Tecan Journal Edition 01/2021

Edition 1/2021

Tecan Journal Life Sciences, Diagnostics and Partnering

Exploring the mouse microbiome

Algae – a novel solution to the climate crisis?

Digesting food intolerance testing

Non-invasive screening tests for preventive healthcare

Pages 14-15

Pages 16-17

Pages 22-23

Pages 26-27

CEO WELCOME

The ongoing fight against COVID-19 2020 brought unprecedented challenges and disruption to the life sciences sector, as labs around the world joined the race to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. From virology research to drug discovery and clinical diagnostics, the community came together to understand the virus and accelerate the development and manufacture of new vaccines. The need for high throughput testing, increased biosafety and physical distancing of staff meant that many labs have had to rethink the way they operate, and Tecan has been at the forefront of this effort.

Our laboratory automation and software solutions have been providing the throughput, reproducibility and user safety necessary for large scale diagnostic screening and vaccine development, supported by our incredibly dedicated global team of experts.

As an increasing number of vaccines receive regulatory approval around the world, we are now seeing a slow shift from the acute phase of the COVID-19 response to the creation of more sustainable, ‘pandemic-proof’ laboratory environments and workflows – as discussed in the Lessons of the pandemic blog on the following pages. Here at Tecan, we are working with new and existing partners to develop solutions that will help labs be more productive and efficient – whether that’s through increased automation or by creating a more integrated digital laboratory environment. For 2021 and beyond, we will continue to focus on creating applications-focused solutions that help to enhance genomics, proteomics, and cell and tissue culture workflows, driving progress in the understanding and treatment of not just infectious diseases, but also cancers, neurodegeneration, and immunological and metabolic disorders. COVID-19 has dramatically shown the importance of developing flexible, robust and connected laboratory environments, and our aim is to provide you with solutions that meet the demands of labs of the future.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Tecan Journal, Achim von Leoprechting CEO

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TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

CONTENTS

Contents 2

Welcome

4 - 7 Lessons of the pandemic: 3 ways to secure lab operations

8 - 9 Precision medicine for cancer treatment 10 - 11 Delivering end-to-end traceability 16 - 17

12 - 13

A smooth operator for continuous flow

14 - 15 Exploring the mouse microbiome

Algae – a novel solution to the climate crisis?

16 - 17

Algae – a novel solution to the climate crisis?

18 - 19 Salivary hormone testing – the blood of the 21st century?

20 - 21

Digital connectivity for Lab 4.0

22 - 23 Digesting food intolerance testing 24 - 25 An alternative approach to prenatal testing 26 - 27 Non-invasive screening tests for 18 - 19 S alivary hormone testing – the blood of the 21st century?

preventive healthcare

28 - 29 Responding to a pandemic 30 - 31 Bringing precision omics to life™

Applications and platforms presented in the Tecan Journal may not be available in all markets. Please consult your local Tecan office for information.

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

3

COVID-19

Lessons of the pandemic: 3 ways to secure lab operations The COVID-19 pandemic has forced

the lab. If laboratories are full of

examples of how labs have overcome

everyone to look at laboratory routines

equipment, there is less room for

these limitations, such as at the PTP

to see if they are really pandemic

people to move and keep a safe

science park in Northern Italy, which

proof. For example, the explosive

distance apart. However, having a lot

was able to scale up its COVID-19

demand for high throughput genomic

of empty floor space is expensive to

testing capacity at the height of the

analysis often creates upstream

maintain, and doesn’t contribute to lab

pandemic.

pressures to process many more

productivity. This trade-off often leads

samples and prepare high quality

to workflow compromises that can

Workflow optimization

DNA. The rapid shutdown of non-

significantly decrease throughput of

essential workplaces and services,

sample preparation and processing.

To be able to remain operational – as

coupled with the surge in demand for laboratory testing, put immense strain

The second weakness is that

on multiple aspects of normal

laboratories often have to quickly

laboratory operations, such as strict

adapt procedures and workflows to

rules on the need for personal

accommodate new methods and

protective equipment – which was in

testing kits that may be required as

limited supply – and required physical

the result of a pandemic. Implementing

distancing. Consumables stocks and

new methods will almost inevitably

reagents also dwindled, as they were

require development, optimization and

being used at a much faster rate and

validation in the lab, which will delay

supply chains were affected by global

start-up and reduce the overall

demand. Now that the limitations of

capacity of the lab.

current laboratory routines have been highlighted, it’s time to consider how

The third weakness of typical

to make laboratories pandemic proof.

laboratories is the ability to rapidly scale up workloads during a pandemic.

Identifying weak links in laboratory

The problem of scale-up is often

workflows

compounded by the inability of lab

The COVID-19 pandemic has

personnel to work effectively with

highlighted three main weaknesses that could prevent laboratories from being fully operational during a future pandemic. The first is the ability of labs to carry out routines while physical distancing rules are in force.

In order for labs to function, every part of the routine has to be optimized to reduce contact between workers in

The Blog 4

physical distancing, but that is by no means the only contributing factor.

Limitations in the capacity of lab equipment, and the lack of access to necessary reagent kits during supply chain disruption, can cause labs to shut at the very time when they should be rapidly scaling up to meet rising demand. However, there are many

well as able to adapt and scale up testing – during a pandemic, all laboratory workflows have to be audited and potentially optimized.

Labs will also have to consider how they plan to ensure any new kits and methods are incorporated into the workflow to avoid downtime or a loss of flexibility.

First of all, it is important to consider how people and samples will move throughout the laboratory. If physical distancing is required during a pandemic, it is important that the paths people need to take while carrying out routine laboratory tasks are simple, easy to follow, and don’t cause bottlenecks. This is exactly the same for sample preparation. Having a simple series of sequential workflow steps that are easy to follow will make the laboratory safer and more able to accommodate scale-up. When considering sample preparation, it is important to separate the areas where clinical samples are handled, and inactivate any infectious material as quickly as possible.

TRENDS, NEWS, STORIES AND MUCH MORE! FROM THE EXPERTS TO YOU.

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

COVID-19

aving a simple series of sequential H workflow steps that are easy to follow will make the laboratory safer and more able to accommodate scale-up.

A good way of optimizing workflows so that they can continue to run during a pandemic is to consider lab automation. This allows you to reduce the risk for laboratory staff and, if done in a smart way, will also smooth scale-up whenever it is needed. A key feature of lab automation solutions is the ‘walkaway time’, which is the amount of time the equipment can be left running without the need for human intervention. Manufacturers of lab automation are constantly seeking to improve this feature, which is why many automated systems strive to cover extended parts of the workflow – minimizing the personal interaction required during each workflow step – and provide remote monitoring of individual or multiple instruments, eg. using Tecan’s Connect™ app.

www.tecan.com/blog TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

5

COVID-19

utomation workhorses like the A Freedom EVO or Fluent can be easily configured for a wide range of potential applications.

The Blog 6

TRENDS, NEWS, STORIES AND MUCH MORE! FROM THE EXPERTS TO YOU.

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

COVID-19

The value of open, modular solutions

A modular approach also allows for

The benefits of being well prepared

There are many excellent off-the-shelf

lots of different configurations to

Being prepared for a pandemic is an

solutions when it comes to lab automation. These can come in either open or closed configurations. Closed solutions are designed to do one specific task, are less flexible, and are often limited in throughput. Open solutions are modular, and can be freely adapted depending on the task.

For example, the Freedom EVO® and Fluent® automation workstations have a configurable layout, so that they are flexible enough to fulfill a number of uses in the same lab. One of the biggest benefits of off-the-shelf solutions is that they are much faster to install and bring online than bespoke solutions. In the case of the PTP science park, they installed several liquid handling platforms and modular automation systems, including a DreamPrep™ NAP for nucleic acid extraction and a Freedom EVO workstation. This upgrade could have caused significant disruption to the lab but, through the use of the off-theshelf components and pre-developed protocols, everything was installed and

accommodate many different applications, kits and protocols. For example, automation workhorses like the Freedom EVO or Fluent can be easily configured for a wide range of potential applications – from sample preparation and assay set-up to ELISAs. In the best cases, a modular approach enables automation solutions to be more flexible, meaning that labs are not tied to one particular method or reagent kit. Modularity is an important consideration, not only for the hardware, but also when it comes to the software controlling your lab automation. When software is modular and programmable by end users, it enables developers to quickly adapt and design what’s needed for the problem at hand – whether that’s changing which kits are run, how the results are reported, or anything in between. For example, the Tecan instrument’s status, but also integrates with the IFTTT customization service, allowing users to provide unique and automated responses to different

Modular components and systems

possible to use Tecan’s Introspect™

standard protocols and outputs. For example, commercially available kits will often fit perfectly into the workflow of lab automation solutions.

essential part of running a lab.

