 |
| Automated Liquid Handling Systems |
Automated Liquid Handling Systems:
Automated liquid handling systems have revolutionized various industries like
healthcare, life sciences research, diagnostics, and more by greatly increasing
efficiency and accuracy of liquid-based experiments and applications. These
advanced robotic systems can perform routine tasks much faster and with higher
precision than manual methods. This article discusses the role of automated
liquid handling in modern laboratories, various types of systems available,
their advantages, limitations and future prospects.
Types of Automated Liquid Handling Systems
There are different types of automated liquid handling systems designed for
specific applications and throughput needs:
Robotics-Based Systems
Robotics-based systems use robotic arms and grippers to pick, place and
manipulate liquids and labware like plates, tubes etc. They offer high-density
pipetting and ability to perform complex multi-step protocols. Robotics systems
are commonly used in drug discovery, genomics research, pathology labs for
tasks like reagent and sample distribution, kit preparation, diagnostic assays.
Popular examples include Tecan, Beckman Coulter and Hamilton robotic platforms.
Microplate Systems
Microplate systems are optimized for parallel processing of microplates
containing samples in wells. They can quickly dispense, mix and transfer
liquids to multiple wells simultaneously. Microplate handlers find widespread
use in fields like bioproduction for cell culture work, absorbance measurements
in 96/384-well formats. Examples include BioTek, Agilent and Molecular Devices
microplate liquid handlers.
Standalone Benchtop Systems
Standalone benchtop liquid handlers are affordable, smaller footprint systems
ideal for academics and basic research. They offer precision pipetting in
volumes ranging from nL to mL for applications involving routine tasks like
serial dilutions, reagent addition. Popular benchtop systems include Eppendorf,
Thermo Scientific and Aurora instruments.
Custom Integrated Systems
Complex automated workflows may require custom integrated systems incorporating
multiple modules like pipettes, centrifuges, thermal cyclers and liquid handlers
as per specific experimental needs. These turnkey solutions are commonly used
in biopharma production plants and core labs.
Advantages of Automated Systems
Some key advantages of Automated
Liquid Handling Systems over manual methods include:
Higher Throughput: Automated systems can process thousands of samples per hour,
maximizing lab productivity. This speeds up drug discovery, diagnostic testing.
Improved Accuracy and Precision: Liquid class pipettes and precision liquid
dispensers ensure highly accurate pipetting and mixing without human errors
like faulty pipetting, inappropriate mixer speed/duration etc.
Minimized Cross-contamination: Automated liquid handlers use dedicated pipette
tips for each sample to avoid cross-contamination which is a risk with manual
methods.
Walkaway Capability: Complex multi-step protocols can run unattended, freeing
up lab personnel for other tasks.
Documentation and Audit Trails: Onboard software tracks dispensing history,
test parameters, waste amounts for QA/QC and compliance with regulatory norms
such as GxP guidelines, ISO standards.
Applications in Diagnostic Testing
Automated liquid handling has significantly improved the efficiency and
reliability of modern clinical diagnostic workflows.
In molecular diagnostics, automated systems assist sample preparation for
techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based assays. Liquid handlers
standardize critical steps like nucleic acid extraction and purification from
diverse sample types. They transfer sample/reagents to PCR plates while
avoiding contamination risks of manual methods.
In hematology, automated liquid handlers are used for complete blood count
(CBC) sample preparation. Systems from Sysmex precisely pipette blood/diluents
into analytical instruments, providing accurate hematology results to
physicians.
In serology, high-throughput automated liquid handlers assist preparation of
dilutions for diagnostic assays. This includes viral/bacterial antigen slides,
ELISA/CLIA plates. Companies like Thermo Scientific offer integrated solutions
that automate these routine serology testing workflows.
Clinical chemistry analyzers employ on-board automated liquid handlers for
reagent management. Advanced systems efficiently perform functions like liquid
level sensing, dispensed volume verification bringing consistency to in-vitro
diagnostics.
Automated systems thus ensure accurate diagnostic testing essential for patient
management is deliverable at scale to meet modern healthcare demands. They
eliminate manual errors and bottlenecks to provide timely diagnostic insights.
Future Prospects
Going forward, automated liquid handling is expected to evolve through
integration of emerging technologies:
- Miniaturization and development of digital microfluidic systems will
facilitate automation of portable POC diagnostic devices and lab-on-a-chip applications.
- Robotics, machine vision and artificial intelligence will make automated
systems smarter through advanced pattern recognition, error proofing
capabilities.
- Labs will increasingly integrate automated liquid handlers, incubators,
readers and computers into fully automated sample-to-answer experimental
workstations requiring minimal human intervention.
- Cloud-connected systems will facilitate remote monitoring and control of
liquid handlers providing advantages of Industry 4.0 to research and healthcare
domains.
- 3D printing of labware/equipment will enable on-demand, customizable fluidics
expanding the scope of liquid automation.
- Development of reagent/sample handler attachments for robotic arms will bring
novel opportunities in spatial/single cell omics research areas.
Get More Insights On This Topic: https://www.newswirestats.com/fluid-precision-exploring-automated-liquid-handling-systems/
Explore More Article: https://captionssky.com/footwear-sole-materials-an-analysis-of-modern-trends-and-future-outlook/