1
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Shin S, Yun HG, Chung H, Cho H, Choi S. Automation of 3D digital rolling circle amplification using a 3D-printed liquid handler. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 261:116503. [PMID: 38905856 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Automation of liquid handling is indispensable to improve throughput and reproducibility in biochemical assays. However, the incorporation of automated systems into laboratory workflows is often hindered by the high cost and complexity associated with building robotic liquid handlers. Here, we report a 3D-printed liquid handler based on a fluidic manifold, thereby obviating the need for complex robotic mechanisms. The fluidic manifold, termed a dispensing and aspirating (DA) device, comprises parallelized multi-pipette structures connected by distribution and aspiration channels, enabling the precise supply and removal of reagents, respectively. Leveraging the versatility of 3D printing, the DA device can be custom-designed and printed to fit specific applications. As a proof-of-principle, we engineered a 3D-printed liquid handler dedicated for 3D digital rolling circle amplification (4DRCA), an advanced biochemical assay involving multiple sample preparation steps such as antibody incubation, cell fixation, nucleic acid amplification, probe hybridization, and extensive washing. We demonstrate the efficacy of the 3D-printed liquid handler to automate the preparation of clinical samples for the simultaneous, in situ analysis of oncogenic protein and transcript markers in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells using 4DRCA. This approach provides an effective and accessible solution for liquid handling automation, offering high throughput and reproducibility in biochemical assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyeon Shin
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Geun Yun
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Haerim Chung
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsoo Cho
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungyoung Choi
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea; Department of Healthcare Digital Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Ullis D. Development and transfer of automated methods in neuroscience: The DADTA. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 2024; 106:109-117. [PMID: 38936271 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2024.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
In the second half of the 20th century, neuroscientists across North America developed automated systems for use in their research laboratories. Their decisions to do so were complex and contingent, partly a result of global reasons, such as the need to increase efficiency and flexibility, and partly a result of local reasons, such as the need to amend perceived biases of earlier research methodologies. Automated methods were advancements but raised several challenges. Transferring a system from one location to another required that certain components of the system be standardized, such as the hardware, software, and programming language. This proved difficult as commercial manufacturers lacked incentives to create standardized products for the few neuroscientists working towards automation. Additionally, investing in automated systems required massive amounts of time, labor, funding, and computer expertise. Moreover, neuroscientists did not agree on the value of automation. My brief history investigates Karl Pribram's decisions to expand his newly created automated system by standardizing equipment, programming, and protocols. Although he was an eminent Stanford neuroscientist with strong institutional support and computer know-how, the development and transfer of his automated behavioral testing system was riddled with challenges. For Pribram and neuroscience more generally, automation was not so automatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzintra Ullis
- University of Pittsburgh, 4362 Coleridge St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15201, USA.
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3
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Norton-Baker B, Denton MCR, Murphy NP, Fram B, Lim S, Erickson E, Gauthier NP, Beckham GT. Enabling high-throughput enzyme discovery and engineering with a low-cost, robot-assisted pipeline. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14449. [PMID: 38914665 PMCID: PMC11196671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As genomic databases expand and artificial intelligence tools advance, there is a growing demand for efficient characterization of large numbers of proteins. To this end, here we describe a generalizable pipeline for high-throughput protein purification using small-scale expression in E. coli and an affordable liquid-handling robot. This low-cost platform enables the purification of 96 proteins in parallel with minimal waste and is scalable for processing hundreds of proteins weekly per user. We demonstrate the performance of this method with the expression and purification of the leading poly(ethylene terephthalate) hydrolases reported in the literature. Replicate experiments demonstrated reproducibility and enzyme purity and yields (up to 400 µg) sufficient for comprehensive analyses of both thermostability and activity, generating a standardized benchmark dataset for comparing these plastic-degrading enzymes. The cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation of this platform render it broadly applicable to diverse protein characterization challenges in the biological sciences.
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Grants
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-SC0022024 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Genomic Science Program
- DE-AC36-08GO28308 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
- DE-AC36-08GO28308 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
- DE-AC36-08GO28308 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
- DE-AC36-08GO28308 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
- U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)
- Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE) Consortium
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna Norton-Baker
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA
- Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Mackenzie C R Denton
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Natasha P Murphy
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin Fram
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Lim
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika Erickson
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Nicholas P Gauthier
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Gregg T Beckham
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA.
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO, USA.
- Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, USA.
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4
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Yang XD, Gong B, Chen W, Chen JJ, Qian C, Lu R, Min Y, Jiang T, Li L, Yu HQ. In Situ Quantitative Monitoring of Adsorption from Aqueous Phase by UV-vis Spectroscopy: Implication for Understanding of Heterogeneous Processes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402732. [PMID: 38923364 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of in situ techniques to quantitatively characterize the heterogeneous reactions is essential for understanding physicochemical processes in aqueous phase. In this work, a new approach coupling in situ UV-vis spectroscopy with a two-step algorithm strategy is developed to quantitatively monitor heterogeneous reactions in a compact closed-loop incorporation. The algorithm involves the inverse adding-doubling method for light scattering correction and the multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) method for spectral deconvolution. Innovatively, theoretical spectral simulations are employed to connect MCR-ALS solutions with chemical molecular structural evolution without prior information for reference spectra. As a model case study, the aqueous adsorption kinetics of bisphenol A onto polyamide microparticles are successfully quantified in a one-step UV-vis spectroscopic measurement. The practical applicability of this approach is confirmed by rapidly screening a superior adsorbent from commercial materials for antibiotic wastewater adsorption treatment. The demonstrated capabilities are expected to extend beyond monitoring adsorption systems to other heterogeneous reactions, significantly advancing UV-vis spectroscopic techniques toward practical integration into automated experimental platforms for probing aqueous chemical processes and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Dan Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Bo Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Jie-Jie Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chen Qian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Rui Lu
- School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Yuan Min
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Liang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Han-Qing Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
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5
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Bao K, Yoon JS, Ahn S, Lee JH, Cross CJ, Jeong MY, Frangioni JV, Choi HS. A robotic system for automated chemical synthesis of therapeutic agents. MATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 5:5290-5297. [PMID: 38894709 PMCID: PMC11181120 DOI: 10.1039/d4ma00099d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The development of novel compounds for tissue-specific targeting and imaging is often impeded by a lack of lead compounds and the availability of reliable chemistry. Automated chemical synthesis systems provide a potential solution by enabling reliable, repeated access to large compound libraries for screening. Here we report an integrated solid-phase combinatorial chemistry system created using commercial and customized robots. Our goal is to optimize reaction parameters, such as varying temperature, shaking, microwave irradiation, aspirating and dispensing large-sized solid beads, and handling different washing solvents for separation and purification. This automated system accommodates diverse chemical reactions such as peptide synthesis and conventional coupling reactions. To confirm its functionality and reproducibility, 20 nerve-specific contrast agents for biomedical imaging were systematically and repeatedly synthesized and compared to other nerve-targeted agents using molecular fingerprinting and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection, which lays the foundation for creating reliable and reproductive chemical libraries in bioimaging and nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Bao
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02114 USA
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Jong Seo Yoon
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Sung Ahn
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02114 USA
| | - Jeong Heon Lee
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02114 USA
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Conor J Cross
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Myung Yung Jeong
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston MA 02215 USA
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University Busan 46241 South Korea
| | - John V Frangioni
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston MA 02215 USA
- Curadel, LLC Natick MA 01760 USA
| | - Hak Soo Choi
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02114 USA
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston MA 02215 USA
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6
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Angela S, Fadhilah G, Hsiao WWW, Lin HY, Ko J, Lu SCW, Lee CC, Chang YS, Lin CY, Chang HC, Chiang WH. Nanomaterials in the treatment and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: Advanced approaches. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100146. [PMID: 38844139 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory condition that affects persons between the ages of 20 and 40, causes synovium inflammation, cartilage loss, and joint discomfort as some of its symptoms. Diagnostic techniques for RA have traditionally been split into two main categories: imaging and serological tests. However, significant issues are associated with both of these methods. Imaging methods are costly and only helpful in people with obvious symptoms, while serological assays are time-consuming and require specialist knowledge. The drawbacks of these traditional techniques have led to the development of novel diagnostic approaches. The unique properties of nanomaterials make them well-suited as biosensors. Their compact dimensions are frequently cited for their outstanding performance, and their positive impact on the signal-to-noise ratio accounts for their capacity to detect biomarkers at low detection limits, with excellent repeatability and a robust dynamic range. In this review, we discuss the use of nanomaterials in RA theranostics. Scientists have recently synthesized, characterized, and modified nanomaterials and biomarkers commonly used to enhance RA diagnosis and therapy capabilities. We hope to provide scientists with the promising potential that nanomaterials hold for future theranostics and offer suggestions on further improving nanomaterials as biosensors, particularly for detecting autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanny Angela
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gianna Fadhilah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wesley Wei-Wen Hsiao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Yi Lin
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Joshua Ko
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Steven Che-Wei Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Lee
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Chang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Lin
- The Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Cheng Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan; Sustainable Electrochemical Energy Development (SEED) Center, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan; Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan.
