The Automation Partnership Introduces PicoTube™ for Sample Management at DDT Europe

(Cambridge UK, March 31, 2003)  The Automation Partnership (TAP), a world leader in life science automation systems, announces the European launch of PicoTube™ at Drug Discovery Technology, in Stuttgart.  PicoTube, a new single use sample storage tube, eliminates the risk of compound degradation arising from multiple freeze-thaw cycles, which can occur with a more conventional storage tube.

Instead of storing a larger volume in a single vessel, materials can be divided into a number of individual PicoTubes, each containing just the right amount for a single use.  Every PicoTube is individually coded; carrying a unique 2D code that allows vessel tracking and verification from creation, through to storage, and subsequent usage.  PicoTube is the first 384-way tube to be individually coded and to feature a maximum square aperture at the top, to give easy access for pipetting.

PicoTube is compatible with TAP's established HomeBase™ robotic storage system, which can also handle plates, vials and conventional microtubes.  PicoTubes can be stored at very high density and can be cherry picked robotically within HomeBase and placed into 384-way SBS format racks, which can be stacked and processed just like 384-well microtitre plates.

According to Ian Ransome, Director of Drug Discovery at TAP, “We’re very excited about PicoTube because it addresses growing concern about multi-sipping and the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on sample integrity.  It is also valuable as it is the first tube to extend the choice of storage formats available for automated sample storage and handling.”

Each PicoTube has a total volume of 100 μl, allowing a working volume from a few microlitres to about 75 μl.  The tubes can be stored either in high-density arrays of individual tubes, or as racks of 384, depending on the business process needs.  In either case, TAP's picking robotics maintains high storage throughput without risk of the de-fragmentation of stored inventory.

PicoTube is manufactured from Polypropylene, well-proven as an inert material for sample storage and the tubes can be safely stored down to -20°C.

PicoTubes can be filled on all standard pipetting equipment including TAP's BasePlate replicator.  TAP supplies a dedicated sealing station which individually seals each tube prior to storage, using standard foil material, ensuring each tube remains separate.  This makes the storage and retrieval as efficient as possible.

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For more information, please contact

Matthew Walker		James Parkinson
The Automation Partnership (Cambridge) Ltd		Northbank Communications Ltd
York Way, Royston, Herts, SG8 5WY, UK		Meadowside, Mountbatten Way, Congleton, CW12 1DN, UK
Tel: +44 1763 227200 Fax: +44 1763 227201		Tel: +44 1260 296500 Fax: +44 1260 296501
Matthew.walker@automationpartnership.com		j.parkinson@northbankcommunications.com

About The Automation Partnership

The Automation Partnership is a world leader in the design and development of advanced industrial automation solutions for the life science industry.

With a successful track record in automating and integrating processes for cell culture, compound and sample management, liquid handling and ultra high throughput screening, the Company continues to develop and implement market driven automation solutions to meet the discovery, development and commercial challenges of the 21^st Century.

The company’s systems are installed worldwide at leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies such as Amgen, Avigen, AstraZeneca, Baxter Healthcare, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Centre National de Génotypage, GlaxoSmithKline, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Merck, Pfizer and Procter & Gamble.

Originated in 1988, The Automation Partnership is a private company with over 180 staff in Europe and the United States.  The company’s headquarters and production and development facilities are located in Cambridge, England, with a US sales and support office in Wilmington, Delaware. 

Additional information about The Automation Partnership can be found at www.automationpartnership.com .