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High-Throughput Robotics |
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High-Throughput Robotics |
- We have developed an unusual academic laboratory that specializes in automating materials handling and developing new assays for High Throughput Screens (HTS). The facility is based on a modular robotics workstation capable of performing a wide range of automated protocols that we collectively term "Functional Genomics". The workstation is capable of performing most standard protocols of molecular biology as well as functional screens that use radioactivity or colorometric outputs. These protocols include micro- and macro-array generation, plasmid preps, PCR reactions, RFLP analysis, agarose gel analyses, filter- and bead-binding assays, ELISAs, density gradient fractionation analyses, in vitro transcription and translation, and in situ hybridization. These protocols can be performed individually or sequenced in various ways to create more complicated assays. The ability to perform such a wide range of procedures results from our commitment to modular design, both with regard to equipment and programming.
- This Website describes the equipment, protocols and projects currently used in the facility. We have included protocols, drawings, pictures, movies and live video to aid in disseminating our work to other robotics facilities involved in similar efforts. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
James E. Metherall, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Director
metherall@NOSPAM.genetics.utah.eduCasey Barnett
Robotics Engineer
cbarnett@NOSPAM.genetics.utah.edu
Overview
- We have created a highly modular robotics workstation capable of performing a wide range of automated protocols. The ability to perform such a wide range of procedures results from our commitment to modular design, both with regard to equipment and programming.
Workstation Layout
- Equipment
- The facility has a number of robots and ancillary equipment that function as a single modular workstation. The equipment includes liquid handling robots, a microarray spotter, various pieces of detection equipment and robotic arms to move plates and materials between the pieces of equipment. A brief description of each major piece of equipment follows.
Protocols
Low-Yield (Cheap)- Glass Filter
Microarray
