Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology
High Throughput Screening Facility

Technology

Instruments

The HTS facility houses state-of-the-art liquid handlers and multi-mode plate readers that can be integrated into screening systems for automated HTS applications. The suite of plate readers contains instruments with varying sensitivities for all common modalities including absorbance, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization and luminescence. Additionally, we offer label-free, alpha screen, scintillation proximity and high-content screening technologies. Liquid handling capabilities allow for volume transfers ranging from 2.5 nanoliters to liters, in various combinations of fixed and random plate arrays. Readers and liquid handlers are available for walk-up use, as well as automated screening. Furthermore, the facility staffs a full-time engineer to ensure the instrumentation meets or exceeds industry specifications for operation.

 

Data Analysis and Storage

The informatics and statistical capabilities of the HTS facility include data storage, archival and analysis of data, as well as custom databases and applications tailored for HTS applications. The integrity of the large volumes of data generated in the HTS facility is maintained by an infrastructure centered on redundant data storage, both at the laboratory and at a central Vanderbilt data repository with virus scans and backup preformed daily. Secured facility access and video monitoring provide for physical security of the facility whereas the data network itself is protected by a dual-layer firewall. Transfer rates are preserved by the compartmentalization of robots and controllers into a sub-network. To exceed the required capacity of the system, upgrades are liberal with the entire network retrofitted on a two-year cycle. Data processing, storage and custom informatics solutions are all offered on a fee-for-service basis and can be requested by submitting the Intake Form.

 

Microplate Readers

 
Instrument
FDSS 6000
EnSpire 2300
Spectramax M5
TopCount NXT
Envision 2100
ImageXpress Micro XL
Manufacturer
Hamamatsu
PerkinElmer
Molecular Devices
PerkinElmer
PerkinElmer
Molecular Devices
Type
Whole plate kinetic imaging
Multimodal iterative well scanning
Multimodal iterative well scanning
Scintillation and luminescence counter
Multimodal iterative well scanning
Automated microscope imager
Options
Fluorescence, luminescence
Fluorescence, high-sensitivity luminescence, absorbance, ALPHA, label-free
Fluorescence, luminescence, absorbance, fluorescence polarization, time- resolved FRET
Scintillation and Luminescence
Fluorescence, luminescence, absorbance, fluorescence polarization, time-resolved FRET
Fluorescence
and transmitted light, time-lapse imaging
Other Info
384 well plates
24, 48, 96, or 384-well plates
6,12,24,48,96, or 384-well plates, cuvettes
24, 96, or 384-well plates
24, 96, 384, 1536-well plates
6,12,24,48,96 or 384-well plates, microscope slides

Thermo CRS robotics, Cytomat incubators, and barcode printers are available with automation. Plate sealers, centrifuges, and shakers are available as peripheral equipment.

Liquid Handling

 
Instrument
Echo 550/555
Bravo
VPrep
Multidrop Combi
ELx405
Manufacturer
Labcyte
Velocity 11/Agilent
Velocity 11/Agilent
Thermo
BioTek
Type
Automated Acoustic Liquid Transfer
Automated Pipette Liquid Transfer
Automated Pipette Liquid Transfer
Liquid Dispenser
Liquid Aspirator/Dispenser
Options

DMSO or aqueous solvents
Plate stamping, cherry-picking, dose response titrations
Volumes: 2.5 - 1000 nL

Any liquid viscosity
Plate stamping and serial dilutions (row or column), tip washing
Volumes: 0.1 - 300 uL

Any liquid viscosity
Plate stamping Volumes: 1 - 300 uL
Variable liquid viscosities
High-speed 8-channel liquid dispenser using a peristaltic pump
Volumes: 0.5 – 2500 uL
Variable liquid viscosities Plate washer- 96 well manifold
Volumes: 50 – 3000 uL
Other Info
96, 384, or 1536-well plates
96, 384, 1536 -well plates
96, 384, 1536 -well plates
96, 384, 1536 -well plates
96 or 384-well plates

 

 

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Vanderbilt High-Throughput Screening Facility Robinson Research Building, Room 824, 2200 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232 (615) 936-7098 hts@vanderbilt.edu
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