Tecan Journal Edition 01/2004

English Edition 1/2004 - February 2004

Tecan JournalISSN 1660-5276

Freedom EVOware® – a newstandard of control overautomation platformsPage 9

Interview with Dr. Aitor Galdos,CEO of TecanPage 3

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MicroarraySystem BringsSpeed toGenotypingPage 5

Contents

Tecan Journal 1/20042

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Editorial

Laboratory Automation Receives New Impulse

Dear Customer

Firstly, I’m delighted to introduce you to Aitor Galdos,who took over as CEO of Tecan Group on 1 November2003. Aitor combines a solid technical understandingwith a broad industry background, including extensiveexperience in business management, and so I amconvinced that he will continue to extend the leading

position of Tecan as a supplier of high-precision platforms for laboratory automation.For more information on Aitor, please read the interview on the facing page.

In 2004, Tecan will continue to launch a series of innovative new products startingwith Freedom EVOware®, a completely new software for controlling the Freedom EVO®series of platforms. With its ease of use and outstanding performance, this softwaresets new standards in controlling laboratory automation platforms (page 9).

As always, this edition of the Tecan Journal contains articles on interestingapplications. On page 5 you will find an article on the contribution of the LS laserscanner to the accelerated and more efficient generation of genotyping results.

On page 7, we describe an automated application for the identification of substanceswith bacteriostatic properties. This solution includes an automated plating functionand will be of interest to our customers in the cosmetics industry as well as to othersectors.

Automating thrombocyte function assays will facilitate the diagnosis of medicallyimportant hemostatic disorders. Tecan has developed an interesting solution, whichis presented on page 11 of this edition.

If you wish to discuss your requirements personally with one of our technical salesstaff or arrange for a demonstration of our products, you can meet our staff at awide range of trade shows and conferences. Please check our calendar of events onpage 14 to find the most convenient time and venue for you. And if there isn’t one,just call your nearest Tecan office – we’ll be pleased to help you as much as we can!

Yours faithfully,

Mike BaronianChairman Tecan Group Ltd.

GenomicsA New Microarray System Brings Speed to Genotyping Page 5

Page 14

New ProductsFreedom EVOware® – a new standard of control over automation platforms

Page 9

InterviewInterview with Dr. Aitor Galdos, CEO of Tecan

Page 3

Page 13

EventsNew Products

Monochromator power for assay development andhigh-throughput screening– Safire2

Page 7

Drug DiscoveryAutomated microbiology:Identification ofantimicrobial substancesfor cosmetic products

Page 11

ClinicalDiagnosticsMeasuring aggregation

Page 15

Local News

Tecan PlusGet Trained by Certified Experts

Interview

Tecan Journal 1/2004 3

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What motivated you to take up the positionas CEO of the leading supplier of solutionsfor liquid handling and detection in the lifesciences sector?

Aitor Galdos: It is a very interesting challengefor me to manage a company that has such agood potential for growth. I find it attractiveto oversee and influence key areas of acommercial organization, considering theperspective of all stakeholders – customers,investors and employees.

Which of your experiences from previouspositions do you consider to be of specificimportance to your function as CEO of Tecan?

My background in Product Development,Marketing and Strategic Management iscertainly of great value for this position.An additional advantage for Tecan is my goodknowledge of the Asian region and culture.

What is your impression of Tecan since you started on 1 November 2003?

I am really impressed by the motivation andcommitment of the employees. Their focus on the business is extraordinarily high.

This demonstrates that Tecan is in an excellentcompetitive position and has the necessaryrequirements for growth.

In July 2003, Tecan launched a singleplatform that was built for the requirementsof customers in all business areas. Has thisconcept proven to be successful so far?

With this concept, we did not want to bring a radical change, but continuing evolutionaryinnovation for our existing customers.At the same time, the standardization thatwe introduced through the Freedom EVO®series allows new customers to evolve theirplatforms from basic systems according totheir needs. More than 50 percent of theliquid handling platforms in production arealready of the new Freedom EVO type. Thisproves that customers are convinced by thenew concept and have rapidly accepted it.

The facility of Tecan in Munich, whereapplications for the Proteomics area hadbeen developed, has recently been closeddown. What are the implications to Tecan’sProteomics products range?

This move reflects the decision of the board ofdirectors in July 2003 to focus Tecan’s businessactivities on its core competencies of liquidhandling, robotics, detection, software andminiaturization and to streamline theorganizational structure of the company.The closing down of the separate facility inMunich helped us to reduce organizationalcosts. Specific Proteomics competencies andactivities will be continued at other Tecansites. This means that Tecan is still committedto maintaining and developing its currentrange of products for Proteomics customers.As an example, important Proteomicsapplications such as the Digest or theAdvanced Digest have now been madeavailable on the Freedom EVO platform.

