ISSN 1617-7967
Tecan Journal English Edition 1/2003 - April 2003
Efficient, Accurate and Very Hungry ProTeam Advanced Digest: Champion in Throughput and Sensitivity Page 7
The Right Choice for the Job The QUADRIGA™- System in Blood Donation Analysis Page 10
Increased Drug Safety through Genotyping Page 4
www.tecan.com
Editorial
Contents
Global News
Information that helps you to remain efficient Dear Customer
Page 3
I am very pleased and proud to introduce the first worldwide issue of Tecan Journal, our customer magazine. We hope this journal will give you a broad overview of innovative solutions in laboratory
Genomics
automation and will show you new technologies
Safe Pills - Increased Drug Safety through Genotyping
and applications.
Page 4
In each issue you will find articles on applications of Tecan instruments in our customers’ laboratories. In this issue we give examples of two interesting applications: the method of genotyping for improving drug safety (page 4) and the Quadriga system for sample analysis in the Blood-Donation Center laboratories
Proteomics
in Bern (page 10).
Efficient, Accurate and Very Hungry
Page 7 We want to help you improve the efficiency of your daily laboratory work. With this
Drug Discovery The Genius for Fast Kinetics
Page 8
in mind, Tecan Journal will keep you up to date with our latest products. Last year, Tecan developed and launched more products than ever in its 20 year history and we are continuing our efforts in research and development at the same level. So you can look forward to a whole range of new products’ which will help make your daily life in the lab run faster and more efficiently.
Clinical Diagnostics
In addition, each Tecan Journal contains further useful information such as details
The Right Choice for the Job
of the extensive range of services our customer support team offers, or news and tips related to laboratory automation. Tecan’s customer magazine will also keep you
Page 10
up to date with opportunities to meet us at conferences and trade shows, where you can see demonstrations of our instruments and solutions.
Tecan Plus We hope that you will find this journal a source of invaluable information.
Tecan Customer Support offers a comprehensive package of services
Page 12
Yours faithfully,
New Products
Page 13 Dr. Emile C. Sutcliffe
Events
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tecan Group Ltd.
Preview on Conferences and Trade Shows 2003
Page 14 Local News
Page 15
Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Global News
Opening Faster Tracks to New Drugs Tecan’s innovative solutions bring more efficiency to the drug discovery process
Next generation test for BSE Scientists at UCSF and InPro Biotechnology have developed a highly sensitive test to detect prions that cause mad cow disease (BSE). The new immunoassay is able to identify prion infections at very low levels and will be used to develop a diagnostic test for this disease. A large number of samples
Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) assays
were processed for this study (Nature
can be performed. These screening assays
Biotechnology {2002} 20: 1147-1150) and
are a critical step in determining quickly if
an automated protocol for this assay was
a drug candidate is suitable for further
developed using Tecan’s Genesis Robotic
development. In November 2002, Tecan
Sample processor.
launched its revolutionary microfluidics The LabCD Disc is the heart of a completely automated solution for ADMET assays. Through its completely automated functionality it eliminates one of the key bottlenecks in the drug discovery process.
technology, the LabCD, which allows ADMET assays to be performed quicker and at
An atlas of gene expression patterns
reduced costs. Further applications are planned for 2003. Tecan’s innovative automated solutions all share one common denominator: they play
Rapidly rising drug development costs,
a leading role in making the research and
increasing competition, and changing
development process more efficient.
healthcare and regulatory environments pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms
...to low volume multichannel pipetting
to strive for greater efficiencies. However,
In 2003, Tecan will continue to launch
despite heavy investment in new technologies,
new products for researchers in the drug
the success rate for a drug candidate in
discovery area. Aquarius, a new stand-alone
clinical trials is still around 1 in 10. The cost
multichannel pipettor, and Te-MO 3/3 give
of developing new drugs and bringing them
customers the choice of multichannel
to market is now averaging US$ 802 million
pipetting options offering dispensing to 96-
and typically takes 10 to 15 years.1
or 384-well microtiterplate formats with or
continue to be important reasons for
without Tecan’s newly developed Impulse
GenePaint technology was recently used in a study to map the genes expressed from human chromosome 21 in the mouse (Nature {2002} 420: 582-586). This task would have been extremely protracted without the automation of in situ hybridization which was enabled by Tecan’s Genesis robotic platform. This application was developed by scientists at the Max Planck Institute (Hannover, Germany) and allows an atlas of gene expression patterns in the mouse to be
From novel detection technologies...
technology. Impulse allows automated
The rate limiting steps of bringing a drug
multichannel pipetting, delivering volumes
to market still dictate the pace of progress.
down to the nanoliter range.
