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Tab 01 / Overview
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Fluent offers new opportunities to laboratories looking for state-of-the-art automation to:
The system’s fully modular, open architecture allows each instrument to be individually configured with robotic arms for pipetting and labware movement, helping laboratories to meet throughput, cost saving and productivity targets.
Extend Fluent with the Fluent Gx Assurance software. Fluent Gx offers the advanced process security features required to support compliance in clinical, GMP and QC facilities.
Play videoMake better use of the space in your lab.
Maximize the execution of your workflows by selecting up to three independent, task-specific arms.
Enjoy true walkaway operation with large batch capacities and seamless integration of complementary peripherals, all fully managed by FluentControl™ software.
In addition to its extensive deck capacity, Fluent offers expanded functionality and device integration without extending the instrument footprint.
Use cloud-based Introspect™ dashboards to get a comprehensive overview of when and how your connected laboratory automation systems are used, with real-time data on instrument uptime, consumables consumption and run success.
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"
Combine intuitive operation with the flexibility to automate complex processes.
FluentControl™ software simplifies even extremely challenging applications
The Institute for Product Quality (ifp) said:
It is also very quick and intuitive to use; new operators find it incredibly easy to learn , and we were able to use it in production just a day after it was installed!
Read more in "Faster food testing"
Fluent offers exceptional liquid handling performance.
Fluent's Flexible Channel Arm™ provides outstanding flexibility by offering a choice of air- or liquid-displacement pipetting technologies.
Fluent’s unique teach-free deck gets you up and running quickly.
Fluent’s sensitive liquid sensing enables the detection and use of smaller sample volumes.
The Multiple Channel Arm has 384 pipetting channels, and can change between 96- and 384-well formats on-the-fly.
Dual Flexible Channel Arm configurations offer 16 individual pipetting tips for more speed.
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"
Ensure that each and every run is performed exactly the same way, and delivers consistent, high quality results with:
Tecan offers a broad portfolio of high quality consumables, including disposable tips, reagent troughs and microplates.
The Fluent Gx Laboratory Automation Workstation offers specific tools to meet the needs of regulated laboratories.
Need help implementing Fluent Gx in your laboratory? Unsure which regulations affect your laboratory automation? Tecan’s experienced global regulatory team is ready to help.
The Fraunhofer IME. said:
So far we haven't found anything it can't do.
Read more in 'Confidence in drug discovery'
Future-proof your investment and ensure that the system won’t become obsolete as your automation needs change over time with:
Open architecture FluentControl™ software can easily accommodate even extremely challenging application protocols.
* Picture shows the Alpaqua® Magnum FLX® (Alpaqua Engineering LLC) and BioShake® ELM series shaker (Q Instruments GmbH)
The Flexible Channel Arm Gripper option can perform simple microplate moves within the worktable area, linking pipetting sequences together to enhance walkaway times.
Ncardia said:
With three independant arms it offered us the potential to significantly accelerate the process while still being a very versatile platform.
Read more in "Redesigning the drug safety workflow"
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Tab 02 / System modules
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All Fluent workstations provide a choice of robotic arms, a freely configurable workdeck area, a choice of cabinet or benchtop mounting, and flexible device integration.
Show more
Ambry Genetics said:
...it allows new chemistries and assays coming onto the market to be explored without major time and cost implications
Read more in "Taking a Fluent Approach to screening"
Ambry Genetics said:
The Multiple Channel Arm's ability to switch pipetting heads on-the-fly ... combined with the large deck capacity tripled our throughput for these assays
Read more in "Taking a Fluent Approach to genetic screening"
Monash Antibody Technologies Facility said:
The Fluent has been configured to give us maximum flexibility; it is slick, smooth and very easy to teach. The way the deck is configured is ideal for us; we can add or take away modules, carriers or other pieces of equipment very easily.
Read more in "Building functionality into the antibody supply chain"
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Tab 03 / Options
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Ncardia said:
We had already had a positive experience working with Tecan… so we were confident in both the service and support the company offers.
Read more in "Redesigning the drug safety workflow"
The Frida Reader module for Fluent workstations offers researchers the ability to quantify nucleic acids without sample loss. Designed to work in combination with the platform’s Air Flexible Channel Arm™, this patented approach performs UV absorbance-based quantification and purity assessment in a hanging drop, avoiding the consumption of rare and precious samples following nucleic acid purification (NAP). It is ideal for precious or low volume samples, as the hanging drop is aspirated back into the tip and can be used for further processing, such as normalization. This helps users to avoid poor quality results or downstream failures due to insufficient or contaminated samples, saving time and lowering costs.
