Automated Mini-Store

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Automated Mini-Store
System for Low-Temperature Samples Storage
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Lab Automation solutions
by PAA/Biosero
Focused offerings for high-throughput screening
applications
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Automated Samples Storage Systems

• Range of capacities and functionalities

• Ultra-low temperature robotic sample storage

• Automation integration Front/back-end

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Controlled-Environment Chambers
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Automated Mini-Store (AMS)
For small-medium libraries
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General features

• Standalone, self-contained, mobile
• Configurable for range of tubes and vials
• Cherry-picking capability
• Medium-capacity expandable
• Modular design

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AMS Features and Specifications 1/2

• System Size 8 wide, 5 deep, 6.5 tall
• Capacity 300,000 micro-tubes (0.7ml)
• Throughput 4000 picks/day higher possible
• Cherry-picking Yes, for 96- and 384-well
• Operating environment
• 4ºC to -20 º C (settable)
• -80 º C option available
• Environment Backup Liquid Nitrogen

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AMS Features and Specifications 2/2

• Input/Output Station Positions for 6 racks
• Output Stacker 24 racks capacity
• Compression/Consolidation
• On-demand or auto
• Database Any SQL database
• Samples ID 2D matrix and 1D barcode

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Container Types and Capacity
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Multi-Container Types in Single AMS
AMS can easily be configured to simultaneously
handle multiple container types in a single
system.
This is achieved by using gripper-changers at the
Picking Robot for handling each container-type
(similar to our larger ASRS)
Note, however, that this affects the overall
throughput of the system (and some loss of
flexibility)
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Modules View Main Discrete Modules
Picking Module
Storage Module 1
Storage Module 2
Input/Output Module
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Modules View Storage Stack
Storage Stack
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Modules View Picking Module
Extractor
Extractor transfers product from storage module
to picking module
Picker
Picker (robot) cherry-picks samples from
source-racks to destination racks
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Modules View Pan in Extractor
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Picking Module Picking Station
Cherry-Picker
Can pick tubes and vials of various sizes
I/O Buffer
I/O Buffer can hold 6 racks
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Pan Extracted for Picking
Extractor
Picker
Source Rack
I/O Module
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Modules View I/O Module
System display
I/O Stacker
Rack Scanner
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Dry Inert enclosure for plate thawing

• Inert / dry plate exit hotel
• Dry Nitrogen atmosphere
• Room Temperature thawing
• Recirculation with inline warming desiccating
  module.
• Intelligent control with O2 and humidity sensors
  to monitor environment
• Minimal N2 consumption

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Sample Retrieval from the Inert hotel
The available capacity of the Hotel allows for
batch loading of tube racks into the AMS. Tube
racks can be efficiently handled in batches using
Cassettes, with a capacity of 10 tube racks
each.
The antechamber allows product transaction
without compromising the internal atmosphere
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Cycle Times
The adjacent graph shows the dependency of
cycle-time to picking efficiency. If the
inventory is fragmented, or if pick request is
characterized by dispersed samples, the
throughput will be lower. For pan extractions in
the range of 1 to 20, the steep slope of the
graph underlines the advantages of
condensed/optimized storage.
Important note these numbers are for serial
service of tube racks (not picked in batches,
which AMS can do, up to 6 tube racks at once).
With batch picking, throughput will be higher.
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AMS System Features
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Process Storing Plates/Racks
Process for Storing Racks with 2D ID underside
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Process Retrieving Samples
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Software/Data Integration to LIMS
We can integrate our systems seamlessly into your
LIMS
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Data Model
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Inert Sample Processing
Human and Robotic Solutions
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A Precipitous Problem
WebData from Labcyte.com water absorption vs.
time (hrs)
WebData from Tekcel.com water absorption vs. time
(hrs)
WebData from Waybright et al., NCI sample
precipitation

• Samples absorb 10 water in 4 hours under
  ambient conditions
• This will prevent freezing _at_ 20 C and compound
  precipitation
• Sample precipitation occurs under such
  sub-optimal conditions
• HTS and hit-to-lead follow-up are compromised
• Consensus is that dry sample processing is a
  component of valid compound management for HTS

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Precipitation More False Negatives
How Much Does a False Negative Cost?
Opportunity and Operations Loss
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Solutions to a Common Problem CostBenefit

• Good Dry boxes for thawing plates
• Better Semi-automated processing in inert
  enclosure
• State of the Art ASRS and Integrated Workcell

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Summary Dry Box Solution
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Summary Dry Box Solution

• Obligatory for thawing/conditioning plates
• Rapid dry equilibration of chamber
• Gentle, Power Thaw option
• lt1 Relative Humidity achievable
• Requires only power outlet
• Movable, space efficient and affordable
• Vastly superior to passive desiccant
• Custom configurations and options available

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Semi-Automated (Hubotic) Solutions
Pipettor
Stackers

• 1/10 cost of alternative solutions by
  redeploying existing equipment

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SummaryHubotic Solution

• Powerful workflow model. Simple and very
  cost-effective
• Pressurized with dry argon gas, data monitored
  and logged
• Inert processing from solubilization to seal
• Movable, ergonomically adjustable
• Continuous Batch Processing without breaking the
  conditioned environment

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Fully Integrated Robotic Solution

• Turnkey System to your specifications
• Compact, movable, cost-effective
• From an established leader in Materials Management

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Operational Schematic
Buffer Stack for Random Access (of 384-well
Plates)
Transfer Robot
Liquid Handling System
Air-Lock
PlateLoc Plate Sealer
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Compound Management Solutions

• Samples must be processed in dry environment
• Simple solution is the DB500 for manual
  processing
• prevents water absorption during plate thawing
• Continuous Batch Processing with Enclosure
• emulates robotic solution (Hubotic) at low cost
• Fully Integrated AMS Best of both worlds
• Turnkey ASRS integrated turnkey sample processing
• Attractively priced, compact footprint
• Service and support
• Tried and tested technology

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Appendix - (384-well) Picoplate
Bite and Place
Source Plate
Destination plate

• Field-proven, patented design
• Source plate is single molded part Low cost
• Cherry pick capability no freeze-thaw cycle