One such step includes the lack of suitable
New detection devices such as Genios Pro
detection technologies. In December 2002,
will support Assay Development and Drug
Tecan launched Ultra Evolution enabling
Screening applications. In addition, the Safire
fluorescence lifetime measurements in
a long-term supply agreement for the
scanning monochromator reader will become
microplates. This additional detection mode
development and commercialization of
available as a detection device for many
allows screening laboratories to circumvent
an automated sample preparation system
applications in assay development, compound
assay interference through compound
for molecular diagnostic assays.
characterization and high throughput
autofluorescence. The Ultra Evolution
The system is based on a novel magnetic
screening. All of these solutions will provide
multimode reader is a good example of
separator system, proprietary to Abbott,
more flexibility to researchers in their daily
how Tecan’s solutions help to overcome
which will be integrated onto Tecan’s
drug discovery activities.
Genesis Freedom automated workstation.
the major limitations in assay development, compound characterization and drug screening.
established (http://www.genepaint.org).
Collaboration for HCV and HIV assays Abbott Laboratories and Tecan signed
This new system is designed to streamline 1
http://csdd.tufts.edu/
the nucleic acid sample preparation steps prior to performing Abbott’s molecular
A second key bottleneck is the speed at
diagnostic assays for hepatitis C virus
which ADMET (Absorption, Distribution,
and HIV.
Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Genomics
Safe Pills - Increased Drug Safety through Genotyping Tracking protein polymorphisms with automated pharmacogenetics Michael Zuehlsdorf, PhD, Bayer AG
Dr. M. Zuehlsdorf.
Figure 1: Overview of the genomics automation at Bayer AG.
Efficacy and side effects of drugs depend on
The reason for these individual differences
System 1: Sample preparation
the concentration of the compound in the
is the difference in concentration or even
A Freedom 200 with a cabinet, a centrifuge,
plasma as well as the individual expression
the lack of certain enzymes that are involved
8-channel Liquid Handling Arm with
of the drug target. The exact same dose of a
in metabolizing the drug. If the enzymes
disposable tips and a “Pick & Place” arm
drug can yield different concentrations of
involved in metabolizing the drug are
for tubes that can also load the centrifuge
the compound in the patient’s plasma due
subject to genotypical polymorphisms the
buckets into the centrifuge with a separate
to genetic polymorphisms in the proteins
exact same dose could yield different plasma
tool (Fig. 2).
involved in pharmacokinetics. This can even
concentrations in different patients. This can
result in reduced efficacy or undesirable
severely influence the therapeutic effect of
side effects. After analyzing the patient’s
the drug.
System 2: DNA extraction A Genesis RSP 150 using two Te-MagS for DNA extraction with magnetic beads.
genotype and phenotype the dose of a drug compound can be individually adjusted to
Broad therapy vs. individual therapy
System 3: Measuring purified DNA,
the patient’s enzyme status according to the
There are two ways of dealing with this
normalization, PCR setup, plate sealing
clinically relevant protein-polymorphisms.
problem: either the compound is replaced
and amplification
This would result in a higher drug safety
by a substance that is not metabolized by
especially for compounds with a low
A TRAC System with a Genesis RSP 150,
enzymes that have this effect (broad therapy)
therapeutic index. Analyzing genotypes
a Genios microplate reader, cooling units,
or the patient’s genotype is analyzed prior
and phenotypes can be done by modern
sealer, two MJ Tetrad thermocyclers and an
to the therapy in order to adjust the dose
lab automation devices which produce
ORCA robot arm on a three meter rail.
individually to the patient (individual therapy).
The microplate sealer and the thermocycler
If analyzed, the dose that yields the desired
are not yet integrated into the automated
plasma concentration can be calculated and
process and are operated manually.
standardized and reliable results.
Preparation is the key to successful drug discovery Pharmacogenetics supports the clinical studies of the Bayer AG Institute for Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmacodynamics/ Biochemical Pharmacology drug discovery program. An individual’s genotype is analyzed prior to the beginning of the clinical study. The goal is to predict the effect of the studied compound through evaluating the genotype and the known pharmacokinetic behavior.
administered thus maximizing the success of the therapy.
Three systems by tecan automate genotyping The Bayer AG Institute for Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmacodynamics/
Automated genotyping with three Tecan systems
Biochemical Pharmacology uses three Tecan systems for automated genotyping (Fig. 1). The complete genomics process is therefore standardized.
Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Genomics
Genotyping In a first step the total DNA is extracted from the patient’s blood. This is followed by a PCR reaction with allele-specific primers. System 1: Sample preparation with the Freedom 200 • Samples are held in barcoded tubes. A maximum of 96 tubes are placed in a Tecan Strip-Rack. • Freedom 200 scans the barcodes of the samples. • 1 ml of whole blood is transferred to a Micronic tube as an archive. • 3 ml of whole blood are transferred to secondary tubes containing lysis buffer. • The samples are homogenized through centrifugation and incubated at room temperature. During this incubation step erythrocytes but not leucocytes are lysed.
Rotanda) and, after the centrifugation
System 2: DNA extraction with the Genesis
step, back to the workbench (Figs. 3 and 4).
