Fluent - the effective way to increase productivity

Laboratory Automation Solution

Fluent breaks new ground, delivering high capacity and outstanding speed. The platform provides excellent precision, throughput and walkaway time—making it easy to get more done, more confidently.

Your applications are our inspiration

Fluent was designed to meet the needs of various life science workflows, such as high throughput genomics, by combining high precision liquid handling - down to 200 nl - with straightforward set-up of normalization, sample transfer and reagent distribution using Smart Commands.

Its freely configurable architecture allows rapid integration of devices for DNA quantification and processing, and offers exceptional storage capacity for plates and tips.

The drug disposition and safety department from Roche said:
"Automation frees us to focus on the areas where we add most value – analyzing data and designing experiments to answer specific project questions."
Read more in "A flexible lab for the future"

Fluent highlights

Versatile tube and plate handling with a Robotic Gripper Arm

Smoothly and quickly delivers labware—including plates and tubes—to the instrument’s pipetting arms and integrated devices without interrupting the pipetting process. Fluent's unique Finger Exchange System head automatically exchanges between tubes or plates and vertical or excentric plate handling.

Exceptional ease of use and enhanced process security

Built-in touchscreen interface guides users through daily tasks for fast, consistent operation. Method Recovery functions allow process runs to be reinstated even following events such as power out or computer crash.

Sample identification (or tube and plate identification) and tracking allow safe and confident processing.

Simple and safe sample tracking

Fluent ID™ enables simple and safe, high capacity sample identification and tracking. This scalable and up-gradable tube identification module accommodates 192 to 768 sample tubes per batch, The efficient, user-centric load-and-go operation and support of limitless batch reloading ensures complete confidence and high productivity.

Choice of powerful liquid handling technologies

By offering a choice of both air- and liquid-displacement pipetting technologies, the Flexible Channel Arm provides outstanding flexibility to suit the needs of your laboratory workflow. Increase productivity even further with Dual Flexible Channel Arms using both pipetting technologies on 16 separate pipetting channels.

FluentControl offers robust default liquid definitions and makes it easy to change parameters for any fluid.

Increase walkaway time

With its exceptional deck and below deck arm access, Fluent can accommodate multiple devices without expanding its footprint. Enjoy true walkaway operation with the seamless integration of complementary peripherals all fully managed by FluentControl™.

Dynamic deck

Fluent’s patented Dynamic Deck™ allows the high capacity worktable to be freely configured and easily reconfigured. A lower deck level allows devices to be integrated into the deck space extending the vertical range even for bench top systems.

Fast and streamlined workflows

Three independent, task-specific arms move in parallel to simultaneously and efficiently automate methods. Sample preparation, labware movement to peripheral devices and plate to plate or reagent additions can all occur in parallel — maximizing workflow performance.

Next-generation process control

Fluent’s unique teach-free hardware and Path Finder™ move optimization technology deliver excellent positional accuracy and precision for enhanced process security and peace-of-mind.

The Novo Nordisk Research Bioanalysis Department said:
"We were immediately able to achieve very low CVs for 1μl plasma transfers into dry 384- well plates."
Read more in "Flexibility for speed"

Easy programming and operation

FluentControl™ software simplifies even extremely challenging applications. Use drag and drop interfaces, 3D graphics, and single Smart Commands to distribute reagents or transfer samples.

Flexibility to deal with the unexpected

Fluent’s Active Stop and Resume function enables the operator to instantly access the workdeck during a run—allowing set-up errors or omissions to be corrected—simply by opening the door.

Create wizard-like interfaces

The Application Toolkit provides a collection of commands allowing programmers to create ‘wizardlike’ interfaces to further simplify everyday operation of the workstation.

3D simulations

Eases development of new assays and enables you to visualize a program, test new assays without using reagents or consumables, and estimate timing accurately and precisely.

More functionality in less space

Fluent’s extensive deck capacity minimizes plate transfers and reduces the time cells are outside of the incubator. Below-deck arm access offers expanded functionality and device integration without extending the instrument footprint.

Save sample and reagent volumes

Adaptive Signal Technology™, a new generation of liquid level sensing, enables use of smaller sample volumes, minimizes the risk of errors and provides exceptional automated error handling.

Third-party device integration

FluentControl offers straightforward integration of third-party devices, with an ever-increasing library of drivers — including support of SiLA devices — and Zero-G one-touch teaching to simplify setup.

Enhanced productivity with Tecan consumables

Tecan offers a broad portfolio of high quality consumables — from disposable tips to troughs — in Tecan Standard, Tecan Pure and Tecan Sterile purity levels. Every product undergoes stringent testing to ensure reliable automation.

Laboratory automation solution for cell-based assays

With a broad range of features specifically designed to optimize the performance of cell-based and biochemical assays, Fluent enhances throughput, streamlines workflows and delivers precise and reliable results.

