Tecan Journal Edition 01/2003

ISSN 1617-7967

Tecan Journal English Edition 1/2003 - April 2003

Efficient, Accurate and Very Hungry ProTeam Advanced Digest: Champion in Throughput and Sensitivity Page 7

The Right Choice for the Job The QUADRIGA™- System in Blood Donation Analysis Page 10

Increased Drug Safety through Genotyping Page 4

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Editorial

Contents

Global News

Information that helps you to remain efficient Dear Customer

Page 3

I am very pleased and proud to introduce the first worldwide issue of Tecan Journal, our customer magazine. We hope this journal will give you a broad overview of innovative solutions in laboratory

Genomics

automation and will show you new technologies

Safe Pills - Increased Drug Safety through Genotyping

and applications.

Page 4

In each issue you will find articles on applications of Tecan instruments in our customers’ laboratories. In this issue we give examples of two interesting applications: the method of genotyping for improving drug safety (page 4) and the Quadriga system for sample analysis in the Blood-Donation Center laboratories

Proteomics

in Bern (page 10).

Efficient, Accurate and Very Hungry

Page 7 We want to help you improve the efficiency of your daily laboratory work. With this

Drug Discovery The Genius for Fast Kinetics

Page 8

in mind, Tecan Journal will keep you up to date with our latest products. Last year, Tecan developed and launched more products than ever in its 20 year history and we are continuing our efforts in research and development at the same level. So you can look forward to a whole range of new products’ which will help make your daily life in the lab run faster and more efficiently.

Clinical Diagnostics

In addition, each Tecan Journal contains further useful information such as details

The Right Choice for the Job

of the extensive range of services our customer support team offers, or news and tips related to laboratory automation. Tecan’s customer magazine will also keep you

Page 10

up to date with opportunities to meet us at conferences and trade shows, where you can see demonstrations of our instruments and solutions.

Tecan Plus We hope that you will find this journal a source of invaluable information.

Tecan Customer Support offers a comprehensive package of services

Page 12

Yours faithfully,

New Products

Page 13 Dr. Emile C. Sutcliffe

Events

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tecan Group Ltd.

Preview on Conferences and Trade Shows 2003

Page 14 Local News

Page 15

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Global News

Opening Faster Tracks to New Drugs Tecan’s innovative solutions bring more efficiency to the drug discovery process

Next generation test for BSE Scientists at UCSF and InPro Biotechnology have developed a highly sensitive test to detect prions that cause mad cow disease (BSE). The new immunoassay is able to identify prion infections at very low levels and will be used to develop a diagnostic test for this disease. A large number of samples

Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) assays

were processed for this study (Nature

can be performed. These screening assays

Biotechnology {2002} 20: 1147-1150) and

are a critical step in determining quickly if

an automated protocol for this assay was

a drug candidate is suitable for further

developed using Tecan’s Genesis Robotic

development. In November 2002, Tecan

Sample processor.

launched its revolutionary microfluidics The LabCD Disc is the heart of a completely automated solution for ADMET assays.

Through its completely automated functionality it eliminates one of the key bottlenecks in the drug discovery process.

technology, the LabCD, which allows ADMET assays to be performed quicker and at

An atlas of gene expression patterns

reduced costs. Further applications are planned for 2003.

Tecan’s innovative automated solutions all share one common denominator: they play

Rapidly rising drug development costs,

a leading role in making the research and

increasing competition, and changing

development process more efficient.

healthcare and regulatory environments pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms

...to low volume multichannel pipetting

to strive for greater efficiencies. However,

In 2003, Tecan will continue to launch

despite heavy investment in new technologies,

new products for researchers in the drug

the success rate for a drug candidate in

discovery area. Aquarius, a new stand-alone

clinical trials is still around 1 in 10. The cost

multichannel pipettor, and Te-MO 3/3 give

of developing new drugs and bringing them

customers the choice of multichannel

to market is now averaging US$ 802 million

pipetting options offering dispensing to 96-

and typically takes 10 to 15 years.1

or 384-well microtiterplate formats with or

continue to be important reasons for

without Tecan’s newly developed Impulse

GenePaint technology was recently used in a study to map the genes expressed from human chromosome 21 in the mouse (Nature {2002} 420: 582-586).

This task would have been extremely protracted without the automation of in situ hybridization which was enabled by Tecan’s Genesis robotic platform. This application was developed by scientists at the Max Planck Institute (Hannover, Germany) and allows an atlas of gene expression patterns in the mouse to be

From novel detection technologies...

technology. Impulse allows automated

The rate limiting steps of bringing a drug

multichannel pipetting, delivering volumes

to market still dictate the pace of progress.

down to the nanoliter range.