RSP 150 and Te-MagS
• For transporting the centrifuge bucket
• The deep well plates containing the lysed
into the centrifuge the “Pick & Place” arm
leucocyte solution are placed on System 2.
uses a separate tool (Figs. 2 and 3).
The barcode is identified.
• During centrifugation the leucocytes form a pellet. • The supernatant containing the lysed erythrocytes is discarded. • Lysis buffer for leucocytes is added, the
• In each run the two Te-MagS extract DNA from a maximum of 96 samples (2 x 48) using magnetic beads according to a standard protocol (Figs. 4 and 5). The “Agowa mag Maxi DNA Isolation Kit
solution is homogenized, incubated and
Plus” is used for the extraction (the protocol
quantitatively transferred into a deep
for this kit can be downloaded as a pdf file at
well microplate.
http://www.agowa.de/struktur/magneticba
• Final step of sample preparation: The microplate is manually placed into System 2 for DNA extraction. All plates and tubes are barcode labeled. Therefore an exact identification and tracking of all material is possible at all times.
• The “Pick & Place” arm places the tubes in
All devices are connected to a Laboratory
the centrifuge bucket and places the full
Information System (LIMS) which collects
bucket into the centrifuge (Hettich
and provides data for evaluation.
sis.html). In an eight hour workday the system yields a throughput of eight runs with 96 samples in each run (768 samples per workday). System 3: Measuring purified DNA, normalization, PCR setup, plate sealing and amplification with the TRAC equipment • The concentration of DNA in the microplates is measured with Picogreen fluorescence in the Genios reader. • The Genesis RSP 150 normalizes the DNA and prepares the PCR reaction mix. • The microplate is sealed, put in the thermocycler (MJ Tetrad) and the amplification is started. Drug dosage and therapeutic success The qualitative result of the PCR with the allele-specific primers shows whether an allele is homozygous, heterozygous or absent. The result allows a prediction of the enzyme status and, based on this, an adjustment of the drug dosage. This is a pre-requisite for attaining the desired plasma concentration and thereby maximizing the success of the therapy.
Figure 2: Tecan Freedom 200 Left: “Pick & Place arm” with sample tubes and centrifuge buckets, centrifuge below.
Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Genomics
Automated genotyping for increased drug safety
Figure 3: Dr. Zuehlsdorf in front of the facility Right: “Pick & Place arm� with sample tubes and centrifuge buckets, centrifuge below.
Advantages of genotyping
targets as well as different drug
Drug manufacturers can, based on the
candidates. Scarce resources can be used
results of genotyping, either produce an
more effectively and focused on the most
assortment of tailored drugs for patient
promising candidates. Preclinical toxicology
subpopulations or focus on the production
and the identification and establishment of
of broad therapy drugs which are not
biomarkers and surrogate markers (markers
affected by genetic polymorphisms and thus
that correlate with drug efficacy and clinical
are applicable to the majority of the total
endpoints) will face new trends through
population. Eventually this will lead to a
genome analysis. This will increase the
broader range of drugs on the market since
accuracy of efficacy predictions of new drugs
different therapeutic methods will become
for patients. Pharmacogenetics will be used
available for different genotypes and
for drug discovery especially in Phase I and II
phenotypes. Both the choice of drug and
trials. The safety of these trials will be greatly
its dosage will be tailored to the individual.
increased, side effects will be reduced and
The use of genotyping for the evaluation of different protein-polymorphisms allows an Figure 4: Two Te-MagS on a Genesis RSP 150
costs of clinical trials will be significantly reduced.
early estimate of the potential of new drug
ensure perfect DNA extraction using magnetic beads.
Michael Zuehlsdorf, PhD Bayer AG Institute for Clinical Pharmacology/ Pharmacodynamics/Biochemical Pharmacology 42096 Wuppertal Figure 5: DNA Extraction with magnetic beads. The magnets are automatically placed between
Germany
the sample tubes. The beads are drawn to the tubewalls, the supernatant can be easily exhausted
T: +49-202 364231, F: +49-202 364115
with a pipette.
michael.zuehlsdorf.mz@bayer-ag.de Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Proteomics
Efficient, Accurate and Very Hungry Equipped with the DirectSpot™ Technology the ProTeam Advanced Digest offers a maximum of sensitivity and throughput
ProTeam Advanced Digest allows sample preparation for mass spectrometry on a single platform.
A schematic drawing of the TecPrep 96 SPE plate (top) and seen from below (bottom).
Equipped with the DirectSpot™ Technology
The combination of all four steps in a single
the ProTeam Advanced Digest offers
well minimizes the number of pipetting
a maximum of sensitivity and throughput.
steps and therefore greatly increases
In modern academic, biotech and
throughput and sensitivity. DirectSpot™,
pharmaceutical proteomics laboratories
the technology that allows this combination,
the need for an efficient, automated system
uses the unique TecPrep 96 solid phase
that extracts proteins from gels before mass
extraction (SPE) plate. This allows
spectrometry (MS) analysis increases rapidly.
a sensitivity down to low fmol range
In order to tackle this problem Tecan has
facilitating access to very low abundance
added a new member to the ProTeam
proteins.