Show moreDon’t open, pipette and manually track another tube
Fluent enables a constant supply of plates and tips to suit your application.
Fluent Stacker has optional barcode reader to identify labware on the delivery slide.
With Fluent ID™, you can load and read 96 samples in less than 30 seconds.
Barcode scanner mounted on the Robotic Gripper Arm™ scans microplate codes in situ on the deck or in hotels.
Fixed position barcode scanner can read 1D or 2D barcodes on plates or tubes presented by the Robotic Gripper Arm.
Ziath flatbed scanner* for 2D codes on mini-tubes.
* Product shown from Ziath, Cambridge, UK
Delivery slides can be individually positioned on the deck to allow access for:
Fluent Carousel has an optional barcode reader to identify labware on the delivery slide.
Flexible storage hotels for disposable tips, 9 standard microplates or 5 deep-well plates. Can be conveniently placed:
Fluent supports a wide arrange of low and high capacity heating and cooling devices:
Suitable for standard microplates with/without lid
Suitable for microplates with/without lids up to 35 mm high, eg. cell plates with filter insets or half height deep-well plates
*Product shown from INHECO GmbH, Germany
Fluent and FluentControl already support a broad range of third-party devices. For alternative devices, please contact your local sales representative or find out more about Tecan Labwerx.
Fluent offers both off-the-shelf and custom containment solutions for cellular and genomic applications. Scalable solutions available for:
For product and user protection solutions for Fluent, please contact your local sales representative or find out more from Tecan Labwerx.
The Stem Cell Institute said:
We designed the system to suit our needs including integrated HEPA filter hood to create a sterile environment.
Read more in "Keeping an eye on stem cells"
Fluent enables integration of numerous detection devices.
Scalable, modular multimode reader series. Can be integrated as standard:
Scalable, multimode monochromator- or filter-based readers. Can be integrated as standard:
Fluent and FluentControl already support a broad range of third-party detection devices. For alternative devices, please contact your local sales representative or find out more about Tecan Labwerx.
Fluent allows integration of numerous separation technologies and devices.
Te-VacS™ provides an automated vacuum extraction workflow for cartridge-based filtration and SPE, ideal for nucleic acid extraction and compound purification.
Integrated commercial magnets* for magnetic separation steps typical in nucleic acid extraction and PCR clean-up workflows.
* Product shown from Alpaqua Engineering LLC, USA
Te-Chrome™ module enables eluate fraction collection for bioprocessing applications.
Read morePickolo™ Colony-Picker* can specifically identify and extract colonies of interest for further processing.
* Product shown from SciRobotics Ltd., Israel
Read moreFluent and FluentControl already support a large number of third-party separation devices, such as centrifuges* and positive pressure separation devices. For alternative devices, please contact your local sales representative or find out more about Tecan Labwerx.
* Product shown from Andreas Hettich GmbH, Germany
Fluent offers integration of numerous devices for optimal mixing reagents or assay components, or to maintain suspensions.
Developed by Tecan Labwerx for automated mixing of 50 ml conical tubes in bacterial engineering. For other custom and third-party devices, please contact your local sales representative.
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Tab 04 / Fluent control
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FluentControl 3.5 features Scheduler enhancements, support for gradient collection workflows with the Te-Chrom™ smart command and numerous other improvements. Two exciting new capabilities for the MultiSense™ AirFCA are now available: pressure based liquid level detection (pLLD) and XY move during aspiration - a.k.a. spiral pipetting - for the Phase Separator™. For those in need of two RGA arms on their Fluent®, FluentControl 3.5 now offers full support. And finally, getting help has never been easier with the newly revamped Snapshot Tool.
The Fluent and Fluent Gx Automation Workstations are powerful platforms, yet FluentControl™ keeps daily operation simple with a dedicated touchscreen interface on the instrument itself.
FluentControl™ is designed to empower scientists to build, optimize and maintain their own assays, without the need for computer programming expertise. By separating the interactions of everyday workflows from the configuration of new assays, Tecan has created ideal tools for both.
The Fluent Gx Assurance software option offers the advanced process security features that are required to support compliance in clinical, GMP and QC facilities.