However, there are also many benefits to the routine business of a laboratory by making it pandemic ready. The increased efficiency and employee safety will improve results and the working environment, while the adoption of more flexible automation workflows will mean that scaling up and down to meet demand can be done simply. The PTP science park recently upgraded its laboratory to handle 800 COVID-19 samples per day, running 16 hours per day and 7 days per week. CEO Andrea Di Lemma and Laboratory Coordinator Francesca Visentini recently explained how this was possible in a webinar, presenting details of the equipment and organization that was needed for such a significant upgrade.

Connect app alerts users of the

online in less than a week.

often work extremely well with

exercise in mitigating risk, which is an

instrument conditions. It is also software to monitor instrument and consumable usage over time, which helps keep track of inventory levels and justify capital investment for

To learn more about how the PTP science park adapted to the challenges of COVID-19 testing, you can watch the complete webinar on demand at www.tecan.com/free-webinarhow-to-set-up-a-completeworkflow-for-covid-19-sampletesting-ondemand

instruments.

By the same token, the outputs from these systems are extremely robust and easily standardized. This is important in cases like COVID-19 testing, where large amounts of data have to be processed in a standardized way, and submitted to national and international databases.

www.tecan.com/blog TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

7

GENOMICS

Precision medicine for cancer treatment Precision medicine is potentially revolutionizing diagnostics and treatment by targeting mutations that are specific to individual patients with various diseases, including cancer. The Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology at the Essen University Hospital, Germany, is following this ethos, relying on NGS to look for biomarkers associated with a number of key malignancies.

Rapid advances in genome sequencing

kept to a minimum, improving overall

NGS is increasingly being adopted as a

technologies have enabled a

outcomes during and after therapy.

routine method to accurately identify

fundamental new approach to treating

Targeted analysis – often using PCR

these subtle changes, not least due to

diseases such as cancer, known as

– focuses on looking for key mutations

its high throughput and reliability.

precision or personalized medicine.

that have been associated with each

The Institute of Pathology and

Identifying the genetic changes that

cancer type. For example, variants in

Neuropathology at the Essen University

have led to cancer in an individual

EGFR or KRAS are often found in lung

Hospital has adopted NGS at the heart

patient enables clinicians to develop

cancer patients, while BRAF (V600E)

of its operations, as Dr Thomas Herold,

highly targeted treatment programs.

mutation is linked to several types of

Head of the Molecular Pathology

This improves the efficacy of

cancer, including colon and lung

Diagnostic Lab, explained: “We are

treatment and ensures that the drug

adenocarcinoma, papillary thyroid

primarily interested in molecular

toxicity load for each patient can be

carcinoma and melanoma.

analysis and diagnostics for cancer,

The team at the Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Essen University Hospital

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TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

GENOMICS

with a focus on lung cancers, thyroid cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and squamous cell carcinomas.

We effectively serve as a molecular pathology core facility – receiving around 1,500 samples a year from centers across the state and Germany – and streamline sample processing for the pathology and neuropathology labs, from receipt to diagnosis, using methods like immunohistochemistry,

he Freedom EVO has significantly T improved our workflow, providing the lab with a highly complex system that offers minimal risk of contamination and significant time savings over manual sample processing.

fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and NGS.” Dr Herold described the standard

team was incredibly helpful, which was

means that we get the results sooner –

workflow for a surgical specimen:

very much appreciated. Since then, the

and can retest samples if necessary – to

“Once a biopsy arrives, it is sectioned

partnership has continued to evolve, as

provide fast and accurate diagnoses for

and embedded in paraffin, then

all parties have become more

our patients.”

analyzed using standard histological

experienced. This has made the

hematoxylin and eosin staining, FISH

implementation of new protocols faster

“The Freedom EVO has significantly

and NGS. All of the libraries for

and easier than ever before; adding a

improved our workflow, providing the

NGS are generated on one of our

second Freedom EVO early in 2019 has

lab with a highly complex system that

Freedom EVO® systems. After DNA

increased these opportunities even

offers minimal risk of contamination

extraction, we use a custom protocol

further. Now, one system is dedicated

and significant time savings over

developed by the Tecan application

to the diagnostic workflow, while the

manual sample processing. The support

specialists to generate a high

other, larger system is used to optimize

from the Tecan specialists has been

throughput sequencing library for our

and validate protocols in parallel

excellent, even solving many queries

Illumina MiSeq® and NextSeq®

without affecting the routine

easily by phone – we are very pleased

platforms. In the past, this process

throughput. This allows us to be more

with the service,” Dr Herold concluded.

required two days of work, but the

flexible in terms of workflow

libraries are now generated overnight,

optimization and protocol design, and

without the need for manual input,

we also now have the capacity to

ready for analysis the next morning.”

analyze a larger number of samples when necessary.”

“We chose Tecan because it was the only supplier that was open to new

Dr Herold continued: “The Freedom EVO

suggestions in our preliminary

is simple and intuitive to use, with

discussions. They truly acknowledged

minimal training required for our

how challenging it would be to set up a

technical team. The touchscreen

new high throughput sequencing

interface guides the user through the

system that fulfilled our requirements;

set-up process; loading a run will only

they were keen to tackle the challenge

take one of our technicians around 45

together in partnership with us. The

to 60 minutes, and the rest of the

first Freedom EVO was delivered in

process is completed automatically. The

December 2016, and the first half of

oncologists we work with expect a

2017 was spent working closely with

10-day turnaround for results, and the

the Tecan application specialists to

new workflow has significantly reduced

ensure that our routine diagnostic

the total time to results to five or six

protocol was running smoothly. The

days in most cases. This fast turnaround

To find out more about NGS sample preparation using the Freedom EVO platform, visit lifesciences.tecan.com/ ngs-sample-preparation www.tecan.com/covid-19 TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

9

OEM SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Delivering end-to-end traceability Laboratories working in the field of in vitro diagnostics (IVD) must comply with increasing accreditation requirements that may vary from country to country. For US-based Inova Diagnostics, the challenge was to provide a family of automated platforms that make it easy for labs to conform with accreditation requirements for autoimmune testing.

Inova Diagnostics in San Diego – part

including OEM reagents – and

customer base spread across every

of the international healthcare

Instrumentation Laboratory, which

major geography in the world. With

company Werfen – is a global market

focuses on hemostasis and acute care

increased awareness and testing of

leader in autoimmune diagnostics,

diagnostics. Inova has a wide range of

autoimmune diseases, these labs are

delivering efficient automation and

offerings to address autoimmune

coping with higher volumes of testing,

high quality reagents for autoimmunity

conditions, from rheumatological

often doing more with no increase in

testing to labs worldwide, as well as

diseases, such as systemic lupus

resources. In addition, facilities are

working on precision medicine

erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis,

consolidating several laboratories into a

applications in this sector. One of three

to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,

single site, requiring more efficient

Werfen in vitro diagnostics companies,

including celiac disease and

automation solutions.”

Inova Diagnostics is joined by sister

inflammatory bowel disease. Bryan

companies Biokit – dedicated to

Hoenig, Vice President, Commercial

“Most clinical laboratories must meet

immunoassay development and

Operations, explained: “We have a very

accreditation requirements under ISO

manufacturing in the IVD industry,

specialized, global autoimmunity

15189, or similar local standards, for

The Inova Diagnostics team with the QUANTA-Lyser 3000 (NOTE: Photo taken prior to social distancing)

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TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

OEM SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

establishing a comprehensive quality management system. Those new requirements come with added demands for traceability: documentation of analytical methods, operator training and certification, as well as full traceability of reagents, and positive patient identification for samples throughout processing and result reporting.”

e wanted to build a relationship with a W company that understood autoimmunity applications… Tecan had the best capabilities in this area, with extensive knowledge of automation, which helped bring our vision to life.

