Never-ending cell line supply
ALSPAC, the Children of the 90s research project based at the University of Bristol, has recently taken delivery of a robotics enclosure system from Bigneat Containment Technology to be used for production of Epstein-Barr virus transformed cell-lines. The system is required for the ongoing work of ALSPAC, which is the largest population research project of its kind. The health, education and achievements of 14,000 children born in 1991 and 1992 are being studied. The study is focused on both the environmental and genetic factors, which determine health and development. Small differences in the genetic make-up of each individual affect the ways in which they grow up and the health problems to which they are susceptible. In order to explore these genetic factors, the study is creating a bank of immortalised cell lines derived from each child so that it will be possible to provide DNA for extensive and complex genetic analyses. Central to this Wellcome Trust-funded project is a robotic tissue culture system provided by Tecan and integrated by RTSThurnall. Working to Class II principles to provide operator and product protection, the enclosed liquid handling robot receives microplates via a track system from externally mounted automated incubators. Also included in the design is the integral chute and collection box, for used tips. Interlocks stop mistaken access during the process. Bigneat's robotics enclosures are custom finished to take into account the dimensions of each manufacturer's robotic system and access needs.
Tel: +44 (0)23 92 266400 info@bigneat.com