“I want to strengthen Tecan’s position asthe leading supplier of solutions for liquidhandling and detection”Interview with Dr. Aitor Galdos, CEO of Tecan

Aitor Galdos was born 1955 in Venezuela and holds Master’s degrees in mechanical engineeringand metallurgy from the University of Michigan. He completed his PhD at the University ofTokyo, Japan, in the Department of Nuclear Engineering. He also earned a Master of BusinessAdministration (MBA) degree at the University of Syracuse, NY.Aitor worked for three years in oil production with Exxon in the Amazon region. Later he builtup one of the Japanese branches for Balzers AG (today’s Unaxis Corporation) and then movedwithin the group to the position of Product Manager in Liechtenstein. In 1996 he took over thedevelopment and management of the TFT Display Division. From 1999 through 2001 Aitorwas in charge of corporate development at Unaxis. Before joining Tecan, he was with VP Bankin Vaduz, where he worked as Head of Group Marketing and Business Development.

“We will continue to launch an impressive number of new

products in 2004”

Interview


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The LabCD is an innovative product, whichenables the miniaturization of assays.How have customers reacted?

We’ve received very positive feedback fromcustomers using our first ADMET assay on the LabCD introduced in February 2003.They really like the fact that the application is prevalidated and that the number ofnecessary manual interventions is considerablyreduced compared with other systems.We already signed several alliance and R&Dcontracts with key customers in order to developfurther assays in the ADMET area. We aredefinitely committed to this application andwant to make sure that the LabCD becomesthe undisputed standard for appropriatebiopharmaceutical applications.

Currently, Tecan is focusing mainly on itscore competencies of liquid handling anddetection. What is the underlying businessstrategy?

Due to the weakness in the Life Science industryin recent years, we had to adapt our businessstrategy. We want to maintain and developour position as the number one company in the crucial core competencies for the lifesciences tools industry. With this approach we will continue to provide the best platformsand solutions to eliminate the bottlenecks inthe research and development as well as thediagnostics process. As a first step, I wantto consolidate Tecan’s position in focusedmarkets. Therefore, we are currently definingproduct groups in order to bring moretransparency into financial reporting and to develop strategies along these productgroups. Based on the strategy for the products,we will reconsider Tecan’s corporate strategy.

Today, many customers are looking forcomplete solutions to their applicationneeds. Devices, reagents and applicationsupport should all be available from onesingle supplier. How is Tecan planning tooffer this added value to its customers?

Our “open system approach” allows us toadapt the platforms to the needs of ourcustomers. We are collaborating with themain suppliers of reagents and kits that areof importance for the application needs ofour customers so they can combine their

preferred kit with an automation solutionfrom the leading provider of laboratoryautomation solutions.

In Clinical Diagnostics, regulatoryrequirements are becoming increasinglyimportant. How does Tecan support itsDiagnostics customers in meeting theserequirements?

How will Tecan meet the increasing demandsof customers regarding optimization of costsand ease of use in the future?

We will continue to develop our Freedom EVOplatform. Customers will be able to buy moreoptions and to perform more applications on the same platform, which increases theirreturn on investment. The possibility to workwith the same platform in all areas andthroughput ranges will reduce the necessarytraining expense for institutions with a larger equipment base. In addition, the newsoftware EVOware was developed to allowusers to implement and run their applicationswith an unmatched ease of use. On theorganizational level, we want to strengthenour Customer Service and Application Support(currently Customized Solutions) structures.

Where do you find the necessary balance to this challenging task?

I find it very relaxing to be on a sailing boatobserving the sunrise over the ocean. I alsoenjoy spending time on my other hobbies,which include traveling and reading.

Tecan has continuously adapted its qualitysystem and has implemented all the necessaryorganizational measures to fulfill the worldwideregulatory standards including the recentlyimplemented IVD-Directive 98/79/EC of theEU. So customers can be sure they will receivethe best possible products and after salesservice for their requirements. I want to pointout that Tecan has specifically trained salesmanagers that are able to consult customersif they need assistance with regulatorycompliance.

Which important product launches can be expected from Tecan this year?

As in previous years, we will continue tolaunch an impressive number of new productsin 2004. Two important products will becomeavailable in the first quarter: the newpipetting and scheduling software EVOwareand the new monochromator-basedmicroplate reader Safire2. Further newdetection systems will follow this year.Tecan will also extend its Gene ExpressionSuite of products and launch interesting new applications in other areas.