By simplifying the handling of precious samples and seamlessly integrating with cell biology devices, Fluent automates your complex assays for exceptional productivity and confidence.

Fluent - Laboratory automation solution for cell-based assays

The Fraunhofer IME. said:
"So far we haven’t found anything it can’t do."
Read more in "Confidence in drug discovery"

The simple way to take the complexity out of cell biology research

Watch how the seamless integration of cell-based assay technologies streamlines your workflows and simplifies your laboratory life.

Accelerating your investigations

No matter what your area of cell-based assay research, Fluent can automate your entire workflow for high
throughput, reliable results and fast discoveries.

Cell signaling

Signal transduction studies, cell‑cell communications and research on
intra-cellular pathways.

Reporter genes

Promoter structure, gene expression
and gene transformation/
transfection research.

Cellular health

Cytotoxicity, viability, proliferation
and apoptosis studies.

For more details on Fluent’s performance and capabilities for Cell-based assays,
click on the following application notes.

Screening for selective histone deacetylase inhibitors

Fully automated HDAC assays on the Fluent Laboratory Automation Solution

PathHunter® β-Arrestin Human and Ortholog GPCR Assays

Easy automation for cell-based assays on the FluentTM laboratory automation solution

Compound profiling for anti-cancer activity using the NCI-60 cell lines

Easy automation of cell-based assays on the FluentTM laboratory automation solution

EPIgeneous™ H3K27Me3 Cellular Assay for measuring epigenetic methylation

Easy automation of complex, two-plate protocol on the FluentTM laboratory automation solution

A fluorogenic assay for identification of coagulation factor IIa inhibitors- screening for stroke treatment

Easy automation of a biochemical assay on the FluentTM laboratory automation solution

High density screening: Cytochrome P450 compound profiling

High density screening on the Fluent™ laboratory automation solution

Introduction

The failure of preclinical drug entities is a major problem for pharmaceutical companies, accounting for substantial proportions of their precious R&D budgets. As a consequence, there is a need to bring compound toxicity testing into a high throughput environment similar to primary efficacy screening. Metabolism of drugs is a key factor in compound toxicity, and the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily of enzymes – mainly expressed in the hepatocyte cells of the liver – play a very important role in this process. There are now a number of screening assays designed to be automated in a microplate format for medium throughput profiling of compounds which may induce or inhibit CYP activity. In this application note, we describe a 384-well microplate format lead generation method using three different CYP enzymes, illustrating a typical assay run in an ADME laboratory.

Fluent highlights

Exceptional ease of use

Fluent’s built-in touchscreen interface guides users through every task, making even the most sophisticated cell-based assays easy to run—ensuring fast, consistent, efficient operation.

More functionality in less space

Fluent’s outstanding deck capacity minimizes plate transfers and reduces the time cells are outside of the incubator. Below-deck arm access offers expanded functionality and device integration without extending the instrument footprint.

Optimized cell protection

Fluent’s three, task-specific robotic arms work in parallel for faster processing, and offer automated lid handling to maintain sterility and minimize evaporation.

A complete walkaway solution

Fluent’s seamless integration with cell biology devices allows you to run every step of your workflow on a single instrument. From incubation to analysis, everything you need to store, transfer, manipulate and measure cellular samples has been brought together in a single, automated solution.

Safety pharmacology at Ncardia said:
"Working in 384-well microplates, we're currently handling 40 plates in a single run. This would take at least five times as long to do manually, so the benefits are felt immediately."

Complementary consumables

Tecan offers a broad portfolio of sterile consumables ideal for cell-based research. From disposable tips to troughs, every product undergoes stringent testing to ensure the precision, consistency and purity you need for reliable, reproducible assay results.

Exceptional performance from sample to results

Fluent integrates nicely with the Spark® multimode plate reader, a next generation detection platform delivering outstanding performance and throughput in all standard detection modes from Absorbance and Fluorescence to TR-FRET, FP and Alphascreen®. Integrated cell imaging and full environmental control, including a unique cooling module, even allow for live cell analysis.

Cell Protection™ throughout wash cycles

Tecan’s HydroSpeed™ plate washer features extra-gentle wash settings that you can adjust to suit specific cells, microplates and applications, enabling you to achieve reproducible results even with weakly adherent cells.

Ideal cellular conditions

A clean environment can be maintained inside Fluent with the integration of a HEPA hood, allowing cells to be kept under sterile conditions when needed.

Simplicity and consistency

The touchscreen interface guides users through daily tasks. Optionally embed SOPs for every method for consistent operation.

Easy set up and operation

Programming and running even the most complex cell-based assays is quick and easy with FluentControl™ software.

Enhanced process security

The Fluent Gx Assurance Package integrates user management and controls method permissions. Operators can even set personalized favorites on the touchscreen.

Powerful liquid handling

FluentControl offers robust default liquid definitions and makes it easy to change parameters for any fluid.

