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
2
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
8
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)
10
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
12
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
14
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
The Blog TRENDS, NEWS, STORIES AND MUCH MORE! FROM THE EXPERTS TO YOU. www.tecan.com/blog
Every lab. Every day. Empowered. Australia +61 3 9647 4100 Austria +43 62 46 89 330 Belgium +32 15 42 13 19 China +86 21 220 63 206 France +33 4 72 76 04 80 Germany +49 79 51 94 170 Italy +39 02 92 44 790 Japan +81 44 556 73 11 Netherlands +31 18 34 48 17 4 Nordic +46 8 750 39 40 Singapore +65 644 41 886 Spain +34 93 595 25 31 Switzerland +41 44 922 89 22 UK +44 118 9300 300 USA +1 919 361 5200 Other countries +41 44 922 81 11 Tecan Journal, Customer Magazine of Tecan Trading AG., ISSN 1660-5276 Design: OTM/London www.otmcreate.com Photography: Günter Bolzern/Zürich www.bolzern.tv Editor in Chief: Tecan Trading AG, Antonietta Allocca Editor: kdm/UK www.kdm-communications.com Editor: UP THERE, EVERYWHERE/Sweden upthereeverywhere.com Print: DAZ Druckerei Albisrieden AG/Zurich www.daz.ch Address: Tecan Trading AG, Marketing Communications, Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Männedorf, Switzerland, hello@tecan.com, www.tecan.com Images that are not owned by Tecan have been reproduced with permission, and may have been taken prior to implementation of social distancing measures. To register for the Tecan Journal please go to www.tecan.com/journal © 2021 Tecan Trading AG, Switzerland, all rights reserved.
www.tecan.com
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. All mentioned trademarks are protected by law. In general, the trademarks and designs referenced herein are trademarks, or registered trademarks, of Tecan Group Ltd., Mannedorf, Switzerland. A complete list may be found at www.tecan.com/trademarks. Product names and company names that are not contained in the list but are noted herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. For technical details and detailed procedures of the specifications provided in this document please contact your Tecan representative. This journal may contain reference to applications and products which are not available in all markets. Please check with your local sales representative: www.tecan.com/contact