The new STARplus has been developed with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in mind with potential applications in disease treatment and drug screening in cell models and human cells. The system allows a made-to-measure integration solution without forgoing the advantages of an enclosed total system.
Its adaptability is its main advantage, allowing the STARplus workstation to be configured to the requirements of the user. This includes the integration of readers, thermocyclers, centrifuges and other devices on or under the deck of the instrument.
A feature of the STAR product line is its scalability. The compact STARlet workstation can be converted on site to a STARplus by means of an extension module doubling deck capacity. The scalability allows a compact workstation to form an initial automation platform. As needs and requirements change, the system can be extended with pipetting and plate transport module add-ons.
Up to 16 independent pipetting channels, a 96-probe head and an integrated robotic arm for plate transport can be fitted on one or two parallel working arms, depending on preference.
Speaking at the worldwide product launch at London's Lab Automation Europe show, Dr Jorg Pochert, head of pharma and biotech at Hamilton Life science told DrugResearcher.com: "In the STARplus system, we are meeting a trend currently seen in the market to provide complete assay workstations at a competitive price."
"The new STARplus integrates processes such as centrifuge and incubation in one contained system."
The pipetting technology of STARplus is based on the innovative, liquid-free air displacement principle common to the STAR product line, which allows for high reproducibility and process safety.
Pochert stressed the superiority of Hamilton's machine adding: "Technology wise this is a first for its sector. The system requires no tubing, no liquid filer systems and no syringes. This all contributes to cutting down on cost."
Pressure monitoring of pipetting steps is a safety feature unique to a machine of this kind. Contamination can be excluded if the liquid-free pipetting channels are combined with disposable tips. The positional accuracy of the STARplus channels means that microlitre plates in formats up to 1536 wells can be pipetted.
Liquid handling automation equipment is currently one of the most popular and competitive markets in the industry today with big players such as Tecan, Beckman Coulter and Perkin Elmer all having liquid handling automation systems on the market. They all offer a full range of liquid handling solutions, meeting throughput requirements of low, medium and high throughput customers. The buoyancy of this market has seen it grow into a $670 million (€558m) industry.
Since the STARline product was launched at the end of 1999, Hamilton Life Science has enjoyed a period of extraordinary growth in the market which has seen the company grow at a rate of 40 per cent a year.
The STARplus system is available now with prices ranging from €50 000 - €250 000 depending on configuration.