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7
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Schuster J, Kamuju V, Zhou J, Mathaes R. Piston-driven automated liquid handlers. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100128. [PMID: 38508238 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Laboratory capacities are often limited by time-consuming manual repetitive procedures rather than analysis time itself. While modern instruments are typically equipped with an autosampler, sample preparation often follows manual procedures including many labor-intensive, monotonous tasks. Particularly, for a high number of samples, well plates, and low microliter pipetting, manual preparation is error-prone often requiring repeated experiments. Sampling and sample preparation can account for greater analytical variability than instrument analysis. Repetitive tasks such as liquid handling benefit strongly from technological advances and led to the increasing applications of various automated liquid handlers (ALHs). In this review, we discuss the considerations for ALHs in the microliter range and highlight advantages and challenges when transforming from manual to automated workflows. We strongly focused on differences in liquid handling and outlined advantages due to sensor-controlled pipetting. ALHs can substantially improve costs-effectiveness and laboratory capacity. This is a consequence of increased efficiency, and throughput of laboratories while simultaneously raising data quality. Additionally, ALHs can improve safety, documentation of data, and sustainability. While automation requires careful consideration and resource demanding implementation, we believe it offers numerous advantages and can help to transform modern laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Schuster
- Lonza Pharma and Biotech, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Vinay Kamuju
- Lonza Pharma and Biotech, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jin Zhou
- Lonza Pharma and Biotech, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roman Mathaes
- Lonza Pharma and Biotech, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland
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8
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Budde L, Hentschel J, Ihler S, Seel T. Achieving near-zero particle generation by simplicity of design-A compliant-mechanism-based gripper for clean-room environments. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100148. [PMID: 38801858 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Lab Automation facilitates high-throughput processes and improves reproducibility and efficiency while removing human action, primary source of contaminating particles. Handling poses a risk of contamination due to close contact with the objects. We propose a novel gripper (CrocoGrip) relying on compliant mechanisms to reduce the amount of contaminating particles generated by the gripper rather than preventing their emission, the latter being the common approach in current grippers. Our novel gripper is actuated by linear solenoids and purely relies on deformation for its motion. As a result, abrasive behavior and, therefore, the generation of particles is reduced without the need for additional sealing. We experimentally proved that only particles smaller than 3.0µm are emitted by the gripper, with a large proportion of the particles being generated by the actuation. The CrocoGrip fulfills the demands of ISO14644 class 5. The gripping relies on the deformation energy of the compliant mechanism, making the gripping energy-efficient and safe. The maximum gripping force achieved by the CrocoGrip was 5.5N. Because the force transmitted to the handling object depends on the design of the gripping jaws, which are interchangeable, the force can be reduced for more sensible handling objects. Using three different sets of jaws, CrocoGrip was able to handle a microplate in SBS-standard, a 50mL Falcon tube, and a Ø60mm Petri dish using a robotic arm. Due to the monolithic design of the CrocoGrip and, as a result, the need for few components, we achieve a simplicity of design, making cleaning, sterilization and maintenance easy, even for nonexperts. The CrocoGrip exploits the advantages of compliant mechanisms, especially for applications requiring clean-room environments. This approach of compliant-mechanism-based grippers enables an increase in the cleanliness of handling processes without an increase in system complexity of the gripper to facilitate the lab automation of highly sensible processes, such as in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Budde
- Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Mechantronic Systems, An der Universität 1, Garbsen 30823, Lower Saxony, Germany.
| | - Jakob Hentschel
- Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Mechantronic Systems, An der Universität 1, Garbsen 30823, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Sontje Ihler
- Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Mechantronic Systems, An der Universität 1, Garbsen 30823, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Thomas Seel
- Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Mechantronic Systems, An der Universität 1, Garbsen 30823, Lower Saxony, Germany
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9
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da Silva RGL. The advancement of artificial intelligence in biomedical research and health innovation: challenges and opportunities in emerging economies. Global Health 2024; 20:44. [PMID: 38773458 PMCID: PMC11107016 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithm optimization and high-throughput experiments has enabled scientists to accelerate the discovery of new chemicals and materials with unprecedented efficiency, resilience and precision. Over the recent years, the so-called autonomous experimentation (AE) systems are featured as key AI innovation to enhance and accelerate research and development (R&D). Also known as self-driving laboratories or materials acceleration platforms, AE systems are digital platforms capable of running a large number of experiments autonomously. Those systems are rapidly impacting biomedical research and clinical innovation, in areas such as drug discovery, nanomedicine, precision oncology, and others. As it is expected that AE will impact healthcare innovation from local to global levels, its implications for science and technology in emerging economies should be examined. By examining the increasing relevance of AE in contemporary R&D activities, this article aims to explore the advancement of artificial intelligence in biomedical research and health innovation, highlighting its implications, challenges and opportunities in emerging economies. AE presents an opportunity for stakeholders from emerging economies to co-produce the global knowledge landscape of AI in health. However, asymmetries in R&D capabilities should be acknowledged since emerging economies suffers from inadequacies and discontinuities in resources and funding. The establishment of decentralized AE infrastructures could support stakeholders to overcome local restrictions and opens venues for more culturally diverse, equitable, and trustworthy development of AI in health-related R&D through meaningful partnerships and engagement. Collaborations with innovators from emerging economies could facilitate anticipation of fiscal pressures in science and technology policies, obsolescence of knowledge infrastructures, ethical and regulatory policy lag, and other issues present in the Global South. Also, improving cultural and geographical representativeness of AE contributes to foster the diffusion and acceptance of AI in health-related R&D worldwide. Institutional preparedness is critical and could enable stakeholders to navigate opportunities of AI in biomedical research and health innovation in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Gonçalves Leonel da Silva
- Health Ethics and Policy Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Hottingerstrasse 10, HOA 17, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.
