Thermo unveils lab automation systems
unveil a number of new products, including a new spectral scanner
that can handle all wavelengths, without needing filters, and has
an integrated dispenser for reagents.
The Varioskan reader, exhibited for the first time in Europe at the LAE after a debut at MIPTEC in the US in July, is an advance over other scanners on the market as it allows researchers to carry out studies that would ordinarily require systems costing two to three times as much.
Because it has an integrated dispenser, the system can perform reading immediately after reagents are added, making it suitable for very fast reactions that can occur in nanoseconds. But this also means that it can take readings at several time points after the reagent is added, and so can explore the kinetics of reactions.
This features means that it is now possible to conduct more complex studies, such as monitoring calcium influx in ion channel experiments and enzyme kinetics, according to Hikko Sarapisto, director of product marketing for Thermo's microplate instrumentation business.
Previously, this sort of real time kinetic data could be achieved only with a more pricey system, for example Molecular Devices' FLIPR range, but these cost two to three times the $40,000 (€) price tag of the Varioskan, Sarapisto told LabTechnologist.com.
There are also cost savings to be had with the unit, she said. Because it can read any wavelength there is no need to incorporate filters into the unit. With other spectral scanners, users are forced to buy filters - which have a limited lifespan - and go through the process of optimising the scanner after they are installed.
Assays requiring measurement at low UV to visible wavelength can be performed due to the Varioskan's wide spectral range. Low UV area photometry with an optical pathlength correction function is excellent for direct measurement of DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations, as well as nucleic acid purity testing. UV fluorometry based on tryptophan fluorescence is a useful tool in protein ligand binding assays.
The Varioskan is targeted for use in pharmaceutical and biotech research, assay development, and secondary screening and has already undergone extensive beta testing at Johnson & Johnson and various academic facilities in Finland, and systems have already been sold to Novartis, Roche and the Max Planck Institute in Germany, said Sarapisto.
Also exhibited for the first time in Europe is the RapidStak, a new microplate handling system designed to be combined with Thermo's Multidrop Micro low volume reagent dispenser for high throughput dispensing in pharmaceutical and biotech laboratories, as well as its WellWash microplate washer.
This combined offering will enable scientists to automate and speed up plate filling with precise dispensing at volumes down to 1 microlitre. Using the system a 384-well plate can be filled in only 14 seconds with 2 microlitres in each well, which will help miniaturise assays and lead to reagent cost savings, according to the company.
Thermo's European sales manager for the laboratory automation and integration business unit, Neil Bason, told LabTechnologist.com that the product has a small (5 per cent) speed advantage over its nearest rival, made by Titertek, and can handle around 300 plates/hour, holding up to 200 plates. It can have either two or four stack units, compatible with 30 or 50-plate stacks.
At the moment the product as a shuttle arm that delivers plates to one side of the unit, delivering and stacking plate simultaneously, but early next year a new version will be produced which will shuttle across both sides. This will allow the unit to move plates from the dispenser right through to a reader, without swapping stacks, said Bason.
The primary applications will be dispensing cells, buffers or reagents, cloning plates and other liquid handling procedures in the lab, he said, adding that it will cost around €25,000 per unit.
Once the expanded shuttle range is in place, the RapidStak will be unique in the market at its pricing point, he noted. While this capability is already available on Thermo's more expensive systems, these come with heftier price tags, in the €90,000 to €350,000 range, depending on the model and associated instrumentation.
Another feature of the RapidStak is a standard RS232 interface, which allows customers to write their own drivers for the unit and integrate it into their own lab automation set-up.
Bason said that Thermo is on track to build and sell 20 RapidStak units by the end of the year, and is planning to make 200 in 2005. The customers are mainly pharmaceutical companies, although some are being purchased by research organisations.
