, Lazar ................................. 76 

ASDI ...................................................... 223 

Askenazi, M. ............................................ 78 

Astech Projects Ltd. ............................. 223 

Asymtek, A Nordson Company ............ 223 

ATI Industrial Automation ........................ 223 

Atlantic Lab Equipment LLC .................. 223 

Aubin, Christine ................................ 39, 149 

Aurigemma, Christine ....................... 43, 185 

Aurora Biomed ...................................... 223 

Aurora Discovery, Inc. ............................ 224 

Austin, Robert .................................. 36, 126 

AutoDose ............................................... 224 

Avantium Technologies BV ..................... 224 

Avegene Life Science ............................. 224 

Axygen Scientific, Inc. ............................ 224 

B 

Baddeley, Suzanne ........................... 35, 117 

Baessmann, Carsten ................................ 51 

Bai, Dina L. ............................................... 52 

Baier, Tobias ............................................. 63 

Baker, M. .............34, 43, 44, 109, 179, 192 

Bal Seal Engineering Co. ...................... 224 

Balaban, David ......................................... 86 

Bandyopadhyay, Krisanu ............ 38, 69, 140 

Bangsaruntip, Sarunya ............................. 95 

Barbagallo, Chris .............................. 40, 154 

Barker, David .................................... 40, 155 

Barnstead Genevac ................................ 225 

293 

Barnstead International .......................... 225 

Barry, Kevin .............................................. 70 

Bartl, Ralf ......................................... 42, 170 

Bartos, Holger .......................................... 59 

Batchelor, Alex ................................. 34, 107 

Baumgartner, Todd ........................... 41, 164 

Bazoti, Fotini ............................................ 51 

Becker, Chris ............................................ 57 

Beckman Coulter, Inc. ............................ 225 

Bednar, Rodney ....................................... 65 

Belak, Roy ........................................ 36, 121 

Belcinski, Richard ..................................... 99 

Bell, Duncan ............................................. 98 

Benedetti, Michael ............................. 34,107 

Bennett, Dave .......................................... 85 

Bergquist, Jonas ...................................... 51 

Berthold Technologies GmbH ................. 225 

Bienvenue, Joan ....................................... 68 

Bio/Data Corporation ............................. 226 

Bio-Chem Valve and Omnifit ................... 225 

Biocompare ............................................ 225 

Biodirect Inc. .......................................... 226 

BioDot, Inc. ............................................ 226 

BioFluidix GmbH .................................... 226 

Biohit ...................................................... 226 

BioMedTech Laboratories ....................... 226 

BioMicrolab ............................................ 227 

Biosample, Inc. ...................................... 227 

Biosero ................................................... 227 

Biospin, Bruker ......................................... 51 

BioTek Instruments, Inc. ......................... 227 

BioTX Automation .................................. 227 

Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation ............. 227 

Biswal, Sibani ................................... 34, 108

Biunno, Ida ....................................... 37, 109 

Bjerke, Michael ................................. 41, 167 

Black Dog Technical Services ................. 229 

Blake, Sean ...................................... 40, 159 

Blakney, Greg ........................................... 50 

Blaxill, Zoe ........................................ 35, 117 

Blodgett, Jason ................................ 41, 162 

Blueshift Biotechnologies ....................... 229 

Blyn, Lawrence B. .................................... 97 

BMG LabTechnologies Inc. ..................... 229 

Boccazzi, Paolo ........................................ 63 

Boerckel, Patricia ............................. 41, 162 

Bohn, Paul ............................................... 67 

Bokoch, Michael P. ........................... 37, 129 

Boontheung, Pinmanee ............................ 55 

Bosch Rexroth Corporation .................... 229 

Botros, Ihab ..................................... 34, 109 

Boulton, Roger ......................................... 91 

Bounpheng, Mangkey ................. 40, 73 154 

Bowen, Wayne ...................... 34, 36, 41, 44, 

105, 106, 108, 124, 160, 192 

Bowers, Stuart ...................34, 42, 111, 171 

Bowlby, Evelyn ................................. 38, 143 

Boyer, Scott ..................................... 41, 160 

Bradshaw, John Thomas ....34, 41, 104, 163 

Brady Corporation .................................. 229 

Bramke, Irene ................................... 43, 185 

Bramwell, A. Mark ...................... 38, 73, 138 

Brandtech Scientific, Inc. ........................ 229 

Braun, Chris ..................................... 38, 148 

Brennan, Richard ..................................... 57 

Brenner, T. ................................................ 59 

Brideau, Christine ............................. 39, 150 

Bridge, Chris ......................34, 44, 109, 192 

Bristol, Dan ...................................... 39, 150 

Brodte, Annette ........................................ 90 

Broemeling, David ............................ 37, 131 


Bromely, L. Katie .............................. 36, 122 

Brown, Robert D. ..................................... 88 

Brown, Keddie ................................. 36, 121 

Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia .............................. 93 

Bruner, Jimmy ....................34, 43, 110, 178 

Bruynseels, Koen ..................................... 90 

Bucher, Franz ................................... 42, 170 

Buchholz, Lisa .................................. 42, 173 

Bukar, Robert ................................... 34, 108 

Bumbarger, J. .......................................... 96 

Burgin, Alex ........................34, 35, 111, 114 

Burke, Julian F ................................. 43, 185 

Burns, Christine ................................ 44, 190 

Burrell, Angela ............................ 40, 73, 154 

Byers, Sharon .......................................... 69 

C 

Cabralk, Joaquim ............................. 37, 130 

Cabrera, Lourdes M. ........................ 36, 122 

Cai, Chaoxian ................................... 40, 158 

Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. ...................... 230 

