ISSN 1660-5276
Tecan Journal English Edition 2/2003 - July 2003
New Visions for Genomic Research Page 4
Automated Protein Crystallization Accelerates the Study of Cellular Function Page 7
Freedom EVO Freedom to evolve Pages 3, 14 www.tecan.com
Contents
Editorial
Global News
Product evolution for the changing needs of today’s laboratory
Page 3
Dear Customer On July 1st, we launched a new state-of-the-art automation platform: the Freedom EVO. This multipurpose workstation offers increased flexibility
Genomics
and scalability as well as a new software capability built
Automated in situ hybridization (GenePaint)
on Tecan’s 20 year tradition of providing high quality
Page 4
liquid handling platforms. In this issue of the Tecan Journal we would like to tell you more about Freedom EVO. The “Global News” section (page 3) gives you insight into the ambitious and exciting development of Freedom EVO. An overview on the features and benefits of this
Proteomics
modular platform can be found in the “Product News” section on page 14.
Protein Crystallization Workstation
Page 7 Freedom EVO was designed to allow easy automation of an unmatched range
Drug Discovery PAMPA with Te-MO
Page 10
of applications in Genomics, Proteomics, Drug Discovery and Clinical Diagnostics. In this and in future editions of the Tecan Journal, we want to present you examples of such applications. We extended the volume of this edition from 16 to 20 pages because we have
Clinical Diagnostics
many interesting stories that we want to share with you. The issue features four
Salmonella monitoring
Page 12 New Products Freedom EVO
customer articles that provide insight into the use of Tecan’s solutions in each of our four business areas. We also provide you with an updated events schedule and hope to see you at one of the upcoming conferences.
Page 14
After receiving many positive remarks about the first issue of the new Tecan Journal, we hope that this second issue is just as much fun to read and provides useful
New Products
information about Tecan and its products and services. Information that can add
HS 400 Hybridization Station
real value to your scientific activities.
Page 16
Yours faithfully,
Tecan Plus Leaders in quality Tecan’s range of disposable tips
Page 17 Events
Michael Baronian
Preview on Conferences and Trade Shows 2003
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tecan Group Ltd
Page 18 Local News
Page 19 Tecan Journal 2/2003
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Global News
The Freedom to Evolve
Driving the evolution - the core of Tecan’s Freedom EVO development team, which combined 20 years of liquid handling and robotic experience into the new platform. With the launch of its new automation
The success of this challenging project was
party devices as well as customized devices
platform - the Freedom EVO - on July 1st,
only possible because it was carried out
are easily integrated, giving users true
Tecan achieved an important milestone
by a highly skilled team of professionals
freedom to evolve.
in its history of over 20 years. The new
combining 20 years of experience in liquid
platform combines a unique experience
handling. The project had a company wide
in liquid handling and robotics and has
dimension and therefore required a highly
the necessary flexibility to match all
professional organization: people from many
application needs of the four business
areas of Tecan such as marketing, R&D, sales,
areas. Its development was a challenging,
customer support and production worked
company wide project.
together with the important goal: Developing a new state-of-the-art
Setting new standards for development
automation platform.
As a leading provider of liquid handling
The evolution in Freedom EVO
Setting the stage for the next generation
platforms, serving customers’ needs is of
One of the objectives of this project was
of liquid handling automation platforms:
central importance to Tecan. With this in
to produce an instrument whose modular
working on the video documentation of
mind and based on customer surveys and
design allowed each system to be configured
the new Freedom EVO. If you want to see
market analysis, Tecan started a project with
according to customers’ individual
clippings demonstrating the features of
an ambitious objective: to produce a new
requirements. It was very important for
Freedom EVO, visit www.tecan.com.
liquid handling platform that is flexible
Tecan to permit customers a straightforward
enough to serve the continually changing
integration of previously developed options
application needs of today’s laboratories.
and applications on Freedom EVO.
As a result of this development effort, Tecan
In addition, the platform dimensions have
launched Freedom EVO, a series of powerful
been maintained from its predecessor
laboratory workstations designed to deliver
(Genesis Freedom platform) to facilitate
an unmatched range of automated
replacement installations. At the same
applications in genomics, proteomics,
time, the new platform offers continuing
drug discovery and clinical diagnostics.
compatibility with new solutions, and third
Tecan Journal 2/2003
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Genomics
New Visions for Genomic Research
Figure 1: The GenePaint™ thermo-rack module for up to 48 hybridization chambers.
Tecan, in
The gap between the primary nucleotide
techniques this method has a significant
co-operation with
sequence and the expression and function of
advantage as it shows both the expression
Professor Gregor
genes still remains a challenge. The next big
patterns of genes in tissues and also
Eichele of the Max-
challenge is to discern which specific parts
provides a three dimensional location of
Planck Institute for
of the genome code for proteins, the tissue
the expressed gene at the cellular level.
experimental
and temporal expression of proteins, and the
This information is vital to addressing many
Endocrinology
function of both genes and their expressed
questions that functional genomics poses.
(Hannover,
proteins. Functional genomics is helping to
Germany), has
resolve these tough challenges, and the use
developed a system that allows automated
of automated systems is as important in
in situ hybridization (ISH). Ten-fold higher
functional genomics as it has been in the
throughputs compared to manual
sequencing of the human genome.
processing and improved reproducibility
Professor Eichele states: “When analyzing various tissues from different organisms, from plants through to humans, we see that certain genes are only expressed in specific cells of the tissue. For example, an oncogene in tumors may only be expressed in a few of the
open new doors in functional gene analysis.