High speed on all tasks One platform for all tasks
The TecPrep 96 SPE plate processes up to 96
The system combines all four steps of
samples in parallel. The system is scaleable
sample preparation for MS on a single
which allows the processing of up to 3500
platform:
samples per day, but it can also handle
• Controlled enzymatic digestion of protein
individual samples in an economic way.
• Extraction of peptide samples from in-gel digests. • Peptide sample clean-up and concentration.
The Tecan TecPrep 96 protein sample preparation technique is a unique combination of SPE, microplate and needle spotting technologies that offers unparalleled sample recovery with its single well processing capability and is capable of being used with numerous MALDI targets. A minimum number of
family – the ProTeam Advanced Digest.
samples (in-Gel and in-solution).
The unique DirectSpot™ Technology
pipetting steps reduces non-specific binding and loss of protein. The Chromolith™ capillary inside TecPrep 96 is manufactured by Merck KgaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
That is why we like to call the Advanced Digest our “Hungry Gourmet” that has no problems dealing with big menus as well as small snacks.
• Direct spotting of peptide samples onto MALDI targets.
Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Drug Discovery
The Genius for Fast Kinetics The new GENios Pro multipurpose reader and dispenser makes precise analysis of fast kinetics amazingly easy
Figure 1: GENios Pro, the multipurpose reader. Analyzing fast kinetics - like reporter gene assays - is still often a problem in many labs since pipetting all the reagents and putting the microplate in the reader are time-consuming steps. This usually prevents measurement of the most critical first few seconds. Tecan’s broad experience in high-end detection and precise liquid handling has now been combined in the new GENios Pro Multipurpose reader - a device that can simultaneously pipette reagents and measure reaction kinetics.
GENios Pro: multipurpose reader with triple injectors and six detection modes
With the new GENios Pro (Fig. 1) Tecan offers a broadly applicable, highly flexible multipurpose reader. The GENios Pro is ideal for academic research and biotechnology as well as pharmaceutical research.
GENios Pro - the new multipurpose reader
Independent optics guarantee excellent performance
Dispense system with up to three injectors
The GENios Pro supports fluorescence
The integration of independent optical
GENios Pro can operate two or three
polarization (FP), fluorescence intensity (FI),
systems for measuring luminescence and
optional injectors for 96- and 384-well
time-resolved fluorescence (TRF),
top and bottom fluorescence guarantees
plates. This allows simultaneous dispensing
fluorescence resonance energy transfer
maximum sensitivity and a broad dynamic
of reagents and reaction analysis (Fig. 3).
(FRET), absorption and temperature control.
range of measurement in all detection modes.
The high precision syringe pumps with
Tecan also offers additional units including
Unlike many other multipurpose readers,
coated injectors guarantee reliable
luminescence with integrated bioluminescence
the GENios Pro does not make any technical
performance and thorough mixing of the
resonance energy transfer (BRET) capability, an
compromises that would reduce performance
reagents dispensed. Additionally this system
expandable injector system for dispensing
and accuracy. The reader meets Tecan’s strict
allows to back-fill remaining reagents into
reagents and a bottom reading option for
quality standards allowing you reliable
the storage containers (Fig. 4). This helps
assays with adherent cells (available from
results at all times.
you save reagents and costs. An automated
July 2003).
cleaning system makes injector maintenance easy to perform. Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Drug Discovery
Measuring 6- to 384-well plates
Figure 4: The integrated reagent reservoirs Figure 3: The triple injector station of the
and precision pumps allow dispensing of
Figure 2: Loading a 384 well plate into GENios Pro.
dispenser system.
up to 2 different reagents.
Highly flexible plate handling
used in transfection experiments with
The system is suitable in all detection modes
cultivated cells in order to minimize
for 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96- and 384- well plates.
variations that might occur due to different
GENios Pro and Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays
numbers of cells and different transfection
BRET assays with Renilla-luciferase are
Cell-based assays with bottom reading option and well scanning
efficiencies between two experiments. This
commonly used for the study of G-protein
is no longer a problem with the use of the
coupled receptor activity. Although the timing
The bottom reading option allows optimal
GENios Pro.
for this assay is less critical in the 96-well format, it becomes an issue in higher density
results for cell-based assays with adherent
Measuring ion flux, apoptosis and many other processes with flash fluorescence
plate formats. With the GENios Pro equipped
do not tend to grow evenly in microplates,
Monitoring ion flux (Ca2+) is an important
and 384- well plates this is no longer an issue.
a well-scanning function is available in the
method for studying the activity of ion
Xfluor software package that allows you to
channels, G-protein coupled receptors,
Summary
define different points of measurement on
apoptosis and cellular repair mechanisms.