Play video
The drug disposition and safety department from Roche said:
The future demands flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to embrace new opportunities – we can’t simply go out and buy a new instrument for every new assay that we need to run.
Read more in "A flexible lab for the future"
If your computer loses power in the middle of a method, TouchTools can:
The Institute for Product Quality said:
[FluentControl is] very quick and intuitive to use; new operators find it incredibly easy to learn.
Read more in "Faster food testing"
Ncardia said:
The 3D simulator in FluentControl makes it very easy to visualize your protocols, speeding up process development.
Read more in "Redesigning the drug safety workflow"
Fluent’s liquid handling arms move with speed, grace and precision, tracing the optimal paths around other modules.
After installation, default carriers and labware definitions can be used immediately:
Using Zero-G positioning, you can simply slide an arm to the desired location by hand, then click ‘transfer’ and FluentControl will know exactly where it is.
Need to control that special device? FluentControl is ready for that too. Any SiLA-ready device can be controlled by default, and Tecan has an extensive driver library for other modules. Contact your local Tecan sales representative to learn more.
Take a break or plan your next experiment while monitoring your instrument on your smartphone with the Tecan Connect mobile app. Connect is a cloud-based laboratory automation monitoring app that is designed to work with all Fluent and Freedom EVO® instruments.
Tecan's cloud-based solution collates productivity information from Fluent workstations and other Tecan systems to enhance instrument usage, identify bottlenecks and increase overall efficiency.
Read moreThe Fluent Gx Assurance software offers advanced features to streamline regulatory activities, helping laboratories to demonstrate compliance with minimal manual input.
Multi-level user management allows bespoke control of access to protocols and software features.
Three default user levels – operator, application specialist and administrator – plus custom-defined roles, make it ideal for busy, multi-user labs.
User roles and passwords can be administered locally, or from the Windows® active domain.
FluentControl’s optional method approval feature offers security for regulated environments without compromising method development. This ensures that only approved and validated protocols are used for day-to-day activities, while providing application specialists with the ability to create and test new automation workflows.
Traceability is crucial for regulated laboratories and clinical activities. FluentControl’s sample tracking add-on traces every sample, from initial identification using a handheld or integrated 1D/2D barcode scanner through to reporting of final results, including data from Magellan™ data reduction software.
A detailed, secure and audit-ready log of all actions for each sample is generated, which can be automatically uploaded to your LIMS.
FluentControl’s electronic records help laboratories to meet stringent regulatory standards for data security – such as those defined by FDA 21 CFR Part 11 – by providing protected copies of scripts, methods, carrier and labware definitions, liquid classes and system configurations.
Each file has a checksum to guarantee data integrity, and an optional electronic signatures function provides a detailed record of any changes made. For maximum process security, this feature can also be used to handle processing errors, requiring the user to approve any run that has been completed with errors or warnings.
AGRANIS said:
The user-friendly TouchTools interface... guides us through the worktable set-up step by step – where to place different elements, number of samples, etc.
Read more in "A revolution in milk sample analysis"
FluentControl Scheduler simplifies design of complex workflows, giving you increased efficiency and flexibility in your laboratory processes.
The software increases throughput with easy process definition and dynamic scheduling updates during a run.
Show moreEach protocol can be easily defined using the Process Editor.
This allows you to define a series of individual process steps for a single plate or group of plates, including the use of any integrated device.
The software then applies the process to every plate/ group of plates to ensure consistent processing.
Define critical timing constraints between each experimental step, such as the time between the last sample being pipetted to the start of wash, or the incubation time after reagent addition before microplate reading.
The system then optimizes the process for each plate without compromising these timings.
Dynamic scheduling allows you to build a process and review the automated schedule before starting a run.
The software then updates in real time during the run, making adjustments to the schedule based on how long each step takes.
Remote monitoring with Tecan Connect frees up time and offers you complete peace of mind with the ability to track your workflow progress and receive automated notifications if user interaction is needed.
FluentControl Scheduler records the exact timing for each processing step for each sample or plate, helping to simplify GMP record keeping and regulatory compliance.
Fraunhofer said:
The FluentControl Scheduler allowed us to significantly increase the throughput of our cytochrome P450 assay. Previously with scripting we could run 12 plates in 6.5 hours, and now with the scheduler, we can run the same number of plates in only 4 hours" (FluentControl Scheduler beta-test site).
