Free Conference Registration for ‘Liquid Handling and Label-Free Detection Technologies’ Now Open

22 Jan 2010
Kerry Parker
CEO

Product news

ELRIG, the European Laboratory and Robotics Interest Group, announces free online registration for the ‘Liquid Handling and Label-Free Detection Technologies’ conference taking place on 4th March 2010 at Whittlebury Hall, nr. Silverstone, UK.

This conference addresses key subjects of fundamental importance to research laboratories: Liquid Handling and Label Free Detection systems. All assays, be they high throughput screens, secondary screening or low throughput bespoke assays need to get the correct volumes of their various components to the right place at the right time in order that accurate data can be delivered in a meaningful time slot to help decrease the drug discovery cycle. Label Free detection is currently a very hot topic, and is enabling novel exploration of many new biological systems in their native environment. With free conference registration, free lunch and a full scientific programme, this event is not-to-be-missed.

TO REGISTER FREE TODAY, CLICK ON THE 'COMPANY ARTICLE PAGE' LINK ON THE RIGHT

Label Free Detection Technologies Programme
The ability to study biochemical and cellular systems in their native state is highly desirable in life science laboratories. In addition to the well established platforms newer technologies are now coming to the fore enabling researchers to probe systems in a manner hitherto impossible. This meeting highlights some of the more significant developments enabled by a range of label free platforms. Both the areas of biochemical and cellular label-free detection systems will be covered in detail, also comparisons will be made to more traditional detection techniques in the drug discovery environment.

Manfred Auer, Edinburgh University: "Label free and fluorescence detection in molecular recognition science - why we need both"
Phil Rawlins, AstraZeneca:"Overview of Label Free "
Jeff Jerman, GSK: "Probing for 7TMR Native Signalling"
Richard Farndale, Cambridge University: "The use of Label-Free Methodology to measure Collagen Receptor Activity in live cells"
Keith Abayasiriwardana, Pfizer: "Label Free - Real Time Assessment of cell adhesion and proliferation using impedance based technology"
• Snapshots: Corning
Evi Kostenis, Bonn University: "Dynamic mass redistribution: Fascinating insight into Cellular Signalling or Black Box?"
Stephan Geschwinder, AstraZeneca: "Industrial Biophysics in the Search for New Leads"
Michel Vivaudou, Grenoble: "Bio-inspired Sensors based on the Assembly of Receptors and Ion Channels for Label-Free Receptor Characterization and Drug Screening"
Prof. Hywel Morgan, Southampton University: "Impedance Spectroscopy"

Liquid Handling Programme
High quality Liquid Handling is an essential component in almost all laboratories and the use of automated systems and robotics has often enabled better, faster and more reliable processes to be developed. This meeting will cover some of the latest developments for this core technique and will focus on applications in some of the most challenging conditions and samples. The meeting will also address novel methods of Quality Control and delivering an ever wider range of volumes from pico-litres to litres.

Toby Winchester, Pfizer: "Production of Accurate Serialisation Plates from Small Volume inputs and the issues faced."
Dale Larson, Draper Laboratory: "Development of a Frozen Sample Aliquotter to avoid freeze-thaw cycling of Serum and Plasma Samples"
Prof. Jawward Darr, London University: "Automated Liquid and Nanoparticle Slurry Handling Combinatorial Nanoceramics Synthesis Robot"
Darren Rimmer, GSK: "High Frequency Focused Acoustic Technology: Implementation in Sample Management"
• Snapshots: Tecan, Thermo, Labcyte, Caliper, TTP, CyBio
Daniel Thomas, GSK: "Non-Contact Picoliter Dispense Technology to Eliminate Serial Dilution"
John Bradshaw, Artel: "Is Your Automated Liquid Handler Working For Your Assays - Understanding Device Behaviour"
Jorg Kittelmann, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany: "High Throughput Process Development and the Implication for Liquid Handling"
Neil Campbell, University of Liverpool: "Liquid Handling and Automated Liquid Class Optimisation of Complex Fluids"

About ELRIG
We are a rapidly growing special interest group focused o­n robotics applications in the laboratory.

Our membership consists of scientists and engineers interested in robotics and programmable automation and users and vendors of equipment and accessories in this field. Meetings are held in which our members' experiences in automation are presented and vendors exhibit their latest technology. No fees are collected. It is anticipated that because of costs, distance and language a single EU chapter is going to be unwieldy. We envisage natural sub-groups forming.

