23 Proteomics, Genomics & Microarrays Automated liquid handling accelerates SLC drug discovery


Biotech start-up Solgate, based in Klosterneuburg, Austria, is advancing drug discovery targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters by harnessing Integra Biosciences’ automated liquid handling technology. SLC transporters, a critical yet underexplored group of membrane proteins, regulate the movement of nutrients, ions, metabolites, and signalling molecules across cell membranes and are implicated in diseases such as metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and immune dysfunction.


Solgate focuses on developing high-throughput screening assays to identify small molecules that modulate SLC activity, aiming to progress these candidates into effective therapeutics. To enhance efficiency and reliability, the company has integrated ASSIST PLUS automated pipetting workstations and VIAFLO electronic pipettes into its workflows.


“Handling hundreds of plates across multiple drug discovery pipelines poses challenges for maintaining reproducibility,” said Georgi Dimchev, Senior Scientist at Solgate. “Manual pipetting can introduce variability, so automating liquid handling is key to ensuring consistent, reliable results.”


Regularly repeated experiments particularly benefit from automation, which delivers precise reagent dispensing and gentle handling of sensitive cell cultures, preserving data integrity. Research Associate Ivana Rinklake highlighted the value of Integra’s systems: “ASSIST PLUS and VIAFLO provide the scalability and accuracy we need. Whether you’re a start-up or a larger research lab, these tools help accelerate scientific progress and have been essential in establishing a robust, scalable screening platform.”


By integrating Integra’s automated solutions, Solgate is well-positioned to fast-track the discovery and development of novel SLC-targeting therapies. More information online: ilmt.co/PL/LwMO


64789pr@reply-direct.com Ready-to-use DUB assay kits for targeted enzyme analysis


AMSBIO has introduced a new series of Deubiquitinating (DUB) enzyme assay kits that streamline the analysis of DUB activity in both purified systems and cell-based models. Supplied in a convenient 96-well plate format, these ready-to-use kits eliminate the need for substrate preparation - making them ideal for routine use in high-throughput screening and academic research.


Deubiquitinating enzymes are central regulators of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, controlling protein stability and function in key cellular pathways such as autophagy, DNA repair, immune signalling, and cell proliferation. With around 100 known DUBs involved in both normal physiology and disease mechanisms - including cancer, neurodegeneration, and inflammation - they represent promising targets for therapeutic intervention.


Each AMSBIO DUB assay kit uses a ubiquitin-based substrate labelled with a fluorophore, enabling sensitive and specific detection of enzyme activity via a microplate reader (excitation: 485 nm, emission: 535 nm). Kits are available for a variety of disease-relevant enzymes, including BAP1, USP7, and UCHL1, supporting precise profiling and inhibitor screening efforts.


Designed for both kinetic and endpoint analysis, these assay kits require minimal setup and deliver robust, reproducible results. Researchers in drug discovery, molecular biology, and cellular signalling can now accelerate their workflows while maintaining high data quality.


Applications include studies in tumour suppression, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, immune response regulation, and more. More information online: ilmt.co/PL/qVlb


64684pr@reply-direct.com Fast, automated plasmid DNA isolation for small-scale research


Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the Applied Biosystems™ MagMAX™ Pro HT NoSpin Plasmid MiniPrep Kit to meet the growing need for fast, automated plasmid DNA isolation. Designed for small-scale experiments, the kit enables researchers to quickly and affordably isolate high-quality plasmid DNA, essential for therapeutic research into infectious diseases, cancer, and genetic disorders.


The MagMAX Pro HT NoSpin Kit is among the fastest plasmid purification systems available. Using just 1 millilitre of fresh culture, it allows 96 minipreps to be completed in under 35 minutes - including setup - on a Thermo Scientific™ KingFisher™ instrument. Its automation-ready design supports effortless scaling from benchtop workflows to high-throughput operations.


This kit removes time-consuming manual steps such as cell pelleting and offline lysis, which usually require repetitive centrifugation or filtration, streamlining the purification process and increasing lab efficiency. It uses advanced magnetic bead technology and eco-friendly chemistry to reduce reagent waste and lower operational costs, making plasmid isolation accessible to more laboratories.


“Labs of all sizes need solutions that speed research and eliminate bottlenecks,” said Kevin Lowitz, VP of Sample Preparation at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “By automating plasmid purification and using minimal culture volumes, scientists can run more experiments efficiently, save time and resources, and accelerate their projects.”


For larger volume needs, Thermo Fisher offers the KingFisher™ PlasmidPro Maxi Processor, a fully automated system that processes 150 mL bacterial culture in 75 minutes to yield transfection- grade plasmid DNA with over 80% supercoiled form - without centrifugation or manual steps.


The MagMAX Pro HT NoSpin Kit suits biotech, pharma, CROs, CDMOs, and academic labs requiring high-quality plasmid DNA for early-stage therapeutic and vaccine research. It delivers up to 20 µg of high-copy plasmid DNA per 1 mL culture, compatible with sensitive cell lines and a wide range of downstream applications such as cloning, sequencing, and transfection.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/xolA 64801pr@reply-direct.com Expanded kit range enhances AAV vector characterisation


Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc has introduced Vericheck ddPCR™ Empty-Full Capsid Kits for adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes 2 and 8. These kits enable accurate quantification of capsid titre, genome titre, and the percentage of full capsids in both purified and unpurified samples, supporting reliable AAV vector characterisation.


Expanding on the existing kits for AAV5 and AAV9, the new additions increase coverage to approximately 70% of the AAV gene therapy market. AAV2, the most commonly used serotype in clinical trials, and AAV8, with its distinct tissue-targeting properties, allow for tailored gene therapy applications.


Powered by Bio-Rad’s Droplet Digital™ PCR technology, the Vericheck ddPCR kits deliver absolute quantification with minimal sample volume. Designed for use with crude lysate or purified AAV preparations, they provide robust, reproducible data to assess critical quality attributes (CQAs) in AAV vector production. The kits ensure consistent measurement across production workflows, aligning with regulatory guidelines to streamline gene therapy development.


“AAVs are highly effective gene therapy vectors due to their broad tropism and nonpathogenic nature,” said Steve Kulisch, Vice President of Product Management, Digital Biology Group, Bio-Rad Laboratories. “By expanding our Vericheck ddPCR Empty-Full Capsid Kit portfolio to include four key AAV serotypes, we offer researchers a cost-effective, precise, and accessible solution for AAV vector characterisation.”


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/plNj 64224pr@reply-direct.com


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