Flexible Automation for Application Workfl ows Date: 10.05.2013 Agilent Technologies Sales & Services GmbH &Co. KG Hewlett-Packard-Straße 8 76337 Waldbronn Flexible Automation for Application Workflows W H I T E P A P E R
Innovative Automation Solutions from Agilent meet the need for integration friendly, scalable automation solutions Whether it is HTS assays, next-generation sequencing, protein sample preparation or cell biology assays, there is a ubiquitous need in laboratories to eliminate the numerous manual steps that add cost and introduce variability to laboratory procedures. Agilent makes it easy for researchers to automate their workfl ows by combining core application expertise, an unmatched instrument portfolio and over 13 years of experience integrating systems and software. All of our automation systems incorporate fl exibility and scalability for increased throughput and walkaway time while simultaneously preserving data quality. In response to the bottlenecks and limitations associated with sample-prep automation, we recently introduced the Agilent Encore Multispan Liquid Handling System that integrates entire workfl ows for extraordinary throughput and walkaway time. We can automate the complete spectrum of standard workfl ows in genomics, proteomics, cell biology, drug and antibody screening, and ADME/TOX applications and can address everything from the simple but time-consuming tasks of liquid handling, labeling, centrifugation and sealing to entire complex biological, biopharmaceutical, and chemical analysis methods. This White Paper provides a comprehensive overview of Agilent s liquid handling portfolio, our application-specifi c platforms, and the components that enable us to automate any workfl ow such as integration software and robotics. Automated Liquid Handling Agilent s new Encore Multispan Liquid Handling System integrates entire workflows for extraordinary throughput and walkaway time Driven by the need to produce high-quality data in a high-throughput environment, researchers look to reduce manual intervention and automate workfl ows from sample preparation phase through data analysis. Highly fl exible systems that facilitate integration of multistep processes and extend automation to more steps in the workfl ow can satisfy this need. Agilent responded to this need with the recent introduction of the Encore Multispan liquid handling system (Figure 1), an innovative platform uniting advanced liquid handling and native integration capabilities for true sample to analysis automation. Two key features that greatly increase the liquid handling fl exibility of the Encore Multispan include the pipetting channels and? the presence of an on board robotic arm. Incorporating a multispan Figure 1: Encore Multispan liquid handling system s on-board robotic arm reaches 53cm (21in) off-deck for end-to-end automated solutions and more walkaway time. pipettor with truly independent x- and y-axis variability doubles liquid handling speed and makes it possible to move beyond the confi nes of high-density formats to a wide variety of commercially 2
available vials, tubes, and plates, including types that are assay specifi c, such as Maldi and Caco-2 plates. The robotic arm has the fi nesse and articulation necessary to carry out critical assay steps on deck, such as the assembly of vacuum manifolds. It can reach off deck to pass plates to off deck devices such as detectors and incubators in order to integrate complete workfl ows and reduce bottlenecks caused by a reliance on manual intervention. In order to facilitate access to these added instrument benefi ts, a new software package has been developed to keep the learning curve shallow, simplify the transfer of protocols from laboratory to laboratory, and smooth integration with other systems. One signifi cant feature of the Encore Multispan is the user interface which is more relevant to a scientist s workfl ow rather than being focused on the automation instrumentation. Intuitive programming using common laboratory tasks is more meaningful than linked individual motions. For example, terms such as transfer or dilute are terms much more relevant to a scientist than a traditional automation term, move. When considering software, it is an advantage to have an optimized automation package that allows you to visualize your workfl ows. This makes it easy to recreate manual processes that involve multiple tasks and instruments, in ways that are meaningful to all researchers and not just experienced automation engineers. The Encore Multispan Liquid Handling system s software features innovative dynamic scheduling that enables researchers to adjust to varying sample numbers without rewriting protocols, saving precious time which can be spent analyzing your results. Another useful innovation benefi cial to automation users is the incorporation of a 3D simulator (Figure 2) that allows researchers to see what will happen in their protocol before they engage the instruments. This gives novice end users the opportunity to test their complex protocols before performing any wet testing that may waste expensive reagents. Integration and fl exibility are also enhanced by incorporating the ability to communicate with the output of other systems, from plate readers to laboratory information management systems (LIMS) Figure 2: A 3D planning simulator allows the user to drag and drop components and tasks onto the system, and then run a simulated workfl ow to troubleshoot for potential problems before engaging the actual instruments. Eight independent pipettor heads provide maximum effi ciency, speed, and fl exibility. Images: Agilent Technologies Inc 3
