ScreenTape system for rapid electrophoresis

Automation developer Lab901 has launched the ScreenTape system, a fully automated, walk-away solution for gel electrophoresis.

The ScreenTape system comprises the TapeStation (that carries out liquid handling, electrophoresis and imaging), ScreenTape (a consumable that contains the pre-cast, pre-packaged gel and running buffer) and bespoke software. With no gel or buffer preparation and no system priming, even untrained operators can rapidly generate accurate and reproducible data.

The first ScreenTape consumables are optimised for the analysis of DNA fragments up to 800 bp. This makes the system suitable for applications such as multiplex or simplex PCR analysis, genotyping, QC of Q-PCR products and QC of DNA prior to microarray printing. Efficient and safe data storage is achieved through integrated barcoding and the generation of secure file formats for the analysed data. Labs using gel electrophoresis can obtain full traceability and GLP compliance.

"Lab901 has achieved its goal of launching the ScreenTape system after 4 years of intensive r&d" said Lab901's director of sales & marketing Richard Rowling. "

Lab901 is also developing tapes for the analysis of larger DNA fragments, proteins and RNA, and is seeking to establish collaborations.