Bryan continued: “To help laboratories meet the traceability element of these requirements, we developed the

“The QUANTA-Lyser instruments are

autoimmunity applications –

Integrated Laboratory – a portfolio of

manufactured under an OEM

immunofluorescence, in particular, is a

Inova Diagnostics instruments that can

arrangement with Tecan; each

specialized area – and also offered the

be networked, allowing the systems to

QUANTA-Lyser model is based on the

hardware options we needed. Tecan

communicate with one another. From an

same liquid handling system and

had the best capabilities in this area,

accreditation perspective, this enables

customized accordingly. Our most

with extensive knowledge of

laboratories to make improvements that

recent platform is the QUANTA-Lyser

automation, which helped bring our

enhance their workflow efficiency,

3000, which was launched in 2017

vision to life.”

decreasing turnaround times, increasing

and has been very well received by

productivity and, at the same time,

our laboratory customers. It is an

“We have a very good relationship with

optimizing quality control.”

open system with four independent

our contacts at Tecan. Our organization

probes, offering high throughput

is highly oriented towards quality, and

“An important part of the Integrated

processing of up to 240 samples at a

Tecan has the same focus. It’s all about

Laboratory is our QUANTA-Lyser®

time. Increasingly, laboratories are

having a relationship that you nurture

family of enzyme immunoassay (EIA)/

trying to reduce the amount of plastic

and maintain, and knowing that you can

immunofluorescence assay (IFA)

they use, and the nice thing about

trust one another,” Bryan concluded.

processing instruments,” said Bryan.

this system is that it uses washable

“Typically, laboratories want a single

probes. This eliminates the need for

system – such as the QUANTA-Lyser

plastic disposable tips, which is not

3000 – that can perform both ELISAs

only eco-friendly, but also delivers

and IFAs, as they like the convenience

huge savings in terms of costs.”

of having everything combined in one

To find out more about Tecan’s OEM services, visit partnering.tecan.com/synergence

platform. Our QUANTA Lite® and

“When you enter into an OEM

NOVA Lite® reagents and slides are

agreement, you need a partner with a

barcoded, enabling verification and

specialized skill set; it is a collaborative

To learn more about Inova

traceability, and results are reported

process, working together to design

Diagnostics, go to

directly to the laboratory information

the ideal system for the application.

www.inovadx.com

system via the QUANTA Link data

We wanted to build a relationship with

management software.”

a company that understood

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

11

OEM COMPONENTS

A smooth operator for continuous flow Precise liquid handling is

Continuous fluid flow is essential for a

DURATEC Analysentechnik GmbH,

critical to both research and

variety of activities in the laboratory,

based in Hockenheim, Germany, is a

from bulk dispensing of buffers and cell

specialist manufacturer and supplier of

culture media to chromatography. For

modules and devices for the

basic dispensing applications, impellers

chromatography, spectroscopy and

or peristaltic pumps are often

process engineering sectors. The

and buffers from one container

sufficient, but these rarely achieve the

company’s diverse product range is

to another to ensure consistent

accuracy, consistency or control

intended to suit numerous applications,

results. For applications

necessary to perform sensitive

as Managing Director Dr Gerald

analytical techniques, such as LC-MS.

Degenhardt explained: “We offer a

Instead, these applications rely on

wide range of bolt-on modules and

coordinating the actions of two or more

standalone devices to suit sample

automated liquid handling devices –

preparation, analytical and post-

achieve a reliable continuous

such as syringe pumps – to achieve a

processing activities across several

flow of fluids over a prolonged

continuous fluid stream. This approach

markets. Some of our customers want a

period. DURATEC has

requires careful design of the fluid path

complete solution to suit their

and precise switching between pumps

application, whereas others simply

to achieve consistent fluid flow, with

want a single module to integrate into

coordinated acceleration and

their workflow. A majority of our

deceleration to avoid flow disruption

customers are in the pharmaceutical

and pressure spikes.

and chemistry sectors, but we also

routine analysis in a laboratory environment, requiring accurate transfer of samples, reagents

such as chromatography and spectrometry, it is just as important to be able to

been supplying modules, accessories and consumables to analytical laboratory, life sciences research and process engineering markets for over 25 years, and offers a number of precision pumping and dispensing devices for integration into laboratory setups for various applications.

Duratec’s modular solutions are used across a range of analytical, life sciences and process engineering applications

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TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

OEM COMPONENTS

his allows us to cover a very broad range T of flow rates without having to change the instrument design or compromise precision.

Duratec’s C30 d.Drive PUMP uses two Cavro Centris Pumps

have strong ties to the biotechnology,

“We currently offer two d.Drive PUMP

a smooth transition from one syringe to

medical diagnostics and semiconductor

models featuring Tecan Cavro syringe

the other, to minimize pressure and

industries. We therefore aim to develop

pumps – the C30 and X60 – depending

flow fluctuations, as well as pulsing.

devices with broad applicability across

on the customer’s application

The pump firmware makes it easy to

sectors, without the need to create

requirements. The C30 is intended for

achieve this seamless choreography

bespoke solutions for every market.”

lower flow rate applications and

through our own software –

features two Cavro Centris Pumps,

coordinating the acceleration of one

DURATEC’s portfolio includes a

while the larger X60 model uses two

syringe with the deceleration of the

Cavro XLP 6000 Pumps for higher

other – as well as enabling flow rates to

flow rate applications. Although the

be adjusted on the fly. The ability to

stroke lengths of these syringe drives

control both syringe pumps via an

is fixed – 30 mm and 60 mm

external computer or an onboard

respectively – Tecan offers a range of

microcontroller also gives our

syringe sizes for each pump. This

customers greater flexibility in their

allows us to cover a very broad range

system design,” Gerald concluded.

number of flexible continuous flow devices based on syringe pump technologies, offering flow rates from 1 μl/min to 300 ml/min. Gerald continued: “Pumping and dosing are common activities in sample analysis and process engineering, and we have offered syringe-based high precision drive pumps for many years. In 2018, we were looking for a new OEM syringe pump to replace the existing unit used in our d.Drive PUMPs, which

of flow rates without having to change the instrument design or compromise precision. Both pumps are robust and

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

very accurate, and operate across a wide range of pressures to match our customers’ needs.”

was being discontinued by the

To find out more about Tecan Cavro OEM components, visit partnering.tecan.com/cavro

manufacturer. We investigated the

“We first adopted the Tecan Cavro

various options on the market, and

components in 2018, and they proved

found Tecan Cavro® OEM components

easy to integrate from both a hardware

To learn more about DURATEC

to be the best match for our technical

and software perspective. One of our

Analysentechnik, go to

requirements, offering the high levels

key considerations when selecting

www.duratec.info

of accuracy and control we required.”

these pumps was the ability to achieve

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

13

GENOMICS

Exploring the mouse microbiome Interest and research into the human microbiome have boomed in recent years, and it is now known that the bacteria that colonize the gut of animals and humans play vital functions in health and disease.

Despite this, scientists have only just begun to skim the surface of microbiome knowledge, and there is still so much to learn. Researchers in the Adams Lab at the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine are focused on the creation of different assays and analyses to help study the microbiome.

The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic

“There has now been a lot of work

Medicine, Connecticut, is dedicated to

conducted on the human microbiome;

discovering the complex causes of

bacteria have been characterized and

human disease to aid the development

cultured, and there is a large reference

of new diagnostic approaches and

database for human microbes.

therapeutics. Jacquelynn Benjamino, a

Unfortunately, there is a much smaller

postdoctoral associate, explained:

reference database for the microbiomes

“There has been an explosion in

of the mouse models that we use in our

microbiome research, yet we are still

research. One of the aims of my work is

mainly working with technologies that

therefore to expand microbiome

were developed before this boom, such

research for the mouse model, with the

as 16S sequencing and shotgun

eventual goal of translating our

metagenomic sequencing. Although

research for use in human studies. In

these techniques are good, we need

the human microbiome, while you do

new approaches to further the field. In

see similar phyla of bacteria – or even

the Adams Lab, we are exploring

maybe similar classes of bacteria – it is

various sequencing technologies and

fairly personalized to each individual,

tools to help study the role of the

with different species and strains

microbiome in health and disease.”

present. With the mouse microbiome,

Jacquelynn Benjamino, a postdoctoral associate in the Adams Lab, is creating assays to study the mouse microbiome

you have far more homogeneity; this could be because mice have a more homogeneous microbiome, or because they’re co-housed in consistent, near identical environments. Either way, this consistency and reduction in the number of external factors that could influence the mouse microbiome is actually a real benefit to our research.”

“We were looking to develop a method that could target specific organisms in a community to sequence, so that we could get a more precise understanding of the organisms that are present. The problem with something like 16S sequencing is that if you use a short region, you might have a bias for which organisms you pick up. We wanted to use a more targeted approach and, although the Allegro® Targeted Genotyping assay would normally be used for SNP analysis on one genome, we thought that we could use the same concept to target multiple bacterial

The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine is focused on discovering the complex causes of human disease

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TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

genomes in a system.”

GENOMICS

witching to Allegro Targeted S Genotyping has definitely been a case of work smarter and not harder.