One such step includes the lack of suitable

New detection devices such as Genios Pro

detection technologies. In December 2002,

will support Assay Development and Drug

Tecan launched Ultra Evolution enabling

Screening applications. In addition, the Safire

fluorescence lifetime measurements in

a long-term supply agreement for the

scanning monochromator reader will become

microplates. This additional detection mode

development and commercialization of

available as a detection device for many

allows screening laboratories to circumvent

an automated sample preparation system

applications in assay development, compound

assay interference through compound

for molecular diagnostic assays.

characterization and high throughput

autofluorescence. The Ultra Evolution

The system is based on a novel magnetic

screening. All of these solutions will provide

multimode reader is a good example of

separator system, proprietary to Abbott,

more flexibility to researchers in their daily

how Tecan’s solutions help to overcome

which will be integrated onto Tecan’s

drug discovery activities.

Genesis Freedom automated workstation.

the major limitations in assay development, compound characterization and drug screening.

established (http://www.genepaint.org).

Collaboration for HCV and HIV assays Abbott Laboratories and Tecan signed

This new system is designed to streamline 1

http://csdd.tufts.edu/

the nucleic acid sample preparation steps prior to performing Abbott’s molecular

A second key bottleneck is the speed at

diagnostic assays for hepatitis C virus

which ADMET (Absorption, Distribution,

and HIV.

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Genomics

Safe Pills - Increased Drug Safety through Genotyping Tracking protein polymorphisms with automated pharmacogenetics Michael Zuehlsdorf, PhD, Bayer AG

Dr. M. Zuehlsdorf.

Figure 1: Overview of the genomics automation at Bayer AG.

Efficacy and side effects of drugs depend on

The reason for these individual differences

System 1: Sample preparation

the concentration of the compound in the

is the difference in concentration or even

A Freedom 200 with a cabinet, a centrifuge,

plasma as well as the individual expression

the lack of certain enzymes that are involved

8-channel Liquid Handling Arm with

of the drug target. The exact same dose of a

in metabolizing the drug. If the enzymes

disposable tips and a “Pick & Place” arm

drug can yield different concentrations of

involved in metabolizing the drug are

for tubes that can also load the centrifuge

the compound in the patient’s plasma due

subject to genotypical polymorphisms the

buckets into the centrifuge with a separate

to genetic polymorphisms in the proteins

exact same dose could yield different plasma

tool (Fig. 2).

involved in pharmacokinetics. This can even

concentrations in different patients. This can

result in reduced efficacy or undesirable

severely influence the therapeutic effect of

side effects. After analyzing the patient’s

the drug.

System 2: DNA extraction A Genesis RSP 150 using two Te-MagS for DNA extraction with magnetic beads.

genotype and phenotype the dose of a drug compound can be individually adjusted to

Broad therapy vs. individual therapy

System 3: Measuring purified DNA,

the patient’s enzyme status according to the

There are two ways of dealing with this

normalization, PCR setup, plate sealing

clinically relevant protein-polymorphisms.

problem: either the compound is replaced

and amplification

This would result in a higher drug safety

by a substance that is not metabolized by

especially for compounds with a low

A TRAC System with a Genesis RSP 150,

enzymes that have this effect (broad therapy)

therapeutic index. Analyzing genotypes

a Genios microplate reader, cooling units,

or the patient’s genotype is analyzed prior

and phenotypes can be done by modern

sealer, two MJ Tetrad thermocyclers and an

to the therapy in order to adjust the dose

lab automation devices which produce

ORCA robot arm on a three meter rail.

individually to the patient (individual therapy).

The microplate sealer and the thermocycler

If analyzed, the dose that yields the desired

are not yet integrated into the automated

plasma concentration can be calculated and

process and are operated manually.

standardized and reliable results.

Preparation is the key to successful drug discovery Pharmacogenetics supports the clinical studies of the Bayer AG Institute for Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmacodynamics/ Biochemical Pharmacology drug discovery program. An individual’s genotype is analyzed prior to the beginning of the clinical study. The goal is to predict the effect of the studied compound through evaluating the genotype and the known pharmacokinetic behavior.

administered thus maximizing the success of the therapy.

Three systems by tecan automate genotyping The Bayer AG Institute for Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmacodynamics/

Automated genotyping with three Tecan systems

Biochemical Pharmacology uses three Tecan systems for automated genotyping (Fig. 1).

The complete genomics process is therefore standardized.

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Genomics

Genotyping In a first step the total DNA is extracted from the patient’s blood. This is followed by a PCR reaction with allele-specific primers.

System 1: Sample preparation with the Freedom 200 • Samples are held in barcoded tubes.

A maximum of 96 tubes are placed in a Tecan Strip-Rack.

• Freedom 200 scans the barcodes of the samples.

• 1 ml of whole blood is transferred to a Micronic tube as an archive.

• 3 ml of whole blood are transferred to secondary tubes containing lysis buffer.

• The samples are homogenized through centrifugation and incubated at room temperature. During this incubation step erythrocytes but not leucocytes are lysed.

Rotanda) and, after the centrifugation

System 2: DNA extraction with the Genesis

step, back to the workbench (Figs. 3 and 4).

