HSG-IMIT - Institut für Mikro- und Informationstechnik, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
Lab Chip. 2014 May 7;14(9):1527-37. doi: 10.1039/c3lc51261d. Epub 2014 Mar 4.
Assay automation is the key for successful transformation of modern biotechnology into routine workflows. Yet, it requires considerable investment in processing devices and auxiliary infrastructure, which is not cost-efficient for laboratories with low or medium sample throughput or point-of-care testing. To close this gap, we present the LabTube platform, which is based on assay specific disposable cartridges for processing in laboratory centrifuges. LabTube cartridges comprise interfaces for sample loading and downstream applications and fluidic unit operations for release of prestored reagents, mixing, and solid phase extraction. Process control is achieved by a centrifugally-actuated ballpen mechanism. To demonstrate the workflow and functionality of the LabTube platform, we show two LabTube automated sample preparation assays from laboratory routines: DNA extractions from whole blood and purification of His-tagged proteins. Equal DNA and protein yields were observed compared to manual reference runs, while LabTube automation could significantly reduce the hands-on-time to one minute per extraction.
分析自动化是将现代生物技术成功转化为常规工作流程的关键。然而，对于样本通量低或中等或即时检测的实验室来说，这需要在处理设备和辅助基础设施方面进行大量投资，这在成本上并不划算。为了弥补这一差距，我们提出了基于特定于检测的一次性试剂盒的 LabTube 平台，用于在实验室离心机中进行处理。LabTube 试剂盒包含用于样品加载和下游应用的接口，以及用于释放预存储试剂、混合和固相萃取的流体单元操作。通过离心驱动的圆珠笔机制实现过程控制。为了演示 LabTube 平台的工作流程和功能，我们展示了两个来自实验室常规的 LabTube 自动化样品制备检测：全血中的 DNA 提取和 His 标记蛋白的纯化。与手动参考运行相比，观察到相同的 DNA 和蛋白质产量，而 LabTube 自动化可以将每个提取的实际操作时间显著缩短至 1 分钟。