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10
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Liu Y, Roccapriore K, Checa M, Valleti SM, Yang JC, Jesse S, Vasudevan RK. AEcroscopy: A Software-Hardware Framework Empowering Microscopy Toward Automated and Autonomous Experimentation. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2301740. [PMID: 38639016 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Microscopy has been pivotal in improving the understanding of structure-function relationships at the nanoscale and is by now ubiquitous in most characterization labs. However, traditional microscopy operations are still limited largely by a human-centric click-and-go paradigm utilizing vendor-provided software, which limits the scope, utility, efficiency, effectiveness, and at times reproducibility of microscopy experiments. Here, a coupled software-hardware platform is developed that consists of a software package termed AEcroscopy (short for Automated Experiments in Microscopy), along with a field-programmable-gate-array device with LabView-built customized acquisition scripts, which overcome these limitations and provide the necessary abstractions toward full automation of microscopy platforms. The platform works across multiple vendor devices on scanning probe microscopes and electron microscopes. It enables customized scan trajectories, processing functions that can be triggered locally or remotely on processing servers, user-defined excitation waveforms, standardization of data models, and completely seamless operation through simple Python commands to enable a plethora of microscopy experiments to be performed in a reproducible, automated manner. This platform can be readily coupled with existing machine-learning libraries and simulations, to provide automated decision-making and active theory-experiment optimization to turn microscopes from characterization tools to instruments capable of autonomous model refinement and physics discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtao Liu
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Kevin Roccapriore
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Marti Checa
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Sai Mani Valleti
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Jan-Chi Yang
- Department of Physics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Stephen Jesse
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Rama K Vasudevan
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
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11
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Wiener DM, Huynh E, Jeyakumar I, Bax S, Sama S, Cabrera JP, Todorova V, Vangipuram M, Vaid S, Otsuka F, Sakai Y, Leonetti MD, Gómez-Sjöberg R. An open-source FACS automation system for high-throughput cell biology. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299402. [PMID: 38512845 PMCID: PMC10956866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in gene editing are enabling the engineering of cells with an unprecedented level of scale. To capitalize on this opportunity, new methods are needed to accelerate the different steps required to manufacture and handle engineered cells. Here, we describe the development of an integrated software and hardware platform to automate Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), a central step for the selection of cells displaying desired molecular attributes. Sorting large numbers of samples is laborious, and, to date, no automated system exists to sequentially manage FACS samples, likely owing to the need to tailor sorting conditions ("gating") to each individual sample. Our platform is built around a commercial instrument and integrates the handling and transfer of samples to and from the instrument, autonomous control of the instrument's software, and the algorithmic generation of sorting gates, resulting in walkaway functionality. Automation eliminates operator errors, standardizes gating conditions by eliminating operator-to-operator variations, and reduces hands-on labor by 93%. Moreover, our strategy for automating the operation of a commercial instrument control software in the absence of an Application Program Interface (API) exemplifies a universal solution for other instruments that lack an API. Our software and hardware designs are fully open-source and include step-by-step build documentation to contribute to a growing open ecosystem of tools for high-throughput cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M. Wiener
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Emily Huynh
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ilakkiyan Jeyakumar
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sophie Bax
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Samia Sama
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Joana P. Cabrera
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Verina Todorova
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Madhuri Vangipuram
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Shivanshi Vaid
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Fumitaka Otsuka
- Medical Business Group, Sony Corporation, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | - Yoshitsugu Sakai
- Medical Business Group, Sony Corporation, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | - Manuel D. Leonetti
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rafael Gómez-Sjöberg
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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12
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Mizuno M, Maeda Y, Sanami S, Matsuzaki T, Yoshikawa HY, Ozeki N, Koga H, Sekiya I. Noninvasive total counting of cultured cells using a home-use scanner with a pattern sheet. iScience 2024; 27:109170. [PMID: 38405610 PMCID: PMC10884908 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The inherent variability in cell culture techniques hinders their reproducibility. To address this issue, we introduce a comprehensive cell observation device. This new approach enhances the features of existing home-use scanners by implementing a pattern sheet. Compared with fluorescent staining, our method over- or underestimated the cell count by a mere 5%. The proposed technique showcased a strong correlation with conventional methodologies, displaying R2 values of 0.91 and 0.99 compared with the standard chamber and fluorescence methods, respectively. Simulations of microscopic observations indicated the potential to estimate accurately the total cell count using just 20 fields of view. Our proposed cell-counting device offers a straightforward, noninvasive means of measuring the number of cultured cells. By harnessing the power of deep learning, this device ensures data integrity, thereby making it an attractive option for future cell culture research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Mizuno
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Yushima, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Maeda
- Medical & Healthcare Division, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Sanami
- Medical & Healthcare Division, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahisa Matsuzaki
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Y. Yoshikawa
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Nobutake Ozeki
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Yushima, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Koga
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Sekiya
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Yushima, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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13
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Reder GK, Bjurström EY, Brunnsåker D, Kronström F, Lasin P, Tiukova I, Savolainen OI, Dodds JN, May JC, Wikswo JP, McLean JA, King RD. AutonoMS: Automated Ion Mobility Metabolomic Fingerprinting. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:542-550. [PMID: 38310603 PMCID: PMC10921458 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Automation is dramatically changing the nature of laboratory life science. Robotic lab hardware that can perform manual operations with greater speed, endurance, and reproducibility opens an avenue for faster scientific discovery with less time spent on laborious repetitive tasks. A major bottleneck remains in integrating cutting-edge laboratory equipment into automated workflows, notably specialized analytical equipment, which is designed for human usage. Here we present AutonoMS, a platform for automatically running, processing, and analyzing high-throughput mass spectrometry experiments. AutonoMS is currently written around an ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) platform and can be adapted to additional analytical instruments and data processing flows. AutonoMS enables automated software agent-controlled end-to-end measurement and analysis runs from experimental specification files that can be produced by human users or upstream software processes. We demonstrate the use and abilities of AutonoMS in a high-throughput flow-injection ion mobility configuration with 5 s sample analysis time, processing robotically prepared chemical standards and cultured yeast samples in targeted and untargeted metabolomics applications. The platform exhibited consistency, reliability, and ease of use while eliminating the need for human intervention in the process of sample injection, data processing, and analysis. The platform paves the way toward a more fully automated mass spectrometry analysis and ultimately closed-loop laboratory workflows involving automated experimentation and analysis coupled to AI-driven experimentation utilizing cutting-edge analytical instrumentation. AutonoMS documentation is available at https://autonoms.readthedocs.io.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel K. Reder
- Department
of Computer Science and Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
- Department
of Applied Physics, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal
Institute of Technology, Solna 171 21, Sweden
| | - Erik Y. Bjurström
- Department
of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of
Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Daniel Brunnsåker
- Department
of Computer Science and Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Filip Kronström
- Department
of Computer Science and Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Praphapan Lasin
- Department
of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of
Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Ievgeniia Tiukova
- Department
of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of
Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Otto I. Savolainen
- Department
of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of
Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
- Institute
of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 702 11, Finland
| | - James N. Dodds
- Chemistry
Department, The University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jody C. May
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Center
for Innovative Technology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - John P. Wikswo
- Vanderbilt
Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - John A. McLean
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Center
for Innovative Technology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Vanderbilt
Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Ross D. King
- Department
of Computer Science and Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, U.K.
- The Alan
Turing Institute, London NW1 2DB, U.K.
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14
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Wang Y, Troutman MC, Hofmann C, Gonzalez A, Song L, Levin R, Pixley HY, Kearns K, DePhillips P, Loughney JW. Fully automated high-throughput immuno-µPlaque assay for live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine development. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356600. [PMID: 38410513 PMCID: PMC10895029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever has remained a continuing global medical threat that impacts half of the world's population. Developing a highly effective dengue vaccine, with live-attenuated tetravalent vaccines as leading candidates, remains essential in preventing this disease. For the development of live virus vaccines (LVVs), potency measurements play a vital role in quantifying the active components of vaccine drug substance as well as drug product during various stages of research, development, and post-licensure evaluations. Traditional plaque-based assays are one of the most common potency test methods, but they generally take up to weeks to complete. Less labor and time-intensive potency assays are thus called for to aid in the acceleration of vaccine development, especially for multivalent LVVs. Here, we introduce a fully automated, 96-well format µPlaque assay that has been optimized as a high-throughput tool to evaluate process and formulation development of a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a miniaturized viral plaque method for dengue with full automation via an integrated robotic system. Compared to the traditional manual plaque assay, this newly developed method substantially reduces testing time by approximately half and allows for the evaluation of over ten times more samples per run. The fully automated workflow, from cell culture to plaque counting, significantly minimizes analyst hands-on time and improves assay repeatability. The study presents a pioneering solution for the rapid measurement of LVV viral titers, offering promising prospects for advancing vaccine development through high-throughput analytics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Matthew C. Troutman
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Carl Hofmann
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Ariel Gonzalez
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Liping Song
- Biostatistics, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Robert Levin
- Vaccine Drug Product Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Heidi Yoder Pixley
- Vaccine Drug Product Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Kristine Kearns
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Pete DePhillips
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - John W. Loughney
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
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15
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Hefermehl AK, Hensen SMM, Versantvoort C, Rothermel A, Şahin U. Automated glycan-bead coupling for high throughput, highly reproducible anti-glycan antibody analysis. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100103. [PMID: 37595636 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Automation of diagnostic assays generally aims to increase reproducibility and throughput while decreasing human errors and hands-on time. Here, we introduce a protocol for the automated chemical conjugation of glycans to color-coded magnetic beads using the KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor. The resulting glycan-coupled magnetic beads allow the detection of anti-glycan antibodies of different isotypes from various species. By generating anti-glycan antibody profiles, monoclonal antibodies can be screened for their specificity and cross-reactivity, while anti-glycan antibody profiles from different human body fluids can aid in predicting response to treatment or outcome of disease. This efficient, scalable protocol can also be adapted to attach proteins and other biomolecules to beads, making it useful for a wider range of applications that require bead-based laboratory methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Katharina Hefermehl
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Freiligrathstr. 12, Mainz, Germany.