In situ hybridization: simple and automated
HUGO remains a driving force in functional genomics
ISH is a very promising technique for
A large effort over a relatively short period
of genes in different tissues. In order to
of time resulted in the sequencing and
establish a database of gene expression
mapping of the human genome. While this
patterns in different tissues, Professor
achievement provides a great leap towards
Gregor Eichele of the Max-Planck Institute
unraveling the cause of many diseases and
for experimental Endocrinology in Hannover,
Professor Eichele explains that the potential
their possible treatments, the DNA sequence
Germany collaborated with Tecan in developing
possibilities that ISH offers is often limited
alone is not sufficient to reach this goal.
an automated system that works quickly
by the number of labor intensive and very
and accurately. When compared with other
time consuming steps. This produces an
analyzing the expression and function
tumor cells. This technique can thus be used as a diagnostic tool, particularly in cases where the sequence of a gene alone does not provide enough information about the disease or condition. Therefore, over the coming years we will need to analyze the expression patterns of thousands of genes.�
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Genomics
In situ hybridization with GenePaint™ (Figure 2) • Fully automated system for in situ hybridization. • Additional module based on Tecan’s pipetting robot. • Stable mounting of tissue sections in hybridization chambers. • Incubation of the sections under moist, nuclease-free conditions. • Exact and efficient liquid handling. • Minimal reaction volume (90µl net volume). • Exact, quickly attained incubation temperatures between 10°C and 65°C. • Constant moistening of tissues. • Reliable incubation times and conditions. • 10-fold increase in throughput compared to manual processing. • User-friendly operation with Gemini software.
Figure 2: Tecan’s GenePaint™.
urgent need for an automated system that
Hybridization of the complementary probe is
Additional protocols for the system include
allows the analysis of thousands of genes.
carried out at 55°C and the excess hybridization
Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) and
probe is then removed by washing the slide
Immunostaining. The system can process up
Principles of GenePaint™
at 62°C. Temperature control is vital for
to 200 tissue sections simultaneously.
The combined efforts of Professor Eichele
successful hybridization and the exact
and Tecan have resulted in GenePaint™.
temperature has to be maintained
Gene expression in the mouse brain
This system can perform automated ISH in
constantly throughout these steps.
Using gene expression in the mouse brain
tissue sections. The basis of the system is
as an example we present here this novel
a Tecan pipetting robot that performs all
method as well as some other results from
necessary liquid handling steps, moves
Professor Eichele’s lab.
plates etc and incubates samples. More than 20 different reagents are pipetted during this complex process. However, the ‘real’
“Highly precise automated process”
As a first step, frozen sections of mouse tissue are applied to standard microscope slides, mounted in the GenePaint™
innovation of GenePaint™, the Hybridization
hybridization chambers and positioned in
Chamber, is integrated into the pipetting
the GenePaint™ thermo-rack and several
robot. This chamber consists of a microscope
pre-hybridization steps are carried out
slide and a glass plate that is mounted with
Following hybridization, detection of
thin spacers and pressed together. This
the bound probe can be carried out using
assembly makes up the extremely thin chamber.
non-radioactive methods. The necessary
Mounted in a temperature-controlled rack
incubation and washing steps are also
(see Fig 1), GenePaint™ can process a total of
performed automatically in the hybridization
48 chambers in one run. Depending on the
chambers. Both freeze- and paraffinated
size of the robot, several thermo-racks can
tissue sections may be processed with the
be mounted on the workbench, allowing
GenePaint™ System. Paraffinated sections
parallel processing of samples.
have to be de-paraffinized before the process.
Tecan Journal 2/2003
(paraffin elimination, proteinase K digestion, etc). Hybridization then takes place with Digoxygenin-marked, gene specific riboprobes (several hours incubation at 50-55°C). Washing steps are carried out under stringent conditions at 55-64°C. Digoxygenin-specific antisera and the following amplification steps allow the
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Genomics
Figure 3: Expression pattern of the Sox9 gene in a mouse embryo (sagittal section).
Figure 4: Expression pattern of the NPY gene in mouse brain (coronal section).
detection of riboprobes via a secondary detection system. For the detection of conjugated marker enzymes such as basic phosphatase or peroxidase, appropriate substrates are used. The results are convincing as Figs 3 and 4 show.
“One person can process ten times as many slides in the same timeframe”
The data presented has been published in Nature (Reymond et al. (2002) Human chromosome 21 gene expression atlas in mouse. Nature 420: 582-586). For more information please visit www.genepaint.org. Professor Eichele also compared the GenePaint™
We also noticed that during manual
system to manual processing in his lab:
processing many tissue sections are damaged
“For the manual processing of 20 slides,
while almost no slides were damaged using
one lab technician is occupied constantly
the GenePaint™ system. This damage is
for almost 2 days. The process requires the
attributed to constant manipulation and
operator’s attention almost every minute.
removal of reagents from the slide”.
Slides have to be dipped into different solutions, reagents have to be pipetted onto
The judgment of an expert
the slides, the slides have to be transferred
Professor Eichele is extremely satisfied with
to temperature controlled incubators, etc.
the applications and the potential of the
Using the automated system, one person can
GenePaint™ system: “This application opens
process ten times as many slides in the same
up completely new possibilities in functional
timeframe. The throughput is only limited by
genomics. Both academic research institutions
the number of GenePaint™ systems used.
and pharmaceutical companies have a
An additional benefit of the system is the
tremendous need for automated in situ
great reproducibility of the results due to
hybridization!”
the highly precise automated process.
