Automated liquid handling workstation

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Modern mass spectrometers are responsible for the extraordinary technical progress that makes it possible to perform large-scale proteomics projects to investigate complex medical and biological samples. During the last few years, the Excellence cluster Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) in Cologne has established a state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facility. The CECAD proteomics and lipidomics facilities operate eight high-resolution MS instruments. The established setup allows us to run short liquid chromatography (LC) gradients which significantly increase the throughput. In addition, the establishment of these short-LC-MS gradients allows us to perform experiments with high numbers of samples, including (i) complexome analysis of blue native gels and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of protein complexes (ii) analysis of protein-protein interaction networks by multiple co-immune precipitation (iii) time-resolved mapping of protein phosphorylation and other PTMs and (iv) clinical proteomics samples. Manual processing of the corresponding sample numbers is laborious, personnel-intensive and error-prone. A robust and modern robotic system is mandatory to cope with the increasing demand for measurements within CECAD. Thus, to exploit the full potential of rapid LC-MS screening and large-scale proteomics, sample preparation including protein digestion, diverse affinity enrichment and cleaning protocols must be transferred to a fully automated robotic platform. Here, we apply for a liquid handling robot facilitating automated LC-MS sample preparation in proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics research. The requested instrument will be operated in a multi user environment und will tolerate parallel implementation of multiple protocols needed to support the proposed research projects. A main criterion for the selection of the device is a fast and efficient change between the implemented methods. This change should take place without laborious changes in the construction of the robot. Furthermore, with the exception of disposal tips, applications should not depend on proprietary kits which significantly increase the cost of sample preparation. Processing speed and capacity shall be matched to the throughput of LC-MS systems in the facilities. The preferred instrument should be flexible to accommodate different applications for proteomics and lipidomics workflows. Furthermore, the instrument should be able to implement a wide range of accessories and assay setup options for future method development. Therefore, a modular design of the robot and a deck with large capacity for multiple plates and applications will be mandatory to automate the intended protocols. Overall, the robotic platform will be mandatory for robust and accurate large-scale proteomics and lipidomics projects. Such a sample preparation system is not yet available at the Cologne campus.