“We will continue to provide the best platforms

and solutions”

Genomics


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A New Microarray System Brings Speed to GenotypingSeveral solutions from Tecan contribute to the automation of high-throughput genotyping services offered by Transnetyx

When working with transgenic animals,a thorough genotyping analysis of DNAsamples is necessary to confirm thepresence of the desired genotype. AlthoughPCR is often the method of choice for thiskind of analysis, it is a tedious, timeconsuming and often error prone procedurethat is not very well suited for a high-throughput approach. Transnetyx, Inc.,a Memphis, Tennessee based company, hasaddressed this problem with a proprietarynew microarray system that utilizes severalsolutions from Tecan.

Transnetyx’ automated system allows it toperform genotype analysis testing quickerand cheaper than in-house laboratorytechnicians. The proprietary processautomates the entire screening protocol fordetecting transgenic, knock-out, and knock-in alleles in laboratory mice. It replaces labor-

intensive PCR and Southern Blot protocolswith easily automateable microarraytechnology. With PCR and Southern Blotprotocols an average batch size of 30samples could be processed every two tothree days. With Transnetyx’ novel solution,thousands of samples can be processedsimultaneously in approximately eighthours. With this significant increase in speed and throughput, researchers can now redirect their time and resources tomeaningful scienctific research rather thanspending it performing routine tests. Theincreased throughput of the new method is critical for drug studies involving largenumbers of transgenic mice. In addition,the microarray technology uses significantlyless reagents, chemicals, and consumablesoffering a six-fold cost-savings per sampleover the existing manual protocols.

The System for secure, fast, accurateand convenient genotypingThe Transnetyx system was originallydesigned and developed as a platformtechnology, not only for mutant mousescreening, but to enable high-throughputperformance of other genetic tests andscreening protocols. The system is based on four Tecan instruments:• Genesis Platform for sample configuration

(accessioning station).• Genesis Freedom® Platform

(probe accessioning station).• GENios microplate reader for scanning

well plates for DNA content and quality.• LS300 Laser Scanner for scanning

the slides.

Currently, Transnetyx has installed oneproduction line. A second one will startoperating in spring 2004. Each productionline incorporates two high volume liquid

The seamless integration of Tecan’s automated LS 200/300/400 series of laser scanners with itsArray-Pro Analyzer software provides unprecedented flexibility and throughput for high-throughputscreening and other microarray applications. The high quality of the data generated by the LS series of laser scanners is a prerequisite for successfully generating results with statistical and bioinformatical evaluations, which become increasingly important in the postgenomic era.

Transnetyx Staff:From Left to RightFront Row, Suzanne Ledbetter, Jean WolaverBack Row, Nate Nowak, Jeff Thomas,Bob Bean, Tim Hodge, Scott Balentine.

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Transnetyx Tray System on Tecan Genesis Freedom.Transnetyx Clean Room.

handling stations, one microarray machine,and one laser scanner. “The addition of theTecan LS 300 to our laboratory operations hasgreatly improved our productivity as well asour flexibility. Its ability to scan slides andwell plates gives us many options overconventional slide scanners,” commentsRobert Bean, Vice President of Transnetyx.He adds: “Day in and day out, we believe the LS 300 is one of the best scanners on themarket. We have compared our results toother scanners and have found the data to be more accurate and more useful to us in the LS 300 format.”

The platform minimizes manual interventionand the potential for error by utilizing aconveyor system to move and scan samplesfrom station to station. To control such large

volumes of samples, Transnetyx implementeda customized Laboratory InformationManagement System (“LIMS”) softwareprogram to manage the entire productionprocess. After receiving all customer ordersfrom the website order entry system, LIMSgenerates a daily production work list,verifies chemical and reagent inventory,tracks each sample through each sequence,links the automation software at everyequipment station to the process, and finallyposts the results back to the customeraccount management system.

Currently, the system has a capacity of50,000 samples in an 18-hour workday.The only bottleneck in the process, sampleaccessioning, will be overcome withadditional liquid handling solutions.

Fast and reliable resultsFor Transnetyx’ customers, the benefits ofthe technology are obvious. Cost effectiveservices are provided rapidly and reliably.All of this is enabled through the use ofreliable, state-of-the-art automation solutions;many of which are provided by Tecan.

Transnetyx:Year of foundation: 2001Current number of staff: 8Genotyping service: Beta trials arecurrently available for 20 launchcustomers. Commercial availability in March 2004Examples of typical customers:University Laboratories, IndividualPrimary Investigators, University Corefacilities, University Animal Centers who centralize test services, Breeders,Bio/Pharma Research CentersTypical types of tests: Testing for trangenes,knock out, knock in, insertions, zygosity.

Drug Discovery


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Figure 1: Tecan Genesis Workstation with Eppendorf Thermoshaker and Wasp Spiral Plater.

