Automated incubators and storage systems increase throughput and sample protection

Improved sample safety and faster plate access for large-capacity microplate incubation applications

13 May 2021
Tom Casburn
Associate Editor

Product news

Pharma and biotech laboratories performing high-throughput screening, high-content screening, and molecular cell biology can now benefit from a series of new automated incubators and storage solutions that offer a large capacity, fast access, and wide temperature range, while helping eliminate contamination issues in high-throughput environments.

The Thermo Scientific Cytomat 24 automated incubators and storage systems bring the latest incubation technology to large capacity microplate incubation applications, with excellent temperature uniformity and stability that ensure reproducibility for cell culture applications. The systems provide speedy delivery of microtiter plates through an advanced plate shuttle system to meet the needs of high-throughput laboratories and accelerate research. An LED touch screen is door mounted for easy accessibility and viewing. Convenient on-screen user prompts provide enhanced ease-of-use.

"As automated systems are adopted across a range of expanding applications, we continue to see new challenges arise, such as the need to minimize contamination risks in large capacity cell culture applications," said Hansjoerg Haas, senior director and general manager, lab automation, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "Through a fully automated ContraCon decontamination routine, the Cytomat 24 automated incubators and storage systems simplify cleaning and disinfection, providing our customers with confidence in their sample integrity. Customers are always looking for opportunities to increase productivity in their processes while ensuring the quality of the samples and results. The Cytomat 24 automated incubators and storage systems reduce the mean plate access time to 15 seconds—allowing users to achieve their research goals in less time."

Users of the Cytomat 24 automated incubators and storage systems will benefit from:

  • Stable high relative humidity levels through an integrated humidity reservoir, preventing culture desiccation.
  • Alerts indicating when a water refill is required, avoiding the risk of an empty reservoir.
  • Reduced contamination through the ContraCon automated decontamination routine.
  • Speedy access to plates via a dedicated plate shuttle system design.
  • Enhanced ease-of-use through user prompts and alerts for parameter tracking.
  • An optional Hydra smart technology feature for precise humidity control.

Do you use Thermo Fisher Scientific products in your lab? Write a review today for your chance to win a $400 Amazon Gift Card>>

Links

Tags

Refrigerators Freezers and CryogenicsRefrigerators, Freezers & Cryogenics can be used for preservation or experimental purposes. Types of freezers include deep freeze, -80C°C, ultra-low temperature, explosion proof, cryogenic and controlled rate freezers. Freezing is also used in freeze-drying equipment for dehydration processes. Feature to consider in freezers include temperature control and recorders, failure alarms and self-closing mechanisms.IncubatorsLaboratory incubators are used to provide a stable environment to cultivate and store samples in, giving you optimal control of temperature, humidity, oxygen and CO<sub>2</sub> levels. Incubators are necessary equipment for cell culture and microbial research. Control temperature with heated or refrigerated incubators, or the levels of CO<sub>2</sub> and oxygen with CO<sub>2</sub> incubators. Using environmental chambers, create a humid climate for testing samples. Find the best incubators in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Robotic WorkstationsRobotic workstations are automated platforms enabling the user to perform high-throughput, multi-application processes, from sample preparation tasks such as PCR set-up, DNA purification and NGS library preparation, to integrated sample prep and analysis workstations. Automation makes processes consistent, fast, precise and fully walk-away. Find the best robotic workstations in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.AutomationAutomation in laboratories and manufacturing processes enhances efficiency, precision, and scalability by reducing the need for manual intervention. It plays a critical role in improving productivity, minimizing human error, and accelerating workflows in fields like diagnostics, drug development, and industrial testing. Automation technologies include robotic systems, automated liquid handlers, and process control systems that streamline complex tasks and ensure consistent, reproducible results. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the best automation solutions, compare options, read user reviews, and get prices directly from manufacturers.Sample StoragePreserving clinical trial samples to the highest standards is a critical component in maximizing the value of present day and future clinical research. Specialized storage and transportation of these tissue, blood and serum samples reduces the risk of them being damaged or lost.Cooled Incubators