Cambridge Applied Systems .................. 230 

Cambridge Health Tech Institute ............. 230 

Carpenter, Anne E. ........................... 34, 111 

Carramanzana, Nelson ..................... 44, 186 

Carrilho, Emanuel ............................. 35, 114 

Carta, Mike ............................................... 70 

Cassaday, Jason .............................. 45, 197 

Celebi, Ismet .................................... 35, 112 

Cell Press/Elsevier .................................. 230 

Cerionx, Inc. ..................................... 17, 230 

Ch, An ...................................................... 52 

Chai, Changhoon ............................. 35, 112 

Chaiken, Alison ................................ 34, 108 

Chan, Jim ......................................... 35, 117 

Chang-Yen, David ............................ 34, 110 

Chemspeed Technologies ...................... 230 

294 

Chen, Robert ............................................ 95 

Chen, Xi ........................................... 36, 121 

Chen, Kevin ...................................... 44, 191 

Chen, Ting ....................................... 35, 115 

Chen, Feng ....................................... 38,143 

Cheng, Jing ...................................... 45, 196 

Cheung, L. ............................................... 96 

Chi, Han-Chang ............................... 41, 160 

Chiao, James ................................... 42, 176 

Chien, Ring-Ling ............................... 40, 153 

Chilvers, Paul ................................... 44,190 

Chirmule, Naren ............................... 41, 162 

Chiu, Yunwen ................................... 43, 185 

Choi, Hee Cheul ....................................... 95 

Choi, Hyun-Goo ....................................... 63 

Chong, Mark ......................35, 63, 113, 114 

Chou, Stephen ................................. 36, 126 

Chow, Humphrey ............................. 42, 176 

Christensen, Claus B. V. ................... 38, 139 

Christianson, Craig L. ............................... 58 

Chudyk, Jon ..................................... 35, 113 

Chun, Lawrence ............................... 35, 114 

Chung, Loanne ................................ 43, 185 

Cinicola, Dan .......................................... 284 

Ciolkosz, Tim .................................... 39, 149 

Clark, Douglas S. ..................................... 94 

Clark, Liz .......................................... 35, 117 

Clark, Lori ......................................... 40, 155 

Clark, James .................................... 43, 182 

Clark, Robin ..................................... 35, 114 

Clulow, Stephen ............................... 41, 161 

Cohen, David ........................................... 64 

Coles, Simon .......................................... 287 

Colizza, Kevin ........................................... 70 

Collison, Mark W. .................................... 91 

Coltro, Wendell ................................. 35, 114 

Coltro, Tomazelli ............................... 35, 114

Comita, Paul B. ................................ 44, 194 

Computype, Inc. ..................................... 232 

Conner, Denise ................................. 35, 114 

Conway, Don .............................. 43, 54, 180 

Cooley, Patrick ................................. 35, 115 

Coon, Joshua C. ...................................... 52 

Cope, Tristan .................................... 41, 160 

Corbett Robotics, Inc. ............................ 232 

Cornett, Mary ................................... 35, 115 

Corning Incorporated ............................. 232 

Coty, W.A. ................................................ 96 

Coudurier, Louis ....................................... 89 

Covaris ................................................... 232 

Cowdell, Carolyn .............................. 37, 131 

Cox, J. Colin ..................................... 35, 116 

Cox, Edward .................................... 36, 126 

Craighead, Harold .............................. 21, 48 

Cromwell, Evan F. ............................. 44, 194 

Crooks, Richard M. .......................... 36, 126 

Crow, M. ............................34, 43, 109, 179 

Cu, Matthew ......................35, 41, 116, 160 

Curtis, Jon ........................................ 35, 117 

CyBio AG .............................................. 232 

Czerwinski, Rusty ..................................... 76 

D 

da Silva, Fracassi ............................. 35, 114 

Dadic, Dalibor ................................... 35, 118 

Dalrymple, Dave ............................... 41, 168 

Daltonik, Bruker ........................................ 51 

Damico, Teresa ................................ 35, 117 

Danley, David ........................................... 61 

Datalogic, Inc. ........................................ 232 

Davies, John ............................................ 80 

Davies, Peter .................................... 38, 142 

Davis, John ...................................... 36, 126 

Davis, Robert ................................... 34, 105 


Davolos, Dan ............................................ 98 

De Blasio, Pasquale ......................... 37, 129 

De Bruler, Bradley ...............39, 43, 144, 185 

De Wael, Nico .......................................... 90 

De Wilde, Chris ........................................ 90 

De Wolf, Joris ........................................... 90 

deCODE biostructures ........................... 234 

Deerac Fluidics ....................................... 234 

DeGuzman, Maria ............................ 39, 145 

Delaney, Edward ........................ 42, 87, 175 

Del-Tron Precision Inc. ............................ 234 

Deng, Yuzhong ................................. 40, 156 

DeWitte, Robert .................40, 43, 152, 183 

Dhall, Purnima .................................. 36, 127 

Dhopeshwarkar, Rahul ..................... 36, 126 

Di, Li ................................................. 44, 190 

Dionex .................................................... 234 

Dobrin, Seth ..................................... 35, 113 

Dockendorff, B.P. ..................................... 93 

Doerner, Wolfgang ............................ 40, 157 

Doffing, Frank .....................35, 45, 118, 195 

Dolafi, Tom ....................................... 38, 142 

Dordick, Jonathan S. ................................ 94 

Douglas, Derek ................................. 44, 187 

Douglas Scientific ................................... 234 

Downey, Thomas ..................................... 85 

Downey, Paul ........................................... 74 

Dragoset, Robert A. ........................ 35, 112 

Drese, Klaus Stefan ..............35, 63, 66, 118 

Drouvalakis, Katerina A. ............................ 95 

Drug Discovery News ............................. 234 

Drug Discovery World ............................. 236 

Ducrée, J. ................................................ 59 

Duerr, Oliver .............................................. 90 

Dufresne, Claude ...................................... 54 

Dufva, Martin ............................ 38, 139, 286 

Dugad, Len ...................................... 43, 182 

295 

Dunlea, Shane .......................................... 57 

Dunn, Robert ............................................ 60 

Dunn-Dufault, Robert ................... 35, 40,43, 

118, 152, 183 

Durst, Mark .............................................. 86 

Durtschi, Jacob D. ........................... 36, 122 

DYNEX ................................................... 236 

E 

E&K Scientific Products .......................... 236 

Easley, Chris ............................................. 68 

Ecker, Joseph A. ...................................... 97 

Ecker, David ............................................. 97 

Eckman, Josh .................................. 34, 110 

EDC Biosystems .................................... 236 

Edel, Joshua .................................... 35, 119 

Ehret, R. ................................................... 74 

Eichberger, German ......................... 39, 157 

Eksigent Technologies ............................ 236 

Elleraas, Jeff ..................................... 43, 185 

Elliott, Robert C. ....................................... 91 

Ellis, Samentha ................................. 42, 171 

Ellison, Karen ............................................ 69 

Ellson, Richard ..............35, 38, 40, 73, 119, 