Figure 2: The Spiral Plater plates the sampleswith bacteria on a petri dish while the RoMaarm holds the cover.

IntroductionScreening for substances with an antimicrobialeffect is often a part of the developmentprogram of cosmetic products. Thesesubstances serve as additives to guaranteethe required shelf life of the product. In otherproducts like deodorants, these additives areresponsible for the desired antimicrobialeffect. This work describes the automation ofa test to identify substances with anti-microbial activity against the bacterial strainCorynebacterium xerosis ATCC 7711. Each setof experiments involves testing five candidatesubstances (tested in duplicate) and twocontrol compounds. The compounds aremixed with the bacteria, and allowed toincubate. Samples are removed at varioustime points and plated onto agar. After 48hours of incubation, the colonies on the platesare counted. A graphical analysis of the numberof colonies in relation to time represents thebacteriostatic effect of the tested substance.Automation of the process has doubled thethroughput of the test while maintainingthe system free of contamination.

Automated Microbiology:Identification of Antimicrobial Substances for Cosmetic ProductsAuthor: Bernd Traupe, R&D cosmed, Beiersdorf AG, Unnastr. 48, 20245 Hamburg

Material and Methods

InstrumentsTogether with Tecan, Beiersdorf AGestablished an automated solution for theprocessing of the described procedures.The components are:• Tecan Genesis RSP 200/8 with a robotic

manipulator (RoMa) arm, 8 x 1 ml syringes,8 Teflon covered steel tips.

• Fast Wash pump.• Carrier for substances in Eppendorf cups.• Reagent storage reservoir filled with 70%

ethanol for decontamination of thepipetting tips after each pipetting step.

• Special carriers for 3 x 7 racks with foursample containers each (these racks aretransported to the Spiral Plater by theRoMa arm. Samples are plated directlyfrom the racks).

• Eppendorf Thermomixer for incubationof bacteria and test substances.

• Carousel on the right side of theworkstation for storage of agar plates.

• Barcode reader on the Genesis workbenchfor scanning the barcode on each plateafter transport to the Spiral Plater.

• Wasp Spiral Plater (Don Whitley Scientific),integrated on the Genesis workstation(the Spiral Plater is loaded with agarplates and sample racks by the RoMa arm).

Chemicals20% ethanol, for the stock solutions ofsubstances; 70% ethanol, for decontaminatingthe pipetting tips; medium; agar plates (10 cm) with C- Agar (Heipa).

The assayThe pipetting robot is loaded with five testsubstances and two controls. 76 bar-codelabeled agar plates are stored in the carouseland all chemical containers (stock solutionwith bacterial strain, extra medium fordissolving the substance and bacteria anddecontamination solution) are filled up.The test substances (performed in duplicate)and the two controls are mixed with thebacteria with a ratio of 1:1 (or 500 µl of the

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substance solution are added to 500 µl ofthe bacterial culture) and incubated on thethermoshaker. At T0 samples are taken fromboth controls and dissolved 1:10 and 1:100 ina transportable sample container. After eachpipetting step the tips are decontaminatedin 70% ethanol and washed with thesystem’s washing solution. All 24 samplesare subsequently transported to the SpiralPlater and plated on the petri dishes. For thisprocedure the RoMa arm first transports thecarrier racks, each containing four samples,to the Spiral Plater and then gets the agarplates from the carousel to the Spiral Plater.After a plate is placed in the right position,the cover is lifted up and the Spiral Plater’sturntable spins the agar plate (see Fig 2).During this step the barcode is scanned.The Spiral Plater’s pipetting tip then takes a sample and plates it through continuousdispensing in a linear movement over thespinning plate, creating a spiral samplepattern on the plate. In a last step the RoMaarm puts the cover back on the plate andtransports the plate back to the carousel forstorage. The samples are incubated at 30°Con a temperature controlled shaker. Afterincubation for 20 minutes, 1 hour and 3 hours24 extra samples are plated, now adding upto a total of 76 agar plates for five testedsubstances. After 48 hours of incubation the colonies on the plates are counted.

ResultsEach run is capable of testing five substancesin a duplicate test against two controls.Samples are taken and plated at four specificpoints in time (0, 20 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours).Agar plates are then incubated for 48 hours at 30°C and the numbers of colonies aredisplayed graphically against the incubationtimes. This allows an interpretation of theantimicrobial effect of each tested compound.An example of the result is shown in Fig 3.

Experienced staff can process the assaymanually, without any automated steps in ca. five hours. Using the automatedsystem described, processing of the sameamount of samples takes just 90 minutes.

Figure 3: Example of the result of a screening assay: After adding the test substance the CFUs(colony forming units) per ml at specific times are calculated and displayed on a time graph.This example shows that substance B has the strongest antimicrobial effect.

