High Throughput Screening at the Nano Scale

Abstract

Aunique approach to master sample screening at the nano scale was launched as a joint venture project between Evotec Biosystems AG Germany and Novartis Pharma AG. The application, which provides a fully automated nano-screening platform, is composed of three module units: HPLC Nano-Fraction Collection, Micro to Nano Pipetting, and Screening. Process simulation and 3D design tools were used to evaluate not only the most performing module design, but also to reach an outstanding automation and robotic concept. The uniqueness of this application is the combination of miniaturized assay format and single molecule detection read-out, having major beneficial consequences for assay biology. Miniaturization of assays which have been shown to lead to significant savings in assay reagents and test samples. An additional benefit is the physical layout of the 2080-well Nano-Titre-Plate (NTP), which enables screening of rare compounds at low volume and an easy and fast shipment of chemical libraries to different screening sites.