ELISA Development Automation Platform
High‑throughput, precise, and fully automated ELISA development for modern assay innovation
Introduction
As ELISA development accelerates across research and biopharmaceutical environments, laboratories require automation that delivers precision, throughput, and reliability. This fully integrated robotic platform automates the complete ELISA development workflow — from sample preparation and incubation to washing, reading, and multiplex analysis. Built around a Tecan Fluent 1080 and a long‑reach robotic arm, the system provides a scalable, traceable, and future‑proof solution capable of supporting both daytime and overnight assay development with minimal manual intervention.
Application & Purpose
This platform is designed to automate complex ELISA development workflows that traditionally require extensive manual handling, long incubation times, and precise timing. The system centralizes plate storage, liquid handling, shaking, washing, and detection into a single coordinated environment.
A robot on a 2‑meter linear rail forms the backbone of the system, enabling access to multiple device levels and storage modules. The Tecan Fluent 1080 performs high‑precision liquid handling, reagent addition, and assay setup, while integrated incubators, shakers, washers, and readers support every downstream step.
The platform continuously tracks plate identities, assay stages, and incubation conditions through PlateButler® scheduling. Multi‑level device placement and enclosed cabinet design ensure a compact footprint, clean workflow environment, and safe operator interaction.
This architecture enables laboratories to run high‑throughput ELISA development workflows with full traceability, consistent timing, and reproducible results freeing staff to focus on data interpretation and assay optimization.
Workflow Overview
Step 1: Plate Loading & Identification
Plates enter the system via the LS RA PlateHotels (2×23 positions). The VisionMate barcode scanner verifies plate identity before workflow initiation.
Step 2: Assay Setup on Tecan Fluent 1080
The Tecan Fluent performs reagent dispensing, sample addition, serial dilutions, and assay preparation. The attached PlateCarousel provides rapid access to multiple plates.
Step 3: Incubation & Mixing
Plates are transported by the PreciseFlex 1160 XR robot to Inheco ThermoShakes (4×) for controlled incubation and mixing. Optional Cytomat 10C (GBR/GTR) and Cytomat 2C incubators provide extended temperature‑controlled storage.
Step 4: Washing & Conditioning
The ELX405 washer and BlueWasher perform high‑quality plate washing. Bottle storage drawers ensure easy access to wash buffers.
Step 5: Detection & Multiplex Analysis
Depending on assay type, plates are routed to:
· BMG CLARIOstar for absorbance/fluorescence/luminescence
· Flexmap 3D for multiplex bead‑based assays
· iQue for high‑content flow‑based screening
All devices are mounted on turntables for optimal robotic access.
Step 6: Optional Centrifugation
A cutout in the plexiglass enclosure provides robotic access to a Rotanta 460 centrifuge (optional).
Step 7: Sealing, Storage & Workflow Completion
Plates can be sealed, stored, or transferred to downstream processes. The platform includes space for additional devices and iQue bottle storage for extended runs.
Technical Features
· Fully automated ELISA development workflow
· High‑precision liquid handling with Tecan Fluent 1080
· Multi‑level device integration for compact footprint
· Robotic transport via PreciseFlex 1160 XR on 2‑meter linear rail
· Integrated incubation, shaking, washing, and detection
· Multiplex assay support via Flexmap 3D and iQue
· Continuous plate loading with LS RA PlateHotels
· PlateButler® scheduling for full workflow orchestration
· Enclosed, protected system for clean operation and user safety
· Modular design with expansion slots for future devices
Integrated Devices
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Device
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Type
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Role in Workflow
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Blue Cat Bio BlueWasher
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Plate washer
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High-speed washing for ELISA workflows
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BMG Labtech CLARIOstar (on turntable)
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Plate reader
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Absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence detection
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Drawer for extra device
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Expansion slot
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Space for future modules
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ELX405 washer (drawer-mounted
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Plate washer
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Automated washing with bottle storage
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Flexmap 3D (on turntable)
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Multiplex bead analyzer
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High-throughput multiplex ELISA readout
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FluidX IntelliXcap
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Capper/decapper
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Automated tube capping/decapping
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Inheco ThermoShake (4×)
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Shaker/incubator
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Mixing and incubation of assay plates
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LAB Services LidHolder (7 positions)
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Lid storage
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Automated lid handling during assay steps
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LAB Services PlateCruiser
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Plate reorientation
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Smooth plate movement and alignment
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LAB Services Random Access PlateHotel (2×23 positions)
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Plate storage
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High-capacity plate loading
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Lauda Thermostat (4×)
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Temperature control
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Thermal regulation for Cytomat incubators
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PlateButler PC on swing arm
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Control system
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Workflow scheduling and device coordination
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PlateCarousel (attached to Fluent)
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Plate storage
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Rapid access to multiple assay plates
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PreciseFlex 1160 XR on 2m rail
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Robotic arm
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Plate transport across multi-level system
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Rotanta 460 robotic
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Centrifuge
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Plate centrifugation via special robotic loading system
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Sartorius iQue
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High-content analyzer
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Flow-based multiplex assay detection
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Tecan Fluent 1080
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Liquid handler
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Assay setup, reagent dispensing, sample processing
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Thermo Cytomat 10C (2x)
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Incubator
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Temperature-controlled incubation
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Thermo Cytomat 2C (×2
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Incubator
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Short-term storage and conditioning
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VisionMate Barcode Scanner
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Barcode reader
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Plate identification and traceability
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Results & Impact
- High‑throughput ELISA development with minimal manual handling
- Consistent assay timing and reproducible results
- Full traceability of plates, samples, and workflow stages
- Reduced operator workload and improved process safety
- Scalable architecture for daytime or overnight operation
- Seamless integration of multiplex and high‑content detection
- Compact, enclosed design suitable for space‑limited labs
Areas of Application
- ELISA development and optimization
- Multiplex immunoassays
- High‑throughput screening
- Vaccine and antigen development
- Biomarker discovery
- Biopharmaceutical research
- QC and regulated environments