RSP 150 and Te-MagS

• For transporting the centrifuge bucket

• The deep well plates containing the lysed

into the centrifuge the “Pick & Place” arm

leucocyte solution are placed on System 2.

uses a separate tool (Figs. 2 and 3).

The barcode is identified.

• During centrifugation the leucocytes form a pellet.

• The supernatant containing the lysed erythrocytes is discarded.

• Lysis buffer for leucocytes is added, the

• In each run the two Te-MagS extract DNA from a maximum of 96 samples (2 x 48) using magnetic beads according to a standard protocol (Figs. 4 and 5).

The “Agowa mag Maxi DNA Isolation Kit

solution is homogenized, incubated and

Plus” is used for the extraction (the protocol

quantitatively transferred into a deep

for this kit can be downloaded as a pdf file at

well microplate.

http://www.agowa.de/struktur/magneticba

• Final step of sample preparation: The microplate is manually placed into System 2 for DNA extraction.

All plates and tubes are barcode labeled.

Therefore an exact identification and tracking of all material is possible at all times.

• The “Pick & Place” arm places the tubes in

All devices are connected to a Laboratory

the centrifuge bucket and places the full

Information System (LIMS) which collects

bucket into the centrifuge (Hettich

and provides data for evaluation.

sis.html).

In an eight hour workday the system yields a throughput of eight runs with 96 samples in each run (768 samples per workday).

System 3: Measuring purified DNA, normalization, PCR setup, plate sealing and amplification with the TRAC equipment • The concentration of DNA in the microplates is measured with Picogreen fluorescence in the Genios reader.

• The Genesis RSP 150 normalizes the DNA and prepares the PCR reaction mix.

• The microplate is sealed, put in the thermocycler (MJ Tetrad) and the amplification is started.

Drug dosage and therapeutic success The qualitative result of the PCR with the allele-specific primers shows whether an allele is homozygous, heterozygous or absent. The result allows a prediction of the enzyme status and, based on this, an adjustment of the drug dosage. This is a pre-requisite for attaining the desired plasma concentration and thereby maximizing the success of the therapy.

Figure 2: Tecan Freedom 200 Left: “Pick & Place arm” with sample tubes and centrifuge buckets, centrifuge below.

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Genomics

Automated genotyping for increased drug safety

Figure 3: Dr. Zuehlsdorf in front of the facility Right: “Pick & Place arm� with sample tubes and centrifuge buckets, centrifuge below.

Advantages of genotyping

targets as well as different drug

Drug manufacturers can, based on the

candidates. Scarce resources can be used

results of genotyping, either produce an

more effectively and focused on the most

assortment of tailored drugs for patient

promising candidates. Preclinical toxicology

subpopulations or focus on the production

and the identification and establishment of

of broad therapy drugs which are not

biomarkers and surrogate markers (markers

affected by genetic polymorphisms and thus

that correlate with drug efficacy and clinical

are applicable to the majority of the total

endpoints) will face new trends through

population. Eventually this will lead to a

genome analysis. This will increase the

broader range of drugs on the market since

accuracy of efficacy predictions of new drugs

different therapeutic methods will become

for patients. Pharmacogenetics will be used

available for different genotypes and

for drug discovery especially in Phase I and II

phenotypes. Both the choice of drug and

trials. The safety of these trials will be greatly

its dosage will be tailored to the individual.

increased, side effects will be reduced and

The use of genotyping for the evaluation of different protein-polymorphisms allows an Figure 4: Two Te-MagS on a Genesis RSP 150

costs of clinical trials will be significantly reduced.

early estimate of the potential of new drug

ensure perfect DNA extraction using magnetic beads.

Michael Zuehlsdorf, PhD Bayer AG Institute for Clinical Pharmacology/ Pharmacodynamics/Biochemical Pharmacology 42096 Wuppertal Figure 5: DNA Extraction with magnetic beads. The magnets are automatically placed between

Germany

the sample tubes. The beads are drawn to the tubewalls, the supernatant can be easily exhausted

T: +49-202 364231, F: +49-202 364115

with a pipette.

michael.zuehlsdorf.mz@bayer-ag.de Tecan Journal 1/2003

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Proteomics

Efficient, Accurate and Very Hungry Equipped with the DirectSpot™ Technology the ProTeam Advanced Digest offers a maximum of sensitivity and throughput

ProTeam Advanced Digest allows sample preparation for mass spectrometry on a single platform.

A schematic drawing of the TecPrep 96 SPE plate (top) and seen from below (bottom).