138, 152, 157 

ELMO Motion Control Inc. ...................... 236 

Elser, Nancy ..................................... 40, 153 

Elsevier MDL .......................................... 238 

Emerald BioSystems .............................. 238 

Emili, Andrew ................................... 37, 131 

Emler, Stefan ...................................... 82, 83 

Emmett, Mark .......................................... 50 

Engelstein, Marcy ............................. 40, 154 

Eppendorf North America ....................... 238 

EPSON Robots ...................................... 238 

Eshoo, Mark ............................................. 97 

ESI Group .............................................. 238 

Essen Instruments, Inc. .......................... 240

Esser, Mark ...................................... 41, 162 

Evans, Paul ...................................... 36, 121 

Evans, Kurt ............................................... 73 

Evergreen Scientific ................................ 240 

Evotec Technologies ............................... 240 

Excel Scientific, Inc. ................................ 240 

Eynon, Barry ............................................ 57 

F 

Fairbanks, Doug ................................ 39,145 

Falavigna, Maurizio ........................... 37, 129 

Fang, Xingwang ......................... 40, 73, 154 

Färdigh, Michael Wirth ...................... 43, 184 

Faro, Susan ...................................... 40, 156 

Farrell, William .................................. 43, 185 

Fay, John .................................................. 65 

Federici, Mark ........................................... 80 

Feese, Michael ................................. 34, 111 

Feighner, Scott ......................................... 54 

Felder, Stephen ................................ 34, 109 

Ferguson, Anne T. ............................ 40, 155 

Ferrance, Jerome P. ................... 38, 68, 137 

Ferre, Francois ......................................... 77 

Ferreira, Hugo .................................. 37, 130 

Ferrick, David ................................... 39, 148 

Fiberlite Centrifuge Inc. ........................... 240 

Fieweger, Kim ................................... 35, 113 

Fisher, Sheila .................................... 40, 156 

Flow Sciences, Inc. ................................ 240 

Fomenko, Igor ............................ 40, 86, 155 

Fonseca, Luís ................................... 37, 130 

Forbush, Michael ................37, 42, 134, 176 

Forood, Behrouz .............................. 40, 155 

Fortina, Paolo ........................................... 69 

Foster, Amanda ................................ 34, 107 

Franks, Ruth ..................................... 41, 161 

Freitas, Paulo ................................... 37, 130 


Fuji, H. Sho .............................................. 61 

Fursov, Natalie .......................................... 80 

G 

Gale, Bruce ...................................... 34, 110 

Gallagher, Aoife ..................... 36, 40, 41, 44, 

120, 156, 165, 167, 189 

Gallant, Debra .................................. 40, 155 

Gan, Brendan .....................34, 42, 111, 171 

Ganter, Brigitte ......................................... 57 

Garippa, Ralph J. ............................. 34, 103 

Gecic, Karen .................................... 38, 140 

Geer, Lewis Y. .......................................... 52 

Geho, David ............................................. 70 

Genedata ............................................... 241 

Genmark Automation ............................. 241 

Genomic Solutions ................................. 241 

Germar, Frithjof V. ............................ 45, 195 

Geschke, Oliver ........................................ 63 

Giberson, Dustin .............................. 43, 182 

Gill, Sikander .............................. 37, 76, 128 

Gill, Rajwant ............................... 37, 76, 128 

Gill, Matthew .................................... 34, 107 

Gilman, Tom ..................................... 43, 178 

Gilson, Inc. ............................................. 241 

Girardi, Michael ................................ 40, 153 

Goldenberg, Andrew A. .................... 37, 131 

Golland, Polina ................................. 34, 111 

Gomez, Frank A. ........39, 45, 149, 151, 197 

Gong, Maojun .................................. 36, 120 

Goodwin, Jodi .......................................... 76 

Goodwin, Joseph ............................. 39, 149 

Gooley, Andrew ................................ 35, 115 

Goor, Jared ...................................... 39, 151 

Gördes, Dirk ..................................... 38, 141 

Goswami, Joy ..............37, 41, 76, 128, 167 

Gottschlich, Norbert .............36, 59, 74, 123 

Graham, Daniel ................................ 37, 130 

296 

Graham, Joe .................................... 40, 156 

Graham, Michelle K .......................... 43, 178 

Grate, J.W. ............................................... 93 

Green, Tina ...................................... 41, 162 

Green Mountain Logic ............................ 241 

Greenhalgh, Peter ..............39, 44, 146, 194 

Greig, Mike ............................................. 289 

Greiner Bio-One, Inc. .............................. 241 

Gu, Binghe ............................................... 58 

Gu, Weisong .............................. 36, 58, 121 

Gu, Huidong ..................................... 40, 156 

Guggenheimer, Kurtis ............... 36, 121, 125 

Guiral, Sébastien .............................. 39, 150 

Gumm, Holger .................................. 45, 198 

Gurevitch, Douglas ......................... 284, 289 

Gust, Gary ................................................ 96 

Gustafson, Erik ................................. 43, 182 

H 

Haas, Hansjoerg ..................35, 40, 43, 118, 

152, 183 

Haber, Carsten ................................. 40, 157 

Haddad, Rocky ................................ 40, 152 

Hagemann, Stefanie ......................... 45, 195 

Hahn, Mathew .......................................... 88 

Halcome, Jennifer ............................ 44, 187 

Hall, Thomas A. ........................................ 97 

Haller, Daniel ..................................... 44, 193 

Halley, George .................................. 44, 187 

Hamdan, Hasnah ............................. 44, 191 

Hamilton Company Steven, D. ....... 285, 288 

Hammon, Nancy ................37, 38, 135, 143 

Hamstra, Alan ............................ 38, 60, 139 

Hannaert, Gerrit ........................................ 90 

Hardt, Steffen ........................................... 66 

Harkins, Thomas ...................................... 65 

Harney, Harry .............40, 41, 159, 161, 166 

Harris, David ..................................... 35, 119

Harten, Bill ................................................ 83 

Hartmann ............................................... 288 

Hassell, Phillip .................................. 44, 189 

Hawkins, Aaron R. .................................... 58 

Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc. .......... 243 

Hecker, Karl H. ................................. 42, 174 

Hegeman, Tim ......................................... 60 

Heineman, William R. .........36, 37, 120, 132 

Heller, Rainer .................................... 40, 158 

Heller, Martin .................................... 44, 188 

Hellinga, Homme W. ......................... 35, 116 

Hendrickson, Christopher L. ............... 50, 96 

Hensley, Paul .................................... 43, 181 

Heo, Yunseok ................................... 36, 122 

Heron, Elaine .................................... 40, 157 

Herr, Amy ........................................... 92, 93 

Herrmann, Mark G. .......................... 36, 122 

Hettich Centrifuges ................................. 243 

Hewlett, Erik ............................................. 68 

Heyse, Stephan ........................................ 90 

High Resolution Engineering, Inc. ........... 243 

Hiwin Corporation .................................. 243 

Hjerrild, Kathryn ................................ 34, 111 

Ho, Dean ................................................ 285 

Hoang, Quoc .............................. 40, 73, 154 

Hofstadler, Steven A. ................................ 97 

Hogg, Michael .......................................... 94 

Högskola, Chalmers Tekniska ........... 38, 139 