The GENios Pro is not only equipped with
the well surface.
Although these processes differ in their
an injector system for flash luminescence
kinetics and concentrations of calcium levels,
and flash fluorescence applications but also
Double impact - reporter gene assays with flashlight-measurement
there are common ways of monitoring them
offers excellent optical characteristics that
via luminescence and fluorescence labels.
can be used in up to six different detection
Fast kinetic reactions that are used, for
The GENios Pro, equipped with its advanced
modes. All of these features are combined
example, in reporter gene assays for the
injector system and bottom reading optics, is
in one easy to use device. This makes the
study of eukaryotic gene expression require
well suited for Flash Fluorescence applications.
GENios Pro a broad multipurpose reader for
a high-end detector. The reaction mechanism
It has been optimized to allow monitoring of
many applications in proteomics, genomics
creates a very short flash of light with an
fast fluorescence reactions, requiring
and drug discovery, including gene
extremely fast fading time. This creates the
simultaneous dispensing and fluorescence
expression analysis, luciferase assays,
need for a fast measurement right after
reading in 96- well plates. Physiological
bioluminescence resonance energy transfer
pipetting the reagents. GENios Pro uses
processes showing a slower Calcium flux can
(BRET) assays, molecular interactions and
on-board dispensers which allows on-board
additionally be monitored in 384- well plates.
cellular assays.
cells, including cell viability studies and reporter gene assays with GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein). Since adherent cells
with the injector system that allows simultaneous dispensing and reading in 96-
dispensing of up to two reagents e.g. for dual reporter gene assays. These assays are
Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Clinical Diagnostics
The Right Choice for the Job The QUADRIGA™- System in blood donation analysis Mauro Graziani, Dr. Christoph Niederhauser, Donation Analysis Lab, Blood Donation Centre, Bern have been used as stand-alone units for some time in many labs. The innovation of QUADRIGA is the combination of these four components, which are: 1. Plate station All plates are pre-positioned here. Identification of plates is guaranteed through barcoding. After processing, the plates are also stored in this unit. 2. ORCA robot arm ORCA is a fully maneuverable robot arm running on a three meter rail. The arm transports the plates from the plate station to the pipetting station. After pipetting it moves the plates into the analyzers and when the analysis is complete the plates are again placed in the plate station for storage. 3. Pipetting stations Two Genesis RSP 200 are used as pipetting stations. These devices handle all preparatory pipetting steps and also add the required reagents to the right wells. 4. Analyzers Mauro Graziani with the QUADRIGA System, right: Plate Station.
Four BEP® III (DADE Berhing) are used as analyzers. Additionally a fifth BEP III is built in as a backup device. However, only four
The QUADRIGA-System has been established
alanineaminotransferase (ALAT) assay. ALAT
devices are loaded by the ORCA arm. Each of
in the Donation Analysis Lab at the Blood
is a marker for liver inflammation. The ALAT
the BEP III and also both Genesis RSP 200s
Donation Center in Bern since June 2002.
assay is then run on a different system.
are operated by a PC. Supervision of the
QUADRIGA is a fully automated solution
whole process is handled by a host computer
that screens for infection markers in donor
Installation of the QUADRIGA-System
and patient blood samples on microplates.
Since the device needs an air conditioned
This is an excellent example of integration
room with a minimum of 24 sqm we had to
Productivity and throughput
engineering of Tecan instruments with
move our reference lab. After that we began
With the current settings each Genesis
other analytical instrumentation. It replaces
to prepare the room: air conditioning, water,
RSP 200 can perform a maximum of four
the FAME and ATplusSystems by Hamilton
drainage, electricity etc. had to be set up. In
pipetting steps on 720 samples per run,
which had been in use since 1994.
mid-April we began the system installation,
which adds up to a total of 5,760 pipetting
system which runs on Tecan’s FACTS software.
which was followed by a test and verification
steps. However, this number is limited by
The purpose of the system
phase. After thorough tests the system
the BEP analyzers which can incubate a
With the QUADRIGA we test each sample
became fully operational on June 11th 2002.
maximum of ten microplates at a time.
for HBs antigen, anti-HIV, anti-HCV and, for
With 88 samples per plate this adds up to a
donor samples coming from Lausanne, we
The four QUADRIGA components
total of 3,530 analyses per run for the whole
additionally test for anti-CMV. The system
Four components from different manufacturers
QUADRIGA-System. If fully loaded, one run
also pipettes the microplates for the
complete the QUADRIGA-System. All of these
takes approximately five hours, not including Tecan Journal 1/2003
10
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Clinical Diagnostics
approximately 1.5 hours for sample and system preparation. This seemingly long preparation time decreases as staff become familiar with the procedure. The overall maximum number of samples to be processed and analyzed (four tests) in 6.5 to 7 hours is 880. Several modifications can increase this amount to 1,200 samples, however, this would mean that the system is operating at the absolute maximum capacity and with this large amount of samples handled the slightest problem could lead to serious delays.
