Laboratory automation specialist SPT Labtech has teamed up with Cambridge Uni spin-out Cavendish Laboratory to tackle unmet drug screening needs.
By integrating SPT Labtech's firefly liquid handling platform with Semarion's SemaCyte microcarrier technology, the companies aim to develop a flexible, automated and scalable cell assay development workflow.
Currently, the cell-based assay design process is laborious and relies heavily on manual work — though the integration of firefly and SemaCyte will enable researchers to adapt workflows for automation while improving efficiency and reproducibility.
This technology integration will also allow for the miniaturisation of complex cell biology processes, allowing for the creation of high-content image based assays such as cell painting.
“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to explore how cutting-edge technologies like Semarion’s microcarriers can be seamlessly integrated into flexible automation platforms like firefly," noted Maryia Karpiyevich, Product Development Scientist at SPT Labtech.
"We’re looking forward to developing tools that truly empower scientists working at the forefront of cellular research.”
"This partnership demonstrates the impact of combining our innovative microcarrier technology with agile automation," added Jeroen Verheyen, CEO and Co-Founder at Semarion.
"By Integrating our SemaCyte platform with SPT Labtech’s firefly system, we’re unlocking a new class of flexible, miniaturised workflows that streamline assay development and unlock more scalable discovery pipelines.”
“We are committed to supporting emerging technologies that align with our mission to make life in the lab easier. This partnership reflects our dedication to innovation that meets researchers where they are—scaling up, scaling down, and adapting as science evolves," concluded Morten Frost, Chief Commercial Officer at SPT Labtech.
The collaboration will explore the development of joint application protocols, proof-of-concept data, and workflow optimisation strategies, with the goal of providing researchers with more adaptable tools for cell-based discovery.
