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

摘要 这项建议的长期目标是刺激将基本科学发现转化为新的治疗方法 应对广泛的人类苦难的战略。西北大学的高吞吐量分析 实验室(NU-HTA)是一个成熟的共享资源设施，支持开发和执行 利用大规模并行实验或高度受控的自动化过程的不同项目。 这些措施包括基于细胞的化合物文库筛选，以确定调节重要生物学行为的试剂 过程，基因功能的大规模分析，以及器官型3D细胞培养模型。NU-HTA的套装 分析仪器包括与平板搬运机械臂集成的高含量筛选系统和 自动孵化器。该系统已在高通量活细胞分析中实现了Way Away图像采集。 该工厂目前的Catalyst Express机械臂已有13年以上的历史，不再由Thermo制造。 近年来，该仪器的维修费用越来越高，也越来越耗时。迫在眉睫 不再生产或供应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 当前的系统将被替换。一种新型精密自动化机械臂的收购 Green Button Go调度软件不仅将确保继续支持目前由NIH资助的 研究项目，但它也将显著增强系统的能力，包括与 现有的液体处理仪。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，更易于使用。 NU-HTA是西北大学临床前翻译生态系统的关键要素，由 生命过程化学研究所。NU-HTA与中电的其他核心设施协同工作，包括医疗 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，以及 临床前体内测试，为治疗、诊断和生物标记物的开发提供无缝管道。 为表彰NU-HTA为西北大学研究人员提供的宝贵服务，该大学为 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使用率。这所大学 还提供业务和财务管理团队及基础设施方面的支持。具体到这项提议， 大学内的各个单位在项目期的头三年每年认捐1500美元，以 支持人员花费在系统安装、培训和营销上的时间。收购Green Button 围棋机器人系统将刺激癌症、生殖障碍、 神经紊乱和心血管疾病。

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.