Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

06:24
Generic Protocol for Optimization of Heterologous Protein Production Using Automated Microbioreactor Technology
Published on: December 15, 2017
Optimizing production of serially diluted compounds and distribution to multiple targets.
1Research and Development, GlaxoWellcome, USA.
Journal of Automated Methods & Management in Chemistry
|October 18, 2008
Summary
A new robotic system automates compound serial dilution and assay plate preparation for drug discovery. This high-throughput system efficiently produces over 200 serial dilution assay plates daily.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Drug Discovery
- Laboratory Automation
Background:
- Drug discovery requires assessing compound selectivity across multiple targets.
- Manual serial dilution and plate preparation are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- There is a need for automated solutions to increase throughput and accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a robotic system for automated serial dilution and assay plate production.
- To improve the efficiency and accuracy of compound screening processes.
- To support multiple-target compound selectivity programs.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a Genesis RSP 150 with a Zymate Laboratory Automation System XP.
- Development of a robotic workflow for serial compound dilution.
- Automated distribution of diluted compounds to replicate assay plates using carousels and rapid plate handlers.
Main Results:
- The robotic system successfully automates serial dilution and assay plate preparation.
- High-throughput production of over 200 serial dilution assay plates per workday.
- Demonstrated speed and accuracy in plate preparation.
Conclusions:
- The established robotic system effectively addresses the need for high-throughput compound selectivity screening.
- Automation significantly enhances the efficiency of assay plate production.
- This system enables faster and more accurate compound evaluation in drug discovery programs.
Related Concept Videos
Upstream Processing
Upstream processing represents a critical phase in biomanufacturing, wherein biological systems such as microorganisms, mammalian cells, or insect cells are cultivated to produce therapeutic proteins, vaccines, enzymes, or other biologically derived products. This phase encompasses all steps from the selection and genetic manipulation of the production organism to the cultivation of cells in bioreactors under tightly controlled environmental conditions.Host Selection and Genetic OptimizationThe...
Downstream Processing
Downstream processing begins once fermentation is complete and involves a series of steps to recover and purify products such as acids, vitamins, antibiotics, or proteins.Cell HarvestingFor example, for intracellular protein-based products, the first step is harvesting the cells. This is typically achieved using centrifugation or filtration to separate the cells from the liquid phase.Cell Disruption for Intracellular ProductsIf the target product is intracellular, the harvested cells must be...
Production of Pharmaceuticals
Industrial insulin production uses genetically engineered E. coli expressing a proinsulin gene controlled by a tryptophan promoter and containing a methionine linker for later cleavage. The cells also carry ampicillin resistance for selective growth. Seed cultures are stored at −80 °C and production begins by thawing a small amount to inoculate starter cultures, which are progressively scaled to a 50,000-L bioreactor. In the bioreactor, E. coli grow in nutrient-rich media under sterile, tightly...
Methods of Medium Optimization
Optimizing growth media enhances microbial proliferation and maximizes product yield. Statistical experimental design methodologies provide structured and reproducible approaches, offering progressively higher levels of robustness and efficiency.The One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) MethodThe One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) method involves adjusting a single variable while keeping all others constant. However, it cannot detect interactions between variables, often leading to suboptimal outcomes when...
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations
Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is commonly administered via intermittent intravenous infusion to treat severe infections. An intermittent one-hour infusion of gentamicin, administered at eight-hour intervals, allows for precise control of plasma drug concentrations, minimizing toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy. Pharmacokinetic principles govern the dynamics of plasma concentrations and can be mathematically described using specific equations.The plasma drug concentration...
Scale-Up Processes
The scale-up of microbial fermentation processes is essential in industrial biotechnology, allowing the transition from laboratory-scale experiments to commercial-scale production while aiming to maintain product yield and quality. This process requires meticulous adjustment of equipment design, process parameters, and contamination control strategies to accommodate increasing culture volumes.At the laboratory scale, cultures are typically maintained in 1 to 10-liter glass or autoclavable...

