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

总结 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。 一系列人类疾病的治疗策略。西北大学的高吞吐量分析 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过程的各种项目。 这些包括基于细胞的化合物文库筛选，以鉴定调节重要生物学活性的试剂。 基因功能的大规模分析和器官型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含量筛选系统， 自动孵化器该系统已经能够在高通量活细胞测定中进行步行式图像采集。 该工厂目前的Catalyst Express机械臂已经使用了13年以上，不再由Thermo生产。 近年来，该仪器的维修费用越来越高，而且越来越耗时。即将 不再制造或不再可用的部件的故障将对系统造成不可挽回的损害。当务之急是 目前的制度将被取代。收购一个新的精密自动化机械臂， 绿色按钮运行调度软件不仅将确保继续支持目前NIH资助的 研究项目，但它也将大大提高系统的能力，包括与一个 现有的液体处理仪器。绿色按钮Go机器人系统提供了更多的功能 与竞争对手的平台相比， NU-HTA是西北大学临床前翻译生态系统的关键要素， 生命过程化学研究所。NU-HTA与其他CLP核心设施协同增效，包括医药 化学能力、体内和体外成像、生物制剂生产、蛋白质组学、元素图谱，以及 临床前体内测试，为治疗、诊断和生物标志物开发提供无缝管道。 为了表彰NU-HTA为西北研究人员提供的宝贵服务，该大学提供 向核心基金提供了120 000多美元的补贴，以支持不允许的费用，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。具体到这份提案， 大学内的各个单位已承诺在项目期的头三年每年提供1,500美元， 支持人员花费在系统安装、培训和营销上的时间。收购绿色按钮 Go机器人系统将刺激癌症，生殖疾病， 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.