A robotic plate handling system for high content screening and 3D organoid culture

摘要 该提案的长期目标是促进基础科学发现转化为新的治疗方法 针对广泛的人类苦难的策略。西北大学的高通量分析 实验室 (NU-HTA) 是一个完善的共享资源设施，支持开发和执行 利用大规模并行实验或高度控制的自动化流程的各种项目。 其中包括基于细胞的化合物库筛选，以鉴定调节重要生物活性的药物。 过程、大规模基因功能分析和器官型 3D 细胞培养模型。 NU-HTA 的套件 分析仪器包括与板处理机械臂集成的高内涵筛选系统和 自动化孵化器。该系统能够在高通量活细胞检测中实现无人值守图像采集。 该设施当前的 Catalyst Express 机械臂已使用超过 13 年，不再由 Thermo 制造。 近年来，该仪器的维修费用越来越昂贵且耗时。迫在眉睫的 不再制造或不再可用的部件发生故障将对系统造成不可挽回的损害。当务之急是 现有系统被替换。收购集成了新型精密自动化机械臂 Green Button Go 调度软件不仅将确保对当前 NIH 资助的项目的持续支持 研究项目，但它也将显着增强系统的功能，包括与 现有的液体处理仪器。 Green Button Go 机器人系统提供了更多的功能 与竞争对手的平台相比，易于使用。 NU-HTA 是西北大学临床前翻译生态系统的重要组成部分，由 生命过程化学研究所。 NU-HTA 与其他 CLP 核心设施产生协同作用，包括医药设施 化学能力、体内和体外成像、生物制品生产、蛋白质组学、元素图谱和 临床前体内测试，为治疗、诊断和生物标志物开发提供无缝管道。 为了表彰 NU-HTA 为西北大学研究人员提供的宝贵服务，该大学提供 向核心提供超过 120,000 美元的补贴，以支持不允许的成本并保持较低的用户费率。大学 还提供支持运营和财务管理团队和基础设施。具体到这个提案， 大学内的各个单位已承诺在项目期间的前三年每年提供 1,500 美元 支持人员花在系统安装、培训和营销上的时间。获得绿色按钮 Go机器人系统将促进癌症、生殖障碍、 神经元疾病和心血管疾病。

SUMMARY The long-term objective of this proposal is to spur the translation of basic scientific discoveries to new therapeutic strategies for a broad range of human afflictions. Northwestern University’s High Throughput Analysis Laboratory (NU-HTA) is a well-established shared resource facility that supports development and execution of diverse projects that utilize either massively parallel experiments or highly controlled automated processes. These include cell-based screening of compound libraries to identify agents that modulate important biological processes, large-scale analysis of gene function, and organotypic 3D cell culture models. NU-HTA’s suite of analytical instruments includes a high-content screening system integrated with a plate handling robotic arm and automated incubator. The system has enabled walk away image acquisition on high throughput live cell assays. The facility’s current Catalyst Express robotic arm is over 13 years old and is no longer manufactured by Thermo. The instrument has incurred increasingly expensive and time-consuming repairs in recent years. The imminent failure of a part that is no longer manufactured or available will irreparably harm the system. It is imperative that the current system be replaced. The acquisition of a new Precise Automation robotic arm integrated with the Green Button Go scheduling software will not only ensure the continued support of current NIH-funded research projects but it will also significantly enhance the capabilities of the system, including integration with an existing liquid handling instrument. The Green Button Go robotic system offers significantly more functionality and ease of use compared to competitor’s platforms. NU-HTA is a critical element of Northwestern University’s preclinical translation ecosystem administered by the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute. NU-HTA synergizes with other CLP core facilities, including medicinal chemistry capabilities, in vivo and in vitro imaging, biologics production, proteomics, elemental mapping, and preclinical in vivo testing, to provide a seamless pipeline for therapeutic, diagnostic and biomarker development. In recognition of the valuable service NU-HTA provides to Northwestern investigators, the University provides over $120,000 in subsidies to the core to support unallowable costs and to keep user rates low. The University also provides supporting operational and fiscal management teams and infrastructure. Specific to this proposal, various units within the University have pledged $1,500 per year for the first three years of the project period to support staff time spent on installation, training, and marketing of the system. Acquisition of the Green Button Go robotic system will spur the development of new therapeutic strategies for cancer, reproductive disorders, neuronal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.