Robotic system to efficiently handle cell culture plates in embryology laboratories

This technology is a robotic system that rapidly and efficiently prepares cell culture plates suited for embryology laboratories.

Unmet Need: Reliable, automated approach to prepare plates for embryo cell culture

Clinical embryology laboratories at fertility centers utilize specialized plates to culture eggs and embryos. These plates are prepared manually, resulting in significant labor and time, and also introduces the possibility of variability in the preparation of the plates. There are currently no automated platforms available that could save time and ensure robust, replicable results.

The Technology: Automated platform for cell culture plates used in clinical embryology laboratories

This robotic platform efficiently prepares specialized plates for use in a clinical embryology laboratory by combining a robotic liquid handling system with custom-designed plates. The custom-designed plates have a large surface capable of holding ~20 microdroplet plates, along with an integrated holder for culture reagent bottles. The liquid handling system can be programmed to prepare the number of plates specified by the user. The platform reduces the risk of contamination, saves time, and ensures high quality of the prepared cell culture plates.

Applications:

  • Preparation of plates for embryology labs
  • Preparation of other specialized plates for various culture applications
  • Automated maintenance of cell and organoid culture systems
  • Dispensing pre-defined liquid volumes (i.e., automated pipetting)

Advantages:

  • High-throughput platform for the preparation of cell culture plates
  • Reliable and replicable results
  • Time-efficient
  • Lowers the risk of contamination
  • Cost-effective

Lead Inventor:

Zev Williams, M.D., Ph.D.

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