Holt, Jason ............................................... 76 

Holzmüller-Laue, Silke ...................... 34, 105 

Homenuke, Mark .............................. 36, 121 

Honan, Tracey .................................. 40, 156 

Honisch, Ulrike ...................36, 40, 124, 158 

Hopkins, Leann M. ................................... 52 

Hopwood, Femia .............................. 35, 115 

Huang, Bo ........................................ 37, 129 

Hudock, Michael ...................................... 81 


Hudson Control Group, Inc. ................... 243 

Huefner, Peter F. ............................... 40, 158 

Hughes, Molly .......................................... 68 

Hughes, David Emlyn ....................... 40, 153 

Hughes, Rose .................................. 34, 108 

Hulvey, Matthew ............................... 36, 123 

Humphries, David ............................. 36, 124 

Hunt, Donald F. ........................................ 52 

Hunt, Ken ......................................... 40, 159 

Hurt, Stephen .....................40, 41, 159, 166 

Hurst, Jeffrey ............................................ 92 

Huynh, Paul ...................................... 43, 181 

I 

IDBS ....................................................... 245 

IKO International, Inc. ............................. 245 

ILS Innovative Labor Systeme GmbH ..... 245 

Inglis, David ...................................... 36, 126 

Inglis, Stephen .................................. 37, 131 

Innovadyne Technologies, Inc. ................ 245 

InnovaSystems, Inc. ............................... 245 

Innovative Microplate .............................. 245 

Institut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz Gmbh ..... 246 

Intelligent Motion Systems, Inc. .............. 246 

Invetech Instrument Development .......... 246 

ISC BioExpress ...................................... 246 

Isensix Inc. ............................................. 246 

IVD Technology ...................................... 246 

Ivek Corporation ..................................... 247 

J 

Jackson, Michael Gary .......35, 41, 116, 160 

Jacobson, Stephen C. ............................. 67 

Jadhav, Ajit ............................................... 88 

James, David ......................................... 290 

Janzen, Bill ....................................... 40, 159 

Jarnagin, Kurt ........................................... 57 

Jehle, Heinrich .................................. 36, 123 

297 

Jenkins, Joby ........................ 34, 36, 41, 43, 

106, 108, 124, 160, 177 

Jensen, Klavs ........................................... 63 

Jetha, Nahid ..................................... 36, 125 

Jett, Jamie ....................................... 38, 143 

Johnson, Steven .............................. 43, 181 

Johnson, Krystal ............................... 42, 169 

Johnson, Mike ....................41, 44, 161, 186 

Jones, Thouis R. .............................. 34, 111 

Jones, Mike ...................................... 41, 161 

Jones, Michael D. ............................. 43, 180 

Jongeneel, Victor ...................................... 83 

Joo, Sunghae ................................... 41, 160 

Jopp, Ronny .................................... 36, 125 

Jordan, Lynn .................................... 40, 154 

JUN-AIR USA, Inc. ................................. 247 

K 

Kamel, Amin ............................................. 70 

Kane, Stefanie .......................................... 65 

Karg, Jeffrey ..................................... 39, 150 

Kariv, Ilona ........................................ 42, 175 

Karlinsey, James ....................................... 68 

Karlos, Wendell ................................ 35, 114 

Kashdan, Maurice ............................. 39,149 

Kasila, Patricia .................................. 41, 161 

Kassel, Daniel B. ...................................... 53 

Kath, Gary ................................................ 54 

Kawada, Tadahiro ............................. 42, 170 

Kayne, Paul ............................................ 288 

Kazazic, Sasa ........................................... 50 

Kbioscience ............................................ 247 

KBiosystems .......................................... 247 

Kellard, Libby .....................40, 41, 154, 160 

Kelly, Sheri ........................................ 41, 162 

Kerby, Julie ....................................... 42, 171 

Kermani, Bahram G. ......................... 40, 155 

Kerns, Edward ................................. 44, 190

Kersten, E.L. ...................................... 21, 50 

Kim, Sunghwan ........................................ 96 

Kim, Jaeyoun ..................................... 97, 98 

Kim, Minseok ........................................... 64 

Kim, Joohoon ................................... 36, 126 

Klein, Geoffrey C. ..................................... 96 

Kloehn Co. Ltd. ...................................... 247 

KMC Systems, Inc. ................................ 248 

Knaide, Tanya R. ................41, 45, 163, 196 

Knebel, G. ................................................ 59 

Kniazeva, Ekaterina .................... 38, 69, 140 

Koblan, Kenneth ....................................... 65 

Koechlein, David .............................. 41, 168 

Koehler, Steffen ................................ 41, 163 

Kofman, Joseph ................................ 41,164 

Kong, Burt ................................................ 73 

Kotha, Saikalyan ............................... 41, 164 

Kotseroglou, Theo ............................ 40, 155 

Kozak, Marta ........35, 40, 43, 118, 152, 183 

Koziol, Brian J. ....................................... 290 

Kramer, Gary W. ..................35, 36, 86, 112, 

125, 285, 288 

Kravitz, Saul ..................................... 38, 142 

Kreader, Carol .................................. 44, 187 

Kricka, Larry ............................................. 68 

Kris, Rick .......................................... 34, 109 

Krishana, Kapeeleshwar ................... 36, 126 

Kroncke, Doug ................................. 39, 150 

Krueger, Glen ........................................... 73 

Krüger-Sundhaus, Thomas .............. 36, 127 

Kruppa, Gary ............................................ 51 

Kubischta, Duane ............................. 38, 143 

Kulinsky, Lawrence ........................... 38, 142 

Kumar, Anil ....................................... 36, 127 

Kumar, Rita ...................................... 36, 127 

Kumar, SudhaPrasanna .................... 37, 133 

Kütter, Jorg P. ................................. 286, 289 


L 

Lab Services B.V. ................................... 248 

Labcon North America ........................... 248 

Labcyte Inc. ........................................... 248 

LabVantage Solutions, Inc. ..................... 248 

Lamberg, Arja ........................................... 78 

Landers, James P. ...................... 38, 68, 137 

Langendörfer, Daniel ........................ 42, 177 

Lape, Janel .........................35, 36, 116, 155 

Lappin, Steve ................................... 41, 165 

Larson, Brad .................35, 39, 41, 44, 113, 

144, 165, 167, 189 

Lathrop Engineering, Inc. ........................ 248 

Laughran, Jim .................................. 35, 117 

Lawrence, David ............................... 36, 126 

Lawrence, Diana .............................. 38, 143 

LCGC ..................................................... 249 

Le, Hanh ............................40, 41, 159, 165 

LEAP Technologies ................................. 249 

Lebl, Michal ...................................... 40, 155 

Leduc, Blair .............................................. 84 

Lee, Terry D. ............................................. 54 

Lee, Moo-Yeal .......................................... 94 

Lee, Luke ........................................... 97, 98 

Lee, Lawrence .......................................... 73 

Lee, Kevin ................................................ 80 

Lee, Byung-in ................................... 42, 174 

Lee, Se Hwan ................................... 37, 132 

Lee, Milton ............................................... 58 

Lefebvre, Paul .................................. 43, 180 

Legendre, Lindsay .................................... 68 

Leister Technologies, LLC ...................... 249 

Lemarie, Wei ............................................ 65 