Equipped with the DirectSpot™ Technology

The combination of all four steps in a single

the ProTeam Advanced Digest offers

well minimizes the number of pipetting

a maximum of sensitivity and throughput.

steps and therefore greatly increases

In modern academic, biotech and

throughput and sensitivity. DirectSpot™,

pharmaceutical proteomics laboratories

the technology that allows this combination,

the need for an efficient, automated system

uses the unique TecPrep 96 solid phase

that extracts proteins from gels before mass

extraction (SPE) plate. This allows

spectrometry (MS) analysis increases rapidly.

a sensitivity down to low fmol range

In order to tackle this problem Tecan has

facilitating access to very low abundance

added a new member to the ProTeam

proteins.

High speed on all tasks One platform for all tasks

The TecPrep 96 SPE plate processes up to 96

The system combines all four steps of

samples in parallel. The system is scaleable

sample preparation for MS on a single

which allows the processing of up to 3500

platform:

samples per day, but it can also handle

• Controlled enzymatic digestion of protein

individual samples in an economic way.

• Extraction of peptide samples from in-gel digests.

• Peptide sample clean-up and concentration.

The Tecan TecPrep 96 protein sample preparation technique is a unique combination of SPE, microplate and needle spotting technologies that offers unparalleled sample recovery with its single well processing capability and is capable of being used with numerous MALDI targets. A minimum number of

family – the ProTeam Advanced Digest.

samples (in-Gel and in-solution).

The unique DirectSpot™ Technology

pipetting steps reduces non-specific binding and loss of protein.

The Chromolith™ capillary inside TecPrep 96 is manufactured by Merck KgaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

That is why we like to call the Advanced Digest our “Hungry Gourmet” that has no problems dealing with big menus as well as small snacks.

• Direct spotting of peptide samples onto MALDI targets.

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Drug Discovery

The Genius for Fast Kinetics The new GENios Pro multipurpose reader and dispenser makes precise analysis of fast kinetics amazingly easy

Figure 1: GENios Pro, the multipurpose reader.

Analyzing fast kinetics - like reporter gene assays - is still often a problem in many labs since pipetting all the reagents and putting the microplate in the reader are time-consuming steps.

This usually prevents measurement of the most critical first few seconds. Tecan’s broad experience in high-end detection and precise liquid handling has now been combined in the new GENios Pro Multipurpose reader - a device that can simultaneously pipette reagents and measure reaction kinetics.

GENios Pro: multipurpose reader with triple injectors and six detection modes

With the new GENios Pro (Fig. 1) Tecan offers a broadly applicable, highly flexible multipurpose reader. The GENios Pro is ideal for academic research and biotechnology as well as pharmaceutical research.

GENios Pro - the new multipurpose reader

Independent optics guarantee excellent performance

Dispense system with up to three injectors

The GENios Pro supports fluorescence

The integration of independent optical

GENios Pro can operate two or three

polarization (FP), fluorescence intensity (FI),

systems for measuring luminescence and

optional injectors for 96- and 384-well

time-resolved fluorescence (TRF),

top and bottom fluorescence guarantees

plates. This allows simultaneous dispensing

fluorescence resonance energy transfer

maximum sensitivity and a broad dynamic

of reagents and reaction analysis (Fig. 3).

(FRET), absorption and temperature control.

range of measurement in all detection modes.

The high precision syringe pumps with

Tecan also offers additional units including

Unlike many other multipurpose readers,

coated injectors guarantee reliable

luminescence with integrated bioluminescence

the GENios Pro does not make any technical

performance and thorough mixing of the

resonance energy transfer (BRET) capability, an

compromises that would reduce performance

reagents dispensed. Additionally this system

expandable injector system for dispensing

and accuracy. The reader meets Tecan’s strict

allows to back-fill remaining reagents into

reagents and a bottom reading option for

quality standards allowing you reliable

the storage containers (Fig. 4). This helps

assays with adherent cells (available from

results at all times.

you save reagents and costs. An automated

July 2003).

cleaning system makes injector maintenance easy to perform.

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Drug Discovery

Measuring 6- to 384-well plates

Figure 4: The integrated reagent reservoirs Figure 3: The triple injector station of the

and precision pumps allow dispensing of

Figure 2: Loading a 384 well plate into GENios Pro.

dispenser system.

up to 2 different reagents.

Highly flexible plate handling

used in transfection experiments with

The system is suitable in all detection modes

cultivated cells in order to minimize

for 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96- and 384- well plates.

variations that might occur due to different

GENios Pro and Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays

numbers of cells and different transfection

BRET assays with Renilla-luciferase are

Cell-based assays with bottom reading option and well scanning

efficiencies between two experiments. This

commonly used for the study of G-protein

is no longer a problem with the use of the

coupled receptor activity. Although the timing

The bottom reading option allows optimal

GENios Pro.

for this assay is less critical in the 96-well format, it becomes an issue in higher density

results for cell-based assays with adherent

Measuring ion flux, apoptosis and many other processes with flash fluorescence

plate formats. With the GENios Pro equipped

do not tend to grow evenly in microplates,

Monitoring ion flux (Ca2+) is an important

and 384- well plates this is no longer an issue.

a well-scanning function is available in the

method for studying the activity of ion

Xfluor software package that allows you to

channels, G-protein coupled receptors,

Summary

define different points of measurement on

apoptosis and cellular repair mechanisms.