Fluent videos

Industry-leading deck capacity minimizes plate transfers for optimum cell handling and protection.

Below deck device integration. Keeps footprint small.

Parallel arm movements maximize throughput and minimize the time cells are outside the incubator.

Complete pipetting flexibility simplifies even complex custom protocols.

Automatically switch between 96- and 384-channel pipetting during the course of a run.

Patented Path Finder™ technology automatically programs the fastest, most efficient route for every arm movement.

Barcode reading ensures efficient sample tracking and enhanced process security.

Fast, efficient tip collection adds to the instrument’s unparalleled speed and precision.

Laboratory automation solution for compound management

A whole new level of throughput, flexibility and confidence

Designed to simplify compound management workflows, Tecan’s innovative Fluent platform brings enhanced speed and flexibility to plate formatting and copying.

Throughput and accuracy are paramount. So we’ve engineered a compact automation solution with three arms that work in parallel across a Dynamic Deck featuring exceptional plate capacity.

Discover an instrument that speaks the language of your laboratory by making compound management more simple, efficient… and fluent.

Fluent - Laboratory automation solution for compound management

The Dart NeuroScience said:
"It’s basically tripled the speed of most of our protocols."
Read more in "Darting from plate to plate"

A better way to manage compound management

Compound Dissolution

DMSO addition
Weighing

Library Maintenance

Reformatting
Tube-to-plate transfers

Assay plate preparation

Daughter plates
Hit picking
Serial dilution for IC₅₀/EC₅₀

For more details on Fluent’s performance and capabilities in Compound Management,
click on the following application notes.

Compound management – plate reformatting on the Fluent™ Laboratory Automation Solution

For many years, small molecule drug discovery has relied on the evaluation of one compound against another compound.

Measurement of the activity of a small molecule against a target must be standardized, and this is achieved by determining the IC50 or EC50 value (half maximal inhibitory/effective concentration respectively) using dose-response curves.

To set up dose-response curves, compounds must be dissolved in a solvent to create solutions of varying concentrations, and DMSO has become the established solvent of choice.

Today, chemists provide the biologists or compound management teams responsible for producing the dose-response curves with compound solutions prepared in DMSO.

The workflow frequently begins with picking the key target compounds from a number of different microplates, generally referred to as hit-picking.

These key compounds have often been selected based on single concentration data from a high throughput screening (HTS) campaign.

Compound management – assay plate generation on the Fluent™ Laboratory Automation Solution

For many years, small molecule drug discovery has relied on the evaluation of one compound against another compound.

To set up dose-response curves, compounds must be dissolved in a solvent to create solutions of varying concentrations, and DMSO has become the established solvent of choice. Today, chemists provide the biologists or compound management teams responsible for producing the dose-response curves with compound solutions prepared in DMSO.

The workflow frequently begins with picking the key target compounds from a number of different microplates, generally referred to as hit-picking.

These key compounds have often been selected based on single concentration data from a high throughput screening (HTS) campaign.

Fluent highlights

More functionality and flexibility in less space

Outstanding deck capacity offers high-density plate and tip storage in a small footprint. Unique, interchangeable design allows the modular worktable to be easily configured and reconfigured for plate reformatting, hit picking, tube-to-plate transfers, plate stamping and more.

Optimize performance with the exceptionally versatile multiple channel arm

Adjusts to 96, 384 and 1536 plate formats on the fly by swapping between 96- and 384-channel adapters. Makes it easy to optimize the performance of plate reformatting, stamping and diluting.

Flexible channel arm with fixed, steel tips broadens pipetting capabilities

Washable fixed tips made of coated steel offer reliable septa piercing and expand the instrument’s wide dynamic range down to below 0.5µl. The Flexible Channel Arm is also compatible with Tecan’s disposable tips to suit the requirements of different applications.

DMSO as system liquid for fast dilutions

Fixed tips can be primed for fast, automated compound dilutions or pre-filling of dilution plates. The steel tips can be washed from inside for ultimate system cleanliness and more reliable results.

Device integration for fully automated workflows

Seamlessly integrates with a broad range of complementary peripherals including 2D and plate barcode readers, high-density plate and tip stackers, plate sealers, and random access carousels. Run every step of your workflow on a single instrument for greater ease, convenience and productivity.

Robotic gripper arm for versatile tube or plate handling

Smoothly and quickly delivers labware—including plates and tubes—to the instrument’s pipetting arms and integrated devices without interrupting the pipetting process. Provides fast lid removal and replacement to minimize evaporation for reliable, reproducible results.

Exceptional ease of use

Built-in touchscreen interface guides users through daily tasks for fast, consistent, efficient operation. Optionally customizable to suit specific users or applications, the software makes it easier than ever to generate reliable results while increasing throughput and productivity.

3D simulation for safe runs and compound conservation

Eases development of new assays and enables you to visualize a program, test new assays without using reagents or consumables, and estimate timing accurately and precisely.