| | | | - Carina Versantvoort
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Freiligrathstr. 12, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andrée Rothermel
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Freiligrathstr. 12, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uğur Şahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, Mainz, Germany
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16
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Bai J, Mosbach S, Taylor CJ, Karan D, Lee KF, Rihm SD, Akroyd J, Lapkin AA, Kraft M. A dynamic knowledge graph approach to distributed self-driving laboratories. Nat Commun 2024; 15:462. [PMID: 38263405 PMCID: PMC10805810 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44599-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to integrate resources and share knowledge across organisations empowers scientists to expedite the scientific discovery process. This is especially crucial in addressing emerging global challenges that require global solutions. In this work, we develop an architecture for distributed self-driving laboratories within The World Avatar project, which seeks to create an all-encompassing digital twin based on a dynamic knowledge graph. We employ ontologies to capture data and material flows in design-make-test-analyse cycles, utilising autonomous agents as executable knowledge components to carry out the experimentation workflow. Data provenance is recorded to ensure its findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. We demonstrate the practical application of our framework by linking two robots in Cambridge and Singapore for a collaborative closed-loop optimisation for a pharmaceutically-relevant aldol condensation reaction in real-time. The knowledge graph autonomously evolves toward the scientist's research goals, with the two robots effectively generating a Pareto front for cost-yield optimisation in three days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaru Bai
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Sebastian Mosbach
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #05-05, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Connor J Taylor
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0QA, UK
- Innovation Centre in Digital Molecular Technologies, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Dogancan Karan
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #05-05, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Kok Foong Lee
- CMCL Innovations, Sheraton House, Cambridge, CB3 0AX, UK
| | - Simon D Rihm
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #05-05, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Jethro Akroyd
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #05-05, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Alexei A Lapkin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #05-05, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
- Innovation Centre in Digital Molecular Technologies, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Markus Kraft
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK.
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #05-05, Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, 637459, Singapore, Singapore.
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, NW1 2DB, UK.
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17
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Subbaraman B, de Lange O, Ferguson S, Peek N. The Duckbot: A system for automated imaging and manipulation of duckweed. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296717. [PMID: 38261570 PMCID: PMC10805289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Laboratory automation can boost precision and reproducibility of science workflows. However, current laboratory automation systems are difficult to modify for custom applications. Automating new experiment workflows therefore requires development of one-off research platforms, a process which requires significant time, resources, and experience. In this work, we investigate systems to lower the threshold to automation for plant biologists. Our approach establishes a direct connection with a generic motion platform to support experiment development and execution from a computational notebook environment. Specifically, we investigate the use of the open-source tool-changing motion platform Jubilee controlled using Jupyter notebooks. We present the Duckbot, a machine customized for automating laboratory research workflows with duckweed, a common multicellular plant. The Duckbot comprises (1) a set of end-effectors relevant for plant biology, (2) software modules which provide flexible control of these tools, and (3) computational notebooks which make use of these tools to automate duckweed experiments. We demonstrate the Duckbot's functionality by automating a particular laboratory research workflow, namely, duckweed growth assays. The Duckbot supports setting up sample plates with duckweed and growth media, gathering image data, and conducting relevant data analysis. We discuss the opportunities and limitations for developing custom laboratory automation with this platform and provide instructions on usage and customization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair Subbaraman
- Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Orlando de Lange
- Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Biology Department, Shoreline Community College, Shoreline, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sam Ferguson
- Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nadya Peek
- Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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18
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Rupp N, Ries R, Wienbruch R, Zuchner T. Can I benefit from laboratory automation? A decision aid for the successful introduction of laboratory automation. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:5-19. [PMID: 38030885 PMCID: PMC10758358 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The large volumes of samples to be analysed every day would be impossible to manage without laboratory automation. As laboratory procedures have progressed, so have the tasks of laboratory personnel. With this feature article, we would like to provide (bio)chemical practitioners with little or no knowledge of laboratory automation with a guide to help them decide whether to implement laboratory automation and find a suitable system. Especially in small- and medium-sized laboratories, operating a laboratory system means having bioanalytical knowledge, but also being familiar with the technical aspects. However, time, budget and personnel limitations allow little opportunity for personnel to get into the depths of laboratory automation. This includes not only the operation, but also the decision to purchase an automation system. Hasty investments do not only result in slow or non-existent cost recovery, but also occupy valuable laboratory space. We have structured the article as a decision tree, so readers can selectively read chapters that apply to their individual situation. This flexible approach allows each reader to create a personal reading flow tailored to their specific needs. We tried to address a variety of perspectives on the topic, including people who are either supportive or sceptical of laboratory automation, personnel who want or need to automate specific processes, those who are unsure whether to automate and those who are interested in automation but do not know which areas to prioritize. We also help to make a decision whether to reactivate or discard already existing and unused laboratory equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rupp
- Faculty for Life Sciences, Professorship for Bioanalytics and Laboratory Automation, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Anton-Günther-Str. 51, 72488, Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Robert Ries
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Rebecca Wienbruch
- Faculty for Life Sciences, Professorship for Bioanalytics and Laboratory Automation, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Anton-Günther-Str. 51, 72488, Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Thole Zuchner
- Faculty for Life Sciences, Professorship for Bioanalytics and Laboratory Automation, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Anton-Günther-Str. 51, 72488, Sigmaringen, Germany.
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19
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Stephenson A, Lastra L, Nguyen B, Chen YJ, Nivala J, Ceze L, Strauss K. Physical Laboratory Automation in Synthetic Biology. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3156-3169. [PMID: 37935025 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic Biology has overcome many of the early challenges facing the field and is entering a systems era characterized by adoption of Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) approaches. The need for automation and standardization to enable reproducible, scalable, and translatable research has become increasingly accepted in recent years, and many of the hardware and software tools needed to address these challenges are now in place or under development. However, the lack of connectivity between DBTL modules and barriers to access and adoption remain significant challenges to realizing the full potential of lab automation. In this review, we characterize and classify the state of automation in synthetic biology with a focus on the physical automation of experimental workflows. Though fully autonomous scientific discovery is likely a long way off, impressive progress has been made toward automating critical elements of experimentation by combining intelligent hardware and software tools. It is worth questioning whether total automation that removes humans entirely from the loop should be the ultimate goal, and considerations for appropriate automation versus total automation are discussed in this light while emphasizing areas where further development is needed in both contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Stephenson
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Lauren Lastra
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Bichlien Nguyen
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Yuan-Jyue Chen
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Jeff Nivala
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Luis Ceze
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Karin Strauss
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
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20
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Burkert N, Roy S, Häusler M, Wuttke D, Müller S, Wiemer J, Hollmann H, Oldrati M, Ramirez-Franco J, Benkert J, Fauler M, Duda J, Goaillard JM, Pötschke C, Münchmeyer M, Parlato R, Liss B. Deep learning-based image analysis identifies a DAT-negative subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons in the lateral Substantia nigra. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1146. [PMID: 37950046 PMCID: PMC10638391 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05441-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we present a deep learning-based image analysis platform (DLAP), tailored to autonomously quantify cell numbers, and fluorescence signals within cellular compartments, derived from RNAscope or immunohistochemistry. We utilised DLAP to analyse subtypes of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive dopaminergic midbrain neurons in mouse and human brain-sections. These neurons modulate complex behaviour, and are differentially affected in Parkinson's and other diseases. DLAP allows the analysis of large cell numbers, and facilitates the identification of small cellular subpopulations. Using DLAP, we identified a small subpopulation of TH-positive neurons (~5%), mainly located in the very lateral Substantia nigra (SN), that was immunofluorescence-negative for the plasmalemmal dopamine transporter (DAT), with ~40% smaller cell bodies. These neurons were negative for aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, with a lower co-expression rate for dopamine-D2-autoreceptors, but a ~7-fold higher likelihood of calbindin-d28k co-expression (~70%). These results have important implications, as DAT is crucial for dopamine signalling, and is commonly used as a marker for dopaminergic SN neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Burkert
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Shoumik Roy
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Max Häusler
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Sonja Müller
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johanna Wiemer
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Helene Hollmann
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marvin Oldrati
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jorge Ramirez-Franco
- UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
- INT, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, Campus Santé Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Julia Benkert
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Fauler
- Institute of General Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johanna Duda
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jean-Marc Goaillard
- UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
- INT, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, Campus Santé Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Christina Pötschke
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Moritz Münchmeyer
- Wolution GmbH & Co. KG, 82152, Munich, Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rosanna Parlato
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Birgit Liss
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
- Linacre College & New College, Oxford University, OX1 2JD, Oxford, UK.