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Proteomics
Automated Protein Crystallization Accelerates the Study of Cellular Function Solving the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nuclear receptor proteins is crucial for understanding the processes that mediate the development of multicellular organisms and those that can lead to diseases including cancer The organization of higher eukaryotic genomes and the control of gene expression during embryonic development in both normal and pathological differentiation is the focus of the Institute for Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC) in Strasbourg (France). The nuclear receptors of hormones constitute the largest family of ligand regulated transcription factors. To understand how nuclear receptors work and are regulated, it is crucial to solve their 3D structure and correlate structure and function. Automation of the labor-intensive steps involved in determining protein structures, in particular protein
Dr. Jean-Claude Thierry, Pierre Poussin and Dr. Didier Busso (from left) with the Protein
crystallization, is key to increasing the
Crystallization Workstation of the IGBMC in Strasbourg.
efficiency and throughput of processes involved in obtaining structural
crystals of biological molecules. “Tecan plays
set up of the crystallization experiments
information of proteins significant in
an essential role in introducing high throughput
are then performed on a Genesis 150
human health and biotechnology. To date,
automation methods to biological research”,
Workstation.” The Protein Crystallization
only the 3D structures of the nuclear receptors'
explains Dr. Jean-Claude Thierry, Deputy
platforms have been working successfully
individual domains (DNA binding domain
Director of the laboratory. “Tecan is an
since their installation at the IGBMC in
or ligand binding domain) have been
important provider for our structural
March 2002. Dr. Busso believes that the two
determined. The structures of complete
genomics automation tools. In most cases,
workstations offer significant advantages
receptors are yet to be determined.
standard Tecan devices are used for these
as they are easy to operate and their user-
To understand the biology of full-length
applications, thereby facilitating the ease
friendly software interface allows him to
receptors and their complexes, the Structural
with which information can be exchanged
optimize the different procedures. He also
Biology and Genomics Department headed
between research teams worldwide.”
likes the flexibility of the system, which facilitates continuous improvements in
by Dr. Dino Moras is developing a variety of These include: cloning, expression,
Labor is divided between two integrated workstations
protein production and purification,
Dr. Didier Busso, platform coordinator, is
and crystallization platforms designed
responsible for generally streamlining and
for screening receptors under a range of
developing the automation systems of
different conditions. The aim is to produce
the Structural Biology and Genomics
proteins and protein complexes compatible
department of the IGBMC. In this process,
with the desired structural biology
from the cloning of new receptors to the
determinants (solubility, high purity and
final structure determination, crystallization
high homogeneity). The protein crystallization
plays a major role.
platform is an important element in this
“Our crystallization platform integrates two
for mixing stock solutions required for the
high throughput structural biology approach.
Tecan workstations”, he says. “In the first
crystallization screens.
The system has been developed to test the
phase the crystallization solutions are mixed
numerous parameters involved in obtaining
on the smaller Miniprep, while the actual
target focused structural genomics tools.
Tecan Journal 2/2003
the screening methods, and accommodates differences in proteins or protocols. The Miniprep Workstation is equipped with two diluters (10 and 1ml) and two liquid handling arms each carrying a tip for aspirating and dispensing fluids. It uses similar modules (racks and carriers) and shares the same essential features for accurate liquid handling found in the Genesis Workstation. The Miniprep is used
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Proteomics
“Tecan is an important provider for our structural genomics automation tools”
The worktable of the Crystallization Workstation with the liquid handling arm (left) and the robotic manipulation arm. Between the two arms, the crystallization plate with the evaporationminimization cover is visible. • In order to minimize evaporation, a sliding
The Genesis 150 Workstation is equipped
facilities and other equipment necessary for
with a liquid handling arm, a robotic
protein crystallization. “Our quality control
cover is moved by the robotic manipulation
manipulation arm, eight XP3000 diluters, and
measurements show that the accuracy and
arm over the crystallization plate after the
250µl syringes. The liquid handling arm is
reproducibility of the two workstations
pipetting steps.
equipped with eight teflon coated low
is excellent. This is very important for the
volume tips. This configuration allows
success of our crystallization screening
accurate and reproducible dispensing of
experiments,” Pierre Poussin comments.
liquids commonly used in protein crystallization studies down to 0.5µl. The eight tips are adjustable and allow independent movement in the Z-axis, enabling the use of any type of 96 or 384well crystallization plate. The system also includes a plate cover to minimize evaporation of volatile buffers.
and adding one drop of protein solution per well takes about 30 minutes. Therefore,
Currently, in the standard crystallization
anywhere from 800 to 1,000 crystallization
protocol, up to 672 different conditions
experiments can be prepared per day.
per plate are used for selecting the most
While this system lacks a temperature
appropriate crystallization conditions and
control module and is not designed to run
more than half of them originate from an
overnight, these modules can and have been
“in house” design. Optimization of the
easily incorporated into Tecan Protein
crystallization involves variations of the final
Crystallization Workstations.
sitting drop volume and of the ratio between protein and precipitating agent. About
Typical system performance and protocols used
Filling the reservoirs of one 96-well plate
1,000 trials per macromolecular species are usually performed.
