Automation of biochemical assays using an open-sourced, inexpensive robotic liquid handler

Abstract

High Throughput Screening is crucial in pharmaceutical companies for efficient testing in drug discovery and development. Our Vaccines Analytical Research and Development (V-AR&D) department extensively uses robotic liquid handlers in their High Throughput Analytics (HTA) group for assay development and sample screening. However, these instruments are expensive and require extensive training. Opentrons' OT-2 liquid handler offers a more affordable option (<∼ $10,000) with Python programming language and open-source flexibility, reducing training requirements. OT-2 allows broadening of testing capabilities and method transfer without significant capital investments. Two biochemical assays were conducted to assess OT-2's performance, and it demonstrated accurate pipetting with low covariance compared to Tecan EVO liquid handlers. Though OT-2 has some limitations such as lack of a crash detection system and limited deck space, it is a cost-effective, medium-throughput, and accurate liquid handling tool suitable for early-stage development and method transfer.