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Tab 05 / Applications
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The Fraunhofer IME. said:
So far we haven’t found anything it can’t do.
Read more in "Confidence in drug discovery"
The Centre for Translational Microbiome Research said:
The Fluent pipettes incredibly precisely; I’ve never seen an automated platform anywhere near as accurate – it’s wonderful. This will be particularly useful for whole genome sequencing.
Read more in "What is normal? Understanding the vaginal microbiome"
Genea Biocells said:
There are things the system can do that I simply can’t do manually.
Read more in "Stem cell research offers muscular dystrophy hope"
Get there first! Fluent’s speed of operation, flexibility to adapt and high precision and accuracy are ideal for compound management workflows, cell-based assays and ADME-Tox.
Show moreFluent Gx assists regulatory compliance with:
Ensure your ability to comply with regulatory directives. Fluent is ideal for routine screening, quality control and analytics in:
AGRANIS said:
Automating DNA extraction has saved us time, and the enhanced speed allows us to achieve reliable batch processing of 96 samples in just two hours, running several plates a day.
Read more in "A revolution in milk sample analysis"
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Tab 06 / Literature
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Histone acetylation and deacetylation play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a group of enzymes that remove acetyl groups from ε-N-acetyl lysine amino acids on histones, allowing them to wrap DNA more tightly.This condenses the DNA structure, preventing transcription. Conversely, acetylation neutralizes the positive charges on the histones by changing amines into amides, decreasing their ability to bind DNA.This decreased binding allows chromatin expansion, permitting genetic transcription to take place. 18 HDAC enzymes are currently known, which are either zinc-dependent or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent (NAD-dependent).They are grouped into four classes according to their homology to yeast proteins. Classes I, II and IV are considered ‘classical’ HDACs, and are inhibited by trichostatin A (TSA).Due to the involvement of HDACs in various diseases and cancer development, there is now significant interest in selective HDAC inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents.
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.
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.
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.
The ability to carry out cell-based G-Protein coupled receptor (GPCR) assays in high throughput is a key part of the drug discovery process.Combining a Fluent laboratory automation solution configured for cell-based assays with the DiscoveRx PathHunter β-Arrestin human and ortholog GPCR assay kits gives users the power to run 384-well plate-based assays in high throughput.This increased processing speed and capacity over current solutions, combined with extremely efficient use of laboratory space, makes this a superior system for cell-based assays.
The NCI-60 panel represents a wide diversity of common cancer-types and it is one of the most important tools in modern drug discovery for the identification of new anti-cancer compounds.Although, the cell lines are commonly used in phenotypic assays for monitoring cell growth and survival, when combined with bioinformatics tools such as the NCI COMPARE database, NCI panel data can also provide a preliminary indication of the potential mechanisms of action for novel compounds.Typically, large sets of compounds are initially tested at a single concentration.Hits showing growth inhibition or cytotoxic properties are profiled in dose response format over multiple cell lines to establish compound potency and selectivity.
Epigenetics has played an important role in drug discovery for many years, but its importance has grown significantly recently due to the role epigenetic modifications can play in cancer and stem cell differentiation. Methylation is the principal epigenetic modification of DNA and of proteins known as histones, which package DNA into chromatin inside a cell.Epigenetic modifications define how genetic information is read and used by cells and, through cell divisions, these epigenetic changes may last for the duration of the cell's life. They may also last for multiple generations, even though they do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism.Epigenetic modifications can therefore be inherited, and are influenced by environmental factors, some of which can induce epigenetic signaling that may contribute to biological processes such as aging.The Cisbio EPIgeneous cell-based assays enable direct measurement of methylation, demethylation, and total proteins on both adherent and suspension cells.Tecan has re-invented automation with Fluent, a unique instrumentation concept built around the applicationspecific needs of your lab. Fluent breaks new ground, delivering more capacity and increased speed.
Epigenetics has played an important role in drug discovery for many years, but its importance has grown significantly recently due to the role epigenetic modifications can play in cancer and stem cell differentiation.Methylation is the principal epigenetic modification of DNA and of proteins known as histones, which package DNA into chromatin inside a cell.Epigenetic modifications define how genetic information is read and used by cells and, through cell divisions, these epigenetic changes may last for the duration of the cell's life. They may also last for multiple generations, even though they do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism.Epigenetic modifications can therefore be inherited, and are influenced by environmental factors, some of which can induce epigenetic signaling that may contribute to biological processes such as aging.The Cisbio EPIgeneous cell-based assays enable direct measurement of methylation, demethylation, and total proteins on both adherent and suspension cells.