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21
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Sun M, Gao AX, Liu X, Yang Y, Ledesma-Amaro R, Bai Z. High-throughput process development from gene cloning to protein production. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:182. [PMID: 37715258 PMCID: PMC10503041 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In the post-genomic era, the demand for faster and more efficient protein production has increased, both in public laboratories and industry. In addition, with the expansion of protein sequences in databases, the range of possible enzymes of interest for a given application is also increasing. Faced with peer competition, budgetary, and time constraints, companies and laboratories must find ways to develop a robust manufacturing process for recombinant protein production. In this review, we explore high-throughput technologies for recombinant protein expression and present a holistic high-throughput process development strategy that spans from genes to proteins. We discuss the challenges that come with this task, the limitations of previous studies, and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Sun
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214112, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alex Xiong Gao
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiuxia Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214112, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Yankun Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214112, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro
- Department of Bioengineering and Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Zhonghu Bai
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214112, China.
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
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22
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Cai J, Liao X, Mao Y, Wang R, Li H, Ma H. Designing gene manipulation schedules for high throughput parallel construction of objective strains. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2200578. [PMID: 37300341 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in biofoundries have enabled the construction of a large quantity of strains in parallel, accelerating the design-build-test-learn (DBTL) cycles for strain development. However, the construction of a large number of strains by iterative gene manipulation is still time-consuming and costly, posing a challenge for the development of commercial strains. Common gene manipulations among different objective strains open up the possibility of reducing cost and time for strain construction in biofoundries by optimizing genetic manipulation schedules. A method is introduced consisting of two complementary algorithms for designing optimal parent-children manipulation schedules for strain construction: greedy search of common ancestor strains (GSCAS) and minimizing total manipulations (MTM). By reusing common ancestor strains, the number of strains to be constructed can be effectively reduced, resulting in a tree-like structure of descendants instead of linear lineages for each strain. The GSCAS algorithm can quickly find common ancestor strains and clusters them together based on their genetic makeup, and the MTM algorithm subsequently minimize the genetic manipulations required, resulting in a further reduction in the total number of genetic manipulations. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated through a case study of 94 target strains, where GSCAS reduces an average of 36% of the total gene manipulations, and MTM reduces an additional 10%. The performance of both algorithms is robust among case studies with different average occurrences of gene manipulations across objective strains. Our method potentially improves cost efficiency and accelerate the development of commercial strains significantly. The implementation of the methods can be freely accessed via https://gscas-mtm.biodesign.ac.cn/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Cai
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoping Liao
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yufeng Mao
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongwu Ma
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
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23
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Tiwari S, Nizet O, Dillon N. Development of a high-throughput minimum inhibitory concentration (HT-MIC) testing workflow. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1079033. [PMID: 37303796 PMCID: PMC10249070 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1079033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The roots of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination go back to the early 1900s. Since then, the test has undergone modifications and advancements in an effort to increase its dependability and accuracy. Although biological investigations use an ever-increasing number of samples, complicated processes and human error sometimes result in poor data quality, which makes it challenging to replicate scientific conclusions. Automating manual steps using protocols decipherable by machine can ease procedural difficulties. Originally relying on manual pipetting and human vision to determine the results, modern broth dilution MIC testing procedures have incorporated microplate readers to enhance sample analysis. However, current MIC testing procedures are unable to simultaneously evaluate a large number of samples efficiently. Here, we have created a proof-of-concept workflow using the Opentrons OT-2 robot to enable high-throughput MIC testing. We have further optimized the analysis by incorporating Python programming for MIC assignment to streamline the automation. In this workflow, we performed MIC tests on four different strains, three replicates per strain, and analyzed a total of 1,152 wells. Comparing our workflow to a conventional plate MIC procedure, we find that the HT-MIC method is 800% faster while simultaneously boasting a 100% accuracy. Our high-throughput MIC workflow can be adapted in both academic and clinical settings since it is faster, more efficient, and as accurate than many conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Tiwari
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Oliver Nizet
- La Jolla Country Day School, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
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24
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Sarker NH, Hakim ZA, Dabouei A, Uddin MR, Freyberg Z, MacWilliams A, Kangas J, Xu M. Detecting anomalies from liquid transfer videos in automated laboratory setting. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1147514. [PMID: 37214339 PMCID: PMC10192699 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1147514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we address the problem of detecting anomalies in a certain laboratory automation setting. At first, we collect video images of liquid transfer in automated laboratory experiments. We mimic the real-world challenges of developing an anomaly detection model by considering two points. First, the size of the collected dataset is set to be relatively small compared to large-scale video datasets. Second, the dataset has a class imbalance problem where the majority of the collected videos are from abnormal events. Consequently, the existing learning-based video anomaly detection methods do not perform well. To this end, we develop a practical human-engineered feature extraction method to detect anomalies from the liquid transfer video images. Our simple yet effective method outperforms state-of-the-art anomaly detection methods with a notable margin. In particular, the proposed method provides 19% and 76% average improvement in AUC and Equal Error Rate, respectively. Our method also quantifies the anomalies and provides significant benefits for deployment in the real-world experimental setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najibul Haque Sarker
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zaber Abdul Hakim
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ali Dabouei
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mostofa Rafid Uddin
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andy MacWilliams
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joshua Kangas
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Min Xu
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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25
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Martins-Macedo J, Mateus-Pinheiro A, Alves C, Veloso F, Gomes ED, Ribeiro I, Correia JS, Silveira-Rosa T, Alves ND, Rodrigues AJ, Bessa JM, Sousa N, Oliveira JF, Patrício P, Pinto L. StressMatic: A Novel Automated System to Induce Depressive- and Anxiety-like Phenotype in Rats. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030381. [PMID: 36766724 PMCID: PMC9913774 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multidimensional psychiatric disorder that is estimated to affect around 350 million people worldwide. Generating valid and effective animal models of depression is critical and has been challenging for neuroscience researchers. For preclinical studies, models based on stress exposure, such as unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS), are amongst the most reliable and used, despite presenting concerns related to the standardization of protocols and time consumption for operators. To overcome these issues, we developed an automated system to expose rodents to a standard uCMS protocol. Here, we compared manual (uCMS) and automated (auCMS) stress-exposure protocols. The data shows that the impact of the uCMS exposure by both methods was similar in terms of behavioral (cognition, mood, and anxiety) and physiological (cell proliferation and endocrine variations) measurements. Given the advantages of time and standardization, this automated method represents a step forward in this field of preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Martins-Macedo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Bn’ML—Behavioral & Molecular Lab, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - António Mateus-Pinheiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Bn’ML—Behavioral & Molecular Lab, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Cátia Alves
- Bn’ML—Behavioral & Molecular Lab, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Department of Marketing and International Business, University of Vienna, Oskar Morgenstern-Platz 1, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fernando Veloso
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- 2Ai—School of Technology, IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
- LASI—Associate Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Eduardo D. Gomes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Inês Ribeiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana S. Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Bn’ML—Behavioral & Molecular Lab, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Tiago Silveira-Rosa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno D. Alves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana J. Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João M. Bessa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Bn’ML—Behavioral & Molecular Lab, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Bn’ML—Behavioral & Molecular Lab, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - João F. Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- 2Ai—School of Technology, IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Patrício
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Bn’ML—Behavioral & Molecular Lab, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Bn’ML—Behavioral & Molecular Lab, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-253-604-929
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26
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Ch'ng ACW, Konthur Z, Lim TS. Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Semi-automated Panning for High-Throughput Antibody Selection. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2702:291-313. [PMID: 37679626 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3381-6_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Bio-panning is a common process involved in recombinant antibody selection against defined targets. The biopanning process aims to isolate specific antibodies against an antigen via affinity selection from a phage display library. In general, antigens are immobilized on solid surfaces such as polystyrene plastic, magnetic beads, and nitrocellulose. For high-throughput selection, semi-automated panning selection allows simultaneous panning against multiple target antigens adapting automated particle processing systems such as the KingFisher Flex. The system setup allows for minimal human intervention for pre- and post-panning steps such as antigen immobilization, phage rescue, and amplification. In addition, the platform is also adaptable to perform polyclonal and monoclonal ELISA for the evaluation process. This chapter will detail the protocols involved from the selection stage until the monoclonal ELISA evaluation with important notes attached at the end of this chapter for optimization and troubleshooting purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chiew Wen Ch'ng
- Institute for Reseach in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Zoltán Konthur
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Reference Materials, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Theam Soon Lim
- Institute for Reseach in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.