Compact microplate liquid handling made easy Sample preparation is a critical step in the discovery process with data reproducibility and throughput being key elements for research success. When it comes to sample preparation, the Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform (Figure 3a, 3b) has been selected by many scientists for its liquid handling speed, precision and accuracy. It is a reliable, compact, versatile liquid handling system with a unique open deck design that facilitates workfl ow automation and integration. This Platform is at the core of many Agilent custom as well as standardized application specifi c automation solutions. The Bravo platform aspirates and dispenses liquids with high accuracy and precision over a wide volume range from various single well to full plate confi gurations. To meet a range of application needs, the Bravo Platform can be confi gured with 7 easy-to-exchange liquid handling heads using 3 different liquid handling technologies which include air displacement, positive displacement and hanging drop. When used with Agilent certified pipette tips, performance for the disposable tip head, over a volume range of 0.3-250uL, is typically 5% CV and 10% relative inaccuracy using DMSO based solutions (using multiple liquid handling heads). With an expanding range of over 60 on-deck accessories that can be placed on 9 on-deck plate positions, the Bravo Platform is also adaptable, increasing throughput and walkaway time for the full spectrum of laboratory applications including genomics, proteomics, screening, cell biology and ADME/TOX. Figure 3a: Bravo platform with liquid handling head, labware gripper and Vacuum Filtration Station? Figure 3b: The Bravo Platform features 9 on-deck plate positions that accommodate over 60 accessories. 4
Application-Specific Platforms: from Protein purification to Next Gen Sequencing Sample Prep High-throughput sample preparation for protein analysis to support biologics discovery and development Recognizing the growing need for improved quality and throughput of protein drug development methods, Agilent has developed the novel AssayMAP Bravo Platform. This platform is a walkaway automation solution specifi cally designed to improve confi dence of results, break through quality barriers and increase throughput of complex biomolecule sample preparation workfl ows. The complete solution is based on the powerful combination of miniaturized packed-bed chromatography cartridges, the stateof-the-art Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform, and a simple, application-based user interface that creates an open access environment for both novice and experienced automation users. The AssayMAP Bravo platform (see Figure 5) enables processing of up to 96 samples simultaneously. This technology solution can be utilized for protein titer, molecular weight determination, or other sample preparation workfl ows in front of mass spec analysis such as protein digestion and peptide sample cleanup. The AssayMAP Bravo sample preparation platform is fl exible, highly precise and provides greater reliability than labor intensive manual methods. Figure 5: The new AssayMap Bravo platform combines the Agilent Bravo with AssayMAP microchromatography technology to enable quantitative microscale protein sample preparation. 5
Increase throughput and reproducibility with standardized solutions for Next Generation Sequencing The methods for Next Gen Sequencing (NGS) continue to evolve rapidly and requires fl exible solutions for proper automation. Automated platforms for NGS sample preparation can dramatically increase throughput and walk-away time, while reducing variability. Agilent offers a cohesive instrument and reagent solution for automating NGS sample preparation. As a result, you can achieve excellent reliability and reproducibility with easy scale up of your laboratory throughput using reagents, automation, protocols, and support from a single source. Agilent has developed standardized protocols and reagents optimized for automation including the HaloPlex and SureSelectXT library preparation and target enrichment system. Protocols are also available for a variety of other NGS reagents such as Illumina TruSeq, NimbleGen SeqCapEZ, NuGen Ovation and several others. Agilent s NGS automation solution reduces hands-on time for NGS by approximately 80 percent and can automate preparation for up to 192-1000 samples per work-week, depending on the NGS method. The Agilent NGS Workstation (see Figure 6) enables high throughput and walk away time for sample preparation in Next Generation Sequencing applications. Figure 6: Agilent PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer, Bravo Platform, BenchCel Microplate Handler, MiniHub Components Enabling Integrated Workflows: Benchtop robot automates assays, saves time Many labs run small- to medium-sized assays and need a small-footprint, highly fl exible robot for automation on the bench top. The Agilent BenchBot Robot is the core of Agilent s new solutions for bench top assay automation (Figure 7). It comes to complement the existing offering of the Agilent BenchCel bench top automation. While the BenchCel