Operating the QUADRIGA System Operating the individual components is fairly easy and intuitive to learn. The complete system operations, when used on a routine basis, can be learned within a few days. A basic knowledge and understanding of computers is however essential. Currently we have trained two “superusers” who not only have a thorough understanding of the system but were also trained on the individual components. Our goal is that all users of the system eventually reach the same level of knowledge
The two Genesis RSP 200 units in the QUADRIGA System.
Conclusion After several months of working with the QUADRIGA-System we have eliminated all the initial teething problems that are normal when setting up a new system of this size. We are confident that establishing the QUADRIGA-System in our lab was the perfect choice. With a system of this size we are now
Fully automated blood donation sample analysis with QUADRIGA
well prepared for the forthcoming challenges in analyzing infection markers in blood samples. The QUADRIGA-System was developed in collaboration with Dade Behring. Mauro Graziani, Dr. phil.nat. FAMH Christoph Niederhauser Blutspendedienst SRK Bern AG Murtenstraße 133 CH-3008 Bern T: +41-31 384 2374, F: +41-31 384 2381 mauro.graziani@bsd-be.ch
Mauro Graziani with the BEP III.
Tecan Journal 1/2003
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Tecan Plus
Take Advantage of our Experience Tecan customer support offers a comprehensive package of services
When you buy a Tecan instrument, look
Preventive maintenance
a little deeper and you will see Tecan’s
With a comprehensive Tecan preventive
extensive worldwide customer support
maintenance service contract, tailored to
network. It offers the following services:
your exact needs, you will significantly increase the life span and productivity
Helpdesk
of your instruments.
Wherever you are in the world, whether you
Tecan customer support added value for the customer • Tecan’s customer support network provides services of outstanding quality and value to the customer. • Customer focus is paramount. Our help desks, expert lines, task forces and field
have a problem with your Tecan equipment
Upgrades
or you need to order consumables, you can
Equipment upgrades are an all-important
contact your nearest Tecan helpdesk*.
part of keeping up with, if not one-step
A Tecan advisor will be able to help you in
ahead of, your competitors. Our highly
your local language and will take control of
courteous, timely and efficient service
qualified engineers can complete any
your problem.
that will exceed their expectations and
technical upgrades that you need.
equal the best in business.
Technical support/application service
Training
A good place to start is by keeping your
for success! Tecan’s comprehensive training
instruments in peak condition. Regular
program enables the trainees to build up
servicing helps to maintain the high
the necessary knowledge to optimize and
standards of accuracy and precision that
maximize the productivity of Tecan devices.
you need, as well as minimizing instrument
These training courses will provide trainees
downtime. At Tecan you can be sure there
a thorough learning experience. You can
are professionals that know every inch of
be confident in receiving the very best
your machine and its history. Our experts
education from skilled professionals who are
will even implement and optimize new
experts in their respective fields. To obtain,
assays for you on your Tecan instrument,
at first hand, the information needed in your
so why not let them take the time, cost
daily work call your nearest Tecan office.
service organizations are looking forward to prove this to you. • We aim to provide our customers with
• We continually tailor our services and solutions to the requirements of the
Get trained by certified experts - the key
marketplace.
*See the back cover of this issue for a list of Tecan offices.
and frustration out of the process?
Tecan Journal 1/2003
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New Products
Nothing can Stop this Workhorse from Processing your Samples Through its new features, the well-proven Genesis FE500 Workcell offers even more reliability and versatility
Multi-channel pipetting in a bench top format Aquarius is an automated multi-channel pipetting system from Tecan that makes optimal use of laboratory space. This compact multi-channel pipetting system can be used for a wide range of applications in genomics and drug discovery. Aquarius uses both 96- and 384-well pipetting heads and has the built-in flexibility to use fixed and disposable 96-well manifolds interchangeably. The system can be used for medium-to-high throughput sample dispensing for compound logistics, assay development, and drug screening processes, as well as PCR and sequencing reaction set-up procedures used in genomics.
The Genesis FE500 Workcell offers many
The barcode label does not prevent the new
functions to increase efficiencies and
tube inspection unit of the FE500 from
productivity in your laboratory.
detecting liquid levels.