“We began by taking 830 mouse gut

certain microbe or pathogen through,

bacterial genomes, and designing probes

for example, wastewater or an animal

that were specific to each individual

system. If you want to scale up to

genome. We used our bioinformatics

1,000 or 5,000 genomes, you’re

pipeline to narrow down a pool of over

going to need a lot of probes, but

80,000 potential probes to around

this is achievable with the Allegro

16,000 – 20 probes per genome – by

Targeted Genotyping assay,

screening for cross-hybridization to

where you can have hundreds of

other parts of the same genome, or any

thousands of probes if you have

of the other 829 genomes. I also worked

the bioinformatics power. It will

with one of Tecan’s bioinformaticians to

be exciting to see how our work

create a set of probes using the

progresses using it, and what

company’s proprietary Allegro probe

applications it may have in the

design method, to see if this route would

future,” concluded Jacquelynn.

offer a simpler approach for labs without extensive bioinformatics capabilities.

Both probe pools were equally usable, and we now use both as technical replicates. The Tecan team also aided us on the data analysis side, assisting with the initial analysis and sending us the typical commands that are used for SNP detection with this kit. I was able to tweak these commands to fit our assay, which was a great help, and the team was super responsive to my queries.”

“Switching to Allegro Targeted Genotyping has definitely been a case of work smarter and not harder, as the kit is very straightforward to use once you have designed the probes. The protocol was so easy to follow, everything was outlined very well, and it was great to be able to simply use it and have it work straight away. Another thing that is great about the Allegro assay is the ability to pool samples. By ligating each sample to one of 48 unique barcodes, then pooling up to 48 samples into one tube, you’re working with far fewer samples for the remainder of the protocol. For my work,

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

this took 192 samples down to just four tubes after one step!”

To find out more about Allegro,

“While this assay is currently for use

visit www.tecan.com/allegro-

in the mouse model, it is easily

targeted-genotyping-v2

transferable to others by creating a suitable probe set. I think this approach

To learn more about The Adams

holds enormous potential for general

Lab, go to www.jax.org/research-

community surveys or for tracking a

and-faculty/research-labs/theadams-lab

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

15

APPLIED MARKETS

Algae – a novel solution to the climate crisis?

It has been estimated that, by 2050, the world will need to produce 70 % more food than in 2005, and will need 50 % more fresh water and fuel, while reducing CO2 emissions by 100 %.

These are massive global challenges that are not going to be solved by current technologies, which is why international teams at the Centre for Solar Biotechnology, based at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) at The University of Queensland, Australia, are working with a wide range of industry partners to advance novel algae-based solutions to tackle these issues.

The global population is estimated to

large scale solar biotechnologies onto

Ben continued: “We are working

grow from around 7.8 billion to 9.8

areas of land that would otherwise be

towards the development of advanced

billion people in the next 30 years, and

non-productive, as well as into the

algae technologies for the production

we will need extra food, fuel and water

oceans, using the Sun’s energy to fuel

of fuels, food, livestock feeds and

to survive. With our water and

the world’s future needs.”

therapeutic proteins, and have

agricultural resources already

connected with numerous industries

stretched, where is all the extra going

The Centre for Solar Biotechnology has

and research institutes to further those

to come from? Professor Ben

30 research teams across Australia,

projects. This ensures that we are well

Hankamer, Director of the IMB Centre

New Zealand, Europe, Asia and the

informed of what’s required, and how

for Solar Biotechnology, explained why

USA working on different aspects of

we can advance the fundamental

many researchers are now turning to

algae, including collection and

science behind these products to

algae as a renewable source for various

characterization of new species,

deliver what the industry needs.”

products: “Algae are a diverse group of

development of novel strains and

aquatic organisms that are increasingly

products using synthetic biology and

Juliane Wolf, researcher and manager

being used to provide sustainable

gene editing technology, optimization

of the Centre for Solar Biotechnology

solutions to global problems. Many

of production and downstream

pilot plant, is guiding systems

species of algae can be grown in

processes, and techno-economic

automation for high throughput

saltwater, on non-arable land, and they

feasibility studies that are essential for

analysis and system scale-up. She

also absorb sunlight and CO2. This

successful scale-up and

explained: “We have two Tecan

opens up a huge opportunity to expand

commercialization of algal products.

systems that are used on various projects, helping us to develop high throughput screening approaches to select certain characteristics, as well as to optimize the production of specific microalgae. We’ve developed these instruments to meet our exact needs with assistance from Tecan’s capable team. One has been adapted for the growth of photosynthetic microalgae by adding three shaker modules, each holding six multi-well plates, and sealing the chamber to control atmospheric conditions.1 We then integrated LEDs for every well of a 96-well plate to enable independentlycontrolled light conditions, allowing us to simulate weather patterns or conditions inside an algae culture. 2 This

Laboratory automation is essential for the Centre for Solar Biotechnology’s high throughput screening approaches (NOTE: Photo taken prior to social distancing)

16

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

platform also has a Robotic Manipulator Arm™ that transfers the plates from the

APPLIED MARKETS

ne of the great things about this O automated set-up is that it allows us to measure the density for each of the 1,728 algae cultures every three hours, day and night, for three days.

The team uses a Freedom EVO ® to optimize media compositions for up to 20 different nutrients

Integrated LEDs are used to simulate various weather patterns

shakers to the onboard

Juliane picked up the story: “I

References

spectrophotometer for optical density

developed a statistical approach to

1) Radzun, K.A et al. Automated nutrient

and fluorescence measurements. It

identify high performance production

screening system enables high-

allows us to check the responses of the

conditions for 100 microalgae cell lines,

throughput optimisation of microalgae

microalgae to different illumination

which meant conducting more than

production conditions. Biotechnology for

settings to determine the best

25,000 individual experiments. The

Biofuels, 2015, 8(65).

conditions for growth. One of the great

power of the Tecan instruments is that

2) Yarnold, J et al. Photoacclimation and

things about this automated set-up is

they allow us to investigate and analyze

productivity of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

that it allows us to measure the density

these complicated data sets and find

grown in fluctuating light regimes which

for each of the 1,728 algae cultures

something close to the optimum. This

simulate outdoor algal culture conditions.

every three hours, day and night, for

would be impossible using manual

Algal Research, 2016, 13, 182-194.

three days – the throughput is excellent

screens.”

3) Sivakaminathan et al. High-throughput

3

4

and we can gather an amazing amount of data this way.”

optimisation of light driven microalgae

“We looked at a number of different systems for this application and thought

As well as optimizing the light

that the Tecan instruments were the

conditions, different nutrients also need

best fit and gave us the most

to be tested in order to provide the best

capabilities. We’ve been using the

synthetic efficiency. Ben continued:

platforms for a while now and are very

“The second instrument has a Liquid

happy with the work that they have

Handling Arm™ that we use to explore

enabled; they have really contributed to

media compositions and screen

the robustness of our experiments and

different growth conditions to optimize

have increased our throughput

the nutrients for every strain

immensely. The local Tecan engineers

individually. There can be up to 20

have been fantastic in helping us to

different nutrients for each species and,

adapt the systems for our workflow, and

if you decided to test every combination

we are now involved in building a large,

at only three concentrations, you would

collaborative research project within the

quickly end up with a large number of

industry to assist with system scale-up.

individual conditions that you need to

These kinds of projects are driven

investigate, making the design of

forward by everyone working together,

statistically compressed and automated

and we look forward to seeing what we

screens essential.”

can achieve,” Ben concluded.

biotechnologies. Scientific Reports, 2018, 8(1).

4) Wolf, J et al. High-throughput screen for high performance microalgae integrated media design and strain selection. Algal Research, 2015, 11, 313-325.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

To find out more about Tecan’s synthetic biology solutions, visit www.tecan.com/synthetic-biology To learn more about the Centre for Solar Biotechnology, go to www.imb.uq.edu.au/solar

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

17

SALIVA DIAGNOSTICS

Salivary hormone testing – st the blood of the 21 century?

Blood testing is ideal for a wide range of analytes, but it has limitations for hormone analysis.

In Canada, FLUIDS iQ has turned to saliva as an alternative test matrix, which is proving an excellent choice for measuring the bioavailability of a range of hormones in the wellness arena.