Both workstations are connected to a personal
After the experiments, both technicians in charge of the platforms and researchers involved in the projects screen the crystallization plates. Observations are made
computer running the standard Tecan Gemini
The following standard protocol is used for
using high resolution microscopes equipped
software, which provides a graphical interface
setting up a crystallization screen using the
with digital cameras.
for controlling the instruments. Gemini
sitting drop method (with vapor equilibrium):
allows users to develop scripts with a
• On the MiniPrep Workstation, stock
graphic visualization of each step during
solutions are mixed and dispensed
programming and operation. Three Gemini
into 96-deep well plates according to
software scripts, written by Pierre Poussin,
a standard list of different crystallization
who is responsible for running and developing the crystallization platform, cover the most frequently used protocols for the preparation of crystallization screens according to
conditions. • The deep well plate is transferred (by hand) to the Genesis Workstation. • From each of these wells, 100µl of
the sitting drop method. Pierre is the
crystallization solutions are pipetted
administrator and main user of the MiniPrep
into the corresponding reservoirs of the
and Genesis Workstation, both instruments
96-well crystallization plates.
provide tremendous support for his work. The two workstations have been installed in a 36m2 laboratory together with support
• 1µl of protein solution is mixed with 1µl of
A Tecan MiniPrep Workstation is used for pipetting stock solutions into a 96 well deep well plate which serves as a source plate for
crystallization solution and is placed onto
the reservoir solutions with the different
the drop support of each well of
crystallization buffers.
the crystallization plate.
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Proteomics
Examples of protein crystals that were obtained with the Protein Crystallization Workstation using the sitting drop method.
Successful automated protein crystallization achieved Since March 2002, crystallization has been
Note:
performed on numerous different ligand-
Structural genomics in the laboratory also
binding domains (LBD) of receptors and
uses a Genesis 200 Workstation for cloning
other proteins and complexes. In addition,
and expression screening of multi-protein
crystallization of a large series of different
complexes of eukaryotic origin. All the three
complexes between LBDs and screened
workstations are based on the same Genesis
ligands has been investigated. More than
automation platform.
30 crystals have been obtained that are suitable for structure determination by X-ray diffraction.
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Drug Discovery
Implementation of a Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeation Assay (PAMPA) on a Tecan Genesis Workstation The PAMPA PSR4p is used as a first line permeability screen for pharmaceutical drugs in early lead discovery and optimization phases. Text: Frank Senner Chemicals and accessories: Buffer-Acceptor: 0.05M 3-[N-Morpholino]2-hydroxy-propanesulfonic acid (MOPSO) at pH 6.5. Buffer-Donor: 0.05M MOPSO and 0.5% (w/v) glycocholic acid at pH 6.5. Membrane: 10% (w/v) 3-sn phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk and 0.5% (w/v) cholesterol in dodecane. Donor: 96-well microplate, Roche made. Acceptor and Membrane: 96-well PVDF filterplate (Millipore MAIP N 4510). PAMPA PSR4p Setup: The pipetting steps can be divided into four parts: 1. Dilution of stock solutions and filtration: 10mM DMSO stock solutions are transferred
Figure 1: PAMPA PSR4p setup and pipetting steps.
to a microplate (PreMix) and diluted with donor buffer. The PreMix plate is put on a
To increase the throughput of the assay, two
Pe [10-6cm/s] as well as the sample
shaker to ensure proper mixing. A part of
automation solutions were compared: one
distribution can be retrieved by UV analytics
the PreMix solution is transferred to a UV
automation solution using a Tecan Genesis
of donor (tstart), donor (tend) and acceptor
plate and checked for sample precipitation
RSP 150/8 and a second automation solution
(tend) using the pION PSR4p software. The
(turbidity measurement). The remaining
consisting of a Tecan Genesis 150 and the
goal of this test is to compare the quality
part is filtered.
Te-MO96 Multi Pipetting Option. Performing
and the throughput of the PAMPA PSR4p
the assay on the Genesis 150/Te-MO96
using a Genesis RSP 150/8 and a Genesis
combination resulted in a 2.6 fold shorter
Workstation 150 with Tecan Multi Pipetting
assay time and 260 versus 100 assays. The quality of the assay was completely maintained.
Introduction The PAMPA PSR4p provides a first line permeability screen for pharmaceutical drugs. This three-compartment model
Option (Te-MO 96).
2. Preparation of reference and PAMPA PSR4p sandwich: A part of the PreMix filtrate is transferred to a UV plate and the reference UV spectra is read at tstart. Meanwhile the
Materials and methods Instruments: Tecan Genesis RSP 150/8: 250Âľl syringes, 384-well low volume tips, low volume option, low volume wash station, fast wash pump. Tecan Genesis Workstation 150/8 with Te-MO 96: 250Âľl syringes, 384-well low
donor plate is filled with the same PreMix filtrate. The filter plate is coated with phospholipids and placed into the donor plate. Finally the filter plate is filled with acceptor buffer forming a PAMPA PSR4p sandwich construction. The sandwich is sealed with a plastic foil and put away over night.
simulates the small intestine, the major
volume tips, low volume option, standard
3. Transfer of acceptor solutions into UV plate:
site of oral absorption. Drugs permeate
wash station, fast wash pump, Te-MO 96,
After a certain time the plastic foil is
by passive diffusion from the donor
tip block (96 teflon coated steel tips).
removed from the acceptor of the PAMPA
compartment, which is separated by a
SpectraMax 190: 96-well microplate UV
PSR4p sandwich. A part of the acceptor
phospholipid-coated filter, to the acceptor
reader (Molecular Devices).
solution is transferred to a UV plate and the acceptor UV spectra are read at tend.
compartment. The permeation constant
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Drug Discovery
4. Transfer of donor solutions into UV plate: Right after the acceptor solutions have been transferred to a UV plate the filter plate is taken off the donor plate and a part of the donor solution is transferred to another UV plate. Finally the donor UV spectra is read.
