LabAutomation 2006 - SLAS

TP53
Jim Schools
Biosero, Inc
Monrovia, California
jimschools@bioseroinc.com
Tom Gilman, Biosero, Inc.
LabAutomation2006
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
Durham, North Carolina
paula.k.selley@gsk.com
Co-Author(s)
Strum, Jay
Bruner, Jimmy
Smith, Ginger
Maurio, Frank
Graham, K. Michelle
GlaxoSmithKline
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.
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