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27
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Gupta AK, Ovenden CD, Nathin K, Aujayeb N, Hewitt JN, Kovoor JG, Chan JCY, Wells A. Geographical distribution of authorship for leading cardiothoracic surgery journals. J Card Surg 2022; 37:4465-4473. [PMID: 36229966 PMCID: PMC10092000 DOI: 10.1111/jocs.17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolution of surgical practice is influenced by publications in the leading journals of that field. If the authorship of a publication lacks geographical diversity, this could create bias and limit generalizability of the evidence. Accordingly, we conducted a geographical analysis of the leading Cardiothoracic Surgery journals worldwide. METHODS Using 2020 Impact Factor, we searched the leading Cardiothoracic Surgery journals over the past decade. Only original articles were included. Data regarding first, second and last authors were extracted from every article. From this, we analysed country of affiliation, highest academic degree obtained and author location by metropolitan or rural setting. RESULTS A total of 12,706 original articles were published in the top 5 ranked Cardiothoracic journals between 2011 and 2020. Authors originated from 69 countries, with the majority being from North America and Western Europe. The United States was the most common country of affiliation (42.8%) in all five journals, with New York City the most prominent city. A total of 63.7% of the authorship originated from large metropolitan areas (estimated as population greater than 500,000 residents), and the most common degrees obtained by authors were MD and PhD. CONCLUSION The prominent Cardiothoracic authorship is predominantly located in Western countries, most commonly large metropolitan centers in the United States. This raises questions as to whether the literature adequately reflects populations in other geographical areas such as the continents of South America and Africa and rural settings. Leading journals should consider policies which encourage publication by authors from geographical locations that are underrepresented globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashray K Gupta
- Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Kayla Nathin
- Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nidhi Aujayeb
- Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joseph N Hewitt
- Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joshua G Kovoor
- Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Justin C Y Chan
- Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, USA
| | - Adam Wells
- Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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28
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Taguchi S, Suda Y, Irie K, Ozaki H. Automation of yeast spot assays using an affordable liquid handling robot. SLAS Technol 2022; 28:55-62. [PMID: 36503082 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The spot assay of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an experimental method that is used to evaluate the effect of genotypes, medium conditions, and environmental stresses on cell growth and survival. Automation of the spot assay experiments from preparing a dilution series to spotting to observing spots continuously has been implemented based on large laboratory automation devices and robots, especially for high-throughput functional screening assays. However, there has yet to be an affordable solution for the automated spot assays suited to researchers in average laboratories and with high customizability for end-users. To make reproducible spot assay experiments widely available, we have automated the plate-based yeast spot assay of budding yeast using Opentrons OT-2 (OT-2), an affordable liquid-handling robot, and a flatbed scanner. We prepared a 3D-printed mount for the Petri dish to allow for precise placement of the Petri dish inside the OT-2. To account for the uneven height of the agar plates, which were made by human hands, we devised a method to adjust the z-position of the pipette tips based on the weight of each agar plate. During the incubation of the agar plates, a flatbed scanner was used to automatically take images of the agar plates over time, allowing researchers to quantify and compare the cell density within the spots at optimal time points a posteriori. Furthermore, the accuracy of the newly developed automated spot assay was verified by performing spot assays with human experimenters and the OT-2 and quantifying the yeast-grown area of the spots. This study will contribute to the introduction of automated spot assays and the automated acquisition of growth processes in conventional laboratories that are not adapted for high-throughput laboratory automation.
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29
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Torres-Acosta MA, Lye GJ, Dikicioglu D. Automated liquid-handling operations for robust, resilient, and efficient bio-based laboratory practices. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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30
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Jonguitud-Borrego N, Malcı K, Anand M, Baluku E, Webb C, Liang L, Barba-Ostria C, Guaman LP, Hui L, Rios-Solis L. High—throughput and automated screening for COVID-19. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:969203. [PMID: 36188187 PMCID: PMC9521367 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.969203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global challenge for the healthcare systems of many countries with 6 million people having lost their lives and 530 million more having tested positive for the virus. Robust testing and a comprehensive track and trace process for positive patients are essential for effective pandemic control, leading to high demand for diagnostic testing. In order to comply with demand and increase testing capacity worldwide, automated workflows have come into prominence as they enable high-throughput screening, faster processing, exclusion of human error, repeatability, reproducibility and diagnostic precision. The gold standard for COVID-19 testing so far has been RT-qPCR, however, different SARS-CoV-2 testing methods have been developed to be combined with high throughput testing to improve diagnosis. Case studies in China, Spain and the United Kingdom have been reviewed and automation has been proven to be promising for mass testing. Free and Open Source scientific and medical Hardware (FOSH) plays a vital role in this matter but there are some challenges to be overcome before automation can be fully implemented. This review discusses the importance of automated high-throughput testing, the different equipment available, the bottlenecks of its implementation and key selected case studies that due to their high effectiveness are already in use in hospitals and research centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Jonguitud-Borrego
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Koray Malcı
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mihir Anand
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Varanasi, India
| | - Erikan Baluku
- School of Bio-Security, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Calum Webb
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lungang Liang
- BGI Clinical Laboratories, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- Escuela de Medicina, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Linda P. Guaman
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Liu Hui
- BGI Clinical Laboratories, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Leonardo Rios-Solis
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Leonardo Rios-Solis
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31
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Romantseva E, Alperovich N, Ross D, Lund SP, Strychalski EA. Effects of DNA template preparation on variability in cell-free protein production. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2022; 7:ysac015. [PMID: 36046152 PMCID: PMC9425043 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA templates for protein production remain an unexplored source of variability in the performance of cell-free expression (CFE) systems. To characterize this variability, we investigated the effects of two common DNA extraction methodologies, a postprocessing step and manual versus automated preparation on protein production using CFE. We assess the concentration of the DNA template, the quality of the DNA template in terms of physical damage and the quality of the DNA solution in terms of purity resulting from eight DNA preparation workflows. We measure the variance in protein titer and rate of protein production in CFE reactions associated with the biological replicate of the DNA template, the technical replicate DNA solution prepared with the same workflow and the measurement replicate of nominally identical CFE reactions. We offer practical guidance for preparing and characterizing DNA templates to achieve acceptable variability in CFE performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Alperovich
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD USA
| | - David Ross
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD USA
| | - Steven P Lund
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD USA
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32
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Open-source personal pipetting robots with live-cell incubation and microscopy compatibility. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2999. [PMID: 35637179 PMCID: PMC9151679 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30643-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractLiquid handling robots have the potential to automate many procedures in life sciences. However, they are not in widespread use in academic settings, where funding, space and maintenance specialists are usually limiting. In addition, current robots require lengthy programming by specialists and are incompatible with most academic laboratories with constantly changing small-scale projects. Here, we present the Pipetting Helper Imaging Lid (PHIL), an inexpensive, small, open-source personal liquid handling robot. It is designed for inexperienced users, with self-production from cheap commercial and 3D-printable components and custom control software. PHIL successfully automates pipetting (incl. aspiration) for e.g. tissue immunostainings and stimulations of live stem and progenitor cells during time-lapse microscopy using 3D printed peristaltic pumps. PHIL is cheap enough to put a personal pipetting robot within the reach of most labs and enables users without programming skills to easily automate a large range of experiments.