Results A set of 47 chemically diverse drugs was used to compare the different robotic equipment.
Figure 2: Comparison of measured PAMPA
Figure 3: Comparison of measured PAMPA
All pipetting steps, except the coating of
PSR4p permeation constants using a Genesis
PSR4p permeation constants using a Genesis
RSP 150/8 and a Genesis Workstation 150
RSP 150/8 and a Genesis Workstation 150 with
with Te-MO 96.
Te-MO 96.
the filter plate with phospholipids, were transferred from eight tips (Genesis RSP 150/8) to 96 tips (Genesis Workstation 150 with Te-MO 96). The measured permeation constants Pe [10-6cm/s] as well as the corresponding log Pe [cm/s] values are shown in Fig 2 and Fig 3. The implementation of the PAMPA PSR4p on a Genesis Workstation 150 with Te-MO 96 has reduced the total assay time by a factor
The quality of the assay has been completely maintained
of 2.6. The pipetting time itself has been reduced
Figure 4: Comparison of PAMPA PSR4p times
by a factor of 5.5. The time needed to read
using a Genesis RSP 150/8 and a Genesis
the UV spectra is constant. Fig 4 shows the
Workstation 150 with Te-MO 96.
different assay times with and without Te-MO 96. The Te-MO 96 wash procedure was extended by a distilled water mixing step in order to avoid a contamination of the assay solvents with the 50%/50% EtOH/distilled water wash solution.
Conclusion The PAMPA PSR4p has been successfully implemented on a Genesis Workstation 150 with Te-MO 96. The correlation of the permeation constants shows that the assay quality has been maintained. In addition the assay time has been reduced by a factor of 2.6, increasing the sample throughput from 100 samples/week up to 260 samples/week (triplicate determination). The bottleneck of the assay is the acquisition of UV spectra using 96-well microplate readers with monochromator technology. Newly introduced readers with diode array detection could overcome this problem and could lead to a throughput of up to 550 samples/week
Figure 5: Te-MO96 Multi Pipetting Option mounted on a Genesis Workstation.
(triplicate determination). Frank Senner, F. Hoffmann – La Roche Ltd., Pharmaceuticals Division, Bldg. 92/5.76A, CH-4070 Basel, frank.senner@roche.com This article has been published in Bioworld Q3/2003 www.bioworld.ch
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Clinical Diagnostics
Automated Quality Assurance (QA) with ELISA Assays on a Tecan Platform Tecan’s automated solutions facilitate the monitoring of Salmonella contamination at LUFA-ITL GmbH in Kiel, Germany. Sven Sebelin, engineer (Dipl. Ing.) at LUFA-ITL GmbH, Kiel
Figure 1: Dipl. Ing. Sven Sebelin and his Tecan Workstation processing an assay.
Figure 2: Tecan Workstation for automated processing of Salmonella ELISA assays.
As part of the QA-Initiative for quality
The company offers a range of different
required are key parameters for the quality
assurance in meat products, Salmonella
validated analytical methods to test foods
of an automated solution. To assess the
screens for pork meat have become a legal
and feeds. The Q&S program aims to
quality of the automation many experiments
requirement. The test assay Salmonella-
increase the safety of pork products during
were carried out and compared with manual
Meat-ELISA HerdCheck Swine Salmonella®
production and to significantly reduce the
processing.
(IDEXX Laboratories) has been examined
contamination with Salmonella in the
to see if it can be automated. Tecan carried
products. LUFA-ITL, together with Tecan, has
The tailored Tecan system
out tests at the LUFA-ITL GmbH. where the
established a fast and accurate test assay,
The automated solution (see Figs 2 and 3)
automated assay was compared with
optimized for high throughput and
consists of the following Tecan components:
manual processing with regards to data
automation. The assay is based on the
• Genesis 200 Workstation with robot arm.
quality and throughput.
HerdCheck Swine Salmonella® from IDEXX
• 25°C temperature-incubator.
Laboratories Inc. The ELISA test detects
• Plate hotel.
Salmonella-LPS-antigen of Serogroups B,
• Sunrise Microplate-Reader.
C1 and D in serum and meat samples.
• Columbus Microplate-Washer with
“Quality and security” Q&S – the cachet Q&S is a voluntary organization formed by
16 channels.
that introduced a quality cachet for meat
When automation is required Tecan is usually close at hand
and meat products made from pork, veal and
The throughput for this test is estimated
(software for operation and data
beef. For the first time, this cachet requires
to be up to 100,000 samples a year. This
management).
the documentation of all processes in the
exceeds manual capabilities and requires
production line and the meat must also
a fast and accurate automated system
come from members of the Q&S cachet.
handling the key steps of the assay. Such an
a co-operation between various associations
automated solution must at least match or
LUFA-ITL GmbH is on board
outperform the quality of the manual test
LUFA-ITL of the AGROLAB group is accredited
results. Besides high throughput, factors
by Q&S, carrying out the quality control tests.
such as reproducibility, diffusion, preventing
• Linear racks for the samples. • Magellan and FACTS with Gemini
As an option, the throughput can be increased by using a second washer and dispenser. Adapting the protocol of HerdCheck Swine Salmonella® ELISA onto the automation solution did not pose a significant problem.
contamination and amount of sample
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Clinical Diagnostics
Three times higher throughput than the manual process
Figure 3: The surface of the workstation.
