Automation
16 Instrument. The low elution volume is used to generate concentrated high-quality RNA suitable for use in downstream applications such as quanti- tative RT-PCR. All reagents and consumables, including DNase and all plastics, are included in the kit. For quantitation of nucleic acids, the QuantiFluor™ ST is an affordable, sensitive fluo- rometer, designed for quick, easy and accurate flu- orescence measurements. Single-point calibration saves time, and a dual-channel design (UV and Blue) allows you to switch between two assays with the touch of a button. For use with the QuantiFluor ST, is the QuantiFluor™ dsDNA System, which contains a fluorescent DNA-binding dye for sensitive quantitation of small amounts of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in solution. The dye shows minimal binding to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and RNA, allowing specific quanti- tation of dsDNA (Figure 22).
Qiagen (
www.qiagen.com) provides a number of benchtop instruments that can automate each step of the life science or molecular testing workflow, from the preparation of the sample through detec- tion and analysis. Automation eliminates handling errors – such as preparing the sample or pipetting a PCR reaction – and frees up time for the researcher to complete other tasks. Sample prepa- ration involves the isolation of proteins and nucle- ic acids, which can be automated with the QIAcube for up to 12 samples based on spin col- umn technology and with access to more than 100 protocols that are expanded on a continuous basis. The QIAxtractor is suitable for larger throughputs and processes 96 samples in one run. The setup of the PCR reaction can be automated with the QIAgility, a compact instrument that eliminates manual pipetting steps for a wide range of formats, including assays with the Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR cycler. Both research and molec- ular testing laboratories are also gaining more interest in the lean concept and in integrating whole workflows. The QIAsymphony RGQ, a larger benchtop instrument, facilitates this by automating sample preparation through to detec- tion without any user intervention for up to 96 samples per run for a variety of sample types and applications. Detection by electrophoresis also can be fully automated with the QIAxcel Advanced, a benchtop instrument that was recently launched and includes new software for the system setup and data analysis. DNA fragment analysis of 12 samples can be performed by capillary elec- trophoresis in as little as three minutes. Ready-to- run gel cartridges allow 96 samples to be analysed
Drug Discovery World Winter 2011/12
with a minimum of hands-on interaction, reducing manual handling errors and eliminating the need for tedious gel preparation (Figure 23).
Roboline is a personal workstation from Satorius Biohit (
www.biohit.com) and a perfect solution to automate your pipetting work. It frees your hands from pipetting so that you can concentrate on other laboratory tasks. Roboline answers to higher demand in the laboratory for sophistication and efficiency. Roboline is a quiet, small footprint (4+2 trays), truly personal and approachable pipetting automate. It completely automates your pipetting work; whether cherry picking, reagent aliquoting, viral studies, dilution series or something else. The
Figure 22
With the automated Maxwell® 16 System from Promega, you can extract DNA, RNA or protein from up to 16 samples in less than 45 minutes
Figure 23: The QIAcube from QIAGEN automates the isolation of proteins and nucleic acids based on spin column technology
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