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Kaspersetz L, Waldburger S, Schermeyer MT, Riedel SL, Groß S, Neubauer P, Cruz-Bournazou MN. Automated Bioprocess Feedback Operation in a High-Throughput Facility via the Integration of a Mobile Robotic Lab Assistant. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2022.812140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of biotechnological processes is challenging due to the diversity of process parameters. For efficient upstream development, parallel cultivation systems have proven to reduce costs and associated timelines successfully while offering excellent process control. However, the degree of automation of such small-scale systems is comparatively low, and necessary sample analysis requires manual steps. Although the subsequent analysis can be performed in a high-throughput manner, the integration of analytical devices remains challenging, especially when cultivation and analysis laboratories are spatially separated. Mobile robots offer a potential solution, but their implementation in research laboratories is not widely adopted. Our approach demonstrates the integration of a small-scale cultivation system into a liquid handling station for an automated cultivation and sample procedure. The samples are transported via a mobile robotic lab assistant and subsequently analyzed by a high-throughput analyzer. The process data are stored in a centralized database. The mobile robotic workflow guarantees a flexible solution for device integration and facilitates automation. Restrictions regarding spatial separation of devices are circumvented, enabling a modular platform throughout different laboratories. The presented cultivation platform is evaluated on the basis of industrially relevant E. coli BW25113 high cell density fed-batch cultivation. The necessary magnesium addition for reaching high cell densities in mineral salt medium is automated via a feedback operation loop between the analysis station located in the adjacent room and the cultivation system. The modular design demonstrates new opportunities for advanced control options and the suitability of the platform for accelerating bioprocess development. This study lays the foundation for a fully integrated facility, where the physical connection of laboratory equipment is achieved through the successful use of a mobile robotic lab assistant, and different cultivation scales can be coupled through the common data infrastructure.
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Oeller M, Sormanni P, Vendruscolo M. An open-source automated PEG precipitation assay to measure the relative solubility of proteins with low material requirement. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21932. [PMID: 34753962 PMCID: PMC8578320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01126-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The solubility of proteins correlates with a variety of their properties, including function, production yield, pharmacokinetics, and formulation at high concentrations. High solubility is therefore a key requirement for the development of protein-based reagents for applications in life sciences, biotechnology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Accurate solubility measurements, however, remain challenging and resource intensive, which limits their throughput and hence their applicability at the early stages of development pipelines, when long-lists of candidates are typically available in minute amounts. Here, we present an automated method based on the titration of a crowding agent (polyethylene glycol, PEG) to quantitatively assess relative solubility of proteins using about 200 µg of purified material. Our results demonstrate that this method is accurate and economical in material requirement and costs of reagents, which makes it suitable for high-throughput screening. This approach is freely-shared and based on a low cost, open-source liquid-handling robot. We anticipate that this method will facilitate the assessment of the developability of proteins and make it substantially more accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Oeller
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Zaggl MA, Pottbäcker J. Facilitators and inhibitors for integrating expertise diversity in innovation teams: The case of plasmid exchange in molecular biology. RESEARCH POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2021.104313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Pun S, Haney LC, Barrile R. Modelling Human Physiology on-Chip: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:1250. [PMID: 34683301 PMCID: PMC8540847 DOI: 10.3390/mi12101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
For centuries, animal experiments have contributed much to our understanding of mechanisms of human disease, but their value in predicting the effectiveness of drug treatments in the clinic has remained controversial. Animal models, including genetically modified ones and experimentally induced pathologies, often do not accurately reflect disease in humans, and therefore do not predict with sufficient certainty what will happen in humans. Organ-on-chip (OOC) technology and bioengineered tissues have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional animal testing for a wide range of applications in biological defence, drug discovery and development, and precision medicine, offering a potential alternative. Recent technological breakthroughs in stem cell and organoid biology, OOC technology, and 3D bioprinting have all contributed to a tremendous progress in our ability to design, assemble and manufacture living organ biomimetic systems that more accurately reflect the structural and functional characteristics of human tissue in vitro, and enable improved predictions of human responses to drugs and environmental stimuli. Here, we provide a historical perspective on the evolution of the field of bioengineering, focusing on the most salient milestones that enabled control of internal and external cell microenvironment. We introduce the concepts of OOCs and Microphysiological systems (MPSs), review various chip designs and microfabrication methods used to construct OOCs, focusing on blood-brain barrier as an example, and discuss existing challenges and limitations. Finally, we provide an overview on emerging strategies for 3D bioprinting of MPSs and comment on the potential role of these devices in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirjana Pun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (S.P.); (L.C.H.)
| | - Li Cai Haney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (S.P.); (L.C.H.)
| | - Riccardo Barrile
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (S.P.); (L.C.H.)
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
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Ng RN, Grey LJ, Vaitekenas A, McLean SA, Rudrum JD, Laucirica DR, Poh MWP, Hillas J, Winslow SG, Iszatt JJ, Iosifidis T, Tai AS, Agudelo-Romero P, Chang BJ, Stick SM, Kicic A. Development and validation of a miniaturized bacteriophage host range screening assay against antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 190:106346. [PMID: 34637818 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a current global health crisis, and the increasing emergence of multidrug resistant infections has led to the resurgent interest in bacteriophages as an alternative treatment. Prior to clinical application, phage suitability is assessed, via susceptibility testing and breadth of host range to bacteriophage, however, these are both large-scale manual processes and labor-intensive. The aim of the study was to establish and validate a scaled down methodology for high-throughput screening to reduce procedural footprint. In this paper, we describe a scaled-down adapted methodology that can successfully screen bacteriophages, isolated and purified from wastewater samples. Furthermore, we describe a miniaturized host range assay against clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates using a spot test (2 μL/ drop) that was found to be both sensitive (94.6%) and specific (94.7%). It also demonstrated a positive predictive value (PPV) of 86.4% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98%. The breadth of host range of bacteriophages that exhibited lytic activity on P. aeruginosa isolates was corroborated using the scaled down assay. The high correlation achieved in this study confirms miniaturization as the first step in future automation that could test phage diversity and efficacy as antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Nicole Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lucinda Jane Grey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Vaitekenas
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Samantha Abagail McLean
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jack Dylan Rudrum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Daniel Rodolfo Laucirica
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew Wee-Peng Poh
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica Hillas
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Scott Glenn Winslow
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Joshua James Iszatt
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas Iosifidis
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anna Sze Tai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Institute for Respiratory Health, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patricia Agudelo-Romero
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara Jane Chang
- The Marshall Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen Michael Stick
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony Kicic
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Center, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Suchan T, Kusliy MA, Khan N, Chauvey L, Tonasso-Calvière L, Schiavinato S, Southon J, Keller M, Kitagawa K, Krause J, Bessudnov AN, Bessudnov AA, Graphodatsky AS, Valenzuela-Lamas S, Wilczyński J, Pospuła S, Tunia K, Nowak M, Moskal-delHoyo M, Tishkin AA, Pryor AJE, Outram AK, Orlando L. Performance and automation of ancient DNA capture with RNA hyRAD probes. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 22:891-907. [PMID: 34582623 PMCID: PMC9291508 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
DNA hybridization-capture techniques allow researchers to focus their sequencing efforts on preselected genomic regions. This feature is especially useful when analysing ancient DNA (aDNA) extracts, which are often dominated by exogenous environmental sources. Here, we assessed, for the first time, the performance of hyRAD as an inexpensive and design-free alternative to commercial capture protocols to obtain authentic aDNA data from osseous remains. HyRAD relies on double enzymatic restriction of fresh DNA extracts to produce RNA probes that cover only a fraction of the genome and can serve as baits for capturing homologous fragments from aDNA libraries. We found that this approach could retrieve sequence data from horse remains coming from a range of preservation environments, including beyond radiocarbon range, yielding up to 146.5-fold on-target enrichment for aDNA extracts showing extremely low endogenous content (<1%). Performance was, however, more limited for those samples already characterized by good DNA preservation (>20%-30%), while the fraction of endogenous reads mapping on- and off-target was relatively insensitive to the original endogenous DNA content. Procedures based on two instead of a single round of capture increased on-target coverage up to 3.6-fold. Additionally, we used methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes to produce probes targeting hypomethylated regions, which improved data quality by reducing post-mortem DNA damage and mapping within multicopy regions. Finally, we developed a fully automated hyRAD protocol utilizing inexpensive robotic platforms to facilitate capture processing. Overall, our work establishes hyRAD as a cost-effective strategy to recover a set of shared orthologous variants across multiple ancient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Suchan