A clear statement
Great outlook!
The ELISA test consists of 12 different manual
When looking to the future Sven Sebelin
steps, from pipetting the samples and the
is happy to have the Tecan automated
controls to measuring the OD of the assay
solution at hand. The system fulfills all the
in a photometer. Manual processing requires
requirements with regards to throughput
the full attention of one person for 3 hours.
and quality. The team around Dipl.Ing. Sven
One person can therefore process
Sebelin is therefore ready for the increased
approximately 4-5 ELISA plates, or approx.
use of the ELISA assay for the QS Salmonella
400 samples per day.
monitoring program.
The automated system is capable of processing 12-15 complete ELISA plates per day, producing three times higher throughput than the manual process, with a reduced requirement for staff. When using a dispenser and a second washer the throughput may be further increased. The system can be operated by a single person. The test also provides an overnight protocol which increases the system’s efficiency even more. Comparing the data of the automated and the manual ELISA assay shows that the
Figure 4: Results of the HerdCheck Swine SalmonellaÂŽ Salmonella ELISA: Comparison
quality of the automated system matches
of manual (A) and automated (B) processing. The graphs show the results of 91 samples (red and
the manual performance (see Fig 4).
blue). 11 are positive (red). The sample numbers are marked for the positive samples.
Tecan Journal 2/2003
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New Products
Automation Evolution - The Freedom EVO With the introduction of the Freedom EVO series of laboratory automation workstations (see page 3), new dimensions in automation system flexibility, safety and user friendliness are now available for laboratories around the world
Access to space below the deck allows Setting new standards – Tecan’s Freedom EVO: up to three arms in almost any combination can be
integration of devices such as plate readers,
installed on a single instrument, increasing speed and throughput.
centrifuges, washers or thermocyclers.
The Freedom EVO series of instruments
more than 75 drivers are available. Unique in
offer a range of throughput options,
the market, the Freedom EVO platform saves
Meeting today’s safety requirements
outstanding pipetting precision and
precious laboratory space through below-
The Freedom EVO platforms include many
accuracy. They bring speed, reliability
table access to a centrifuge or analytical
features designed to offer improved operator
and cost-efficiency to many essential
instrument with extra long robotic
safety. Door lock and cover shields – the
laboratory tasks. Whether it is clinical
manipulators.
Access Set – prevent unintended access
diagnostics or blood bank testing, quality
to the worktable during a run. Gas hinges
New instrument control software package
provide superior operation for both of these
or the latest genomics or proteomics applications, the Freedom EVO series has
Freedom EVOware is Tecan’s new,
allows loading of racks and carriers to proceed
liquid handling and automation options
state-of-the-art software package for
uninterrupted while the cover shield is in
to match and grow with your needs.
all biopharmaceutical (Drug Discovery,
operation. When necessary, an integrated
Genomics, Proteomics) applications on the
pause button allows operation to be easily
Scalable systems
Freedom EVO. Freedom EVOware combines
stopped and resumed.
Freedom EVO is available in three instrument
pipetting and scheduling of multiple devices
dimensions (100, 150 and 200cm) that support
in a single, easy-to-use package, designed
the implementation of a wide variety of
with a streamlined graphical user interface
application options and sample throughput
that allows scientists to focus on research.
needs. Freedom EVO is the only system
Multi level user management and full audit
on the market that can be configured with
trail allows laboratories working in a regulated
three arms, bringing speed, flexibility and
environment to comply fully with the FDA’s
cost-efficiency to many essential laboratory
CFR 21 part 11 ruling.
control, pharmaceutical drug screening
safety features. A continuous loading option
Tecan’s development processes meet worldwide regulatory requirements including the in vitro Diagnostics Directive 98/79/EC. Specific Freedom EVO configurations will be released for diagnostic applications making Freedom EVO the platform of choice for Clinical Diagnostics.
tasks. Apart from seamless integration of Tecan’s powerful devices such as plate readers, array scanners, plate washers and shakers, extraction units etc, the range of potential applications is significantly enhanced through incorporating third party devices for which
Tecan Journal 2/2003
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New Products
A continuous loading option allows loading of racks and carriers to proceed uninterrupted while the cover shield is in operation.
Key features of the Freedom EVO series: • Four types of arms available: liquid handling; pick and place; robotic manipulator; and robotic manipulator
• Tecan multichannel pipetting option (Te-MO) with 96- or the new 384-channel head for high throughput applications.
with extended Z-axis for handling a wide
• Fully integrated status lamp to show
variety of vessels, plates, vials and tubes.
operational status of the instrument,
• Up to three arms in almost any
integrated pause button allowing the
combination can be installed on a
operation to be easily paused and
single instrument, increasing speed and
resumed and other new features ensure
throughput. If necessary, Freedom EVO can be field-upgraded with a robotic arm. • Liquid handling arm can be equipped with fixed tips, low volume tips,
process security and operator safety. • Redesigned, easy to use EVOware instrument control software package. • Optional integration of accessory modules
disposable tips, filter tips, or dedicated
including: incubators, plate stackers,
1536-pipetting tips in nearly any
plate carousels, bar code scanners,
arrangement.
plate readers, and other devices
• Access to space below the deck allows
provide incredible system flexibility.
integration of devices such as plate readers, centrifuges, washers or thermocyclers.
