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SLAS2020: Our top ten highlights from the show to level up your science

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SelectScience reports on the top technologies launched at the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) annual meeting, in San Diego, USA

3 Feb 2020

Editorial article

One of the largest scientific events of the calendar, the SLAS annual meeting fosters global collaboration and education of scientists at the intersection of applied and basic scientific research. This year, the scientific program focused on a number of hot topics, including CRISPR, disease modeling, bioanalytics, single-cell analysis, AI-impacted imaging, as well as organ-on-chips and CAR-T therapies.

Matt McArdle, SelectScience Associate Editor, at AACR 2019
SelectScience reports from SLAS2020 to get the latest on upcoming science and technology from the show

1. Corning® Elplasia® Plates by Corning

Reliably generating high-density spheroids with scaffold-free models is playing an important role in cancer research, drug screening and in vitro tumor studies. At SLAS this year, Corning introduced Corning® Elplasia® Plates, available in both round and square bottom formats and with Ultra-Low Attachment surfaces used to culture and analyze spheroids in a standard plate footprint. For more on how these plates are enabling novel 3D drug testing systems for improved predictive accuracy, read our article on predictive pharmacology, with BIOENSIS Vice President of research and development, Dr. Gonzalo Castillo.

2. DreamPrep™ NAP from Tecan

The company exhibited the latest technology in nucleic acid purification with the DreamPrep™ NAP for automated library preparation and quantification.

3. LabChip® GX Touch by PerkinElmer

PerkinElmer showcased plenty of new technology at the conference this year, including the LabChip® GX Touch, which features the latest microfluidic technology to generate reproducible, high-resolution DNA analysis and enable disease research.

4. Microlab Prep by Hamilton

Demonstrating the compact Microlab Prep workstation, SLAS attendees were introduced to a faster, more precise way of working with this compact automated workstation. With a small footprint and proven pipetting technology, this workstation is designed to be easy to use and to allow researchers to optimize their workflows like never before.

5. Multidrop Pico 1 and Pico 8 Digital Dispensers from Thermo Fisher Scientific

Showcasing the precise dispensing capabilities of the Multidrop Pico 1 and Pico 8 digital dispensers, Thermo Fisher Scientific inspired attendees with systems that minimize human error potential and repetitive strain injuries, while improving reproducibility and laboratory throughput.

6. Corning® MicroDEN perfusion-based dendritic cell culture platform by Corning

The MicroDEN perfusion cell culture system offers an automated, closed-system solution that reduces the process steps for efficient generation of dendritic cells from monocytes. The company wowed exhibition attendees with this new 'Gold Standard' approach to manufacturing dendritic cells.

7. Green Button Go™ Software by Biosero

Gain a complete overview of the operational outputs from several workcells or devices in your lab with the Green Button Go Automation Scheduling Software from Biosero. At SLAS2020, the company released new software, including a certified 21 CFR Part 11 compliant version, to enable scientists make better decisions, in less time, with more data.

8. PhysioMimix™ OOC CN Bio Innovations

The team from bioengineering specialist, CN Bio Innovations, were on-hand to talk 3D cell culture, organ-on-a-chip technology and demo their powerful PhysioMimix™ OOC lab-benchtop microphysiological system for modeling human biology in the lab.

9. Drug discovery & development award winners revealed at SLAS2020

Announced by SelectScience Editor-in-Chief Kerry Parker to an audience of industry leaders and scientists in San Diego, the world’s most innovative, exciting and effective new drug discovery and development technologies were recognized with the 2020 Scientists’ Choice Awards®.

10. Dotmatics deliver scientifically-aware informatics

The Dotmatics booth was busy helping to make scientific data management easier. With simple real-time search solutions for small molecule drug discovery, biologics and chemical and materials innovation, scientific teams are making better informed decisions faster than ever.

Visit the SelectScience SLAS2020 page for more news and downloadable content from the event, with interviews from keynote speakers Dr. Jackie Hunter and Dr. Lee Cronin coming soon >>

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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.DNA / RNA Extraction and PurificationPurified DNA and RNA are required for numerous downstream molecular biology applications. Consequently, the importance of high-quality DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment cannot be underestimated. Many purification kits are available and are typically optimized for nucleic acid type and source, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, mRNA, RNA and viral nucleic acid purification kits. Automated extraction and purification of nucleic acids can be implemented with magnetic bead separator instruments or high-throughput purification workstations. Find the best DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.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.Automated Liquid HandlingAutomated liquid handling equipment is used to mix, dilute and dispense allotted volumes of liquid into microplates and other vessels automatically. The robotic, liquid handling arms can dispense from single channel to 3456 multichannel as well as operate nanoliter dispensing, enabling high throughput of samples. Find the best automated liquid handlers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.SLASThe Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) is an organization focused on laboratory automation, high-throughput screening, and biotechnology innovation. SLAS promotes scientific advancements through conferences, publications, and industry collaborations. PCR AutomationPCR automation describes the process of using a thermocycler to complete the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process quickly and efficiently.Liquid HandlingLiquid handling involves the precise transfer, mixing, and dispensing of liquids in laboratory settings. It is essential for accurate and consistent results in biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical research. Automated liquid handling systems improve efficiency and reduce human error in sample preparation and analysis. Explore liquid handling tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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