The GENios Pro is not only equipped with

the well surface.

Although these processes differ in their

an injector system for flash luminescence

kinetics and concentrations of calcium levels,

and flash fluorescence applications but also

Double impact - reporter gene assays with flashlight-measurement

there are common ways of monitoring them

offers excellent optical characteristics that

via luminescence and fluorescence labels.

can be used in up to six different detection

Fast kinetic reactions that are used, for

The GENios Pro, equipped with its advanced

modes. All of these features are combined

example, in reporter gene assays for the

injector system and bottom reading optics, is

in one easy to use device. This makes the

study of eukaryotic gene expression require

well suited for Flash Fluorescence applications.

GENios Pro a broad multipurpose reader for

a high-end detector. The reaction mechanism

It has been optimized to allow monitoring of

many applications in proteomics, genomics

creates a very short flash of light with an

fast fluorescence reactions, requiring

and drug discovery, including gene

extremely fast fading time. This creates the

simultaneous dispensing and fluorescence

expression analysis, luciferase assays,

need for a fast measurement right after

reading in 96- well plates. Physiological

bioluminescence resonance energy transfer

pipetting the reagents. GENios Pro uses

processes showing a slower Calcium flux can

(BRET) assays, molecular interactions and

on-board dispensers which allows on-board

additionally be monitored in 384- well plates.

cellular assays.

cells, including cell viability studies and reporter gene assays with GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein). Since adherent cells

with the injector system that allows simultaneous dispensing and reading in 96-

dispensing of up to two reagents e.g. for dual reporter gene assays. These assays are

Tecan Journal 1/2003

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Clinical Diagnostics

The Right Choice for the Job The QUADRIGA™- System in blood donation analysis Mauro Graziani, Dr. Christoph Niederhauser, Donation Analysis Lab, Blood Donation Centre, Bern have been used as stand-alone units for some time in many labs. The innovation of QUADRIGA is the combination of these four components, which are: 1. Plate station All plates are pre-positioned here.

Identification of plates is guaranteed through barcoding. After processing, the plates are also stored in this unit.

2. ORCA robot arm ORCA is a fully maneuverable robot arm running on a three meter rail. The arm transports the plates from the plate station to the pipetting station. After pipetting it moves the plates into the analyzers and when the analysis is complete the plates are again placed in the plate station for storage.

3. Pipetting stations Two Genesis RSP 200 are used as pipetting stations. These devices handle all preparatory pipetting steps and also add the required reagents to the right wells.

4. Analyzers Mauro Graziani with the QUADRIGA System, right: Plate Station.

Four BEP® III (DADE Berhing) are used as analyzers. Additionally a fifth BEP III is built in as a backup device. However, only four

The QUADRIGA-System has been established

alanineaminotransferase (ALAT) assay. ALAT

devices are loaded by the ORCA arm. Each of

in the Donation Analysis Lab at the Blood

is a marker for liver inflammation. The ALAT

the BEP III and also both Genesis RSP 200s

Donation Center in Bern since June 2002.

assay is then run on a different system.

are operated by a PC. Supervision of the

QUADRIGA is a fully automated solution

whole process is handled by a host computer

that screens for infection markers in donor

Installation of the QUADRIGA-System

and patient blood samples on microplates.

Since the device needs an air conditioned

This is an excellent example of integration

room with a minimum of 24 sqm we had to

Productivity and throughput

engineering of Tecan instruments with

move our reference lab. After that we began

With the current settings each Genesis

other analytical instrumentation. It replaces

to prepare the room: air conditioning, water,

RSP 200 can perform a maximum of four

the FAME and ATplusSystems by Hamilton

drainage, electricity etc. had to be set up. In

pipetting steps on 720 samples per run,

which had been in use since 1994.

mid-April we began the system installation,

which adds up to a total of 5,760 pipetting

system which runs on Tecan’s FACTS software.

which was followed by a test and verification

steps. However, this number is limited by

The purpose of the system

phase. After thorough tests the system

the BEP analyzers which can incubate a

With the QUADRIGA we test each sample

became fully operational on June 11th 2002.

maximum of ten microplates at a time.

for HBs antigen, anti-HIV, anti-HCV and, for

With 88 samples per plate this adds up to a

donor samples coming from Lausanne, we

The four QUADRIGA components

total of 3,530 analyses per run for the whole

additionally test for anti-CMV. The system

Four components from different manufacturers

QUADRIGA-System. If fully loaded, one run

also pipettes the microplates for the

complete the QUADRIGA-System. All of these

takes approximately five hours, not including Tecan Journal 1/2003

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Clinical Diagnostics

approximately 1.5 hours for sample and system preparation. This seemingly long preparation time decreases as staff become familiar with the procedure. The overall maximum number of samples to be processed and analyzed (four tests) in 6.5 to 7 hours is 880. Several modifications can increase this amount to 1,200 samples, however, this would mean that the system is operating at the absolute maximum capacity and with this large amount of samples handled the slightest problem could lead to serious delays.