Immunosuppressant drugs support solid organ transplantation by preventing rejection by the patient’s immune system. Immunosuppressant levely are tightly monitored to prevent transplant rejection or accumulation of toxic effects.
This application note highlights an example automated sample preparation protocol developed by Tecan for the MassTox® Immunosuppressants in Whole Blood – ONEMinute Test – LC-MS/MS assay kit (Chromsystems) on the Fluent® Mix and Pierce Workstation.
Fluent was designed and built to increase throughput and productivity, enabling laboratories to get more done in less time – and less space.
Designed for those who ‘press go’, daily activities such as running assays and routine maintenance become as straightforward as using the smartphone in your pocket. Users intuitively know what to do next.
Fluent Gx brings the proven performance enhancements of the Fluent Laboratory Automation Solution to highly regulated laboratories.Application workflows in clinical and other regulated areas can benefit from high throughput, ease of operation and outstanding precision & accuracy with maximum process security.
Tecan’s groundbreaking Fluent platform brings unsurpassed speed and flexibility to plate formatting and copying. Throughput and accuracy are everything, so we’ve engineered a compact automation solution with three arms that work in parallel across a Dynamic Deck™ offering unmatched plate capacity. Discover an instrument that speaks the language of your laboratory, making compound management more simple, efficient… and fluent.
Seamless integration of cell-based assay technologies streamlines your workfl ows and simplifi es your laboratory life.
Fluent’s groundbreaking design delivers more capacity and increased speed for genomic workflows. This innovative solution offers superior precision, higher throughput and longer walkaway times. Get more done in less time, with greater confidence.
The MultiChannel Arm™ 384 has been designed to offer higher productivity to automated liquid handling workflows in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research applications, increasing the efficiency and speed of pipetting processes, as well as delivering an outstanding level of flexibility.
For Freedom EVO® and Fluent®
Accurate nucleic acid quantification and quality control without sample loss
Module for Fluent® automation workstation specifications and typical performance values
Whole blood screening is performed regularly for patients taking drugs that are absorbed into blood cells, such as immunosuppressants prescribed after organ transplants. However, sample preparation is challenging for laboratories using LC-MS for drug quantification.
The Fluent® Mix and Pierce Workstation enables automated processing of immunosuppressant kits, providing consistency and accuracy. This brochure highlights an example automated sample preparation protocol developed by Tecan for the MassTox® Immunosuppressants in Whole Blood – ONEMinute Test – LC-MS/MS assay kit (Chromsystems).
The Fluent Gx Mix and Pierce Workstation enables users to develop workflows in forensic investigations. As crime scene samples are scarce and cannot be replaced, any loss of material needs to be avoided.
The Fluent Gx Mix and Pierce Workstation minimizes the risk of sample loss by adding extraction solvents directly to the sample collection tubes, and mixing in a controlled manner. This flyer highlights an example workflow for non-biological sample material.
The Multiple Channel Arm™ 96 (MCA 96) for the Fluent® liquid handler offers an incredible volume range ideal for high-throughput workflows.
Fluent specifications.
Enhanced capacitive liquid level detection for increased reliability and reproducibilitySpeed and throughput seem like logical reasons to acquire an automated liquid handling system but, for many users, the consistency of results is an even more valuable asset.An unobtrusive, barely noticed feature – liquid level detection – plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and consistency of the pipetting processes, but not all liquid level sensing technologies are created equal.Tecan’s Adaptive Signal Technology is a new generation of capacitive liquid level sensing that does far more than just detect the liquid level in a microplate well; it can reliably distinguish between the true liquid level and bubbles, detect tip occlusions, prevent wells over-flowing, and offer new opportunities for in-process error handling.
Reducing the liquid dead volume is a highly desirable aspect of a liquid handling platform’s performance, particularly in the case of expensive reagents or precious scarce samples.Minimizing the dead volume not only presents substantial reagent and sample cost savings, it can also result in more assays per unit volume, further decreasing labor costs and allowing more data per cycle.Fluent Laboratory Automation Solutions with Adaptive Signal Technology™ (AST) advanced liquid level detection offer several synergistic benefits that reduce dead volume without compromising on the precision or accuracy of liquid transfers.