The liquid handling arm can be equipped with fixed tips, low volume tips, disposable tips, filter tips, or dedicated 1536-pipetting tips in nearly any arrangement. Tecan Journal 2/2003
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New Products
Tailored for smaller laboratories The Tecan HS 400 Hybridization Station Ease-of-Use • Easy loading of 4 slides at a time on microplate format slide carrier (seamless connectivity with Tecan’s LS Series Laser Scanner). • Self-rinsing, automated cleanup procedures. • Easy-to-use Windows™ – based software on a PC or through an optional touchscreen.
Flexibility • One instrument for a range of applications. • Complete range of options for low to high throughput hybridization. • Run up to four different protocols Increased information value and consistency
• The Station can be operated via the
in parallel (HS 4800).
of microarray experiments in combination
integrated touch-screen-module or from
• Choose between different sizes of low
with reduced labor are key factors for all
an external PC. For enhanced throughput
volume (70 – 100µl) hybridization
researchers, irrespective of their size or
or to process different protocols in parallel,
chambers.
capacity requirements. This is why Tecan has
multiple HS 400 systems can be operated
made all the great features of the HS 4800
from a single PC.
Hybridization Station available to meet the needs of smaller laboratories. The HS 400 can process up to four microarray slides, ideally designed for researchers who need to carry out a modest number of experiments per run. The fully automated workstation significantly improves the reproducibility and sensitivity of microarray results and is suitable for many applications in genomics, proteomics and drug discovery, including key applications such as gene expression profiling, gene regulation, pharmacogenomic studies, up to the validation of gene expression
HS 400’s big brother, the HS 4800 Hybridization Station, provides an automated solution for medium to high throughput hybridization with identical process performance and full protocol compatibility. Up to 12 microarray slides can be processed in parallel on the HS 4800 Master System. Through its modular design, the Master System may be easily combined with one, two or three Extension Units (12 additional slides per unit). This allows processing of up to 48 slides using up to four different protocols in parallel.
results by in situ hybridization techniques. • Slide loading is facilitated by the use of Tecan's unique slide holders that permit four slides to be loaded simultaneously. • Incubations may be performed in the range 4–85°C. True parallel processing guarantees exact and reproducible incubation and wash times. • The HS 400 offers efficient liquid
The HS 400 and HS 4800 Hybridization Stations are the perfect solutions
Reproducibility and sensitivity • True parallel processing, no scheduling necessary. • Precise incubation in the range 4–85°C. • Three modes of liquid agitation for optimal sensitivity and decreased hybridization times. • Automatic slide drying maximizing quality of results and walk away time. • Heated reagents prevent buffer precipitation.
Reliability • Process performance tracked in log files. • Integrated bubble sensors. Optional liquid level sensing system (HS 4800). • Optional barcode reader allows
for scientists demanding improved
barcode to be connected with the
reproducibility and exceptional safety
program run.
in automated microarray processing. State-of-the-art technology combines easeof-use and flexibility with advanced features for outstanding quality and performance.
agitation and on-board slide drying to maximize sensitivity and shorten hybridization times. Tecan Journal 2/2003
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Tecan Plus
Leaders in Quality - Tecan’s Range of Disposable Tips Highest quality to the finest detail
quality control procedures are used to
Tecan’s state-of-the-art solutions take pride
produce high quality polypropylene tips.
in automating laboratory work with the
To guarantee product consistency all
highest quality standards. This includes
production tools and products are subject
offering the highest quality disposable tips
to frequent quality inspection checks.
for exclusive use with Tecan Genesis, Genesis Freedom and Freedom EVO platforms.
Tip features designed for your specific needs
High performance pipetting
A range of disposable tip options with
The precision and accuracy of your results
carefully molded openings ensures pipetting
is dependent on employing the correct disposable tips for your Tecan pipetting platform. Sub-optimal disposable tip shape or inappropriate pipette tip material can have considerable adverse effects on pipetting results.
precision and accuracy for a wide range of volumes and liquids. To prevent retention of sample liquids, our tips have been especially engineered to provide smooth and hydrophobic surfaces. The carbon content of the tips makes them electrically conductive and
To guarantee optimal performance of all Tecan
allows liquid level detection.
pipetting platform, we offer a series of highly accurate and precise disposable tips designed for a single liquid transfer (one aspiration and one dispensing step).
Manufactured to the highest standards
User friendliness is key Different pipetting volumes require different tips, and that’s why Tecan offers a series of disposable tips, which all fit the same standard pipetting tip cone. Disposable
Tecan’s disposable tips have been designed
tips are available with or without a filter,
to meet the most stringent quality
and come in 10, 200 and 1000µl volume
requirements. Computer controlled
sizes. The tips are either packaged
manufacturing systems and integrated
in cardboard boxes or blister packs.
