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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
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Systematic Analysis of In Vitro Cell Rolling Using a Multi-well Plate Microfluidic System
Published on: October 16, 2013
Case study of the automation options and decisions made in implementing a high-throughput cell based screen using the
Journal of Automated Methods & Management in Chemistry
|October 18, 2008
Summary
Emerging pharmaceutical companies can achieve high throughput screening with process optimization and standalone automated workstations. This approach addresses financial and personnel constraints, enabling efficient drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Laboratory Automation
Background:
- Emerging pharmaceutical companies face financial and personnel constraints when implementing advanced high-throughput screening (HTS) technologies.
- State-of-the-art screening technology adoption requires careful consideration of existing resources and infrastructure.
- NPS Pharmaceuticals sought to optimize its screening process for a new Molecular Devices FLIPR system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine automation and process change options for HTS in resource-constrained pharmaceutical companies.
- To re-evaluate the entire screening workflow, including development, validation, tissue culture, compound distribution, data handling, and screening.
- To determine the feasibility and impact of implementing a minimalist laboratory automation approach.
Main Methods:
- A case study approach was used at NPS Pharmaceuticals.
- The entire screening process was re-examined to identify automation opportunities.
- A minimalist approach using standalone automated workstations and process optimization was adopted.
- Integration of the screening team into project discovery teams was implemented.
Main Results:
- Successful installation and validation of the Molecular Devices FLIPR system within 3 months.
- Achieved a consistent throughput of 64 96-well microplates per day, comparable to major pharmaceutical companies.
- Demonstrated that process optimization and standalone automation can yield significant throughput in resource-limited settings.
Conclusions:
- Process optimization combined with modern standalone automated workstations is an effective strategy for HTS in emerging pharmaceutical companies.
- Minimal automation, integrated with workflow understanding, can significantly enhance screening capacity.
- Further throughput increases are possible by adopting 384-well microplate technology alongside process improvements.
