Thermo’s New HCS WorkCell Selected by Emory University

Thermo Electron Corporation, the world leader in analytical instruments, today announced the purchase of its new HCS WorkCell by the Molecular Libraries Screening Center (MLSC) at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

The Emory MLSC is one of nine U.S. centers revered for its scientific excellence and funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH). This nationwide research network has been set up to screen specific molecular targets against thousands of small molecule compounds involved in health and disease. The new HCS WorkCell promises to accelerate the screening process using state-of-the art technologies and instrumentation.

The MLSC builds on Emory’s recently established Emory Chemistry-Biology Center for Drug Discovery. The center will utilize the HCS WorkCell to screen vast libraries of small molecule compounds against cells or proteins identified as playing key roles in disease processes. Using biochemical and cell-based assays, Emory University’s MLSC aims to single-out compounds for therapeutic intervention and use as research tools. As a complete screening platform the HCS WorkCell can incorporate sample preparation, scheduled analysis and efficient data collection in one turnkey solution. Moreover, the rapid set-up time and high processing speed maximize throughput without disrupting laboratory workflow.

Thermo has worked closely with Emory to configure a complete system that integrates three plate readers, a cell hotel incubator, robotic liquid handler, plate washer and ancillary instruments. These are linked together by Thermo’s clever vertical robot that minimizes the footprint of the system. The HCS WorkCell should more than double the laboratory’s throughput and will provide the flexibility to accommodate the wide range of assay types carried out in their screening program.

Christopher McNary, Vice President & General Manager Laboratory Automation Solutions for Thermo stated, “We are delighted that the HCS WorkCell has been chosen by such a prestigious institute. Our team has worked closely with the researchers at Emory to optimize the HCS WorkCell for their specific applications so that they can gather and analyze data faster and more effectively.”

Launched at Lab Automation, 2006, the HCS WorkCell is a high-throughput screening system designed for cell-based analysis and for use with multiple assay types. The fully automated platform offers distinct advantages over existing technologies. For more information, please visit the article webpage.