- Centre d'Anthropobiologie et de Génomique de Toulouse (CAGT), Université Paul Sabatier, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Mariya A Kusliy
- Centre d'Anthropobiologie et de Génomique de Toulouse (CAGT), Université Paul Sabatier, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, Toulouse, France.,Department of the Diversity and Evolution of Genomes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Naveed Khan
- Centre d'Anthropobiologie et de Génomique de Toulouse (CAGT), Université Paul Sabatier, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, Toulouse, France.,Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Loreleï Chauvey
- Centre d'Anthropobiologie et de Génomique de Toulouse (CAGT), Université Paul Sabatier, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Laure Tonasso-Calvière
- Centre d'Anthropobiologie et de Génomique de Toulouse (CAGT), Université Paul Sabatier, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Stéphanie Schiavinato
- Centre d'Anthropobiologie et de Génomique de Toulouse (CAGT), Université Paul Sabatier, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - John Southon
- Earth System Science Department, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Marcel Keller
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Keiko Kitagawa
- SFB 1070 ResourceCultures, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Krause
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Alexander A Bessudnov
- Institute for the History of Material Culture, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander S Graphodatsky
- Department of the Diversity and Evolution of Genomes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Silvia Valenzuela-Lamas
- Institución Milà i Fontanals de Humanidades, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IMF-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jarosław Wilczyński
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Sylwia Pospuła
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tunia
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marek Nowak
- Institute of Archaeology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Alexey A Tishkin
- Department of Archaeology, Ethnography and Museology, Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia
| | | | - Alan K Outram
- Department of Archaeology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ludovic Orlando
- Centre d'Anthropobiologie et de Génomique de Toulouse (CAGT), Université Paul Sabatier, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, Toulouse, France
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Raj K, Venayak N, Diep P, Golla SA, Yakunin AF, Mahadevan R. Automation assisted anaerobic phenotyping for metabolic engineering. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:184. [PMID: 34556155 PMCID: PMC8461876 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01675-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microorganisms can be metabolically engineered to produce a wide range of commercially important chemicals. Advancements in computational strategies for strain design and synthetic biological techniques to construct the designed strains have facilitated the generation of large libraries of potential candidates for chemical production. Consequently, there is a need for high-throughput laboratory scale techniques to characterize and screen these candidates to select strains for further investigation in large scale fermentation processes. Several small-scale fermentation techniques, in conjunction with laboratory automation have enhanced the throughput of enzyme and strain phenotyping experiments. However, such high throughput experimentation typically entails large operational costs and generate massive amounts of laboratory plastic waste. RESULTS In this work, we develop an eco-friendly automation workflow that effectively calibrates and decontaminates fixed-tip liquid handling systems to reduce tip waste. We also investigate inexpensive methods to establish anaerobic conditions in microplates for high-throughput anaerobic phenotyping. To validate our phenotyping platform, we perform two case studies-an anaerobic enzyme screen, and a microbial phenotypic screen. We used our automation platform to investigate conditions under which several strains of E. coli exhibit the same phenotypes in 0.5 L bioreactors and in our scaled-down fermentation platform. We also propose the use of dimensionality reduction through t-distributed stochastic neighbours embedding (t-SNE) in conjunction with our phenotyping platform to effectively cluster similarly performing strains at the bioreactor scale. CONCLUSIONS Fixed-tip liquid handling systems can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated in biological laboratories and our decontamination and calibration protocols could facilitate the widespread adoption of such systems. Further, the use of t-SNE in conjunction with our automation platform could serve as an effective scale-down model for bioreactor fermentations. Finally, by integrating an in-house data-analysis pipeline, we were able to accelerate the 'test' phase of the design-build-test-learn cycle of metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Raj
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - Naveen Venayak
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - Patrick Diep
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - Sai Akhil Golla
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - Alexander F. Yakunin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E5 Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2DG UK
| | - Radhakrishnan Mahadevan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E5 Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3G9 Canada
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Microfluidic Systems for Isolation of Spermatozoa from Testicular Specimens of Non-Obstructive Azoospermic Men: Does/Can It Improve Sperm Yield? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163667. [PMID: 34441963 PMCID: PMC8397192 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has allowed reproduction options through assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for men with no spermatozoa within the ejaculate (azoospermia). In men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), the options for spermatozoa retrieval are testicular sperm extraction (TESE), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), or micro-surgical sperm extraction (microTESE). At the initial time of spermatozoa removal from the testis, spermatozoa are immobile. Independent of the means of spermatozoa retrieval, the subsequent steps of removing spermatozoa from seminiferous tubules, determining spermatozoa viability, identifying enough spermatozoa for oocyte injections, and isolating viable spermatozoa for injection are currently performed manually by laboratory microscopic dissection and collection. These laboratory techniques are highly labor-intensive, with yield unknown, have an unpredictable efficiency and/or success rate, and are subject to inter-laboratory personnel and intra-laboratory variability. Here, we consider the potential utility, benefits, and shortcomings of developing technologies such as motility induction/stimulants, microfluidics, dielectrophoresis, and cell sorting as andrological laboratory add-ons to reduce the technical burdens and variabilities in viable spermatozoa isolation from testicular samples in men with NOA.
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Wasalathanthri DP, Shah R, Ding J, Leone A, Li ZJ. Process analytics 4.0: A paradigm shift in rapid analytics for biologics development. Biotechnol Prog 2021; 37:e3177. [PMID: 34036755 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Analytical testing of product quality attributes and process parameters during the biologics development (Process analytics) has been challenging due to the rapid growth of biomolecules with complex modalities to support unmet therapeutic needs. Thus, the expansion of the process analytics tool box for rapid analytics with the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and cyber-physical systems is a necessity. We introduce the term, Process Analytics 4.0; which entails not only technology aspects such as process analytical technology (PAT), assay automation, and high-throughput analytics, but also cyber-physical systems that enable data management, visualization, augmented reality, and internet of things (IoT) infrastructure for real time analytics in process development environment. This review is exclusively focused on dissecting high-level features of PAT, automation, and data management with some insights into the business aspects of implementing during process analytical testing in biologics process development. Significant technological and business advantages can be gained with the implementation of digitalization, automation, and real time testing. A systematic development and employment of PAT in process development workflows enable real time analytics for better process understanding, agility, and sustainability. Robotics and liquid handling workstations allow rapid assay and sample preparation automation to facilitate high-throughput testing of attributes and molecular properties which are otherwise challenging to monitor with PAT tools due to technological and business constraints. Cyber-physical systems for data management, visualization, and repository must be established as part of Process Analytics 4.0 framework. Furthermore, we review some of the challenges in implementing these technologies based on our expertise in process analytics for biopharmaceutical drug substance development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruchir Shah
- Global Process Development Analytics, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Ding
- Global Process Development Analytics, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony Leone
- Global Process Development Analytics, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Analytical Development & Attribute Sciences, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
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Automating Laboratory Processes by Connecting Biotech and Robotic Devices—An Overview of the Current Challenges, Existing Solutions and Ongoing Developments. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9060966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The constantly growing interest and range of applications of advanced cell, gene and regenerative therapies raise the need for efficient production of biological material and novel treatment technologies. Many of the production and manipulation processes of such materials are still manual and, therefore, need to be transferred to a fully automated execution. Developers of such systems face several challenges, one of which is mechanical and communication interfaces in biotechnological devices. In the present state, many devices are still designed for manual use and rarely provide a connection to external software for receiving commands and sending data. However, a trend towards automation on the device market is clearly visible, and the communication protocol, Open Platform Communications Data Access (OPC DA), seems to become established as a standard in biotech devices. A rising number of vendors offer software for device control and automated processing, some of which even allow the integration of devices from multiple manufacturers. The high, application-specific need in functionalities, flexibility and adaptivity makes it difficult to find the best solution and, in many cases, leads to the creation of new custom-designed software. This report shall give an overview of existing technologies, devices and software for laboratory automation of biotechnological processes. Furthermore, it presents an outlook for possible future developments and standardizations.
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