Instrumentation

Tecan Spark Cyto Multimode Reader

The Tecan Spark Cyto Multimode Reader is a versatile multimode microplate reader designed for high-throughput quantitative analysis of biological assays. It supports a broad range of detection technologies, including absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, and cell-based measurements. The integrated plate stacker enables automated handling of multiple microplates, allowing researchers to process larger numbers of samples with minimal hands-on intervention.

The Spark Cyto is well suited for endpoint and kinetic assays, cell viability and proliferation assays, reporter assays, enzyme activity measurements, and other plate-based screening applications. Its automation capabilities make it an important component of the HTS-SR's high-throughput screening workflow.

Thermo Scientific CellInsight CX5 High-Content Imaging System with Orbitor^TM RS2 Microplate Mover

The Thermo Scientific CellInsight CX5 High-Content Imaging Screening is an automated imaging system for quantitative analysis of cells and cellular phenotypes. The system combines automated fluorescence microscopy with image acquisition and analysis, enabling researchers to measure multiple cellular features across large numbers of wells. The CX5 is particularly useful for phenotypic screening, cell morphology analysis, subcellular localization, proliferation and viability studies, and multiparametric cellular assays. Researchers can use the system to identify and quantify complex cellular responses that cannot be captured by a single bulk assay measurement. The integrated Orbitor RS2 Microplate Mover provides automated movement of microplates into and out of the imaging system, supporting higher-throughput screening workflows and reducing manual plate handling.

JANUS Liquid Handler

The JANUS Liquid Handler is an automated liquid-handling platform designed for precise and reproducible transfer of liquids across microplates. It supports automated preparation and processing of high-throughput assays while reducing manual pipetting and operator-to-operator variability. Within the HTS-SR, the JANUS is operated only by staff for the transfer of compound libraries to the screening plate. Its automation capabilities make it particularly valuable for preparing large numbers of screening plates accurately and efficiently.

Zephyr Liquid Handler

The Zephyr Liquid Handler is an automated liquid-handling system designed to streamline microplate preparation and sample processing. It provides accurate and reproducible liquid transfers for applications requiring consistent handling of large numbers of samples.

The Zephyr can support assay preparation, reagent distribution, plate replication, sample transfers, and other routine liquid-handling operations and is used only by staff. Integration of automated liquid handling into the HTS-SR workflow helps increase throughput while reducing manual processing time and variability.

HP D300 Digital Dispenser

The HP D300 Digital Dispenser is a precision dispensing system designed for automated delivery of very small volumes of compounds and reagents directly into microplate wells. Its digital dispensing technology enables accurate, contact-free dispensing and supports rapid generation of compound concentration-response matrices.

The D300 is particularly valuable for drug screening and dose-response studies because it can dispense compounds across multiple concentrations without requiring conventional serial dilution. This allows researchers to efficiently evaluate compound potency, generate dose-response curves, and perform combination studies while conserving valuable compounds.

Thermo Scientific Multidrop Combi

The Thermo Scientific Multidrop Combi is a high-speed bulk reagent dispenser designed for rapid and consistent dispensing into microplates. It is particularly useful for applications requiring the addition of the same reagent or media across many wells or plates.

Within the HTS-SR, the Multidrop Combi can be used for cell culture media distribution, assay reagent addition, cell suspension dispensing, and other high-throughput plate preparation steps. Its ability to rapidly dispense consistent volumes makes it an important tool for increasing throughput and standardizing assay setup. The HTS-SR has two Multidrop Combi instruments to support different applications. One is maintained under sterile conditions and is dedicated to cell-based assays and media/reagent addition to cells.  The second is used for non-sterile applications, including staining, washing, and cell harvesting steps. This dedicated setup helps minimize the risk of cross-contaimination while allowing both instruments to support different stages of high-throughput workflows.

Tecan Hydrospeed Plate Washer

The Tecan Hydrospeed Plate Washer is an automated microplate washing system designed to provide consistent and reproducible washing of assay plates. Automated washing is essential for applications in which removal of unbound reagents, cells, or assay components is required before downstream detection.

The plate washer can support a variety of cell-based and biochemical assays and can be incorporated into automated screening workflows. By standardizing the washing process, the system helps reduce well-to-well variability and improves assay reproducibility.

Agilent Technologies PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer

The Agilent Technologies PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer is an automated plate-sealing system designed to provide reliable, uniform sealing of microplates for sample storage, compound management, and high-throughput workflows. The system uses heat sealing to create a secure barrier that helps protect samples from evaporation, contamination, and cross-well contamination.

The PlateLoc is particularly useful for maintaining the integrity of compound libraries and assay plates during storage and handling. Its rapid and consistent sealing process supports efficient preparation of large numbers of plates and can be incorporated into automated screening and compound-management workflows.