Figure 4: Time benefit of automating the test.The limit in throughput is not yet reachedand can be further increased twofold. On asingle workday the manual method allowedfor testing a total of five substances, whilethe automated solution is capable ofprocessing double the amount. However,the theoretical maximum throughput is notyet reached and the system is capable ofincreasing throughput by a further factor of 2,to a total of 20 substances. The system islinked to an Access database, which generatesthe barcodes for the plates and also links thebarcodes of the sample and the plate. Thecounting of the colonies on a IUL reader iscurrently performed offline, but linking thisdirectly to the Access database in order todirectly link the number of colonies to theplate barcode is possible.

Automation of the process has doubled

the throughput of the testwhile maintaining the system

free of contamination

This article was originally published in BioTec11-12/2003.

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Password protected login supports compliancewith CFR 21 part 11 requirements.

Tecan is opening yet another chapter in the history of liquid handling automation:Freedom EVOware brings a new dimensionto controlling robotic platforms. Whetheryou are a beginner with no experience or an automation expert wanting to set up acomplex multi-device schedule – FreedomEVOware is the tool that offers an unmatchedcombination of flexibility and ease of use.

Ultimate FlexibilityFreedom EVOware is the first liquid handlingand robotic control software to providepipetting and dynamic scheduling in onepackage. Therefore, Freedom EVOware opensthe door of advanced assay control to a wholenew group of users. An outstanding range of functionalities and performance featurestogether with scalability and flexibility makeFreedom EVOware the robotic and liquidhandling software of choice.

From lab technicians running protocols tosystem integrators extending the systemwith new devices, Freedom EVOware offersyou a superior working experience throughits ease-of-use. A consistent and intuitivegraphical user interface truly simplifies the control of the Freedom EVO®, from basicpipetting protocols on a Freedom EVO 100,to multi-plate scheduled runs on a fullyconfigured Freedom EVO 200. FreedomEVOware supports laboratories working underthe FDA’s 21 CFR part 11 regulation that need

Freedom EVOware® – a New Standardof Control over Automation PlatformsFreedom EVOware is Tecan’s new state of the art software for all your biopharmaceutical and research application needs

multilevel user management, full audit trail,electronic records and electronic signatures.

Simple daily operationFreedom EVOware guides new users to getup and running fast! Standard protocols maybe selected from the system library or newoptimized protocols may be easily createdfor everyday use.

Intuitive creation of protocolsFreedom EVOware’s intuitive graphical userinterface sets new standards in ease of use.Worktable definition is simplified throughdrag and drop, and protocols creation isaccelerated through application templatesthat get you started. 3D simulation allowsyou to see your process before running iton the Freedom EVO, thus saving valuableconsumables. The features of the modernand intuitive user interface allow you to

reduce your learning time and to achieve an excellent working experience.

Freedom to evolveFreedom EVOware offers system integratorsan extendable library of over 75 drivers fordetection, separation, robotics and platehandling and storage devices from Tecan and 3rd party vendors. System customizationis supported through a variety of openinterfaces for device drivers, automation,worklisting and messaging, deliveringflexibility at all levels.

Enabling Genomics,Proteomics and Drug Discovery

applications

The 3D viewer allows you to simulate protocols easier and faster.


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New Products

Freedom EVOware is available in two configurations:Freedom EVOware Standard• Start-up screens guide operators through common routines.• Intuitive graphical user interface for worktable and protocol creation.• Graphical definition of robotic moves.• Application templates accelerate creation of common protocols.• Wizards assist creation of advanced pipetting procedures.• 3D view of instrument for simulating sequences.• Internet downloadable liquid classes and labware definitions.• Expandable with a library of over 75 device drivers.• Full support for FDA CFR 21 part 11.

Freedom EVOware Plus• Process oriented protocol definition.• Integrated scheduler simplifies scale-up to multi-plate runs.• Save optimized schedules for improved efficiency.

Start-up screens guide operators through common routines. The Favourites tab of the control bar allows you to organize your most frequentlyused commands and labware in one easy toaccess location.

Simple, intuitive and flexible software

Easy to use graphical interface: simply drag and drop the necessary labware on the worktable (left). The same user friendly method works for selectingcommands for the generation of scripts (right).

Clinical Diagnostics


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Figure 1: The test setup on a Genesis Freedom for the automation of functional tests of thrombocytes (see copy for components).