Blood has long been considered the ‘go

wellness. President and CEO Dr Aron

sex hormones estrogen, progesterone

to’ medium for a range of diagnostic

Gonshor explained: “Saliva is a

and testosterone.”

tests, with saliva testing downplayed

wonderful choice for hormone analysis,

because of issues with sensitivity,

where the issue is not necessarily how

Aron continued: “Saliva testing has a

specificity and reproducibility. However,

much is being produced – which can be

number of advantages over blood in

saliva testing has advanced significantly

established by blood testing – but how

terms of accuracy and convenience. For

over the years, and today’s assays are

much is available for the body to use.

example, the traditional way of

an excellent choice for various analytes

Typically, hormones such as estrogen,

monitoring hormones is a 24-hour urine

– particularly hormones. Hormones play

progesterone, testosterone and cortisol

collection, which is inconvenient for the

a key role in an individual’s overall

are bound to carrier proteins in the

patient and will only determine the total

health and wellness, directly affecting

bloodstream, with just a small

amount of a hormone produced, not the

many aspects of wellbeing, including

proportion unbound and available to

hour-by-hour profile throughout the

stress, mood, memory, energy,

exert its effect. Saliva contains only the

day. Similarly, morning, noon, afternoon

menstrual cycles, weight loss/gain,

free, bioactive hormones – the fraction

and night-time samples are taken to

sleep and libido, and it is important that

that is of interest to clinicians and

look at diurnal variations in cortisol,

they remain well balanced.

wellness practitioners because it clearly

requiring a compliant patient and a

shows any imbalance – and is

trained individual to take bloods,

FLUIDS iQ in Toronto specializes in the

increasingly being used for adrenal

making this repeated sampling unviable.

wellness arena, using the latest saliva

checks – cortisol and the testosterone

Additionally, many people have a needle

diagnostic assays to deliver a more

precursor dehydroepiandrosterone

phobia, potentially causing a stress

personalized approach to health and

(DHEA) – as well as for monitoring the

response that could skew cortisol results. This is where saliva testing comes into its own, as samples can be quickly, easily and conveniently taken as often as necessary in the patient’s own home, with no risk to the individual.”

“Sample stability is another issue.

Depending on the analyte, blood collection tubes are often only designed and validated for short-term storage and transport of a few hours, rather than days. Samples collected at locations a long distance from the laboratory can take several days to arrive, increasing the likelihood of sample degradation and the integrity of the result being called into question.

Saliva is easy to collect and transport, with various sample collection tubes available for added flexibility.”

Saliva-based diagnostic testing has historically been hindered by a lack of

FLUIDS iQ is a Canadian wellness laboratory specializing in salivary hormone and intestinal blood spot analysis

18

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

commercially available kits, leaving laboratories to develop and validate

SALIVA DIAGNOSTICS

Saliva testing is one of the best ways of looking at many analytes and has a wonderful future, offering a non-invasive method of measuring the bioactive levels of hormones and other compounds. their own assays in house. However, as its value has become increasingly recognized, manufacturers have launched a variety of assays and it is important to choose carefully. “It is crucial to select an assay with demonstrated sensitivity, accuracy, precision, reliability and reproducibility, to help ensure reliable diagnoses. We chose Tecan for its high quality assays, but the company does more than just supply saliva testing kits. It also offers an independent proficiency testing program to help laboratories safeguard the accuracy and reliability of analytical results. Two or three times a year, we are sent samples to analyze with a specified assay, and we report the results directly to the program coordinator. These are collated and shared anonymously with all the participants, allowing us to check that our results are comparable to those of other facilities and giving us confidence that we are performing the assay correctly.”

“People often turn to healthcare

“Saliva testing is one of the best ways

professionals in the wellness space –

of looking at many analytes and has a

wellness practitioners, naturopaths,

wonderful future, offering a non-

nutritionists, chiropractors, physicians

invasive method of measuring the

in the functional or integrative medicine

bioactive levels of hormones and

space – when conventional medicine

other compounds. Today, almost any

has been unable to provide answers to

of the proteins that can be tested for

their health issue,” said Aron. “Saliva

in blood – for example, enzymes,

testing with Tecan’s kits gives us a

cytokines and antibodies – can also

straightforward way to obtain baseline

be screened in saliva, at sensitivities

hormone levels, which are a starting

that could only be dreamt of just a

point for further investigations. Some of

few years ago. Saliva-based detection

our most commonly requested tests are

levels are now into the low picogram

for the stress hormone cortisol, and the

range, with new assays offering novel

sex hormones – estradiol, progesterone,

analytes and lower detection limits

DHEA and testosterone. The diurnal

continually under development.

cortisol test is a convenient means of

Saliva testing has truly come of age,”

monitoring the body’s stress level over

Aron concluded.

the course of the day and, along with DHEA, helps to provide an indication of

To find out more about Tecan’s range of saliva diagnostic kits, visit www.tecan.com/ibl

any imbalance in adrenal function.

To learn more about FLUIDS iQ,

Similarly, determining the levels of the

go to fluidsiq.com

sex hormones will help individuals seeking an optimal hormone balance.”

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

19

SOFTWARE

Digital connectivity for Lab 4.0 In a post-pandemic world, the

The idea behind Labforward began

“Each laboratory has its own unique set

need for real-time and remote

when co-founders Simon Bungers and

of processes, platforms, software

Florian Hauer were pursuing their PhDs

packages and analyses to perform. Our

at the Max Planck Institute in

strategy is to provide a digital toolbox

Göttingen, Germany. The duo saw the

compatible with different systems for

need to circumvent the paper trails left

varied applications, which we can help

are capable of generating

behind by scientists, while providing a

adapt to diverse lab backgrounds. We

more data than ever before,

neat, searchable data repository for

are the enabler, connecting all the

creating new challenges for

researchers within the lab.

different laboratory components to

Labforward’s central concept is to

help improve data flow. We’re

empower users to connect all of their

developing a broad set of extensions to

lab data – including instrument data –

suit specific equipment or applications,

to a central platform, accessible via a

and labs can customize the base

began developing software

simple interface, enabling real-time and

solutions with the functionalities they

solutions capable of interfacing

remote electronic data capture. Simon

require. Our open philosophy gives us

directly with a diverse range of

explained: “Research laboratories are

an edge over more conventional

at the cusp of innovation, but it’s quite

solutions, and makes us a reliable

clear that, in many cases, their data

partner for helping develop labs of the

management is many years behind.

future, befitting the Lab 4.0 age.”

connectivity is more crucial than ever. Today’s laboratory equipment and analyzers

data processing and analysis.

Recognizing this challenge back in 2013, Labforward

laboratory instruments.

There is a lot of room for improvement, and we want to make the work of scientists easier by connecting everything in the laboratory: the data, the devices and the people.”

Florian Hauer

20

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

Simon Bungers

SOFTWARE

I t allows users to quickly and easily design multi-well experiments, document sample preparation steps and execute assay protocols.

Delving into their continuously

measurement settings, is obviously

“Our app has received very positive

evolving strategy for Labforward,

crucial for experiments to be error-free

feedback from the first wave of

Florian added: “Historically, we have

and repeatable, but this can be both

customers,” Simon continued. “We

worked with small and mid-sized

labor intensive and time consuming

have simultaneously been testing and

research companies, but we have an

when performed manually, making

refining the integration of Tecan’s

ever-increasing number of large

effective experimental planning and

detection devices with our lab

customers in the pharma, chemistry

data capture a lot harder to achieve.

execution platform, Laboperator. We

and material sciences sectors. These

We therefore set out to develop a

are now collaborating with Tecan to

global players often have very specific

solution that enabled efficient

extend the capabilities of this platform

needs, with long-established

planning and accurate execution of

to optimize bioprocessing experiments

workflows operating at numerous sites

manually performed microplate

using the company’s readers and liquid

around the world, and so we have

reader-based experiments.”

handling systems in a closed-loop

started to integrate third-party

system. We look forward to tackling

solutions directly into our platform to

Labforward’s software engineers

even more complex topics very soon,”

offer increased functionality. When

worked closely with the Tecan product

Simon concluded.

engaging in such partnerships, we look

management team to fulfill this vision,

for products that have a strong

and the Well Plate Templates app was

reputation in the field, and are

released in 2020. This innovative app

commonly found in labs globally, and

integrates Tecan’s Magellan™ reader

this naturally led to our collaboration

control and data analysis software with

with Tecan. Crucially, Tecan also shares

Labfolder to provide comprehensive

our outlook in terms of openness,

data capture and allow users to access

understanding the importance of

key functionalities of the Tecan

connecting various datasets from

microplate readers, including the

different devices.”

Spark®, Infinite® 200 PRO, Sunrise™ and Infinite F50. It allows users to

Florian continued: “A large proportion

quickly and easily design multi-well

of life sciences research and

experiments, document sample

development labs – from academia to

preparation steps and execute assay

big pharma – use microplate readers,

protocols directly from the app

and Tecan’s systems are very popular

To find out more about Tecan’s

interface, as well as recording and

due to their versatility. However, many

Magellan software, visit

managing their experimental data. This

of these labs do not have automated

completely replaces ‘pen and paper’

lifesciences.tecan.com/software-

liquid handling platforms, and so set

solutions to save time and ensure

up their experiments manually with

reliable documenting of experiments,

single- or multichannel pipettes.

increasing process security.

