Application Blueprint
We built and validated this system to accelerate demanding mammalian cell workflows. This blueprint combines 14 precisely configured RACs to deliver end-to-end automation for chemical transfection, nucleofection, cell culturing, and qPCR-based assays. Use it as a proven starting point for your high-throughput mammalian biology automation.
The High-Throughput Mammalian Biology RAC System has been extensively validated for critical mammalian cell workflows.
01
Automate the entire transfection process from plasmid DNA dispensing to transfection complex formation and cell delivery with precise timing control for optimal transfection efficiency.
02
Streamline complex nucleofection workflows, including precise nucleic acid and cell culture liquid handling, and controlled post-electroporation recovery conditions.
03
Maintain optimal culture conditions with automated media exchange, cell counting, viability assessment, and temperature-controlled incubation with minimal hands-on time.
04
Execute end-to-end rAAV genome quantification with automated sample pre-treatment, lysis, dilution, reaction setup, and thermal cycling without any manual intervention.
Application Note
Our designs aren't theoretical - they're battle-tested in real research environments. We've extensively validated this system for chemical transfection of mammalian cells, achieving remarkable results:
93% mean chemical transfection efficiency
<2% CV in transfection efficiency across replicates
80% reduction in hands-on time compared to manual execution
Error-free execution of 384 independent transfections in under 1.5 hours
For qPCR-based rAAV genome titering, our system achieved:
Extended 23+-hour protocol execution without any in-person monitoring
High-quality processing of 7,500+ qPCR reactions
Quantification of >100,000 samples to date with consistent performance
| High-Throughput Mammalian Biology RAC System | ||
| Operation | Instrument | Vendor |
|---|---|---|
Ambient random access storage | AmbiStore | HighRes Biosolutions |
Ambient serial access storage | MicroServe | HighRes Biosolutions |
Acoustic dispensing | Echo 525 | Beckman Coulter |
Bulk dispensing / plate washing | 406 FX | Agilent Technologies |
Stamping liquid handling | Bravo 96 | Agilent Technologies |
Temp-controlled shaking incubation | Cytomat 2 | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
Quantitative thermal cycling | Opus 96 | BioRad |
Plate reading | Spark | Tecan |
Flow cytometry | Attune CytPix | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
Nucleofection | Nucleofector 96 | Lonza |
Plate breathable sealing | a4S | Azenta |
Plate sealing | PlateLoc | Agilent Technologies |
Plate peeling | XPeel | Azenta |
Centrifugation | HiG4 | BioNex Solutions |
High-content imaging (optional) | Endeavor | Araceli Biosciences |
Download
In this blueprint you'll find:
A comprehensive overview of the 14-RAC system architecture optimized for mammalian cell workflows
Detailed instrument configurations for each supported application (transfection, nucleofection, cell culture, and qPCR-based assays)
In-depth RAC hardware and software specifications to help you accurately plan and implement flexible lab automation solutions
Best practices for implementing walkaway mammalian cell workflows validated in real research environments
Hardware
Unlike traditional fixed automation, Reconfigurable Automation Carts (RACs) provide the flexibility needed for ever-changing experimental workflows:
Modular Architecture: Quickly add or remove unit operations as your protocols evolve
"Lego-like" Flexibility: Reconfigure in hours, not months with quick-connect interfaces
Multi-Protocol Support: Run different experiments simultaneously and expand your experiment run queue last minute as needed
Off-the-Shelf Instrument Integration: Compatible with 30+ standard lab instruments, and our list of integrated instruments is always expanding
Optimized footprint: Increase your equipment utilization via our patented decentralized labware transport architecture
Software & Support
Automation hardware without intelligent software is just expensive furniture. All of our RAC systems include Catalyst Automation Control Software (ACS) and Catalyst Flow - a comprehensive ticketless support service that transforms how your team interacts with automation:
Programmatic Control: Launch experiments manually via our web-based user interfaces or automatically via API
Parameterized Protocols: Highly customizable experimental workflows can be modified via simple parameter adjustments
Automated Data Egress: Easily connect output data streams to your downstream data analysis pipelines
Scheduler Intelligence: Multi-user, multi-protocol concurrent execution with constraint-based scheduling
Remote Troubleshooting: Proactive system error resolution and troubleshooting to handle issues as they occur, with 80-90% of issues resolvable without user intervention
01
Yes, any instruments you already own that are listed in this blueprint can be integrated; you do not need to purchase new versions for your system.
02
Our Catalyst software and support package minimizes the need for dedicated automation specialists. Most research teams can operate their system with just 1-2 days of training, and often by one junior automation engineer (or similar professional).
03
The Catalyst Flow remote support team proactively monitors performance and resolves most issues without you even noticing them. For the ~10-20% of issues requiring hands-on attention, the system provides clear guidance for quick resolution.
04
The system includes optional HEPA filtration and follows strict aseptic protocols through all liquid handling operations. The modular design also allows for easy sanitization between runs.
05
Absolutely! That's one of the key advantages of RACs. The blueprint includes guidance for prioritizing initial components and suggests options for “next gen” expansions.
06
Absolutely! The Catalyst Flow remote monitoring service ensures error-free operation even during extended runs. Our systems have demonstrated 23+ hour continuous operation processing thousands of samples without human intervention.
07
Based on validation data, the system can process hundreds of transfection or nucleofection samples in a single run while reducing hands-on time by up to 80% compared to manual methods.
Ready to start designing your system? Schedule a call with our automation experts.