Operating the QUADRIGA System Operating the individual components is fairly easy and intuitive to learn. The complete system operations, when used on a routine basis, can be learned within a few days.

A basic knowledge and understanding of computers is however essential. Currently we have trained two “superusers” who not only have a thorough understanding of the system but were also trained on the individual components. Our goal is that all users of the system eventually reach the same level of knowledge

The two Genesis RSP 200 units in the QUADRIGA System.

Conclusion After several months of working with the QUADRIGA-System we have eliminated all the initial teething problems that are normal when setting up a new system of this size.

We are confident that establishing the QUADRIGA-System in our lab was the perfect choice. With a system of this size we are now

Fully automated blood donation sample analysis with QUADRIGA

well prepared for the forthcoming challenges in analyzing infection markers in blood samples.

The QUADRIGA-System was developed in collaboration with Dade Behring.

Mauro Graziani, Dr. phil.nat.

FAMH Christoph Niederhauser Blutspendedienst SRK Bern AG Murtenstraße 133 CH-3008 Bern T: +41-31 384 2374, F: +41-31 384 2381 mauro.graziani@bsd-be.ch

Mauro Graziani with the BEP III.

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Tecan Plus

Take Advantage of our Experience Tecan customer support offers a comprehensive package of services

When you buy a Tecan instrument, look

Preventive maintenance

a little deeper and you will see Tecan’s

With a comprehensive Tecan preventive

extensive worldwide customer support

maintenance service contract, tailored to

network. It offers the following services:

your exact needs, you will significantly increase the life span and productivity

Helpdesk

of your instruments.

Wherever you are in the world, whether you

Tecan customer support added value for the customer • Tecan’s customer support network provides services of outstanding quality and value to the customer.

• Customer focus is paramount. Our help desks, expert lines, task forces and field

have a problem with your Tecan equipment

Upgrades

or you need to order consumables, you can

Equipment upgrades are an all-important

contact your nearest Tecan helpdesk*.

part of keeping up with, if not one-step

A Tecan advisor will be able to help you in

ahead of, your competitors. Our highly

your local language and will take control of

courteous, timely and efficient service

qualified engineers can complete any

your problem.

that will exceed their expectations and

technical upgrades that you need.

equal the best in business.

Technical support/application service

Training

A good place to start is by keeping your

for success! Tecan’s comprehensive training

instruments in peak condition. Regular

program enables the trainees to build up

servicing helps to maintain the high

the necessary knowledge to optimize and

standards of accuracy and precision that

maximize the productivity of Tecan devices.

you need, as well as minimizing instrument

These training courses will provide trainees

downtime. At Tecan you can be sure there

a thorough learning experience. You can

are professionals that know every inch of

be confident in receiving the very best

your machine and its history. Our experts

education from skilled professionals who are

will even implement and optimize new

experts in their respective fields. To obtain,

assays for you on your Tecan instrument,

at first hand, the information needed in your

so why not let them take the time, cost

daily work call your nearest Tecan office.

service organizations are looking forward to prove this to you.

• We aim to provide our customers with

• We continually tailor our services and solutions to the requirements of the

Get trained by certified experts - the key

marketplace.

*See the back cover of this issue for a list of Tecan offices.

and frustration out of the process?

Tecan Journal 1/2003

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New Products

Nothing can Stop this Workhorse from Processing your Samples Through its new features, the well-proven Genesis FE500 Workcell offers even more reliability and versatility

Multi-channel pipetting in a bench top format Aquarius is an automated multi-channel pipetting system from Tecan that makes optimal use of laboratory space. This compact multi-channel pipetting system can be used for a wide range of applications in genomics and drug discovery. Aquarius uses both 96- and 384-well pipetting heads and has the built-in flexibility to use fixed and disposable 96-well manifolds interchangeably. The system can be used for medium-to-high throughput sample dispensing for compound logistics, assay development, and drug screening processes, as well as PCR and sequencing reaction set-up procedures used in genomics.

The Genesis FE500 Workcell offers many

The barcode label does not prevent the new

functions to increase efficiencies and

tube inspection unit of the FE500 from

productivity in your laboratory.

detecting liquid levels.

