Transcript Bio-repository Autom..

Bio-repository Automation
for Efficient Long-term Frozen Storage
Michael Balck, Undergraduate Student
Dr. Ranjan Mukherjee and Dr. Clark Radcliffe, Faculty
Background
How the Biomek 1000 Functions
Bio-repository is the storage of biological specimens for long periods of time. A
biological sample, such as blood, is taken in a relatively large vial of about 4 mL.
To help preserve this sample for a long period of time it must be frozen. When it is
necessary to access a small amount of the sample, about 0.25 mL, the entire
sample must be thawed, risking its quality. Therefore, it is better for the sample, and
more convenient for the operator, if the sample is first distributed into smaller tubes,
then frozen and stored. The process of filling the smaller tubes can be tedious and
difficult. An automated robot, like the Beckman Biomek 1000, can achieve this with
speed, accuracy, and reproducibility. An unused Biomek was restored and
evaluated as a possible addition to the Integrative Perinatal Research Center at
Michigan State University.
The Biomek has a tablet that holds the liquid sample and the mini-tubes into
which the sample will be distributed. The tablet moves left to right while the
Biomek’s arm moves up and down on an elevator shaft. A pod moves front to
back on the arm to complete the range of motion. The pod picks up and
holds a liquid handling tool. Stepper motors are used to provide this motion
and activate the tool’s internal syringe. The motors are given commands from
the electronic interface unit (EIU) which translates messages from the
computer. The operator uses the computer to tell the EIU the configuration of
the tablet and what tasks to perform. The tool is designed to pick up a sterile
plastic pipette tip, which will directly contact the sample. After this tip is
lowered into the sample, the syringe is pulled up, drawing the specified
amount of liquid into the tip. The tool is then moved to the destination minitube and the liquid is pushed out. This process is repeated for each mini-tube
to be filled. The mini-tube tray is then ready for storage.
The Beckman Biomek 1000
Sample in 4 mL
tube is
taken to the lab
Elevator
The Bio-repository
Process
4 mL tube is placed
into a automation device
with the mini-tube tray
Pod
Tips
EIU
Arm
Tool
4 mL Vial
Automation device distributes
the sample into mini-tubes
Tablet
Mini-tube Tray
Mini-tube tray is
stored in a freezer
Conclusions
•The Beckman Biomek 1000,
though capable of all desired
tasks, is too large for use in a
small MSU lab and is capable
of doing much more than what
is needed.
•A smaller and simpler
autonomous robot can be
developed to perform only the
desired tasks. This robot
would also use stepper
motors, but would be
commanded by a
microcontroller.