Screening automation

Key Words In silico docking AutoDock FlexX GOLD virtual screening automated docking molecular docking. 

FIGURE 11.3 Levels of screen automation, (a) Workstation-based automation can be categorized as (1) batch automation in which plate stackers feed assay plates into each device and plate stacks are transported between devices manually and (2) automated workstations that include liquid dispensers and readers and can transfer plates between the two devices automatically, (b) In a fully automated system, transport of plates between devices is carried out by robotic arms and scheduling software. 

In summary, we reviewed all the components and instrument choices for screen automation. To set up a new screen lab, one should decide whether to implement semi-automated or fully automated systems based on throughput needs and available capital funding. Since both instrumentation and screen assay technologies advance quickly, continual testing and evaluation of new technologies are necessary to stay abreast of new developments in the field and continue to improve throughput and quality, and also reduce screening costs. 

Hamilton, S. 2002. Introduction to screening automation. In High-Throughput Screening Methods and Protocols, 190, Janzen, W.P., Ed. Totowa, NJ Humana Press, 169-189. 

The essential components of the integrated HTS process, such as screening automation, compound library management, the screening of natural products from botanical sources, and screening informatics... 

Schmid, L Sattler, L Grabley, S. Thiericke, R. Natural Products in High Throughput Screening Automated High-Quahty Sample Preparation, J. Biomol. Screening 4(1), 15-25 (1999). 

High-throughput screening automation exists at a variety of levels, from manual to semi-automated to fully automated turnkey systems (83). However, the types of equipment tend to be similar, and the way in which the screening process is integrated dictates the level of automation. For a brief discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of automated platforms versus workstations, see refs. 84 and 85. 

All the high-throughput screening automation platforms tend to have the same limited number of basic operations a method moving around microplates, dispensing liquids, a series of detectors, and incubators. The methods... 

For automated HTS screening Automated liquid handling robot equipped with a 384-well pin tool for dispensing small volumes of compound into microtiter plates. 

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