Screening Station, a novel laboratory automation system for physiologically relevant cell-based assays

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Pharmacology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell-based assays using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are crucial for in vitro drug candidate evaluation due to their physiological relevance.
• These assays involve complex, time-consuming processes like long-term culture, live-cell imaging, and multi-step detection, posing challenges for reproducibility and researcher efficiency.
• Automation is key to overcoming these limitations, improving consistency, and enabling continuous monitoring of cellular events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel laboratory automation system, the Screening Station, integrated with Green Button Go software.
• To demonstrate the automation of complex cell-based assay workflows, including cell culture, live-cell imaging, and immunofluorescence assays.
• To showcase the system's capability for remote access and data analysis, facilitating global research collaboration and accelerating drug discovery.

Main Methods:

• Integration of laboratory devices (CO2 incubators, workstations, imaging cytometers, plate washers) using Green Button Go automation control software.
• Development of three distinct workflows: automated cell culture and medium exchange, automated time-lapse live-cell imaging, and automated immunofluorescence assays.
• Application of deep learning for quantifying iPSC differentiation from live-cell imaging data and enabling remote access to experimental results.

Main Results:

• Successful automation of cell culture, medium exchange, live-cell imaging, and immunofluorescence assays for patient-derived iPSCs.
• Quantification of iPSC differentiation status using deep learning analysis of live-cell imaging data.
• Demonstration of remote access to experimental results via intranet, enabling off-site monitoring and analysis.

Conclusions:

• The Screening Station, coupled with Green Button Go software, effectively automates complex cell-based assays, enhancing reproducibility and efficiency.
• The system's remote access capabilities facilitate global research collaboration and accelerate the discovery of novel drug candidates.
• This automated approach significantly advances the use of physiologically relevant iPSC-derived cell models in pharmacological evaluations.