The Genesis FE500 Workcell is a fully
detection is possible through the tube
automated platform, which meets the
label, the complete tube may be covered
sample processing requirements of hospitals,
by barcode labels (up to three layers).
research institutes and other clinical
This feature is also available as an
laboratories throughout the world. Since its
upgrade feature for existing users.
introduction in 2000, the FE500 has rapidly
• Improved archiving solutions. The new
become known as a reliable workhorse for
archiving options, which are implemented
the whole range of sample handling tasks
in the new system software, enable the
that are necessary before analytical testing
full separation of sample from primary
in core departments. Through its flexibility
to secondary tubes. After sample volume
and compact footprint it can be fitted into
measurement, labelled secondary tubes
almost any existing laboratory setup to
are prepared to receive the corresponding
enhance the sample flow.
aliquots and the remnant sample for
As a response to requests from customers, Tecan has implemented several new features
archiving. Tubes are then moved to defined unloading positions.
on the FE500. These include:
By streamlining laboratory operations, the
• A modular system. The new modular
FE500 helps you to cut overall operating
The reader software that accepts your signature Magellan Tracker, the new version of Tecan’s popular reader software provides the full functionality required by the 21 CFR part 11 regulation of the FDA on electronic records. The new features include a user administration with access controls and authority checks via user identification codes and password. Magellan Tracker ensures the retrieval of the complete history of the data records through computer generated time and date stamped audit trails and implementation of non-biometric electronic signatures. Magellan Tracker is available as an option for new readers and as an upgrade for existing readers using the Magellan software.
system offers more options in the
expenses while assuring consistent sample
Does your microplate reader need a feeding station?
selection of modules for a perfect fit
processing, improving the safety of sample
Are you tired of loading your reader
to the specific activities performed by
handling and expanding your testing capacity.
with microplates piece by piece? The
each laboratory. Customers can now
Through the availability of modular options,
new Connect microplate stacker system
choose between different options for
you may select the elements necessary to
is a fast, easy-to-use instrument for
the individual processing steps: specimen
enable the best sample processing strategy
batch processing that can increase the
sorting; centrifugation; decapping;
for your laboratory. This versatility makes the
throughput of a wide range of detection-
secondary tube labelling and aliquoting;
FE500 now an even more valuable investment.
based applications. Connect offers
and serum volume verification.
complete walk-away batch processing
• A tube inspection unit. The new system
for microplates. This product supports
offers users a tube inspection unit, which
For more information on our products visit
the full range of Tecan’s stand-alone
scans the whole length of the tube to
http://www.tecan.com or contact your local
detection systems.
measure the exact liquid volume. Since
Tecan representative.
Tecan Journal 1/2003
13
www.tecan.com
Events
Tecan on the Road Preview on Conferences and Trade Shows 2003 Date
Event
Location
The 7th European Biotech Crossroads
Nantes
www.biotech-nantes.com
19th-24th May
Achema
Frankfurt
www.achema.de
7th-9th October
Biotechnica
Hannover
www.biotechnica.de
4th May
International BioEXPO JAPAN
Tokyo
web.reedexpo.co.jp/bio/english/
23rd June
Protein Science Society of Japan
Sapporo
edpex104.bcasj.or.jp/pssj/
8th October
The Japanese Society for the Study of Xenobiotics
Sapporo
xenobio.kopas.co.jp/
The 76th Annual Meeting of the
Yokohama
France: 25th-26th September Germany:
Japan:
15th October
Japanese Biochemical Society
edpex104.bcasj.or.jp/jbs2003/ english/eindex.htm
Switzerland: 12th-15th May
MipTec
Basel
www.messebasel.ch/miptec/
3rd-6th May
35th European Human Genetics (ESHG)
Birmingham
www.eshg.org
13th-15th May
Focus 2003 (Clinical)
Manchester
www.focus-acb.org
21st-23rd May
EuroBiochip
London
www.eurobiochip.com
27th-30th May
ICES (Proteomics)
Glasgow
www.bspr.org
25th-26th November
International Biotech & Europe LabAutomation London
UK:
www.labautomationeurope.com
USA: 19th-21st May
ASM
Washington DC www.asmusa.org
20th-24th July
AACC
Philadelphia, PA www.aacc.org/2003am/
10th-15th August
Drug Discovery Technology
Boston, MA
www.drugdisc.com
Always up to date: http://www.tecan.com/index/com-ev-entry.htm
An outstanding opportunity to meet Tecan: LabAutomation 2003 brought together leading providers of laboratory automation technologies Tecan is well known for its outstanding
makers and managers interested in emerging
products and its customer orientation.
laboratory technologies. The tradeshow,
The LabAutomation 2003 conference and
organized in conjunction with the conference,
tradeshow from 1st-5th February in Palm
features the leading providers in the
Tecan’s impressive presence at this year’s
Springs (CA) was an excellent opportunity to
growing area of laboratory automation
LabAutomation included a booth with a desert-
experience this directly. The conference is the
technologies. In line with its role as a key
themed décor where visitors could witness live
premier international meeting for scientists,
player in this league, Tecan supported this
demonstrations of all of Tecan’s major products.
technology specialists, industry decision
important event as an official sponsor. Tecan Journal 1/2003
14
www.tecan.com
Local News
Visitors from all over the world had
contributed to the attractiveness of Tecan’s
software on the Genesis Assay Workstation.
