Powder Distribution and Weighing System for Library Compounds at LabAutomation2009

Compound libraries are the heart of every pharmaceutical company. Liquid handling for the dissolution of the library compounds has been automated for many years. The most tedious procedure, though, the distribution and weighing of the original solid dry-stored library compound, is still done manually.

The CALLI-L fills this gap. It is specifically designed for the distribution of dry, powder library samples for dissolution, distributing the samples directly from their original library vial without any additional preparation step. CALLI-L is an automatic platform with a robotic arm supplied with a powder dispensing probe and a handler for transportation of vials. The distribution process is controlled by a built in 4-place (5 or 6-place optional) weighing cell to monitor the mass distribution of powders in the range from less than 1mg to 50mg.

The new system detects the level of the solid material in the original library vial. Even a small layer on the bottom can be transferred to the dissolution vial or plate. The unique software algorithm chooses the most suitable technique for aspiration of the powder, and in combination with the balance allows target weighing with a high degree of precision. The final target weight is monitored by the balance and documented together with the container data (number, position on the container, time of distribution etc.) in the database. CALLI-L can be customized, integrating modules such as sonication, stirring, vortexing or even visual control of the samples to automated the entire workflow.

Visit Zinsser Analytic during LabAutomation 2009 at booth number 144!