Diligent documentation of sample and

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

magellan To learn more about Labforward, go to www.labforward.io

assay preparation, as well as

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

21

FOOD INTOLERANCE

Digesting food intolerance testing Food intolerances can have a major impact on the working and social life of an individual, affecting up to 45 % of the population. Unlike allergies, where a symptom appears as soon as a certain food is eaten, intolerances – chemical reactions that occur after consuming particular foods and drinks – generally develop at a slower rate. In Italy, the Bianalisi laboratory is using food intolerance testing alongside food plans and personalized diets to help chronic sufferers take control of their symptoms.

The exact mechanisms for most types

(eczema) and joint pain. Common

Bianalisi is headquartered in Carate

of food intolerance are unclear.

causes are enzyme deficiencies – such

Brianza, near Milan, with a series of

Individuals can normally eat small

as in lactose intolerance, where there is

additional laboratories located

amounts of the food without it causing

an absence of lactase to break down

throughout Italy. This network of

any issues, but consuming greater

dairy products – or sensitivity to

laboratories collects and transports

quantities can lead to chronic problems

additives or naturally occurring

samples to Carate Brianza for

in the intestine, for example, swelling,

chemicals in foods. However, these

specialized testing, including for food

pain, poor food absorption,

adverse food reactions can also be IgG

intolerances. Gabriele Brivio, a

constipation and diarrhea. Sufferers

or IgG4-mediated primary

biologist working in the medical

may also experience a range of other

immunological sensitivities, which are

analysis lab, explained: “For some

diverse symptoms, including

characterized by less severe responses

patients it can be a simple process to

headaches, dermatological conditions

than allergies.

work out which foods are causing

Biologists Gabriele Brivio (left) and Brenna Giulia (right) working in the Bianalisi medical analysis laboratory 22

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

FOOD INTOLERANCE

symptoms, but for others it can be extremely challenging, depending on what symptoms are experienced, how

[ The Freedom EVOlyzer] has increased the speed of our workflow tremendously compared to how we were working before, reducing our turnaround times from 10-12 days to between seven and eight days.

quickly they appear after eating the food, and which food – or foods – is causing the problem. We normally recommend testing to people who

reaction to a given allergen using a

our time for the other kinds of testing

have suffered from chronic disorders

calibration curve. If an intolerance is

we do. When you consider that we

for a long time, such as malabsorption

diagnosed, the patient avoids

perform over 11 million tests per year at

or pain.”

consuming that particular food for

the center, this is a huge saving! And, if

three to four weeks to ‘detoxify’ their

we do have any issues, we know that

“We first started performing food

body. After that, the food can be

the Tecan team will always provide us

intolerance tests under a microscope

gradually reintroduced into the diet.

with assistance within 24 hours,”

about 10 years ago. While there are a

Around 90 % of the positive results we

concluded Gabriele.

number of options on the market that

see are limited to a small number of

enable this kind of testing, we then

foods, including wheat, gluten, yeast,

switched to analyzing blood samples

milk and egg, and it is of course very

by ELISA, as the technique is very

important to interpret the test results.

reliable. We use the IgG Food Screen

For example, a gluten intolerance must

Mediterranean 20, 40 and 80 ELISA

not be confused with celiac disease, an

kits from Tecan to screen individuals

autoimmune condition.”

for reactions to items commonly consumed in the Mediterranean diet –

“We handle around 200 samples

the dietary model of most of our

a month – roughly 2,000-2,500

patients – which is heavily based on

samples per year. This means our

flour, bread, pasta, yeast and milk. This

Freedom EVOlyzer system is in use

assay allows simultaneous,

every day from Monday to Friday; 10 to

quantitative measurement of food-

12 samples are loaded onto seven

specific IgG antibodies and is

plates, and it takes between three and

performed on the Freedom EVOlyzer®.

four hours to complete the analysis. I

We test the blood samples by placing

can even load the machine in the

them in microplates, where they are

afternoon so that I have my results by

brought into contact with different

the next morning. It has increased the

food allergens before adding

speed of our workflow tremendously

antibodies. If a reaction occurs

compared to how we were working

between the antigens and the

before, reducing our turnaround times

antibodies, a color change is observed

from 10-12 days to between seven and

in the well. We then perform a

eight days. It’s brilliant, because once

photometric reading of each well’s

the instrument is set up and loaded, the

color to quantify the degree of

entire process is automated, freeing

To find out more about Tecan’s food intolerance testing solutions, visit food-intolerance-diagnostics.com To learn more about the Bianalisi laboratory, go to www.bianalisi.it

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

23

OEM SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

An alternative approach to prenatal testing Genetic screening is used during pregnancy to look for hereditary conditions due to a chromosomal abnormality – such as Down’s syndrome – or changes in the DNA sequences, and typically involves an invasive amniocentesis procedure. Yourgene Health, an international molecular diagnostics group, has developed an automated, non-invasive alternative, for more accurate and safer prenatal screening.

Yourgene Health, headquartered in

to include oncology, precision health

explained: “We offer a range of

Manchester, UK, was set up in 2013 as

and infectious diseases, as well as

molecular diagnostics products and

a non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

reproductive health tools. Today,

services based on NGS and PCR

company. Since then, it has grown into

it has a worldwide customer base that

technologies – chosen according to

a global molecular diagnostics

includes healthcare professionals and

the level of detail that the application

company with additional laboratories

clinical laboratories, as well as product

requires and how rapid the test needs

in Taiwan and offices in Singapore,

development projects with biotech

to be – supported by an active new

Canada and the USA. It has also

and diagnostic companies. Joanne

product development pipeline.”

expanded its services and products

Cross, Director of Marketing,

The Yourgene SP150 is based on Tecan’s Freedom EVO platform 24

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

OEM SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Joanne continued: “One of our flagship products is the IONA® test, which offers a more accurate and safer way to screen for trisomies 21 (Down’s syndrome), 18 (Edwards’ syndrome) and 13 (Patau’s syndrome) than amniocentesis. Healthcare providers can send samples to us for analysis, or clinical laboratories can set up the workflow in house and perform the test either manually with a three-day turnaround time, or in two days using

eliability is important, and Tecan has a R global supply and support network. We have customers all over the world, and do our own first line technical support.

We needed a platform that was easy to integrate and intuitive to train people up on.

our recently launched automated solution, the CE-IVD IONA Nx NIPT Workflow; they have the flexibility to

on an Illumina NextSeq™ system. At the

platform that was easy to integrate

choose whichever workflow best suits

end of the process, the data is

into the IONA Nx NIPT Workflow and

their specific needs.”

automatically analyzed with the IONA

intuitive to train people up on.

software and a report generated. The

Whereas our previous IONA workflow

Automation Team Leader Sarah Zheng

whole process takes two days,

on the Ion Torrent™ sequencing system

takes up the story: “The Yourgene SP150

compared to three days manually.”

required two instruments for the DNA extraction, the SP150 replaces both

was only launched in September, and is integral to the IONA Nx NIPT Workflow.

When you are developing a new

systems, allowing everything to be

It is based on a Freedom EVO® 150

platform, you need a reputable supplier

done on a single platform. The smaller

workstation with an Air Liquid Handling

with global coverage who is prepared

footprint means that the system takes

Arm™ and a Robotic Manipulator Arm™,

to work closely with you, and the

up far less space in the lab and

and is equipped with plate hotels, an

feedback from the Yourgene team was

customers have just one service

automated thermocycler, temperature

that Tecan engaged much more

contract, which is a great benefit.

control, a shaker, a magnetic separator

enthusiastically than other providers

Overall, the platform has transformed

and a barcode scanner. The workflow

during the technology and the supply

this workflow, increasing efficiency

begins with the extraction,

evaluation phase. “The design phase

and saving time. The system can

amplification and library preparation of

was led by Yourgene, with valuable

currently process up to 48 samples per

DNA from a maternal plasma sample on

input from Tecan’s technical experts to

sequencing run in 96-well format, but

the SP150. Tubes are placed on the

customize the system for our workflow,

we are already looking into developing

deck and the barcodes scanned to

and we developed the majority of the

an enhanced version that will

register the sample information, which

scripts in house. One of the advantages

significantly increase this throughput

is transferred to the system’s front-end

of the Freedom EVO is its open

to suit even more users’ needs,”

Workflow Manager and the LIMS. DNA

application programming interface, as

Joanne concluded.

is extracted using magnetic bead-

this gives you a lot of potential to

based technology, a process that can

develop a fully integrated system, with

be run overnight; by the morning, a

complete traceability when combined

microplate containing the extracted

with a LIMS,” said Sarah.