the opportunity to see that Tecan is an
presence at LabAutomation. Greg Kellogg
This new offering is the only one of its kind,
outstanding provider with a lot to offer. At
from Tecan Boston gave a podium
providing scientists with a ready-to-use
the eye-catching booth with a desert-themed
presentation on “New Developments in
automation and data management package
décor they could witness live demonstrations
Centrifugal Microfluidics”. In addition,
to support a wide range of assays.
of all of Tecan’s major products. These
visitors could follow two technical
included the newly launched Aquarius,
workshops organized by Tecan, one co-
Connect, Te-MO 3/3 and Ultra Evolution.
hosted with Millipore and one with IDBS. The
More than a dozen technical posters, a presentation and two workshops
latter was dedicated to the new integration of IDBS’ ActivityBase data management
All those who missed this event can read more about Tecan’s activities at LabAutomation on http://www.tecanus.com/us-index/us-new/us-local-news.htm
Tecan in Nagasaki - New solutions for drug discovery and drug testing The annual meeting and exhibition of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan was held March 27th-29th in Nagasaki, Japan. The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, founded in 1880, is one of Japan’s oldest academies with over 20,000 members engaged in pharmaceutical science as well as a wide range of life sciences. This meeting included numerous Japanese and International keynote lectures, posters and oral research presentations. It attracted roughly 10,000 visitors from Japan, Asia and all around the world. At our Tecan booth, solutions for inhibition, permeability, transporter, cell culture, cell maintenance and other drug discovery related applications were presented on posters and videos. This year, Tecan focused on its ADMET solutions and exhibited the first ever automated Liquid phase - Liquid phase Extract (LLE) solution consisting of a Genesis Freedom workstation, specially designed tube racks and a Vortex mixer. This system is the first to use a pipetting robot to extract compounds (metabolites) from samples, such as plasma, excrement or organs. Preliminary tests indicated that this system can achieve significantly higher yields than the classic method of solid phase extraction, thereby contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of the drug testing process. The Oura catholic church in Nagasaki was
Nagasaki is located on the Northwestern part of the Japanese island of Kyushu and is well
completed in 1864. The oldest church in Japan
known in Japanese history for being a key entry point for foreign visitors when Japan closed its
is now one of Nagasaki’s most popular tourist
borders for 200 years. Now it is a scenic, busy port city and is also the second city in the world
attractions.
to have experienced an atomic bomb blast.
Masthead Tecan Journal Customer Magazine of Tecan Group Ltd. ISSN 1617-7967
Design and Layout: Northbank Communications Meadowside, Mountbatten Way, Congleton CW12 1DN, UK E-Mail: s.platz@northbankcommunications.com
Circulation: 8800 copies (German), 8000 copies (English
Pre-Press and Printing: Printfine Ltd, Gibralter Row, King Edward Industrial Estate, Liverpool L3 7HJ, UK
Publisher: Tecan Group Ltd.
Copyright: All rights are reserved by Tecan Journal
Editor: Dr. Josef Syfrig
Photos and Illustrations: Tecan Germany GmbH, Tecan Group Ltd, Northbank Communications
Address: Tecan Group Ltd., Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Männedorf, Switzerland Tel: +41 1 922 88 88 Fax: +41 1 922 88 90 E-Mail: josef.syfrig@tecan.com Internet: http://www.tecan.com
Typography: Type set in Thesis from LucasFonts Subscription: For a free subscription to Tecan Journal, please contact your nearest sales office (see back cover of this issue) or send an e-mail to: tecan@tecan.com.
Tecan Journal 1/2003
15
www.tecan.com
Better prepared for what’s put on your plate
The new Genios Pro incorporates six detection technologies* with liquid handling into a single compact unit that’s totally designed to meet all of your assay needs. Superior multi-detection capability enables accurate, sensitive reading of a wide range of assays. Genios Pro’s integrated injectors allow simultaneous dispensing and reading for performing sophisticated, rapid kinetic assays. And, as you’d expect from Tecan, those extra touches – precision engineering, automation ready, outstanding price:performance, superior reliability – come as standard. * Absorbance, fluorescence polarization, fluorescence intensity, time resolved fluorescence, and flash and glow luminescence
Genomics • Proteomics • Drug Discovery • Clinical Diagnostics For more information please visit www.tecan.com/geniospro or call your nearest Tecan office Austria +43 62 46 89 33 Belgium +32 15 42 13 19 France +33 1 30 68 81 50 Germany +49 79 51 94 170 Italy +39 02 215 21 28 Japan +81 42 334 88 55 Netherlands +31 18 34 48 17 4 Portugal +351 21 000 82 16 Singapore +65 644 41 886 Spain + 34 93 490 01 74 Sweden +46 31 75 44 000 Switzerland +41 1 922 89 22 UK +44 118 9300 300 USA +1 919 361 5200 Other +43 62 46 89 33