Lab Automation: On the Bench and Beyond
Wet Lab & Dry Lab Integrations You Didn't Know Were Possible
Intro
Let's explore the incredible potential of lab automation. Many scientists are unaware of the tasks that can be automated and the transformative improvements this can bring. In this post, we'll delve into an automated system that integrates LIMS, an ELN, and data management software with a robotic work cell. This integration significantly boosts data reliability and quality, saving countless hours in your experimental workflow.
Robotic Workcell-A One-Stop Shop
A robotic work cell combines various tools to automate all steps of a wet lab protocol. One great example is the Tecan Fluent:
Pipette volumes from 0.5uL to 5000uL with a single channel or up to 1mL with multichannel heads
The modular deck allows for the addition of tools like incubators, liquid dispensers, and plate readers, reducing hands-on time for the operator. This includes both Tecan branded and third-party instruments.
You can explore Tecan’s casebook for different applications and instrument setups. Now, let's explore some software tools that can enhance this instrument even further.
eLIMSinate Sample Mix-UpÂ
In drug discovery, mixing up molecules can be disastrous. A LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) can prevent this through:
Barcoding for seamless sample entry into an easily searchable database.
Instrument log files to track dispensed liquids and their locations.
Tracking of freeze/thaw cycles and volumes to monitor sample integrity.
Inventory tracking to ensure you have sufficient sample quantities.
Imagine manually pipetting samples into a 96-well plate. It's already challenging to remember if you've dispensed 5uL into a well. With automation, the robot tracks its actions, making error detection much easier, and smaller formats are made possible (ie 384 or 1536).
Finally, Do Your ELN Entries on Time
Integrating an ELN (Electronic Laboratory Notebook) can streamline entries, particularly for routine screening workflows:
Store experiment metadata: sample lists (from LIMS), plate maps, concentrations.
Access protocols with a single click.
Automatically upload instrument log files and raw data files
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By combining instrument log files, experiment metadata, and instrument raw data with software automation experts (like Tetrascience) and reliable data management software, you can achieve automated data export, analysis, and upload.
Keep That Data Where I Can See It
Imagine setting up an assay with a single button press. Automation saves significant time in your wet lab protocol, but what about the data? With an automated data management system, you can:
Easily search and QC your already analyzed data.
Generate and share data reports with colleagues.
Access other scientists' data without making requests.
View all data associated with a specific entity (e.g., small molecule, antibody).
Add analyzed data to your ELN to complete your entry
No more manual data export or analysis—you're finally free!
Conclusion
This streamlined, automated workflow is achievable today. There are countless iterations that can fit any workflow. Investing in automation yields substantial returns, particularly in saving FTE hours and improving data quality. By integrating robotic work cells, LIMS, ELNs, and data management, labs can significantly enhance their efficiency and productivity.