Screening


ments that could increase the functionality and flexibility of the system. HighRes’ docking tech- nology allows redundant instruments to remain off-line until they are needed, at which point they can be hot-swapped with failed devices. Lastly, HighRes has also developed powerful software error-handling routines so that when instruments do fail, the user has the greatest chance of recover- ing as much of the run as possible (Figure 15).


Figure 16


HTS sample preparation and analysis system from paa


(reproduced with kind permission of PTC Therapeutics)


an entire run. To achieve redundancy, several


instances of a given component can be on a system at once. Although effective, this uses valuable robot real estate at the expense of other instru-


Experience at paa (www.paa.co.uk) has shown that there are a number of causes of unreliability in HTS workcells. The first is equipment reliability within the workcell. Careful selection of instru- mentation for reliability as well as functionality is critical. The ability to trap common functional errors and instigating remedial actions, before reporting the error can improve system reliability. Non-standard SBS microplates and lids can cause unexpected errors. Nominally all the same size, batches of plates can vary. Errors are reduced by the use of careful robot teaching and compliance locators (plate nests) in the work area. Robot accu- racy and gripper design is crucial for system relia- bility. Using 3D modelling and software simulation packages, paa’s systems are designed to reduce plate placement and transportation failures. By system simulation, it is able to determine plate cycle time and identify potential sources of failure before the system is constructed. By incorporating factory automation methodologies, such as using industrial components and using failure mode analysis, our systems are built to react to both environmental changes and instrument failures. The workcell control systems also anticipate and provide warnings of upcoming issues which demand user intervention, such as levels of liquids and consumables. All errors can be fed back to the user via email and paa has implemented workcell panelling that changes colour to indicate system health. Our aim is to keep users advised of system status and attempt to recover from an error before it becomes fatal (Figure 16).


Figure 17: PerkinElmer’s cell::explorer™ system 70


In labs from industry to academia, researchers are actively increasing their number of applications and seek the latest proven technologies to improve per- formance and productivity, while concurrently reducing costs and streamlining their research. To that end, high throughput screening (HTS) system reliability is critical as they must enable a broad range of applications without compromising per- formance or accuracy. PerkinElmer’s (www.perkin- elmer.com) cell::explorer™ and plate::explorer™ systems strongly focus on a proper and intelligent


Drug Discovery World Winter 2010/11


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