Automated antibody dispensing to improve high-parameter flow cytometry throughput and analysis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Flow cytometry advancements allow simultaneous detection of over 40 markers.
• Manual antibody dispensing is laborious, time-consuming, and error-prone for complex panels.
• Automated systems offer potential for improved efficiency and data quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively compare liquid handlers for dispensing fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies for flow cytometry.
• To evaluate automated systems based on dispensing time, dead volume, and reliability.
• To demonstrate the capabilities of an optimized non-contact liquid handler for panel preparation.

Main Methods:

• Comparative evaluation of different liquid handling systems for antibody dispensing.
• Benchmarking key performance criteria: dispensing time, dead volume, and reliability.
• Optimization and detailed assessment of the I.DOT non-contact liquid handler.

Main Results:

• The I.DOT system prepared a 25-marker flow cytometry panel in 20 minutes.
• This included all necessary controls (FMOs, single stains for cells and beads).
• Automated dispensing improved panel validation, data visualization, and analysis.

Conclusions:

• Automated antibody dispensing using systems like the I.DOT reduces experimental time and errors.
• This technology enhances flow cytometry data quality and reproducibility.
• The I.DOT system integrates seamlessly into automated workflows for sample preparation.