Introduction
In today’s high-demand laboratory landscape, the pressure is on: faster results, fewer errors, stricter safety protocols, and unwavering regulatory compliance. This is where the Heron automated workflow system delivers—bringing precision, consistency, and peace of mind to every step of your antigen assay preparation.
Application purpose
This innovative solution integrates key technologies—including a robotic arm, Felix liquid handler, plate hotels, lid holder, and barcode scanner—into a fully automated system housed within a certified Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) cabinet. Controlled by 21 CFR Part 11-compliant PlateButler® software, the system transforms a traditionally manual, error-prone process into a streamlined, traceable, and highly reproducible workflow.
The platform automates the preparation of assay plates for antigen testing, eliminating manual pipetting and reducing the risk of contamination. Biological samples are transferred into deepwell plates to generate dilution series, which are then distributed into tissue culture plates—all with a level of precision and repeatability that manual handling simply can’t match.
Key components at a glance
- Robotic arm: performs plate transfers between devices.
- Liquid handler: automates pipetting and reagent dispensing steps, ensuring consistent sample preparation.
- Lid holder and plate hotels: allows lid removal and plate storage.
- Barcode scanner: enables automated sample tracking and data capture.
- PlateButler software: controls the system and is fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11, enabling electronic records and signatures in a regulated environment.
It all starts when the user loads lidded microplates into the system’s PlateHotels. The robotic arm retrieves a plate, removes and stores the lid in the LidHolder, and scans the barcode, establishing full sample traceability from the very beginning. The plate is then positioned on the liquid handler, where automated methods take over:
- Sample transfer: Biological material is dispensed into pre-defined wells on dilution plates.
- Dilution step: Protocols are executed to generate consistent concentrations.
- Final transfer: Diluted samples are placed into assay-ready tissue culture plates.
The result? A hands-free process that minimizes human error, increases throughput, and ensures batch-to-batch reproducibility.
All operations take place inside a certified BSL2 cabinet, protecting both users and samples. Smart safety features, like door sensors that instantly halt operation when opened, offer an additional layer of protection and contamination control.
In parallel, the system’s compliance with stringent data regulations further enhances its suitability for high-stakes environments. Powered by PlateButler® software, the platform meets 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, offering secure logins, electronic signatures, comprehensive audit trails, and fully traceable data management. This makes it an ideal solution for regulated settings such as pharmaceutical, biotech, and clinical laboratories—where data integrity isn’t just important, it’s mandatory.
Why you should choose this application
By automating your antigen assay preparation, you’re not just improving efficiency, you’re investing in a smarter, safer, and more scalable lab future. The Heron system brings together cutting-edge robotics, intelligent software, and biosafety assurance to deliver a truly end-to-end solution for modern labs.