One Million Tests a Week: Accelerating Ultra High Throughput Screening

Analytik Jena has joined forces with Bruker Daltonics to accelerate lab processes: uHTS MALDI Sample Preparation in combination with label-free spectrometry guarantees reliable ultra high throughput screens in biopharmaceutical labs. The process will premiere at the SLAS 2017 International Conference and Exhibition in Washington D.C. from February 4-8, which focuses on innovative products and processes in lab automation and screening.

Within the framework of their cooperation, the two companies have been able to build a bridge between matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and sample preparation using automated ultra high throughput screen (uHTS). Parallel processes allow for new record speeds, with Analytik Jena’s CyBio® Well vario automated simultaneous pipettor used in the preparation of the MALDI plates. Bruker Daltonics’ rapifleX MALDI Pharma Pulse, the fastest mass spectrometer on the market, is used to analyze the plates.

The throughput of the sample prep and spotting of the MALDI target is timed to produce plates on demand for input into the rapiflex MALDI Pharma Pulse, without interruption. The entire process for each 1536-well pipetting plate requires less than ten minutes. Over one million tests are now possible each week.

Even time-intensive “sandwich” assays (matrix-assay-matrix), including the active drying of liquids on the sample carriers, can be handled by the rapifleX within the same period of time.

The CyBio® Well vario automated simultaneous pipettor has now been developed further to allow for the pipetting of 1536 wells at once, beyond mere spotting. Transfer volumes of 100 nl and more safeguard the efficient use of reagents, allowing for the highest degree of precision. An additional desalting routine, which reduces the free adducts is available to improve the analysis results.

The modular system allows for the customers to choose the degree of automation which best suites their application and workflow. Analytik Jena provides both high-quality liquid handling systems and fully automated custom solutions to meet customer needs, while also allowing for the integration of the rapifleX system.