The Genesis FE500 Workcell is a fully

detection is possible through the tube

automated platform, which meets the

label, the complete tube may be covered

sample processing requirements of hospitals,

by barcode labels (up to three layers).

research institutes and other clinical

This feature is also available as an

laboratories throughout the world. Since its

upgrade feature for existing users.

introduction in 2000, the FE500 has rapidly

• Improved archiving solutions. The new

become known as a reliable workhorse for

archiving options, which are implemented

the whole range of sample handling tasks

in the new system software, enable the

that are necessary before analytical testing

full separation of sample from primary

in core departments. Through its flexibility

to secondary tubes. After sample volume

and compact footprint it can be fitted into

measurement, labelled secondary tubes

almost any existing laboratory setup to

are prepared to receive the corresponding

enhance the sample flow.

aliquots and the remnant sample for

As a response to requests from customers, Tecan has implemented several new features

archiving. Tubes are then moved to defined unloading positions.

on the FE500. These include:

By streamlining laboratory operations, the

• A modular system. The new modular

FE500 helps you to cut overall operating

The reader software that accepts your signature Magellan Tracker, the new version of Tecan’s popular reader software provides the full functionality required by the 21 CFR part 11 regulation of the FDA on electronic records. The new features include a user administration with access controls and authority checks via user identification codes and password.

Magellan Tracker ensures the retrieval of the complete history of the data records through computer generated time and date stamped audit trails and implementation of non-biometric electronic signatures. Magellan Tracker is available as an option for new readers and as an upgrade for existing readers using the Magellan software.

system offers more options in the

expenses while assuring consistent sample

Does your microplate reader need a feeding station?

selection of modules for a perfect fit

processing, improving the safety of sample

Are you tired of loading your reader

to the specific activities performed by

handling and expanding your testing capacity.

with microplates piece by piece? The

each laboratory. Customers can now

Through the availability of modular options,

new Connect microplate stacker system

choose between different options for

you may select the elements necessary to

is a fast, easy-to-use instrument for

the individual processing steps: specimen

enable the best sample processing strategy

batch processing that can increase the

sorting; centrifugation; decapping;

for your laboratory. This versatility makes the

throughput of a wide range of detection-

secondary tube labelling and aliquoting;

FE500 now an even more valuable investment.

based applications. Connect offers

and serum volume verification.

complete walk-away batch processing

• A tube inspection unit. The new system

for microplates. This product supports

offers users a tube inspection unit, which

For more information on our products visit

the full range of Tecan’s stand-alone

scans the whole length of the tube to

http://www.tecan.com or contact your local

detection systems.

measure the exact liquid volume. Since

Tecan representative.

Tecan Journal 1/2003

13

www.tecan.com

Events

Tecan on the Road Preview on Conferences and Trade Shows 2003 Date

Event

Location

The 7th European Biotech Crossroads

Nantes

www.biotech-nantes.com

19th-24th May

Achema

Frankfurt

www.achema.de

7th-9th October

Biotechnica

Hannover

www.biotechnica.de

4th May

International BioEXPO JAPAN

Tokyo

web.reedexpo.co.jp/bio/english/

23rd June

Protein Science Society of Japan

Sapporo

edpex104.bcasj.or.jp/pssj/

8th October

The Japanese Society for the Study of Xenobiotics

Sapporo

xenobio.kopas.co.jp/

The 76th Annual Meeting of the

Yokohama

France: 25th-26th September Germany:

Japan:

15th October

Japanese Biochemical Society

edpex104.bcasj.or.jp/jbs2003/ english/eindex.htm

Switzerland: 12th-15th May

MipTec

Basel

www.messebasel.ch/miptec/

3rd-6th May

35th European Human Genetics (ESHG)

Birmingham

www.eshg.org

13th-15th May

Focus 2003 (Clinical)

Manchester

www.focus-acb.org

21st-23rd May

EuroBiochip

London

www.eurobiochip.com

27th-30th May

ICES (Proteomics)

Glasgow

www.bspr.org

25th-26th November

International Biotech & Europe LabAutomation London

UK:

www.labautomationeurope.com

USA: 19th-21st May

ASM

Washington DC www.asmusa.org

20th-24th July

AACC

Philadelphia, PA www.aacc.org/2003am/

10th-15th August

Drug Discovery Technology

Boston, MA

www.drugdisc.com

Always up to date: http://www.tecan.com/index/com-ev-entry.htm

An outstanding opportunity to meet Tecan: LabAutomation 2003 brought together leading providers of laboratory automation technologies Tecan is well known for its outstanding

makers and managers interested in emerging

products and its customer orientation.

laboratory technologies. The tradeshow,

The LabAutomation 2003 conference and

organized in conjunction with the conference,

tradeshow from 1st-5th February in Palm

features the leading providers in the

Tecan’s impressive presence at this year’s

Springs (CA) was an excellent opportunity to

growing area of laboratory automation

LabAutomation included a booth with a desert-

experience this directly. The conference is the

technologies. In line with its role as a key

themed décor where visitors could witness live

premier international meeting for scientists,

player in this league, Tecan supported this

demonstrations of all of Tecan’s major products.

technology specialists, industry decision

important event as an official sponsor.

