July 2005
Screens for Protein Crystallization Made Easy: The ScreenDeveloper Workstation from Hamilton
Simple, quick and cheaply produced refinement screens for protein crystallization – that’s what users get with the new ScreenDeveloper Workstation from Hamilton. In just a few steps, a user can define the gradients for various reagents. Based on those inputs, the software will create a work list which is then automatically implemented by the pipetting robot. Until now, automation solutions for protein crystallization have only been worthwhile for laboratories operating with a high throughput. Hamilton and other manufacturers provide solutions that automate all the partial processes involved. For the user who wants to process just a few plates per day, there has been a lack of simple and inexpensive automation. This gap has now been filled by the new ScreenDeveloper Workstation from Hamilton. In a few work steps using this system, the user can define gradients for up to 20 reagents per plate. The number of possible screens is limited only by the number of wells. The software offers a choice of 120 predefined reagents and others can be added. On the basis of the inputs, the software creates a work list which the pipetting robot then implements right away. Users do not need to have any experience programming the robot. All relevant parameters are transmitted to the robot depending on the setup for the experiment. ScreenDeveloper is based on the compact STARlet pipetting robot from Hamilton. Its proven pipetting technology is based on the innovative, liquid-free "air displacement" principle. High reproducibility and process safety are attained. Pressure monitoring of the pipetting steps makes the process even safer. The robot can be fitted with 4 or 8 pipetting channels. This modular system can be adapted in a straightforward manner to match changing requirements at a later date. With the ScreenDeveloper Workstation, users get a simple, experiment-oriented and cost-effective way of automating their refinement screens, without having to take up time for programming.