Lemieux, Christopher ....................... 38, 142 

Lemmo, Anthony .............................. 41, 166 

LemnaTec .............................................. 249 

Lerch, Margaret A. .................................... 67 

298 

Leung, Gordon ...................40, 42, 155, 169 

Leveridge, Mathew ........................... 42, 171 

Lewis, Rob .........................36, 41, 124, 160 

Li, Michelle ....................................... 37, 128 

Li, Peng ............................................ 38, 140 

Li, Susan .......................................... 44, 190 

Li, Yan ...................................................... 58 

Liang, Dong ...................37, 41, 45, 76, 128, 

167, 196 

Liang, Sophia ...............37, 41, 76, 128, 167 

Laicos, Jim ....................................... 34, 110 

LiCONiC US Inc. .................................... 249 

Lidament, Mark ................................ 41, 161 

Lievens, Katrien ........................................ 90 

Ligonde, Alphonse ........................... 38, 136 

Lilly, Maria-Dawn .............................. 39, 149 

Limbach, Patrick A. .......................... 37, 132 

Lin, Jing .................................................... 85 

Lin Engineering ....................................... 249 

Lindemann, Michael ................................. 90 

Lithgow, Gordon ............................... 34, 107 

Liu, Jikun .................................................. 58 

Liu, Chunming .................................. 36, 121 

Liu, Elliott .................................................. 98 

Liu, Gang L. ............................................. 97 

Liu, Ming-Sun ................................... 34, 106 

Liu, Robin ................................................. 61 

Liu, Y. ....................................................... 96 

Livelli, Tom ................................................ 80 

Lloyd, Tom ............................................... 52 

Loo, Rachel .............................................. 55 

Loo, Joseph ............................................. 55 

Lorenz, David ................................... 41, 167 

Lorring & Associates ............................... 250 

Lowry, Stephen ................................ 41, 168 

Lucas, Susan ................................... 37, 135 

Luo, Yiqi ........................................... 37, 129 

Lyon, Scott ............................................... 85

M 

Ma, Kuo-Sheng ................................ 38, 142 

Maccio, Miguel ......................................... 98 

Madou, Marc .................................... 38, 142 

Maffè, Manuela ................................. 37, 129 

Magellan BioSciences, Inc. ..................... 250 

Magstar Technologies, Inc. ..................... 250 

Majumdar, Arun ................................ 34, 108 

Manchanda, Rajesh ...........40, 41, 159, 166 

Mandakas, George ................................... 77 

Mann, Chris ...................................... 43, 185 

Manning, Philip ................................. 37, 130 

Marchetti, Lara ......................................... 74 

Maria-Dawn ...................................... 39, 149 

Markides, Karin ........................................ 51 

Marose, Stefan ................................. 40, 158 

Marshall, Alan G. ................................ 50, 96 

Marshall, Kelly ................................... 41,182 

Martel, Ralph ................34, 44, 77, 109, 193 

Martens, Stan ........................................... 75 

Martin, Jesus ............................................ 54 

Martin, Stephen ........................................ 99 

Martin, R. Scott ...........36, 37, 96, 123, 128, 

286, 289 

Martin, Laurent ......................................... 75 

Martins, Verónica .............................. 37, 130 

Marziali, Andre ............36, 37, 121, 125, 131 

Massé, Frédéric ................................ 39, 150 

Massire, Christian ..................................... 97 

MatriCal .................................................. 250 

Matrix Technologies ................................ 250 

Matthews, Eric ................................. 41, 167 

Maurio, Frank ............................. 43, 76, 178 

Maxon Precision Motors ......................... 250 

McClure, Rebecca .................................... 68 

McCoy, Nigel .................................... 39, 146 

McDowall, Robert D. .............................. 288 


McGill, Michelle ................................ 44, 191 

McGuinness, Ryan .............40, 42, 155, 169 

McIntosh, Roger ....................................... 99 

McNally, Ceara ................................. 41, 163 

McShea, Andy .......................................... 61 

McWilliams, J. Chris ......................... 40, 158 

MeCour Temperature Control ................. 252 

Mehto, Merja ............................................ 78 

Meller, Amit ....................................... 35, 119 

Merel, Patrick ......................................... 286 

Mendonca, Kenya ............................ 38, 141 

Menon, Cyrilla ........................................ 100 

Merkel, Tod J. ........................................... 68 

Miao, Yunan ............................................. 54 

Michelotti, Julia ................................. 42, 169 

Micronic North America .......................... 252 

Microscan Systems, Inc. ........................ 252 

Microstein ............................................... 252 

Middleton, Richard E. ....................... 42, 175 

Miele ...................................................... 252 

Miller, Michael ........................................... 73 

Miller, Steven C. ............................... 44, 194 

Minor, Lisa ........................................ 40, 155 

Miu, Peter ................................................. 86 

Mixon, Mark .......................34, 42, 111, 171 

Mladenovic, Alex .............................. 41, 165 

MM Laboratory Systems ........................ 252 

Molecular BioProducts ........................... 254 

Molecular Devices Corporation ............... 254 

Monforte, Joseph ..................................... 77 

Moore, Kevin .................................... 42, 171 

Moran, Anthony ................................ 44, 194 

Moravec, Phil ................................... 45, 197 

Moses, David ................................... 43, 181 

Moss, Dana ...................................... 42, 169 

Mosser, Scott ........................................... 65 

Motion Components .............................. 254 

299 

Moturi, Sharmili ........................................ 77 

Mueller, C. ................................................ 59 

Muenchow, Goetz .............................. 14, 66 

Muncey, Mark ................................... 43, 183 

Muntianu, Alexandrina ...................... 34, 114 

Murante, Richard ...................................... 94 

Murray, Justin ................................... 45, 197 

Mutz, Mitchell ............................. 35, 73, 119 

Myers, Douglas ........................................ 70 

Myers, JaNae ................................... 44, 187 

Myslik, James ........................................... 79 

Myszka, David .................................. 34, 110 

N 

Nagy, Donald J. ................................ 42, 170 

Najmabadi, Peyman ......................... 37, 131 

Nalge Nunc International ........................ 254 

NanoScreen, LLC ................................... 254 

Nanostream ........................................... 254 

Nanthakumar, Carmel ....................... 42, 171 

Napolitano, Chris ...................................... 54 

nAscent BioSciences, Inc. ...................... 256 

Natan, Michael ........................................ 61 

Natarajan, Sriram ............................. 34, 110 

Natsoulis, Georges ................................... 57 

Neidig, Peter ............................................ 51 

Neil, William .................................... 285, 287 

Networked Robotics .............................. 256 

Neumayer, Johanna ......................... 42, 170 

New England Small Tube Corporation .... 256 

Newman, Robert .............................. 42, 171 

Nexus Biosystems .................................. 256 

Nickell, Larry ..................................... 42, 171 

Niemz, Angelika ..................38, 69, 140, 285 

Nikcevic, Irena .................................. 37, 132 

