LabAutomation 2006 - SLAS

MP15
Josh Eckman
University of Utah
West Bountiful, Utah
je2@utah.edu
LabAutomation2006
Co-Author(s)
Bruce Gale
David Chang-Yen,
Sriram Natarajan
David Myszka, Biochemistry
University of Utah
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
Durham, North Carolina
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