ProLink Express™ Automated Proteomics Workcell Runs Simultaneous Protein Purification, Transformation and Colony Picking Processes

The ProLink Express™ from Hudson Control Group is the first fully automated proteomics workcell to integrate all plate delivery and transfer operations together with automated data tracking from initial bacterial colony picking through final protein expression and measurement.

The system is currently in use by the USDA in a ground-breaking research project to create new genes that will convert the substances in agricultural waste into ethanol.

The ProLink Express™ links all the components needed for DNA expression of gene libraries. It enables automated gene expression for functional genomics, gene improvements and any other type of genomic research involving bacterial cultures, DNA prep and protein expression. The ProLink Express™ can be used in gene sequencing studies, forensic testing, cell toxicity studies and most ELISA assays, and will provide significant benefits in the areas of proteomics, toxicology, antibody production, gene assembly, molecular biology and biomarker discovery.

Software-Driven

The system is powered by Hudson Control Group’s opportunistic SoftLinx™ scheduling software, which finds the quickest, most efficient ways for processes to be performed simultaneously. A user can run multiple batches in different stages of the process at the same time, or run any instrument individually even while operating another, fully automated run.

The SoftLinx™ software also optimizes equipment usage by enabling it to be used for different processes simultaneously. In addition, it enables easy integration of all the equipment within the ProLink Express™ workcell, including instruments from other manufacturers.

Flexible, Scalable

The ProLink Express™ integrates an automated colony picker with an incubator and a plasmid DNA prep system. A researcher can start with bacterial colony plates, isolate individual colonies into culture plate wells, grow the individual colonies and then extract the DNA plasmids in one seamless automated process without any human intervention. The system also provides the capability to re-attach DNA inserts onto expression vectors and perform in vitro or in vivo protein expression and detection.

The ProLink Express™ includes Hudson Control Group’s LabLinx™ high throughput labware transport system and PlateCrane™ microplate handling systems so that plates can be delivered to any of the system’s instruments.

In addition to the benefits of end-to-end process automation, the ProLink Express™ optimizes both laboratory processes and equipment usage. The system is designed so that the various stages of colony picking, growth, DNA prep and expression can be run individually or simultaneously. Because all instrumentation is facing outward, any component can be used manually, providing greater flexibility to researchers.

The Hudson Control Group development team offers method development services in conjunction with the ProLink Express™, and will work with scientists to customize the system to meet their specific research needs.

The team is currently working with USDA researchers at Hudson Control Group headquarters to automate the proprietary genetic techniques that are evolving during the course of the USDA’s current research using the ProLink Express™. The ProLink Express™ is being used to automate processes that could ultimately result in new techniques to create ethanol using existing processing plants at a higher output without additional costs, providing a much-needed economical alternative to gasoline.

Located in Springfield, New Jersey, Hudson Control Group is a leader in microplate automation, robotics and customized software-driven solutions.

The company works with customers in the drug discovery, high throughput screening, proteomics and genomics markets to develop strategies that best meet their unique needs, whether for an integrated system of automated laboratory equipment or a single solution product that solves a specific problem.

For more information, go to www.hudsoncontrol.com.