A range of disposable tips 10µl disposable tips • requires low volume disposable tip set. • suitable for volumes of 0.5 to 10µl. • packaging: blister (2,304 tips). 200µl disposable tips • requires disposable tip option. • suitable for volumes of 5 to 200µl. • packaging: blister (2,304 tips) or cardboard (17,280 tips). 1000µl disposable tips • requires disposable tip option. • suitable for volumes of 20 to 1000µl. • packaging: blister (2,304 tips) or cardboard (9,600 tips).
Tecan Journal 2/2003
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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
Biotechnica
Hannover
www.biotechnica.de
The Japanese Society for the Study of Xenobiotics
Sapporo
xenobio.kopas.co.jp/
The 76th Annual Meeting of the
Yokohama
edpex104.bcasj.or.jp/jbs2003/
France: 25-26 September Germany: 7-9 October Japan: 8 October 15 October
Japanese Biochemical Society
english/eindex.htm
UK: 25-26 November
International Biotech & Europe LabAutomation
London
www.labautomationeurope.com
10-15 August
Drug Discovery Technology
Boston, MA
www.drugdisc.com
8-11 October
HUPO Meeting
Montreal, Canada www.hupo2003.com
1-4 November
AABB
San Diego, CA
North America:
www.aabb.org/Professionals/ Professional_Development/ Annual_Meeting/annual_mtg.htm
13-15 January 2004
CHI PepTalk
San Diego, CA
www.chi-peptalk.com/index.asp
2-4 February 2004
LabAutomation
Palm Springs, CA
www.labautomation.org
19-21 February 2004
AAFS
Chicago, IL
www.aafs.org/meeting/annual1.htm
Always up to date: http://www.tecan.com/index/com-ev-entry.htm
Tecan Journal 2/2003
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Local News
Forthcoming US trade shows will see many new Tecan products Tecan US is a major sponsor at the Drug
presentations and tutorials. Please contact
Discovery Technology convention in Boston,
Michele Valenta (see below for contact
August 11th–13th, and will be launching the
details) at Tecan US for a detailed schedule.
Freedom EVO with advanced Te-PS technology enabling routine use of 1536-well plates and including both new safety features and EVOware software. Also on display will be
We invite you to stop by the Tecan booth #1820, where we guarantee that the new, exciting products will make your visit worthwhile.
the exciting new FLT (fluorescence life-time) chemistries to revolutionize screening by The Tecan exhibition booth is ready to
providing fewer false positives in your data.
welcome you!
In addition, for the first time in the US, you will see, a new high-quality multi-detection
This summer, Tecan US will be launching a
system with injector options, ideally suited
variety of brand new products. Drug Discovery
for cell-based assays.
Technology in Boston is one of the big trade
To give our visitors the chance to familiarize
shows, and we would be very happy to
themselves with our latest products, we are
welcome you on our Tecan booth #1820.
hosting a number of workshops,
If you would like more information about the trade shows or our products, or if you would like to make an appointment for a personal tour of our exhibition booth, please do not hesitate to contact Michele Valenta, Tecan US at: michele.valenta@tecan.com.
MipTec Tecan hosted workshop for automation and data management at this years MipTec in Basel The introduction of the newly launched joint offer of Tecan Workstations and IDBS’ ActivityBase data management software was supported by a seminar that Tecan and IDBS co-hosted at this years MipTec in Basel, May 12th-15th. This combined offer provides customers with a pre-configured automation of various assays, together with fully integrated software to record all data in real time. The comprehensive seminar, explaining both workstations and software was attended by 27 participants. “It’s impressive to see how well these Tecan workstations fit together with this powerful data management software”, commented one of the participants. “The system allows data collection of all processes on the workstation with just one software solution.” Further, visitors were able to see the new AutoLoader for Aquarius at the Tecan booth. AutoLoader enhances Aquarius by sorting, storing and loading plates for Tecan’s bench top liquid handling solution. The new HS400 Hybridization Station and the GENios Pro with its The Tecan booth at MipTec 2003 in Basel.
new injectors and a Connect Stacker were also presented to the public.
Masthead Tecan Journal Customer Magazine of Tecan Group Ltd. ISSN 1660-5276
Design, Editing and Layout: Northbank Communications Meadowside, Mountbatten Way, Congleton CW12 1DN, UK E-Mail: s.platz@northbankcommunications.com
Circulation: 8,900 copies (German), 12,000 copies (English)
Pre-Press and Printing: DAZ Druckerei Albisrieden AG Grafische Dienstleistungen, Albisriederstrasse 252a, CH-8047 Zürich
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 2/2003
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Freedom to evolve
Freedom EVO is a new robotic and software platform that enables the flexible integration of a range of powerful application tools. Whether you're involved in genomics, proteomics, drug discovery or clinical diagnostics, Freedom EVO with its Freedom EVOware software allows you to configure individually optimized modules into a fully integrated, robust system that exactly meets your application requirements. Freedom EVO can be readily reconfigured to evolve with your changing needs, thereby protecting your investment for many years. Freedom EVO may, for example, be upgraded with a Te-MO multi-channel pipetting option with 96- or 384-channel heads to increase its throughput. It supports up to 3 robotic arms which can be selected from a liquid handling arm, a robotic manipulator arm for moving microplates and other labware, a "pick and place" arm or a robotic manipulator arm with extended Z axis to reach devices beneath the worktable.
Genomics • Proteomics • Drug Discovery • Clinical Diagnostics For more information please visit www.tecan.com/freedomevo or call your nearest Tecan office Austria +43 62 46 89 33 Belgium +32 15 42 13 19 Denmark +45 70 23 44 50 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