Innovative Automation and Workflow Solutions Simplify Lab Processes

New automation workflow software for laboratory applications will enable the management of multiple islands of automation and workflows via real-time data-driven decision-making, eliminating the need for customized data handling.

The software includes an open topology editor that allows users to specify the design, configuration, and operation of the individual system and plug-in different schedulers to support a broad range of processes and workflows.

The Thermo Fisher Scientific (Palm Springs, CA, USA) software, together with a number of the company's innovations in instrumentation and labware, were showcased by Thermo Fisher Scientific at the LabAutomation 2008 conference and exhibition in Palm Springs, CA, USA, on January 26-30. The company presented the Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor for the automated separation and purification of DNA/RNA, protein, and cells. With an expanded sample volume range up to 5 ml, the KingFisher Flex offers a five-fold increase in yield, requires minimum hands-on time, and has a high purification capacity with excellent reproducibility.

The CataLyst Express robotic arm, which integrates with the Thermo Scientific Matrix line of automated liquid handlers, can change both labware and Thermo Scientific Matrix Disposable Automation Research Tips (DARTs) tips. Automated liquid-handling applications are completely "walk-away,” creating a solution that increases throughput and operational efficiency.

Thermo Scientific Nautilus laboratory information management system (LIMS) is a purpose-built LIMS solution that addresses the needs of drug discovery scientists--off-the-shelf functionality and a flexible framework. Nautilus LIMS 8.0 provides users with functionality built on proven technologies such as Microsoft's .NET framework, and it features an enhanced user interface for ease of use.

BioRobotix, Molecular BioProducts, Inc., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, demonstrated the new BioRobotix 384-well extended length 50-µl pipette tips for the Biomek FX/NX and Multimek AP384 workstations. Using a single pipette tip, scientists can pipette into 384 and 1536 shallow or deep-well plates with better access to well bottoms, thus increasing volume and throughput for screening applications.


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