Nilsson, Johan ................................ 286, 289 

Nippes, Daniel .................................. 39, 147

Nippon Pulse America, Inc. .................... 256 

Nollert, Peter .................................... 42, 171 

Noonan, Jeffrey ........................................ 71 

Nordstrom, Anders ................................... 55 

Norgren Systems ............................. 17, 256 

Norlén, Anna-Karin ........................... 43, 184 

Norris, Pamela M. ............................. 38, 137 

Northrup, M. Allen .................................... 62 

Nosek, Lukasz ................................. 39, 146 

NSK Precision America, Inc. ................... 258 

Nugyen, Tai .............................................. 61 

Nunes, Jon ....................................... 39, 150 

O 

O’Maille, Grace ......................................... 58 

Oberholzer, Thomas ......................... 42, 170 

Oelmüller, Uwe ................................. 42, 177 

Ohart, Carissa .................................. 45, 197 

Oldfield, Eric ............................................. 81 

Olechno, Joseph .............................. 40, 152 

Olechno, Joe .................................... 38, 138 

Olsen, Anders .................................. 34, 107 

Olson, Clifford ................................... 42, 172 

Omni International, Inc. ........................... 258 

Onofrey, Tom .............................. 42, 79, 172 

Opticon Inc. ............................................ 258 

Orcutt, Matt ...................................... 40, 159 

Oriental Motor USA Corp. ...................... 258 

Oustich, Tatiana ................................ 44, 187 

Ozanich, R.M. .......................................... 93 

P 

Pagni, Marco ............................................ 83 

Pajak, Laura .......................43, 44, 182, 191 

Palan, John .............................................. 75 

Palandra, Joe ................................... 42, 173 

Pall Life Sciences ................................... 258 

Park, Je-Kyun .......................................... 64 


Parker Hannifin Corporation ................... 261 

Parkhouse, Chris .............................. 42, 173 

Partanen, Maija ........................................ 78 

Partek Incorporated ............................... 261 

Patel, Paren ...................................... 42, 172 

Patterson, Scott ....................................... 56 

Pattison, Debbie ............................... 41, 161 

Peeni, Bridget A. ...................................... 58 

Pel, Joel ........................................... 37, 131 

Peng, Lansha ................................... 42, 174 

Peng, Qiang ..................................... 45, 196 

PerkinElmer Life and 

Analytical Sciences .............................. 261 

Perozziello, Gerardo ................................. 63 

Perry, Douglas .......................................... 85 

Peters, Ralf-Peter ..................................... 59 

Peters, Lars E. ................................. 44, 187 

Petrillo, Edward ........................................ 89 

Petronis, Sarunas ............................. 38, 139 

Peyvan, Kia .............................................. 61 

Pfeifer, Marc .......................39, 42, 150, 173 

Pfitzner, Inka ..................................... 40, 158 

Phenix Research Products ..................... 261 

Pierce Biotechnology, Inc. ...................... 261 

Pinsl-Ober, Judith ............................. 42, 173 

Piruska, Aigars ................................. 37, 132 

Pitt, Anthony ..................................... 34, 107 

Piyasena, Menake E ...........39, 45, 151, 197 

Plastic Design Corporation ..................... 263 

Platt, Jamie ...................................... 44, 191 

Plumb, Rob ........................43, 44, 180, 190 

Pollard, Martin ....................36, 37, 124, 135 

Popper & Sons, Inc. ............................... 263 

Porvair Sciences Ltd. ............................. 263 

Potts, Warren ................................... 43, 180 

Potts, A. ........................................... 44, 192 

Prasad, Shalini ................................. 37, 133 

Precise Automation, LLC ........................ 263 

300 

Pressure Biosciences, Inc. ...................... 263 

Price, Nick ........................................ 42, 174 

Pro-Dex/Oregon Micro Systems ............. 263 

ProGroup Instrument Corporation .......... 264 

Promega Corporation ............................. 264 

Protedyne Corporation ........................... 264 

Prout, Giovanna .................37, 42, 133, 174 

Pu, Qiaosheng ................................. 37, 134 

Puchalski, Derek ................................ 41,162 

Purcell, Jeremiah M. ................................. 96 

Putignani, Greg ................................ 44, 191 

Q 

Qi, Jenson ........................................ 40, 155 

Qiagen, Inc. ............................................ 264 

Qian, Zuwei ...................................... 39, 145 

Qiu, Jun ..................................... 42, 87, 175 

Quinn, John .............................................. 50 

Quintero, Catherine .......................... 42, 175 

Quiroz, Jose ..................................... 34, 108 

Qureshi, Shehrzad ............................ 40, 157 

R 

Rahaghi, Farbod ............................... 39, 151 

Raimo, Michael ................................. 42, 176 

Rainen, Lynne .................................. 42, 177 

Rakestraw, David ............................. 40, 153 

Ramasubramanian, Anand ....................... 94 

Raneri, Andy ..................................... 41, 161 

Rao, Geetha ..................................... 42, 171 

Raorane, Digvijay .............................. 34, 108 

Rasmussen, Lynn ..................................... 83 

Reed, M. .................................................. 96 

Reed Life Science Group ........................ 264 

Rees, William S. ................................. 21, 49 

Reichel, Charles ..................37, 42, 134,176 

Reinecke, H. ............................................. 59 

REMP AG ................................. 40, 153, 265

Reptron Outsource 

Manufacturing & Design ..................... 265 

Resnick, Adam ................................. 38, 142 

Retief, Jacques ........................................ 57 

ReTiSoft, Inc. ......................................... 265 

Rheodyne LLC ....................................... 265 

Richardson, Paul .............................. 38, 143 

Richmond, Tori ......................................... 78 

Richmond, Mark ............................... 43, 181 

Richter, Hans-Thomas ...................... 35, 114 

Ritter, Garry ...................................... 41, 168 

Ritzi, Marion ............................... 37, 63, 135 

Ritzline, Earl ...................................... 39, 147 

Rixan Associates/ 

Mitsubishi Robotics ............................ 265 

Roberts, Simon ................................ 37, 135 

Robinson, Greg ............38, 43, 60, 139, 183 

Robinson, Phil ................................. 35, 117 

Robots and Design Co., Ltd. ............ 17, 267 

Roby, Keith .........................39, 41, 148, 160 

Roche Applied Science .......................... 267 

Roche Instrument Center Ltd. ................ 267 

Rodgers, Ryan P. ............................... 50, 96 

Roenneburg, Luke .................................... 60 

Rogers, Alex .......................41, 45, 163, 196 

Rogers, Alexis L. ................41, 45, 163, 196 

Romig, Tim ....................................... 44, 186 

Root, Paul ........................................ 35, 117 

Roper, Mike .............................................. 68 

Rose, Andrew .................................. 42, 176 

Rosenstein, Craig ............................. 42, 175 

Rostron, Pat ..................................... 39, 147 

Roth, Alexander ................................ 37, 136 

Rothe, Anca ..................................... 35, 115 

Rothenberg, Mark ............................ 39, 148 

Rothmann, Thomas .......................... 42, 177 

Rounseville, Matt .............................. 34, 109 

Roy, Mimi ................................................. 57 


RTS Life Science .................................... 267 

Rubenstein, James ................................... 57 

Rubin, Erik ..................42, 87, 175, 285, 287 

Rucker, Victor C. ................................ 92, 93 

