Highlights 2024/25 04 LifeTech 26 – 27 LifeTech Real-life application 400 microwell plates per day The demand for DNA samples has long been so high that the required throughput can no longer be achieved manually. The system from Dutch company Synchron Lab meets the requirements for increased output. With the “DNA factory”, 400 microwell plates per day can be processed. It only requires one operator to load and unload the microwell plates; the highly qualified laboratory assistants can therefore concentrate on their core competency, analyzing the results. Automated sample preparation The system extracts DNA from shredded plant material. The process begins with a microwell plate magazine that accommodates up to 400 plates – 200 for input and 200 for output. The bar code reader SBSI scans all the microwell plates at the start of a run. Electric linear actuators EGC in combination with the semi-rotary actuator DRRD and the pneumatic gripper DHPS pick up the microwell plates, and place them on workpiece carriers that move from one station to the next on a transport system. Modular DNA factory: With this system, 40,000 plant DNA samples can be extracted fully automatically per day. To separate the DNA from other materials, coded metallic microspheres called magnetic beads are added at the first station; the DNA attaches itself to these beads while the rest of the material floats in the microwell plates. A buffer solution of pure isopropanol is aspirated from rotary containers with coated silica magnet and pipetted into the microwell plates. The pipette heads are moved by a planar surface gantry EXCH and an electric linear actuator EGC-HD in the Z-axis. Electric actuators with servo motors EMMT-AS, meanwhile, ensure precise motion sequences. Intensive washing process Following this, the binder buffer solution is aspirated. The magnet forms a ring with the buffer solution. The DNA remains in the microwell plate. A buffer solution is then used to remove salts and ethanol from the DNA. The dispense head VTOI is used for this. The efficiently controllable 8-channel dispense head for microwell plates is equipped with only one valve for eight outlets. Plant breeders are developing more resilient seeds for farmers so that plant foods can withstand climate change, pests, and diseases. To do this, they need vast amounts of DNA. With Synchron Lab’s “DNA Factory”, up to 40,000 samples can be extracted in 24 hours thanks to automation using handling gantries, electric linear actuators, pneumatic grippers, and sensors. Extracting DNA on an Industrial Scale In the final step, the DNA is separated from the beads using a wash-out buffer solution, with four microwell plates being subjected to the process at the same time. Axes ELGC are used in the X direction and actuators EGSC in the Y direction. Likewise, pneumatic grippers DHPS are used for lifting the microwell plates and the semi-rotary actuator DRRD for moving the plates. The high degree of automation of the system makes it possible to process the current and future demand for plant DNA samples for further analysis. One example of this is the development of resistant seeds. From station to station Electric linear actuators EGC combined with a semi-rotary actuator DRRD and a gripper DHPS place the microwell plates on the workpiece carriers of the transport system. (Left) Intensive washing process In a subsequent station, the dispense head VTOI repeatedly dispenses a buffer solution to remove salts and ethanol from the DNA. (Top) Achieving economies of scale In the final step, the DNA is separated from the magnetic beads by rinsing several microwell plates simultaneously with a washout buffer solution. (Bottom) You can find more information about this customer application here: > www.festo.com/synchron
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