Automated ELISA with the BioTek EL406 and BioTek BioStack

Some commercially available laboratory automation projects are well conceived for the use they are intended. Sometimes with a little helping hand from additional software the useful range of the equipment can be extended.

A good example of this is the BioTek BioStack™/EL406™ and Overlord3. The basic design offers the ability to load and unload the plate washer dispenser. With Overlord3 the user has the basis of an ELISA system.

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categories high throughput screening forensic science applications high content screening automate.it connect cart Nanolitre dispensing automated surface chemistry automated atomic absorption Automation of ELISA assays dna science and technology automated hplc

Overlord3 offers an additional level of software to the KBiosystems Scorpion stacker that allows:

• automated liquid handling steps for dosing plates predetermined times with the Elx405/EL406 (e.g. ELISA)
• plates can be incubated at room temperature for a set time during a process
• kinetic studies with the plate readers
• data to be collated during or at the end of a run to be passed to a LIMS
• plates to be restacked during a process
• control of 400 instruments as part of the workstation

The BioStack Microplate Stacker is the result of BioTek's years of experience in microplate automation.  Through its compatibility with a range of detection and liquid handling systems, the BioStack offers life science laboratories increased throughput for a variety of applications in genomics, proteomics, drug discovery and clinical diagnostics. Speed, ease of use and walk away automation are guaranteed for any routine microplate process.

When used with the BioTek range of dispensers including the ELx405™ Microplate Washer and the EL406™ Washer Dispenser, the BioStack's small footprint fits easily in standard laboratory hoods and doesn't require a computer. The BioStack can also be used as a batch processor for the BioTek Microplate Readers.  The BioStack Microplate Stacker is a simple and cost-effective solution for bench top automation of BioTek's microplate components.

• Automates routine laboratory procedures
• Adds stacking to BioTek instrumentation
• 30 or 50 standard height microplates
• Interchangeable stacks
• Simple to use for all laboratory personnel
• Restacking capability
• Variable microplate input
• Small footprint conserves bench top space
• Precision designed
• Quiet operation

• Linear mechanisms, proven BioTek technology
• No moving parts to wear within motors
• Gripper incorporates rack and pinion drive for synchronistic movement
• Self diagnostics ensures trouble-free operation
• BIOSTACK2 fixed wrist: Supports 0° integrations
• BIOSTACK2WR rotational wrist: Supports 90° and 0° integration

Overlord3™ can control both instruments and move the plates to and from the EL406 instrument.  At the end of the stack of plates, the plates are shuffled from the out stack to the in stack and are run again.  Most schedulers struggle with the shuffle stage as their general operational structure does not all iterative actions on the same plate.
The advanced runtime engine of Overlord3 allows the setup and control of the plate process for as many cycles that the procedure requires with the additional benefit of running a different EL406 protocol on each plate as required.

• Integrate with an automate.it scara robot and BioTek plate reader and you have a complete low-cost room temperature ELISA system.
• Integrate with an automate.it scara robot and incubator and you have a fully functional ELISA system.

Workcell control is with Overlord3 dynamic scheduler to provide an icon-based drag and drop interface to control the system.  An important criterion was to provide a user interface constructed to provide easy access for operators with little experience of robotic systems to run assays on the system.

Overlord3 currently offers over 405 instrument driver interfaces for liquid handlers, readers and washers etc.  This gives the user the most choice and flexibility on the market to design their system of choice.  The workcell can incorporate full pipetting capabilities and other sample preparation technologies if required.