features a linear arrangement with integrated labware storage and is capable of automating up to 4 devices, the BenchBot enables radial integration that increases the available integration envelope and incredible ease when setting up complex workstations of up to 10 devices. It can integrate workfl ows using more than 140 Agilent and third party automation devices covering all aspects of laboratory automation, from labware and microplate storage, plate handling, liquid handling, dispensing, washing and purifi cation, to reading devices. The BenchBot robot brings the performance and fl exibility of larger integrated platforms to the bench. Figure 7: The new Agilent Benchbot robot delivers a plate to a Bravo Liquid handler in this compact assay ready plate processing benchtop workstation. The workstation includes an Agilent BenchBot robot, Bravo Liquid handler, PlateLoc sealer, Labeler, Centrifuge and MiniHub. 6
Agilent s components protect precious samples Agilent s PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer (Figure 8) is the premier thermal sealer for fast, easy, reliable microplate sealing that preserves the integrity of low volume samples during heated incubations and even overnight. It is easy to use and fl exible, accommodating a wide range of microplates and SBS formatted labware. Stand alone operators have full control of sealing time and temperature through the Plate Sealer s touch screen while a choice of plate stage inserts ensures the best possible seal for any microplate. Figure 8: Agilent PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer User-friendly software allows for seamless integration Another challenge is that automation software is not always intuitive or fl exible, making it diffi cult for novice users to get started and for experienced users to adjust to changing assay requirements. As you add more automation to your laboratory, it also becomes necessary to coordinate the integration of instruments, many of which may be provided by separate suppliers. This becomes an issue when there is poor communication between devices or when third party instrument drivers are not readily available. The Agilent VWorks automation control software (Figure 9) is an intuitive scheduling program capable of integrating and driving the operation of over 140 liquid handling and robotic devices ensuring maximum throughput and optimal resource utilization. An intuitive graphical user interface allows even a novice user to create and run existing protocols, develop new protocols, connect and confi gure devices, and monitor progress. Custom forms simplify the execution of complex protocols and are ideal for multi-user environments. Event driven automation control enables multiple experiments to be run in parallel for maximum resource utilization and throughput. VWorks software utilizes drag and drop tasks where graphical icons are selected and grouped to represent the sequence of tasks in an experiment. Finally, the software is scalable with a single application driving all levels of automation (standalone instruments, systems, 3rd party devices) with a consistent user interface that reduces training costs. Figure 9: Agilent VWorks Automation Control Software 7
Innovative components, flexible configuration for truly high throughput applications When demands for throughput or unattended processing increase beyond 50 to 100 plates a day or 6-8 hour batches, one can benefi t of the most integrated systems like the Agilent BioCel (Figure 10). Using fully optimized components, a dedicated team of experts in mechanical, software and application integration, works with each client to design and deliver an individualized solution. The resulting system maximizes throughput and hands-off time, while ensuring maximum uptime and maintaining a high degree of fl exibility and adaptability. Typically three to 10 different protocols are developed and optimized for each system, with storage capacity between 100 and 1500 plates, and batches that can run unattended for days, while the system remain accessible and can start secondary protocols at any Figure 10: Fully unattended high throughput workfl ows are better addressed with an Agilent BioCel platform that although not as small as benchtop solutions, better integrates complex processes using a multitude of dedicated components to achieve 24/7 operation. time. BioCel Systems are being used 24/7 in compound management, high throughput screening, cell biology, genomics and biotechnology laboratories across the globe. A partnership with Agilent Agilent s automation solutions combine innovative engineering and workfl ow integration capabilities with the highest level of customer service. Agilent continues the tradition of over 13 years of automation integration expertise offering hardware and software integration of over 140 instruments. While many automation providers can help automate your existing workfl ows, Agilent stands out as a single provider with experience in robotics, liquid handling, standard and custom solutions, software, and detection enabling you and your laboratory to achieve effective, effi cient, and future proof automation for all your applications. Contact Agilent Technologies Sales & Services GmbH &Co. KG Hewlett-Packard-Straße 8 76337 Waldbronn Website: www.agilent.com/lifesciences/automation Contact: CustomerCare_Germany@agilent.com agilent_inquiries@agilent.com (U.S. and Canada) 8