Tecan Journal 1/2003

14

www.tecan.com

Local News

Visitors from all over the world had

contributed to the attractiveness of Tecan’s

software on the Genesis Assay Workstation.

the opportunity to see that Tecan is an

presence at LabAutomation. Greg Kellogg

This new offering is the only one of its kind,

outstanding provider with a lot to offer. At

from Tecan Boston gave a podium

providing scientists with a ready-to-use

the eye-catching booth with a desert-themed

presentation on “New Developments in

automation and data management package

décor they could witness live demonstrations

Centrifugal Microfluidics”. In addition,

to support a wide range of assays.

of all of Tecan’s major products. These

visitors could follow two technical

included the newly launched Aquarius,

workshops organized by Tecan, one co-

Connect, Te-MO 3/3 and Ultra Evolution.

hosted with Millipore and one with IDBS. The

More than a dozen technical posters, a presentation and two workshops

latter was dedicated to the new integration of IDBS’ ActivityBase data management

All those who missed this event can read more about Tecan’s activities at LabAutomation on http://www.tecanus.com/us-index/us-new/us-local-news.htm

Tecan in Nagasaki - New solutions for drug discovery and drug testing The annual meeting and exhibition of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan was held March 27th-29th in Nagasaki, Japan.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, founded in 1880, is one of Japan’s oldest academies with over 20,000 members engaged in pharmaceutical science as well as a wide range of life sciences.

This meeting included numerous Japanese and International keynote lectures, posters and oral research presentations. It attracted roughly 10,000 visitors from Japan, Asia and all around the world.

At our Tecan booth, solutions for inhibition, permeability, transporter, cell culture, cell maintenance and other drug discovery related applications were presented on posters and videos.

This year, Tecan focused on its ADMET solutions and exhibited the first ever automated Liquid phase - Liquid phase Extract (LLE) solution consisting of a Genesis Freedom workstation, specially designed tube racks and a Vortex mixer. This system is the first to use a pipetting robot to extract compounds (metabolites) from samples, such as plasma, excrement or organs.

Preliminary tests indicated that this system can achieve significantly higher yields than the classic method of solid phase extraction, thereby contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of the drug testing process.

The Oura catholic church in Nagasaki was

Nagasaki is located on the Northwestern part of the Japanese island of Kyushu and is well

completed in 1864. The oldest church in Japan

known in Japanese history for being a key entry point for foreign visitors when Japan closed its

is now one of Nagasaki’s most popular tourist

borders for 200 years. Now it is a scenic, busy port city and is also the second city in the world

attractions.

to have experienced an atomic bomb blast.

Masthead Tecan Journal Customer Magazine of Tecan Group Ltd. ISSN 1617-7967

Design and Layout: Northbank Communications Meadowside, Mountbatten Way, Congleton CW12 1DN, UK E-Mail: s.platz@northbankcommunications.com

Circulation: 8800 copies (German), 8000 copies (English

Pre-Press and Printing: Printfine Ltd, Gibralter Row, King Edward Industrial Estate, Liverpool L3 7HJ, UK

Publisher: Tecan Group Ltd.

Copyright: All rights are reserved by Tecan Journal

Editor: Dr. Josef Syfrig

Photos and Illustrations: Tecan Germany GmbH, Tecan Group Ltd, Northbank Communications

Address: Tecan Group Ltd., Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Männedorf, Switzerland Tel: +41 1 922 88 88 Fax: +41 1 922 88 90 E-Mail: josef.syfrig@tecan.com Internet: http://www.tecan.com

Typography: Type set in Thesis from LucasFonts Subscription: For a free subscription to Tecan Journal, please contact your nearest sales office (see back cover of this issue) or send an e-mail to: tecan@tecan.com.

Tecan Journal 1/2003

15

www.tecan.com

Better prepared for what’s put on your plate

The new Genios Pro incorporates six detection technologies* with liquid handling into a single compact unit that’s totally designed to meet all of your assay needs. Superior multi-detection capability enables accurate, sensitive reading of a wide range of assays. Genios Pro’s integrated injectors allow simultaneous dispensing and reading for performing sophisticated, rapid kinetic assays.

And, as you’d expect from Tecan, those extra touches – precision engineering, automation ready, outstanding price:performance, superior reliability – come as standard. * Absorbance, fluorescence polarization, fluorescence intensity, time resolved fluorescence, and flash and glow luminescence

Genomics • Proteomics • Drug Discovery • Clinical Diagnostics For more information please visit www.tecan.com/geniospro or call your nearest Tecan office Austria +43 62 46 89 33 Belgium +32 15 42 13 19 France +33 1 30 68 81 50 Germany +49 79 51 94 170 Italy +39 02 215 21 28 Japan +81 42 334 88 55 Netherlands +31 18 34 48 17 4 Portugal +351 21 000 82 16 Singapore +65 644 41 886 Spain + 34 93 490 01 74 Sweden +46 31 75 44 000 Switzerland +41 1 922 89 22 UK +44 118 9300 300 USA +1 919 361 5200 Other +43 62 46 89 33