The ELRIG is a not for profit organisation, whose primary purpose is to provide a communication forum for users and vendors within the scientific research, development or production community (Industrial and Academic), within which members may be educated and network with other members, thus increasing their awareness of automation techniques and products used for scientific research, development or production.

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Combinatorial ChemistryCombinatorial chemistry, also known as combichem, is a technique used in drug discovery to create libraries of structurally related compounds. A library is generated by synthesis with a chemical reactor system or by computer-based modeling of compound combinations. When undertaking combinatorial chemistry consider reagents, buffers, resins and standards.Lab-on-a-ChipLab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology uses microfluidic chips, such as microarrays, to perform biochemical assays on a small scale. Benefits of lab-on-a-chip include the small volume of sample required as well as the speed of analysis. In selecting lab-on-a-chip devices consider the assay, cost, reliability, sensitivity and signal to noise ratio.MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.High-Throughput ScreeningHigh-throughput screening (HTS) is an automated drug discovery technique for identification of active compounds against a compound library. Use HTS readers and integrated assay preparation / analysis workstations to screen your compounds. Identify active compounds against various HTS libraries, including membranes, proteins and peptides and HTS cell lines. Find the best high-throughput screening products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell Lines Stem Cells and Primary CellsPrimary cell cultures, established cell lines and stem cells are vital for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> experimentation. High-quality cells, optimized for your applications, alongside optimized cell substrates, growth medium and supplements, are critical for experimental success. Explore a range of cells suitable for your applications, including isogenic cell lines, competent cells, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell lines, fungal/bacterial/mammalian cell lines, stem cells and cancer cell lines. Find the best cells for your research in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Microplate Readers / DetectorsMicroplate readers are used to automate the detection and analysis of labeled or label-free components in microplates during assays or live-cell monitoring. Microplate readers are generally distinguished by their mode of detection. Types include absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, TRF / FRET and multimode microplate readers. Microplate readers deliver a high throughput of samples by reading multiple wells simultaneously, with the 96-well format the most commonly used. As a result, microplate readers are often used in the drug discovery, bioassays, research and pharmaceutical industries for screening applications. Microplate loading can also be automated, with robotic microplate stackers to increase throughput. Find the best microplate readers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ADME-ToxicologyADME-toxicology (ADME-Tox) studies are used in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics to assess the activity/toxicity of drugs <i>in vivo</i> or <i>in vitro</i>. Find bioassays for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drug molecules including cytotoxicity, transporter/permeability, metabolism and activity assays as well as hepatocytes and cell lines for ADME. Find the best ADME-toxicology products 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.Assay AssemblyAssay Assembly is technique used in drug discovery to develop assays to test the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or other activities of a compound on a cell. Assay assembly requires chip assembly, a delivery system and a detection and analysis method. Beneficial features of assay kits or automated systems include high-throughput, high speed and sensitivity and low signal to noise ratio.Compound LibrariesCompound libraries, or chemical libraries, are used in drug discovery for the identification of potential therapeutics compounds. Used in conjunction with high-throughput screening, the libraries of stored compounds are often generated for specific purposes as a drug target or disease model. Cheminformatics are commonly used when designing a compound library and software can be used to analyze the screening process.  Medicinal ChemistryMedicinal chemistry is a broad discipline encompassing the design, identification, synthesis and development of chemicals in drug discovery. It includes a number of techniques covering structural biology, synthetic chemistry and molecular biology. Technologies used in medicinal chemistry include ADME, lab-on-a-chip, high content screening and assay assembly.Microarray AnalysisMicroarrays, also known as biochips, are used for the detection and analysis of multiple genes, proteins, antibodies, or biomarkers on a single microchip. This can reveal information on protein or gene expression, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), copy number variation (CNV), epigenetics and patient health in clinical diagnostic tests. Discover a range of microarray scanners and prefabricated antibody, protein, RNA and DNA microarrays for your analysis or consider creating your own custom microarrays with a microarray printer. Find the best microarray products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Process ChemistryProcess chemistry is an important stage of drug development for scaling-up drug production or chemical synthesis reactions. It is useful for optimizing economical and efficient drug production. Process chemistry uses reactors and pump systems as well as reagents, standards and buffers.SNPs TechnologySingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are individual base variations in a DNA sequence. SNPs are used in research to study predispositions to disease and drug discovery. Products for studying single nucleotide polymorphisms include SNP arrays and detection systems to detect polymorphisms, SNP typing systems for genotyping DNA, and PCR to amplify specific SNPs.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.