omation mbers - Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening

WP044
Dieter Popp
Tecan Austria GmbH
Untersbergstr. 1A
Groedig/SalzburgA-5082
dieter.popp@tecan.com
213
Co-Author(s)
Mateja Niederreiter, Manfred Lansing,
David Yost, Klaus Döring,
Melissa Foshee
Characterization of Human Alpha-Thrombin Aptamer System by Automated Fluorescence
Lifetime Analysis
One particular problem hampering the high throughput drug screening process today, is auto-fluorescence of
new chemical entities (NCEs). Many fluorescence based measurements can be significantly affected by these
auto-fluorescent NCEs, resulting in a decrease in assay specificity and an increase in the false positive rate.
This obviously affects both throughput and cost during a screening campaign. Fluorescence Lifetime (FLT)
measurements appear to be exempt from this type of interference, thus virtually eliminating false positive results
due to auto-fluorescence of NCEs. Tecan has recently developed and launched a microplate reader to detect
Fluorescence Lifetime signals. To demonstrate the usefulness and robustness of the FLT detection technology a
model assay was developed using aptamers. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acid oligomers, that analogous
to antibodies are capable of binding target molecules with high affinity and specificity. Employing their unique
binding properties, aptamers can be used as a screening tool for identification of unique ligands, i.e., new drug
candidates in drug discovery. The human alpha-thrombin aptamer is a DNA 15-mer that binds to thrombin and
inhibits its proteolytic activity during the blood clotting cascade. The specific interaction was monitored by the
fluorescence lifetime change of a fluorescence label conjugated to the thrombin aptamer. In order to illustrate
the potential for drug discovery, we have used the thrombin inhibitor hirudin and studied its effect on aptamerthrombin
complex formation. All FLT measurements were performed on Tecan’s ULTRA Evolution reader.
WP045
Johannes Posch
Tecan Austria GmbH
Marketing
Untersbergstrasse 1A
GroedigA-5082 Austria
johannes.posch@tecan.com
Tecan’s LSx00: Automated Processing and Analysis of Microarrays Implemented Prior
Content Quality Control
Co-Author(s)
Ralph Beneke
Gerald Probst
Homogeneous high signal to background ratios and scan-to-scan reproducibility of microarray are desirable
to increase reliability of conclusions drawn from them. Automation of process from sample preparation and
processing to data acquisition and analysis is an essential requirement to reduce experimental variation as well
as increase number of experimental repetitions possible – one of the major bottlenecks regarding statistical
probability. Tecan’s LSx00 series scanner in combination with MediaCybernetics’ ArrayPro4.5 offers the ultimate
solution for high reproducibility of the scanning and analysis process combined with outstanding flexibility. The
LSx00 series scanner is the breakthrough and enabling solution for Academia as well as Biotech in R&D and high
throughput facilities by improving reproducibility and safety of microarray experiments. We present fully automated
batch run of classical slide arrays with fluorescence independent pre-check of spot quality on slides prior to
hybridization – and therefore without using and bleaching dyes. A QC of spots and slides prior to hybridization
saves money and enables troubleshooting of “bad spots” before and after slide processing.
POSTER ABSTRACTS