Ruehlmann, Dietrich ................................. 81 

Rusch, Terry ..................................... 35, 113 

Russo, Mark F. ............................... 285, 288 

Ryan, Ray ........................................ 41, 164 

S 

Sabalos, Costi .......................................... 77 

Sabatini, David M. ............................ 34, 111 

SAGE Publications ................................. 267 

Salafsky, Joshua ....................................... 72 

Sampath, Rangarajan ............................... 97 

Sanders, Jeremy .............................. 39, 147 

Sanghera, Jas ....................34, 43, 106, 177 

Sapphire Engineering ............................. 267 

Sasshofer, Siegfried ............39, 41, 144, 165 

Sayed, Mahmood A. ........................ 35, 116 

Schade, Carola ................................ 44, 188 

Schaefer, Burkhard ................................. 284 

Schaefer, Hartmut .................................... 51 

Schaefer, Reinhold .............35, 36, 112, 125 

Schaeffler Group Industrial ..................... 269 

Schaub, Tanner M. ............................. 50, 96 

Schenker, Ben .................................. 42, 192 

Schneider, Ilka .................................. 45, 195 

Schools, Jim .................................... 43, 178 

SCHOTT Nexterion ................................ 269 

Schulman, Howard ................................... 57 

Schulte, Gary ........................................... 70 

Schultz, Anja .................................... 44, 188 

Schulz, Craig .................................... 44, 186 

Schwarzkopf, Kevin .................................. 61 

Schwind, Carmen ..................................... 63 

SCIENCE/AAAS ..................................... 269 

SCIENION AG ........................................ 269 

301 

Scientific Specialties, Inc. ....................... 269 

SciGene ........................................... 17, 269 

Scott, Paul ............................................... 97 

Seahorse Bioscience .............................. 270 

SelectScience Ltd .................................. 270 

Seligmann, Bruce .........34, 44, 77, 109, 193 

Seliskar, Carl J. ................................. 37, 132 

Selley, Paula ............................... 43, 76, 178 

Sepiatec GmbH ..................................... 270 

Seyonic SA ............................................. 271 

Shah, Neha ...................................... 37, 131 

Shah, Tarak ........................38, 45, 137, 197 

Shaikh, Faisal ................................... 38, 137 

Shain, Eric ........................................ 43, 179 

Shanahan, Matt ........................................ 84 

Shanler, Michael ............................... 39, 149 

Shave, Darcy .................................... 43, 180 

Shaw, Richard .................................. 43, 177 

Shibahara, Gosuke ........................... 37, 131 

Shieh, Jean ..........38, 40, 41, 138, 152, 168 

Shih, Jason .............................................. 54 

Shrinivasan, Sushil ........................... 38, 137 

Shumate, Chris B. ............................ 44, 194 

Sias ........................................................ 271 

Siciliano, Sal ............................................. 54 

Sigma-Aldrich ......................................... 271 

Silex Microsystems ................................. 271 

Silicon Valley Scienti.c, Inc. ..................... 271 

Simpson, Neal .......................................... 54 

Simpson, Peter ................................ 42, 171 

Singh, Indresh .................................. 38, 142 

Sinskey, Anthony J. .................................. 63 

Siuzdak, Gary ............................. 55, 58, 289 

SKF USA Inc. ......................................... 271 

Skwish Stephen ............................... 43, 180 

Slobodan, Jared ............................... 36, 121 

Smallwood, Tia ................................. 43, 181 

SMC Corporation of America ................. 272

Smith, Colin A. ......................................... 58 

Smith, Dave ...................................... 34, 105 

Smith, Donald F. ....................................... 96 

Smith, Ginger .....................34, 43, 110, 178 

Smith, Gary D. .................................. 36, 122 

Smith, Patrick ................................... 39, 145 

Snyder, Ron ............................................. 77 

Somasiri, Electrodes N ..................... 43, 181 

Son, Sang Jun ................................. 38, 138 

Spark Holland B.V. ................................. 272 

Sparks, Kimberly .............................. 43, 182 

Spaulding, Benjamin W. ................... 41, 163 

Specialty Motion ..................................... 272 

SPECS ................................................... 272 

Spence, Dana M. ............................. 35, 117 

SpinX Technologies ................................ 272 

Spitznagel, Edward .................................. 85 

Spraul, Manfred ........................................ 51 

SSI Robotics .......................................... 274 

Staab, Torsten A. .................................... 284 

Stahlberg, Eric .................................. 36, 121 

Stanaker, Robert .................40, 41, 43, 159, 

166, 182 

Stangegaard, Michael ............................. 286 

STARLIMS Corporation .......................... 274 

Staubli Corporation- 

Robotics Division ................................ 274 

Stearns, Richard ............................... 40, 157 

Steinmeyer, Inc. ...................................... 274 

Stelling, Olaf ..................................... 43, 182 

Stelzer, Andreas ..................35, 40, 43, 118, 

152, 183 

Sterzycki, Roman ..................................... 82 

Stevens, Joni ................39, 43, 60, 139, 183 

Stevenson, T. ................................... 44, 192 

Stewart, Lance ....................34, 35, 42, 111, 

114, 171 

Stojadinovic, Petar ................................. 289 


Stoll, Norbert ......................36, 44, 127, 193 

Stoll, Paul ......................................... 45, 195 

STRATEC Biomedical Systems AG ........ 274 

Straub, T.M. ............................................. 93 

Strum, Jay .................................. 43, 76, 178 

Sturm, James ................................... 36, 126 

Suen, Yu ........................................... 39, 148 

Suggs, Sid ............................................... 56 

Sun, Xuefei ............................................... 58 

Sutton, Jennifer ........................................ 78 

Svec, Frantisek ................................. 35, 115 

Svennberg, Henrik ............................ 43, 184 

Syka, John E. P. ....................................... 52 

Szita, Nicolas ............................................ 63 

T 

Tack, Lois .............38, 39, 43, 140, 147, 184 

Tacke, Roland .......................................... 80 

Tai, Yu-Chong ........................................... 54 

Takayama, Shuichi ........................... 36, 122 

Takeuchi, Mike ................................. 39, 150 

Takhistov, Paul ....................35, 44, 112, 194 

Tam, Paul ......................................... 38, 140 

Tan, Eric ................................................... 69 

Tang, Roger ...................................... 42, 169 

Taylor, Paul ....................................... 78, 287 

Tecan ............................................... 17, 275 

Technical Manufacturing 

Corporation ........................................ 275 

Technology Networks Ltd. ...................... 275 

Tekcel ..................................................... 275 

Teranode Corporation ............................. 275 

The Automation Partnership ................... 276 

The Lee Company .................................. 276 

Theiler, Gregory ........................................ 83 

Thermo Electron ..................................... 276 

THK America Inc. ................................... 276 

302 

Thomas, Michael .............................. 34, 141 

Thomas, Paulette ............................. 39, 150 

Thompson, Bowlin ........................... 37, 134 

Thurow, Kerstin ...................34, 38, 44, 105, 

141, 188, 193 

Tillery, Lakeisha ................................ 43, 182 

Titertek Instruments ................................ 276 

Titian Software ....................................... 276 

Tivel, Kathleen .................................. 39, 144 