Hemostasis is the process of repairinglesions in blood vessels. The repairmechanism is based on the synergestic co-action of contracting blood vessels, theplasmatic coagulation system, and platelets(thrombocytes). Thrombocytes are responsiblefor the formation of the primaryhemostatic clot. The clot develops from the adhesion of the thrombocytes to sub-endothelial collagen, followed byadsorption of the thrombocytes, and thenstabilization with fibrin. It is their adhesiveand aggregative properties that enablethrombocytes to play a crucial role in thisprocess. Aggregation of thrombocytes canbe triggered by various inductors includingadrenalin, collagen and thrombin, or bynumerous mechanical factors.

Testing the functionality of thrombocytes is an important tool for the diagnosis ofhemostatic disorders. In order to performthese thrombocyte function tests, plateletrich plasma first needs to be obtained; whichis accomplished by centrifuging citric bloodunder defined conditions. The extracted

Measuring AggregationAutomation of assays for the function of thrombocytes

plasma is subsequently diluted to obtain the desired number of thrombocytes for the tests. An important assay to test thefunction of thrombocytes is the photometricdetection of thrombocyte-aggregation uponthe addition of trigger agents like collagen(stimulates the interaction of thrombocyteswith subendothelial stroma), ADP (stimulatesthe interaction of thrombocytes), epinephrine(stimulates arachidonic acid metabolism),arachidonic acid (stimulates the formation ofthromboxan A2), or ristocetin (stimulates theaggregating effect of the von-Willebrand-factor). For the assay, the thrombocyte-richplasma and the trigger reagent are placed ina cuvette and stirred with a small magneticagitator. The stirring motion preventssedimentation of thrombocytes andfacilitates the formation of aggregates.Following this step, the transmission of longwavelength light, which increases during theformation of aggregates, is measured over adefined period of time. A graph of this datais then compared with standard curvesenabling determination of the functionality

of the analyzed thrombocytes and thepossible presence of functional disorders.

The goal for automationThe manual procedure for testing 120 samplestakes 5-6 man-hours per day. The goal was toautomate this process in order to reduce theworkload and to enable staff to performother tasks. The additional capacities areused to continuously cross-check the results,which significantly increases the quality ofdata and also gives physicians, clinics andlaboratories much faster access to their results.

The solutionThe system is based on a Tecan GenesisFreedom® (see Fig 1) with a “Pick and Place”arm on the left side (1), a liquid handling arm with four syringes on the right side (2),a barcode scanner for the detection of thesample tubes (3), positions for four Apact 4Aggregometers (Labitec) (4), as well aspositions for a stock of cuvettes (5) and awaste station for disposal of used cuvettes (6).

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This workstation was developed and set upin collaboration with the lab of Prof Trobischin Duisburg. A crucial step during setup wasthe exact positioning of the “Pick and Place”arm, which transports the cuvettes andplaces them into the four photometers.

The processIn a sample preparation step, the citric bloodof patients is centrifuged, yielding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-free plasma(PPP). PPP is used for calibrating the systemand the PRP is adjusted to contain between200,000 and 400,000 thrombocytes per µl.The tubes, which have been bar-coded forpatient- and sample-identification, arescanned by the Tecan barcode scanner andcompared with the task list maintained bythe LIMS. This guarantees complete samplecontrol and eliminates potential errors.Samples that are not to be tested areidentified immediately. Tecan’s Gemini and Pegasus software packages control the pipetting steps and the subsequentbatch processing of the samples:• Transport of cuvettes to and from

the aggregometer.• Pipetting of PRP and PPP including mixing

of samples and adding reaction triggers.• Start and control of aggregometer.• Optimization of batch processing.• Handling of “fatal error” reports of

the aggregometer.

Four different applications are used:1. Assay for aggregation of thrombocytes on

seven channels per sample (tests for sticky-platelet-syndrome and thrombocytopathia:Triggers are collagen, ADP, arachidonic acidand epinephrine in four concentrations).

2. Assay for aggregation of thrombocytes on four channels per sample (tests fordrug-induced thrombocytopathia:Triggers are collagen, ADP, arachidonic acid and epinephrine).

3. Assay for aggregation of thrombocytes on five channels per sample (tests forheparine-induced thrombocytopathia:Triggers are HMW-haeoarine, LMW-heparine, orgarane and isotonic NaCl as a blank value).

4. Assay for aggregation of thrombocytes on four channels per sample (tests forWillebrand-syndrome type II: Trigger isristocetin in four concentrations).

ResultsThe test for aggregation of thrombocytes onfour channels (test for Willebrand-syndrometype II) shows typical results of aggregationtests (see Fig 2). The pattern of aggregationafter addition of the trigger substance leadsto various conclusions about differentpathological functional disorders like drug-induced thrombocytopathia (Aspirin, NSAR),sticky-platelet-syndrome, Morbus Glanzmann,

Bernard-Soulier-syndrome, release-defect,thrombopenia and radial aplasia, dense-body-defect, gray-platelet-syndrome andalpha-2-adrenerger-receptor-defect.Automation of this process leads to anincreased speed of analysis (3-4 hourscompared to 5-6 hours for manual processing)and a significant increase in the quality andreliability of results, which is a big stepforward for laboratory medicine.