DNA stored at 4 °C is ready for

To find out more about Tecan’s OEM and partnering services, visit

amplification and library preparation.

“Reliability is important, and Tecan has

This walkaway automation is a real

a global supply and support network.

advantage for the lab. Quantification

We have customers all over the world,

and enrichment of the fetal DNA is then

and do our own first line technical

performed on the Yourgene QS250

support, including installation of the

Health, go to

instrument in a 384-well format, after

whole workflow in the customer’s lab

www.yourgene-health.com

which downstream NGS is carried out

and training the staff. We needed a

partnering.tecan.com/synergence To learn more about Yourgene

www.tecan.com/covid-19 TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

25

DIAGNOSTICS

Non-invasive screening tests for preventive healthcare Aqsens Health is focused on developing non-invasive screening and diagnostic tests based on enhanced time-resolved fluorescence for health monitoring and detection of serious diseases, such as cancer, where early diagnosis is vital. With an increasing workload, the company has turned to automation to allow higher throughput and rapid delivery of high quality results.

Healthcare providers and patients alike

diseases. The highly sensitive and

indicators, and is well suited for

recognize the benefits of non-invasive

specific method combines TRF with

population-level screening purposes.

testing using biological samples such

proprietary modulators that interact

Patient prognoses are improved due to

as urine, saliva and feces. Aqsens

with the sample molecules to create a

earlier diagnosis based on large-scale

Health in Turku, Finland, is dedicated to

unique fingerprint. Active disease

disease screening.

the development of non-invasive

indicators can be directly measured

screening and diagnostic tests for

over a wide range of sample

Aqsens collaborates with a wide range

preventive healthcare based on its

concentrations in a variety of biological

of organizations around the world to

proprietary enhanced time-resolved

matrices. This approach can

apply its technology to an expanding

fluorescence (E-TRF) technology.

outperform a screening method based

test portfolio. Application scientist

Developed by Professor Pekka

on a single biomarker and its

Vilhelmiina Lehti explained: “Our

Hänninen, E-TRF is the foundation of

corresponding reference value, such as

company has its roots in Finland,

the company’s rapid, accurate and

the PSA test for prostate cancer. Used

including an office in Helsinki and a

affordable solution for the analysis of

in combination with artificial

research and development laboratory

biological samples for the early

intelligence and big data analysis

in Turku. Our focus is on the

detection of cancers, and

algorithms, it enables the detection of

development of screening applications

gastroenterological and infectious

small-scale metabolic disease

for cancers – for example, prostate, oral and breast cancers – inflammatory bowel disease and infectious diseases.

This involves collaborations with hospitals, such as Helsinki University Hospital, biobanks, universities and global partners, including the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.”

Benjamin Michelin, product scientist and a member of the board of directors, took up the story: “We chose to focus on samples that can be obtained using non-invasive methods, such as urine, saliva and feces, rather than blood. We knew that we could get good results using these matrices with our technology, sampling is quick and easy to do, and patients are more willing to engage with the process. The cost per test is also reduced because patients can collect the samples themselves, removing the need for

Vilhelmiina Lehti and Matias Tuomisalo with the Fluent Automation Workstation

26

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

highly trained personnel.”

DIAGNOSTICS

Tuomisalo described the benefits:

ata integrity is D crucial, and we know that we can trust Tecan.

“When you are working with different matrices, you need flexibility.

Automating the process on the Fluent allowed us to create a fast and reliable workflow that is also very simple and flexible, and removes the potential for human error. The system’s modular

Benjamin continued: “Aqsens has a long

design means that we can integrate our

association with Tecan going back to

existing instruments, including the Spark

the development of the E-TRF

reader, onto the platform with minimum

technology. We began with an Infinite®

effort. In addition, the ability to

reader, added a Spark® multimode

customize the platform will be very

instrument and then, as our throughput

important in the future as we develop

increased, introduced automation into

further applications.”

our workflow. We took a comprehensive look at various laboratory automation

“The Fluent is very intuitive and easy to

and liquid handling systems on the

use; all we needed from Tecan was a

market, but it was a natural step to continue our relationship with Tecan and we chose the Fluent® Automation Workstation. Everything we do

Automation on the Fluent enables a fast and reliable workflow that is also very simple and flexible

basic overview of the platform and the software. Since then, we’ve done everything ourselves, learning how to write scripts and operate the instrument

depends on high quality results; data integrity is crucial, and we know that we

and development pipelines for screening

can trust Tecan. Not only does the

and diagnostic tests require rapid, high

Fluent deliver the high data quality that

throughput processing of large numbers

we need, but Tecan systems are also

of samples to fully validate the methods

available worldwide, which is really

before entering the global market.

important for global collaborations.”

Automation provides the throughput we need to achieve this, producing high

Until now, Aqsens’ multiplatform assay

quality data in a controlled manner,” said

has been performed manually. “Research

Benjamin. Laboratory technician Matias

from the ground up – I find that’s the best way to learn. One big advantage of the FluentControl™ software is that the protocols can be remotely previewed in a 3D simulator to ensure that they are correct before use. It’s a great tool, as you avoid wasting valuable reagents and consumables, which is particularly important in the current COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains have been interrupted. The Fluent is proving an ideal automation solution for us,” Matias concluded.

To find out more about Tecan’s Fluent Automation Workstation, visit tecan.com/fluent-automatedworkstation To learn more about Aqsens Health, go to aqsenshealth.com Benjamin Michelin prepares a microplate for analysis

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

27

COVID-19

Responding to a pandemic SARS-CoV-2 has hit the world

Appropriate and timely testing during

“From the beginning, it was evident

by storm and testing has had a

pandemics helps to save lives by

that while testing for the virus would be

ensuring that infected individuals are

vital, testing for a response to past

given the appropriate treatment,

infection would be equally as

isolated to reduce further transmission,

important. Our main workflow was

or confirmed as having had the disease

initially private ELISA testing, but

infection. ABC Labs, based

and classed as immune. ABC Labs –

demand dropped dramatically when

at the Karolinska campus in

which stands for influenza A and B, and

the Swedish government made testing

Stockholm, was founded soon

coronavirus – is a relatively new

free for anyone with symptoms. Since

company that was formed in April

then, our growth has come from

2020. Ola Winqvist, Medical Director

offering the analysis of self-sampling

and Chief Scientific Advisor, explained:

PCR tests as an official partner of the

“We quickly identified a need for rapid

Public Health Agency, and we are now

high quality PCR and ELISA

detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus but,

serving 11 out of 21 regions, with our

COVID-19 testing in Sweden.

at the time, the available testing

workflow continuing to expand. In

The laboratory analyzes

capacity in Sweden was very low. The

June, we were testing hundreds of

private Wallenberg Foundation

samples a day, and this quickly rose to

donated a large sum of money to set up

2,000 a day by the end of July. This

a lab to help improve the situation and,

increase continued; by the beginning of

soon after, I was approached by the

September, we were analyzing 10,000

and a number of regional and

Norrsken Foundation to head a second

samples daily, and it’s now approaching

private healthcare providers, to

private testing initiative. We originally

20,000. We have also seen a growth in

help stop the virus.

started with 900 m2 of empty lab space

positive results from 2-3 % in June to

and had to discuss how we were going

almost 25 % in some regions. The

to go about this new project, decide on

serology side is also picking up again;

what systems we would need, and

we are serving the south of Sweden

begin to write a quality management

with ELISA testing to provide IgG, IgM

system; it’s certainly an interesting way

and IgA analysis, to get a better

to start a lab!”

understanding of when an individual

major part to play in the fight against the virus, helping to track cases and slow rates of

after the start of the pandemic with the specific purpose of establishing large scale and

thousands of tests on a daily basis in partnership with the country’s Public Health Agency

ABC Labs uses a suite of Tecan laboratory automation workstations to meet the throughput demands of SARS-CoV-2 testing

28

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

COVID-19

he beauty of the Tecan T platforms is that they are easy to program and are adjustable to our needs.

has encountered the virus and how well

PCR mix and help us reach our goal of

they have developed immunity.”

20,000 samples a day.”

