Tools and Technologies that Facilitate Automated Screening

Abstract

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction – the Necessity to Automate Compound Libraries Targets and Data Points Main Issues Facing HTS Groups Today Benefits of Miniaturization Benefits of Automated HTS Screening Strategies Ultra HTS (UHTS) Sample Carriers A Brief History of the Microplate Microplate Usage Today Microplate Arrays Non-microplate Alternatives Labchips LabCDs LabBrick Arrayed Compound Screening Liquid Handling Tools Main Microplate Dispense Mechanisms Pin Tools Air and Positive Displacement Peristaltic Solenoid-syringe Solenoid-pressure bottle Capillary Sipper Piezoelectric Acoustic Transducer HTS Liquid Handling Applications and Dispensing Technologies Used Bulk Reagent and Cell Addition Compound Reformatting and Nanoliter Dispensing Cherry Picking and Serial Dilution Microplate Washing Detection Technologies Main Detection Modalities Used in HTS Plate Readers Plate Imagers Macro-imaging Micro-imaging Dispense and Read Devices Other Detection Technologies Automation of Detection Technologies Potential Sources of Reading Error Laboratory Robotics Traditional Workstations Robotic Sample Processors Plate Storage Devices Plate Moving Devices Fully Integrated Robotic Systems Turnkey Workstations Automated Cell Culture Systems Compound Management Systems Current Practice in Compound Management Plate-based versus Tube-based Liquid Compound Storage Associated Automated Instrumentation Sample Integrity and QC Testing