Figure 2: Typical aggregation results afteradding the trigger. X-axis: Time [sec], Y-axis:transmission = % aggregation. Figure 2a+bshow a pathological function of thrombocytestypical for sticky-platelet syndrome.

Figure 2a: Aggregation when adding thetriggers collagen (black), ADP (red) andarachidonic acid (blue) are normal. Figure 2b:When adding different concentrations of epinephrine (red=1:10, green=1:100,blue=1:1000) no change in aggregation isobserved and does not differ from addingpure epinephrine (black) (stimulus-unproportional aggregation behavior).

Figure 2c shows a pathological function ofthrombocytes. The aggregation stimulated by collagen (black), epinephrine (green) andarachidonic acid (blue) is clearly constricted.The aggregation when adding ADP (red) isnormal, suggesting a release-defect.

Authors:

Prof. Dr. med. Heiner TrobischFacharzt für Laboratoriums- undTransfusionsmedizin DuisburgKönigstr. 53, 47051 DuisburgPhone: 0203/30 09 80 Fax: 0203/30 09 899E mail: [email protected]

Andrea Iffert, Laboratory Prof. Trobisch

This article was originally published inLaborMedizin & Diagnostik 01.03.

Figure 3: Pick and Place arm.

Tecan Plus


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Training courses are an effective method for acquiring the specialized knowledgenecessary for the proper utilization of Tecaninstruments. Tecan offers a comprehensiverange of courses that combine in-depththeory with hands-on coaching sessions.

Tecan’s comprehensive training programsenable customers to build up the knowledgenecessary for optimizing the productivity oftheir Tecan instruments. Taking advantage of Tecan’s training resources and experiencedtrainers, these courses provide the customerwith a thorough learning experience.

Benefits• Maximizing productivity = return on your

training investment.• Effective learning without

distraction from daily business.• Certified and highly skilled trainers.• Opportunities to ask questions and

challenge what you are learning.

Get Trained by Certified Experts – the Key for SuccessShare Tecan’s experience and optimize your laboratory efficiency through our extensivetraining programs

• Learn from the experiences of other participants.

• Time for practicing.• Ongoing access to feedback from

the trainer and product experts.• Hands-on training using the instruments.• Small learning groups.• Interactive discussions.• Customized training is available on request.

The right course for everyoneWhatever your level of experience,we have a course that is right for you. Our trainingprograms cover the following main areas:• Introduction to Tecan instruments,

including how to operate equipment safely.• Software concepts and

program implementation.• Basic maintenance to prevent

equipment down-time.• Liquid handling, including the

Nanopipetting System (NPS).• Specialized application courses.

Our courses are run by certified trainers,product managers and applications specialistswho are experts in their respective fields.You can be confident that you will bereceiving the very best education from skilled professionals.

Courses are held at most of Tecan’s affiliateoffices worldwide. Tecan also offers theeconomic and practical option of training on-site in your laboratory. This can significantlyreduce your time and travel costs; especiallyif you want to train several people.

For further information: www.tecan.com >Customer Relations > Training

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Tecan on the RoadPreview on Conferences and Trade Shows 2004

Tecan’s new Safire2 is a fully modular monochromator-based microplate detection system.Modules for fluorescence intensity top reading, fluorescence intensity bottom reading,fluorescence polarization, multi-channel absorbance, multi-channel luminescence as well as integrated stackers are available.

For the development of new assays, researchers deal with frequently changing applications and fluorophores requiring the optimization of different wavelengths. Safire2 utilizes speciallydesigned fast-scanning double-monochromators for highest sensitivity making the use ofoptical filters for changing wavelengths in fluorescence and absorbance obsolete. While filter-based systems require new filters for each new wavelength, Safire2 has all wavelengths onboard making it effortless for researchers to tune the system according to the needs of theassay and save time, costs and labor.

Safire2 is not only extremely versatile but also features a high measurement speed in all detectionmodes, which also makes it ideal for high-throughput screening (HTS). The use of the system forassay development and HTS allows researchers to avoid the re-evaluation of the assay on a newsystem when applying it to an HTS environment. Due to the flexibility, sensitivity and high speed ofSafire2, the instrument is the ideal solution to bridge the gap between assay development and HTS.