Ola continued: “When you are looking

“The Freedom EVOlyzer is also so easy

at thousands of samples, you really

to use and there is very little hands-on

need to have an automated system. We

time, helping to reduce human error

wanted to make sure that we started

and improve our reproducibility. We

with state-of-the-art equipment and,

simply feed the platform with racks of

with my background in clinical immunology,

barcode-labeled tubes filled with

my initial thought would always be a

serum samples and reagents in

Tecan system. We quickly acquired our

different slots and positions, and away

first Fluent® workstation and a thermal

it goes. The automation saves us so

cycler to conduct the PCR-based tests

much time, and the results go through

for current infections and, shortly after,

semi-automated analysis before being

added a Freedom EVOlyzer® to

released to the customer via an

perform ELISAs for antibody detection,

electronic LIMS, making the process

looking at past infections. We now have

even more streamlined.”

a total of eight Tecan instruments – four Freedom EVOlyzers, one Fluent,

“The Tecan team has been great

two Freedom EVO® 100s, and one

throughout, working with us to perform

Freedom EVO 200 – and we’ve just

validations quickly and efficiently, and

ordered the ninth!”

assisting us with software development early on. They have also helped us to

“The beauty of the Tecan platforms is

navigate the logistics of the COVID-19

that they are easy to program and are

situation, to acquire new and used

adjustable to our needs. When we only

equipment, and to borrow different

had small numbers of PCRs, the Fluent

systems from labs that have had to shut

handled the entire workflow, including

during this period, to help fulfil our

pipetting from the tubes, getting

needs. Now that our services are so

deep-well plates ready for extraction,

busy, and with the number of Tecan

adding magnetic beads for clean-up,

instruments we have, we are working

and performing the extraction.

with Tecan almost every day to continually

However, we quickly figured out that by

optimize and adjust our processes –

breaking up parts of the workflow to

and I mean this in a good way! In my

different Tecan platforms, we could

mind, Tecan is linked to knowledge and

improve our efficiency and increase

always delivers, and this partnership

throughput to deal with larger numbers

has been so successful that we are now

of samples. Now, one platform is

validating a blood cell capillary test

setting up the reagents, another is

together for COVID-19 too. The demand

performing the extraction, and then

for our testing will of course change

one of the Freedom EVO 100s is

with the spread of this virus, including

preparing the master mix PCR plate,

distinguishing between COVID-19 and

while the other takes the extracted

influenza, and we are also looking at

RNA and master mix plate and

expanding our services into HPV

CoV-2 testing, visit

combines them. This has helped us leap

screening. Our overall goal is to

www.tecan.com/covid19

from processing 20 to 100 plates a day,

become a leading European center

an astonishing increase. We are now

for disease and pandemic management,

also adding an extraction-free method

so that we are better prepared next

that will allow us to put sample volumes

time,” concluded Ola.

To find out more about Tecan’s lab automation solutions for SARS-

To learn more about ABC Labs, go to abclabs.se

from the specimen directly into the

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

29

PROTEOMICS

Bringing precision omics to life ™

The potential of ‘omics’ to further our understanding of cell biology and disease progression has been discussed for over 30 years, but these technologies have so far failed to translate to a healthcare setting. One of the major challenges has been the lack of reproducible results, making it difficult to distinguish between true discoveries and experimental artifacts. ProtiFi was founded to overcome these challenges: to solve the bottlenecks around sampling, sample preparation and data interpretation in order to accelerate the deployment of omics technologies in real-world clinical applications.

Omics approaches aim to understand

processes and diseases. The piecemeal

establishing robust, reproducible and

the structure and function of living

development of these technologies has

accessible technologies that allow

organisms by quantifying and

led to an incredibly diverse array of

omics approaches to be executed in

characterizing all biomolecules of a

methods and techniques, with little

clinical settings. Co-founder and CEO

certain type present within biological

consistency between labs. This issue is

Dr John Wilson explained the

samples. Genomics, first proposed in

further compounded by the huge

company’s ethos: “Our mission is to

the 1980s, has been widely adopted by

variation in results between – and even

revolutionize omics research by

labs around the world, and has been

within – research groups.

developing turnkey solutions that improve the reproducibility of, and

joined by mass spectrometry-based proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics

Long Island-based ProtiFi – a spin out

access to, omics techniques. We’re

and glycomics as researchers aim to

from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

essentially taking the challenges that

further characterize biological

– was created to tackle this issue by

exist in omics today – sampling, reproducibility, data analysis and ease of use – and tackling them one at a time to help labs generate meaningful results that will advance humanity’s scientific understanding.”

Sample preparation prior to mass spectrometry analysis is a major hurdle for current approaches and, according to published reports, accounts for 75 percent of the overall variability seen in omics data.1 This level of variation can make it almost impossible to compare results and gain meaningful insights.

ProtiFi set out to eliminate these inconsistencies in sample handling and preparation by creating universal workflows that could be applied to all sample types. John continued: “If you start by using a host of different reagents and workflows, you can’t expect to get the same results. We

Members of the ProfiFi team (NOTE: Photo taken prior to social distancing)

30

TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

therefore face a fundamental challenge

PROTEOMICS

in proteomics: how can you handle the proteins from a brain – which are generally highly hydrophobic – and the water-soluble proteins of blood in a consistent manner? Our answer to this is S-Trap™ sample processing technology, which uses a combination of highly denaturing conditions to

e’re essentially taking the challenges W that exist in omics today – sampling reproducibility, data analysis and ease of use – and tackling them one at a time.

provide a universal approach to sample preparation. The S-Trap protocol begins with strong detergent lysis and solubilization of the sample, continues

reputation as a collaborative partner, so

of biomolecules – proteins, transcripts,

with acidification to pH <1 to further

it was a natural fit. The Tecan team

glycans, lipids and metabolites – from a

denature proteins and eliminate

immediately saw the value of automating

single sample. “The Si-Trap protocol,

enzymatic activity, and completes the

a workflow that would bring the idea of

which can also be processed on the

process with exposure to high

precision omics to life, and that is exactly

Resolvex A200, allows you to obtain

concentrations of organic, before the

what we’re now doing in a wonderful

two to five different omics analyses

sample is processed enzymatically. This

collaboration that’s bringing these

from the same sample – there’s nothing

process does not need to change from

techniques to the masses.”

left once you’ve finished. This is where the field needs to go to, for example,

bone to blood to brain – you can even use it on decalcified bone – and it’s also

The joint system provides researchers

discover all the different markers that

been used to study gut microflora in

with an automated, standardized and

are prognostic of developing a certain

stool samples. It is truly a universal

optimized workflow that increases

cancer. This will allow far earlier clinical

protocol, and that’s the key.”

productivity and, crucially, eliminates

interventions at the outset of disease,

the need for method development. “I

truly and finally delivering on the

While the entire workflow can be

chose the Resolvex A200 for this

promises of the omics revolution.”

performed manually using S-Trap spin

workflow because it is very intuitive to

columns, ProtiFi has partnered with

use. We can provide the system with

1) Piehowski PD, et al. Sources of technical

Tecan to create an integrated, highly

the standard S-Trap proteomics

variability in quantitative LC–MS

scalable and easy-to-use proteomics

protocols preinstalled – or users can

proteomics: human brain tissue sample

workflow using the S-Trap sample

create custom protocols optimized for

preparation system in combination with

unique needs – meaning that all you

a Resolvex® A200 automated positive

need to do is select the right protocol

pressure workstation and PIXUL™

and it just works! The system’s gas-

multi-sample megasonicator (Active

based positive pressure provides very

Motif/Matchstick Technologies).

controlled flow rates, and it can handle

For Research Use Only. Not for use in

“Automation can increase the speed,

everything from water to xylene to

diagnostic procedures.

sensitivity and reproducibility of

hexane, allowing users to perform an

sample preparation by ensuring the

extra wash step for pernicious

protocol is performed exactly the same

contaminants to guarantee very clean

every time,” John said. “We hold

samples for analysis.”

ourselves to a very high quality

analysis. Journal of Proteome Research, 2013, 12(5), 2128-37.

To find out more about Tecan’s Resolvex A200 automated positive pressure workstation, visit www.tecan.com/positive-pres-

standard because, in a protocol with 10

Following the success of the S-Trap

to 20 steps, even minor inconsistencies

technology, ProtiFi has also developed

can lead to large cumulative errors. I

Si-Trap™, which is the world’s only

reached out to Tecan because the

multi-omics sample processing system.

To learn more about ProtiFi, go to

company is known as the gold standard

This technology allows researchers to

www.protifi.com

for automation, and has a good

separate and capture multiple classes

sure-processors

www.tecan.com/covid-19 TECAN JOURNAL 1/2021

31

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Tecan Group Ltd. makes every effort to include accurate and up-to-date information within this publication, however, it is possible that omissions or errors might have occurred. Tecan Group Ltd. cannot, therefore, make any representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this publication. Changes in this publication can be made at any time without notice.

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