In every laboratory, the integrity of samples is extremely important. Our comPOUND automated sample management system has transformed the organization, storage, and retrieval methods of laboratory samples for about 25 years. By automating essential daily tasks, it provides researchers with an environment where they can focus on their core research with peace of mind. The longevity of this system is supported by our unique pneumatic (air-driven) technology. This technology minimizes the occurrence of issues in low-temperature environments caused by robots, ensuring stable operation in a consistent low-temperature setting. It reliably delivers samples to the necessary locations at the right times. This innovative system was first unveiled at the SBS conference held in Edinburgh in 1999 and has continuously evolved to meet the needs of research environments, maintaining its status as an industry standard.

SPT Labtech has officially been certified for the Illumina DNA Prep automation workflow using the firefly liquid handling platform and has been selected as an Illumina certified partner. The firefly features a compact design that combines high-precision pipetting with flexibility, achieving improved reproducibility and throughput. Its intuitive software and walkaway operation contribute to the efficiency of complex NGS workflows. This certification makes the implementation of Illumina DNA Prep automation using firefly more secure and easier. We will continue to support new applications through collaboration with Illumina.

3D cell culture has gained increasing attention in recent years as a method for studying cells in an environment that more accurately mimics the tissue structure in vivo. However, constructing 3D models requires scaffolds and matrices that support cell growth, and the dispensing of these materials poses challenges, leading to issues with reproducibility and efficiency. To address these challenges, PeptiMatrix Ltd. collaborated with SPT Labtech to evaluate the dispensing performance of PeptiMatrix hydrogel matrices using the dragonfly discovery liquid dispensing system. This study presents an integrated approach to achieving high-throughput, cost-effective, and reproducible 3D cell culture assays, and discusses how this can accelerate advancements in drug discovery and research.

Professor Matthew Gound of the University of Cambridge is advancing the development of chemical reactions that were previously impossible using traditional methods by utilizing high-throughput experimentation (HTE). HTE allows for the parallel execution of a large number of reactions, enabling the simultaneous examination of many variables such as catalysts, substrates, and additives. Using automated liquid dispensers like mosquito(R), precise reagent handling at the nanoliter scale is performed, accommodating reaction setups and analyses in 384 or 1536 well plates. The research subjects range widely, including photoredox catalysts, C–H activation, and nucleic acid (RNA, DNA) chemistry, allowing for efficient exploration even with small sample sizes. Additionally, analytical techniques such as UPLC-MS and high-throughput NMR enable the acquisition of quantitative and high-quality data. The flexible operation is also characterized by conducting reactions at the necessary scale using partially filled 1536 well plates. In the future, such high-quality data will be essential for predicting chemical reactions using AI and machine learning, highlighting the increasing importance of data science.

The Norwegian Sequencing Centre (NSC), located at Oslo University Hospital, has recognized the importance of lab automation in fields such as proteomics and genomics through practical experience. Recently, they have implemented liquid handling solutions, including our firefly system, significantly improving workflows to address daily operations and high-throughput challenges. These automations have enhanced work efficiency, optimized reagent usage, and reduced the risk of errors. In NSC's automation efforts, the following factors were key selection criteria: - Cost - Efficiency - Usability - Service support Considering various other conditions, our system was adopted as the most suitable for the automated workflow. It is believed that the importance of automation will continue to grow, becoming an essential element for core facilities. NSC's initiatives are expected to serve as a reference for other research institutions and as a model for maximizing the benefits of automation. For detailed news, please refer to the articles linked.

Cambridge, UK, 10 Dec 2024 – SPT Labtech, a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of automated instrumentation and consumables for life science applications, announces that its compact, user-friendly barcode reader, BioMicroLab Scan, now integrates with the eLabNext Digital Laboratory Platform (DLP). ....

Using Dragonfly discovery, a culture medium with high viscosity was dispensed (Hydrogels: Matrigel, GrowDex) and used for 3D cell culture. For details, please refer to the application note from the link.

Mosquito HV genomics has contributed to the results of single-cell research. Article Title "Cellular decision making in normal and leukemic blood stem cells" Researchers Nicola Wilson, Senior Research Associate at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute For more details, please see the link.