Transforming Research Through Lab Automation
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
In recent years, the integration of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various fields, with pharmaceuticals and materials science leading the charge. Among the most innovative advancements in this domain is the concept of self-driving labs - automated research facilities designed to streamline drug discovery processes, making them faster, more efficient, and cost-effective.
Automation in Drug Discovery
Self-driving labs in drug discovery harness cutting-edge automation technologies to conduct experiments with minimal human intervention. These labs utilize robotic systems to handle samples and automated material handling systems to manage workflows, enabling researchers to synthesize compounds and test their efficacy at an unprecedented pace. By automating these labor-intensive tasks, self-driving labs significantly reduce the time and costs associated with bringing new therapies to market, allowing for a more agile response to public health needs.
Challenges in Micro-Dosing Solids
One of the key challenges in pharmaceutical research is the sampling of solids, particularly when working with quantities below the milligram level. While dispensing small quantities of liquids may seem straightforward, accurately dosing solid compounds presents a host of difficulties such as dosing accuracy, powder flow behavior, electrostatic effects, etc.
Current solutions rely either on manual handling or automated systems such as gravimetric dosing units. More recent approaches involve robotic arms capable of manipulating solids at the milligram scale, offering greater flexibility. However, existing technologies still face key limitations, including low throughput, limited versatility across material types, and potential failures due to physicochemical incompatibilities.
This is where advanced dosing and sampling technologies come into play. Our commitment to developing sophisticated solutions for both liquids and powders underscores the importance of precision in drug formulation and testing.
Advanced Technologies
Microdosing
The µPTS microdosing system facilitates the precise and rapid dosing of extremely small quantities of powder (less than 1 mg) within seconds. This innovative system achieves remarkable accuracy, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of up to 2%, irrespective of fluctuations in bulk density. Unlike traditional mechanical equipment such as the Auger system, PTS-based devices maintain superior accuracy across a wider range of quantities, thanks to their reduced sensitivity to varying powder properties.
The technology operates by filling a calibrated chamber using a vacuum effect and dispensing the powder through a piston mechanism. A standout feature of this system is its lack of a filter, enabling it to efficiently manage very fine or sticky materials. Additionally, a specially designed hopper accommodates a diverse range of challenging powders, enhancing its versatility. The system also offers automatically adjustable volume settings, making it adaptable to different dosing requirements.
Filling Small Amounts of Liquid
BoMa Technology, using pressure and vacuum, specializes in rapid dosing of components within seconds, significantly enhancing production efficiency.
Versatile and adaptable, BoMa systems function similarly to piston pumps but offer distinct advantages. Their maintenance-free operation is a result of the absence of seals, which also simplifies cleaning during product changes.
Additionally, BoMa systems excel at transferring and dosing products with complex rheological properties, particularly high-viscosity substances.
This patented technology offers full in-process control (IPC) and ensures exceptional accuracy even for very small doses in isolator environments where traditional weighing systems struggle.
Without  shear forces, it preserves product integrity, making it particularly well-suited for fragile suspensions, large molecules, and biologics. Its design avoids dead volume re-circulation, enabling the very first dispense to meet specifications - an essential advantage for small batch production. Integrated pre-dispense features, including UV decontamination, visual inspection, and vacuum-assisted degassing, further enhance process reliability.
The system also introduces a unique capability for handling soft bags, allowing them to be collapsed prior to filling without disconnection, thereby preventing residual gas. Combined with minimal mechanical complexity - relying only on a proven microfluidic multi-port valve - and insensitivity to viscosity variations, it delivers robust, consistent performance under a wide range of operating conditions.
Micro Sampling
Our new micro‑sampling device is designed for precise handling of small quantities of solid materials, typically ranging from 0.1 mg to 2 g. It is ideally suited for applications across pharmaceuticals, chemistry, catalysis, and materials science, and operates much like a pipetting device for liquids, enabling accurate, repeatable dosing at micro scale.
Laboratories in these fields are increasingly focused on developing new molecules and materials, driving the need for automated equipment that enables fast and reliable analyses.
Research and collaboration
A prime example of innovation in this space of self-driving labs is our collaborative research project with Swiss Cat+ West Hub (EPFL) with a data-driven, automated infrastructure for the discovery and optimization of homogeneous catalysts.
By combining our advanced micro sampling technology with the capabilities of self-driving labs, this particular project aims to enhance the efficiency of catalyst discovery. This innovative technology is fully integrated into robotized micro-sampling units and allows for precise sampling and dispensing of solids in the sub-milligram range, helping to significantly enhance accuracy.
More information on this research project: High-throughput solid microsampling through stochastic robotic automation | Research Square
The potential of self-driving labs extends beyond just drug discovery; they represent a paradigm shift in how research is conducted across various scientific disciplines. As these labs continue to evolve, they promise to unlock new frontiers in pharmaceutical research, accelerating the pace of innovation and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, the future of pharmaceutical research is bright, driven by the convergence of automation and AI in laboratory platforms. These facilities optimize the research process and pave the way for breakthroughs in drug discovery that could change the landscape of medicine as we know it. With ongoing advancements and collaborations, the pharmaceutical field stands on the brink of a technological revolution that will enhance the ability to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.