Date Event Location

Germany:11-14 May Analytica Munich www.analytica.de

Switzerland:29 February – 4 March LogP2004 Zurich www.logp2004.ethz.ch

3-6 May MipTec Basel www.miptec.com

North America12-14 January CHI PepTalk San Diego, CA www.chi-peptalk.com

2-4 February LabAutomation San Jose, CA www.labautomation.org/LA/LA04

29 February – 2 March ABRF Portland, OR www.faseb.org/meetings/abrf2004

8-11 March Pittcon Chicago, IL www.pittcon.org

24-26 May ASM New Orleans, LA www.asm.org

Japan:15-18 April 1st Pacific-Rim Conference on Protein Science Yokohama www.pssj.jp

19-21 May 3rd International Bio Expo Japan Tokyo web.reedexpo.co.jp/bio/english

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

Monochromator Power for Assay Developmentand High-Throughput Screening – Safire2

Local News


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Tecan JournalCustomer Magazine of Tecan Group Ltd.ISSN 1660-5276

Circulation: 9,000 copies (German),10,500 copies (English)Publisher: Tecan Group Ltd.Editor: Dr. Josef SyfrigAddress: Tecan Group Ltd.,Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Männedorf, SwitzerlandTel: +41 1 922 88 88 Fax: +41 1 922 88 90E-Mail: [email protected]: http://www.tecan.com

Design, Editing and Layout: Northbank CommunicationsMeadowside, Mountbatten Way, Congleton CW12 1DN, UKE-Mail: [email protected] and Printing: DAZ Druckerei Albisrieden AGGrafische Dienstleistungen, Albisriederstrasse 252a, CH-8047 ZürichCopyright: All rights are reserved by Tecan JournalPhotos and Illustrations: Tecan Germany GmbH,Tecan Group Ltd, Northbank CommunicationsTypography: Type set in Thesis from LucasFontsSubscription: For a free subscription to Tecan Journal, pleasecontact your nearest sales office (see back cover of this issue) or send an e-mail to: [email protected]

Masthead

Freedom EVO® at Molecular Biology show in JapanWe celebrated Freedom EVO’s debut in Japan at the Annual Meeting of the Molecular BiologySociety of Japan from December 10 to 13, 2003 in Kobe. The exhibition, organized in conjunctionwith the conference, is one of the most vibrant trade shows in Japan and attracts researchersfrom both academia and life science industries. It was a great opportunity to give visitors thechance to familiarize themselves with Tecan’s new liquid handling platform and the wide rangeof products and solutions.

Freedom EVO was exhibited as the high throughput solution for recombinant protein purificationwith Novagen’s RoboPop™ Purification Kits. The Freedom EVO Nucleic Acid Sample preparationsystem was another example that demonstrated the versatility of the Freedom EVO concept tothe visitors of this year’s MBSJ.

In addition, the LS 200 microarray scanner and HS 400 Hybridization station were showcasedas the solutions for gene expression studies.

New EVO product line receives a lot of attention in ScandinaviaThe fourth BioTech Forum took place at The Scandinavian Exhibition and Conference Center inStockholm (Sweden) from November 26 to 28. At the show, Tecan exhibited the new Freedom EVO®line of instruments for the first time in Scandinavia. This robotics and liquid handling platformallows the automation of research applications such as nucleic acid extraction and purification,which were prominently featured in the magnetic bead separation methods. Automation of clinical diagnostics applications were demonstrated on the new Freedom EVOlyzer,a fully automated ELISA workstation. In addition to new multichannel pipetting options(Aquarius/Autoloader), Tecan’s products for gene expression studies, including the HS 400 arrayhybridization station and LS 200 laser scanner, further highlighted the width of Tecan’s applicationexpertise. Tecan’s booth attracted a large audience representing attendees from pharma, academia,and clinical diagnostics interested in seeing these instruments in operation and participating indirect discussions with Tecan specialists.

If extraction, purification and amplification of Nucleic Acids of the highest quality and yield – from anysample, using whatever protocol you choose, scaled to meet your current and future needs – is key toyour research, then you'll need Tecan's Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation Suite. Whether you performNucleic Acid extraction and purification using SPE, magnetic beads, centrifugation or any type of PCR,Tecan offers solutions ranging from small workstations to fully integrated robotic systems designedspecifically with the molecular biologist in mind. A wide range of complementary accessories allows for automation of a broad range of the most common protocols and throughput requirements. Takeadvantage of Tecan's profound expertise in genomics applications, and start enjoying the benefits of a suite of products to unlock your future discoveries.

Genomics • Proteomics • Drug Discovery • Clinical Diagnostics

For more information please visit www.tecan.com/nasampleprep or call your nearest Tecan officeAustria +43 62 46 89 33 Belgium +32 15 42 13 19 Denmark +45 70 23 44 50 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

The right key whatever your nucleic acid preparation

Tecan Journal Edition 01/2004

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