Tolley, Alexander ....................................... 57 

TOMTEC ................................................ 277 

Torcon Instruments, Inc. ......................... 277 

Trefil, Imre ......................................... 39, 150 

Trepanier, Annie ................................ 38, 136 

Tricontinent ............................................. 277 

Trigg, John ............................................. 287 

Trivelli, Angelo ................................... 38, 142 

Truesdale, Mark ................................ 43, 185 

Truitt, Theresa ................................... 34, 103 

Tsai, Han-Kuan ................................. 38, 142 

Tsarbopoulos, Anthony ............................. 51 

Tsinman, Konstantin ......................... 39, 148 

TTP LabTech .......................................... 277 

Tullet, Simon ..................................... 43, 177 

Tyley, Bruce ...................................... 43, 184 

U 

Ueberheide, Beatrix M. ............................. 52 

Ufomadu, Charles ............................ 39, 149 

Ugaz, Victor M. ..................34, 38, 103, 137 

Uings, Iain ................................................ 76 

UltraSource, Inc. ..................................... 277 

Unger, Steve ..................................... 40, 156 

Upchurch Scientific / Scivex ................... 278 

USA Scientific, Inc. ................................. 278 

Usansky, Joel ................................... 40, 152 

Utz, Paul J. ............................................... 95

V 

V&P Scientific ......................................... 278 

Valaskovic, Gary ....................................... 56 

Valdes-Camin, Rafael .........39, 44, 146, 187 

Van Arsdell, Scott ............................. 44, 190 

van Daelen, Ton ........................................ 88 

Van Dinther, Jennifer ...........39, 44, 146, 187 

Van Doren, Jeff ................................. 41, 162 

Van Quickenborne, Myriam ...................... 90 

van Venrooij, Walther J. ............................ 95 

Vansant, Gordon ...................................... 77 

Velocity11 ............................... 1. 11. 17. 278 

Venit, John ............................................... 87 

Verdonk, Ed ..................................... 42, 169 

VICI Valco Instruments Co. Inc. .............. 278 

Vinson, Paige ................................... 43, 186 

Vitra Bioscience ...................................... 278 

Voelkerding, Karl V. ........................... 36, 122 

von Germar, Frithjof .......................... 45, 195 

Voss, Thorsten ................................. 42, 177 

Vrancken, Ernst ........................................ 90 

W 

Wairatpanij, Silpa ...................................... 85 

Walchli, John .................................... 34, 111 

Walker, Clint ..................................... 40, 159 

Walker, Lee ....................................... 34, 107 

Wallace, David .................................. 35, 114 

Walling, Leslie ................................... 44, 186 

Wallrafen, Frank ................................ 39, 147 

Walters, Douglas B. .......................... 41, 164 

Wang, Yan ........................................ 34, 105 

Wang, Yuhong .......................................... 88 

Wang, Xiaobo ........................................... 62 

Wang, Yuanping ............................... 40, 155 

Wang, Danhui .....................39, 44, 146, 187 

Want, Elizabeth J. ..................................... 58 


Ward, James ............................................ 76 

Warner, M.G. ............................................ 93 

Warner, Greg .................................... 41, 161 

Wartenberg, Niels ................................... 284 

Waters Corporation ................................ 279 

Watson-Marlow Bredel Pumps ............... 279 

Watts, Paul ............................................... 72 

Watts, Richard .................................. 39, 145 

Weber, Dagmar ................................ 40, 158 

Weber, James .................................. 35, 113 

Weierstall, Thomas ........................... 44, 188 

Weinberger, Josh ............................. 39, 150 

Weller, Dave ..................................... 42, 173 

Wendler, Christian ..............36, 44, 127, 188 

Wenzig, Peter ................................... 42, 173 

Werhonig, Hans ................................ 42, 170 

Werner, Stefan .......................................... 71 

Werner, Martina ................................ 43, 182 

West, Ruth ......................................... 21, 49 

Whatman ............................................... 279 

White Carbon ......................................... 279 

Whitehead, Lorne ............................. 37, 131 

Wicks, David ............................................ 76 

Wilgo, Matt ....................................... 41, 162 

Willis, Roy C. .............................. 40, 73, 154 

Willmott, Julian ........................... 44, 87, 189 

Wilson, Robert ................................. 43, 181 

Wilson, Steven ................................. 38, 143 

Wittwer, Carl T. ................................. 36, 122 

Wixforth, Achim .................................. 14, 65 

Wodke, Norbert ................................ 43, 183 

Wong, Jennifer ................................. 38, 140 

Wong, Lester .................................... 38, 143 

Woolley, Adam T. ...................................... 58 

Worzella, Tracy ..............35, 39, 41, 44, 113, 

144, 165, 167, 189 

Wu, Jing-Tao ............................................ 53 

Wu, Min ............................................ 39, 148 

303 

Wu, John .......................................... 38, 143 

Wurtz, D. .................................................. 96 

Wyrich, Rulf ...................................... 42, 177 

Wüthrichv, Kurt ................................... 21, 48 

X 

Xie, Jun .................................................... 54 

Xie, Hao .............................40, 41, 159, 161 

Xing, Wanli ....................................... 45, 196 

Xiril ......................................................... 279 

Xu, Han ............................................ 38, 142 

Xu, Xiao .................................................... 62 

Xu, Weiwei ................................. 40, 73, 154 

Y 

Yamaha Robotics ................................... 280 

Yan, Susan ....................................... 44, 190 

Yangv, Yanan ............................................ 55 

Yates, Ian ......................................... 44, 192 

Yeon, Ju Hun ............................................ 64 

Yoshida, Thomas ...................................... 27 

Yu, Kate ........................................... 44, 190 

Yu, Zhongyao ................................... 45, 196 

Yu, Bryan .......................................... 38, 142 

Z 

Zare, Richard N. ............................... 37, 129 

Zengerle, R. .............................................. 59 

Zhang, Zhiyu ...................................... 14, 63 

ZhongvZhong ........................................... 80 

Zhu, Sutian ....................................... 44, 191 

Zhu, Zhu ........................................... 44, 191 

Zhuang, Zexi ............................................ 67 

Zinsser, Werner ................................ 42, 172 

Zinsser Analytic ...................................... 280 

Zocchi, Giovanni ....................................... 95 

Zurek, Gabriela ......................................... 51

Look Ahead To 


• Scientific focus on 

emerging technologies 

• More than 350 exhibits 

featuring the latest technology 

developments and 

product launches 

• New knowledge through 

interactive environment 

• Peer networking and 

connecting with industry 

and academic leaders 

• Advancement opportunities 

with ALA Career Connections 

Save The Date! 

Sign up now for email updates, 

visit labautomation.org 

or call 800.919.4320. 

Short Courses: January 27-28 

Conference: January 28-31 

Exhibition: January 28-30 


Palm Springs, California 

LabAutomation 

2007 

Where laboratory technologies emerge and merge 

ALA is a non-profit association committed to driving progress in laboratory technologies through high-quality education that 

benefits the global scientific community, including its membership of scientists, academicians, and industry thought leaders.

LabAutomation 2006 - SLAS

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