(1223-D) Automated and Open-source Biochemical Assay Method Development Using an Inexpensive Robotic Liquid Handler
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Location: Exhibit Halls AB
Abstract: High Throughput Screening is a heavily used platform in pharmaceutical companies that enables rapid and efficient testing to support drug discovery and development. In the High Throughput Analytics (HTA) group at Merck’s Vaccines Analytical Research and Development Department (V-AR&D), Robotic Liquid Handlers are the bread and butter of daily activities, ranging from assay development to sample screening. These instruments, however, typically tend to be expensive and require extensive user training. Training can range from simple familiarization with the system to full fluency with the programming language and user interface. Opentrons’ OT-2 is a liquid handler that allows for medium throughput screening. With a price tag significantly lower than conventional liquid handlers ( < $10,000 compared to ~$200,000), it is perceived as an attractive instrument. Additionally, it runs on python, a widely used programming tool that requires little training. Moreover, the OT-2 is an open-source tool, allowing enhanced flexibility and productivity in the research and development area. Developing existing biochemical assays on the OT-2 would not only expand testing capabilities but also enable transfer of methods to Contract Research Organizations without requiring large capital investments. To evaluate OT-2’s performance, two biochemical assays were developed; first for the detection of double-stranded DNA (PicoGreen) and second for residual total protein (Bradford). These assays were established to mirror production methods developed on Tecan-EVO liquid handlers currently used in HTA. In all, OT-2 pipetted with high accuracy and covariance between the two instruments was low. Assay duration was 10 minutes shorter on the Tecan for a 1-plate PicoGreen run, which could be explained by the lack of a 96-channel pipette head on OT-2. Other limitations of the OT-2 are its lack of a crash detection system and limited deck space. Overall, OT-2 is a cost-effective, medium throughput, open-source liquid handler that allows for accurate liquid pipetting and offers good potential in areas like early-stage development and method transfer.