Case Studies Scaling Up qPCR Assays with a Flexible and User-Friendly Automation Software Platform

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	Scaling Up qPCR Assays with a Flexible and User-Friendly Automation Software Platform

Scaling Up qPCR Assays with a Flexible and User-Friendly Automation Software Platform

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries	Life Sciences Healthcare & Hospitals
Applicable Functions	Quality Assurance Product Research & Development
Use Cases	Predictive Maintenance Machine Condition Monitoring Process Control & Optimization
Services	System Integration Software Design & Engineering Services
Challenge	Routine analytical assays in the cell and gene therapy sector often require repetitive and complex manual actions, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult needed a solution to automate these processes, particularly for qPCR assays, to increase efficiency, data reproducibility, and walkaway time for scientists. Traditional automation solutions lacked flexibility and required advanced programming skills, creating a high barrier to entry for many biologists. Read More
About Customer	The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, established in 2012, aims to build a world-leading cell and gene therapy sector in the UK. The organization supports companies of all sizes in developing and delivering cell and gene therapies (CGTs) to patients. With over 330 experts, the Catapult operates from state-of-the-art laboratories at Guy’s Hospital in London, a £70-million GMP-compliant manufacturing center in Stevenage, and a newly announced facility in Braintree. The Industrialization team focuses on improving CGT production efficiency in a cost-effective and scalable manner, conducting in-house research, and developing custom, integrated solutions for clients. Read More
Solution	The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult collaborated with Synthace in 2018 to automate qPCR assays using Synthace’s software platform Antha. Antha allows scientists to perform scalable and flexible qPCR assays on automated liquid handlers through a codeless, user-friendly interface. This platform increases experimental throughput, data reproducibility, and walkaway time for scientists. Antha standardizes protocols, removes variability between runs and operators, and minimizes human error, preserving data integrity. The platform also enables in silico simulation and optimization of assays before execution, ensuring efficient and error-free workflows. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Applicable Industries

Life Sciences

Healthcare & Hospitals

Applicable Functions

Quality Assurance

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Predictive Maintenance

Machine Condition Monitoring

Process Control & Optimization

Services

System Integration

Software Design & Engineering Services

Challenge

Routine analytical assays in the cell and gene therapy sector often require repetitive and complex manual actions, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult needed a solution to automate these processes, particularly for qPCR assays, to increase efficiency, data reproducibility, and walkaway time for scientists. Traditional automation solutions lacked flexibility and required advanced programming skills, creating a high barrier to entry for many biologists.

About Customer

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, established in 2012, aims to build a world-leading cell and gene therapy sector in the UK. The organization supports companies of all sizes in developing and delivering cell and gene therapies (CGTs) to patients. With over 330 experts, the Catapult operates from state-of-the-art laboratories at Guy’s Hospital in London, a £70-million GMP-compliant manufacturing center in Stevenage, and a newly announced facility in Braintree. The Industrialization team focuses on improving CGT production efficiency in a cost-effective and scalable manner, conducting in-house research, and developing custom, integrated solutions for clients.

Solution

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult collaborated with Synthace in 2018 to automate qPCR assays using Synthace’s software platform Antha. Antha allows scientists to perform scalable and flexible qPCR assays on automated liquid handlers through a codeless, user-friendly interface. This platform increases experimental throughput, data reproducibility, and walkaway time for scientists. Antha standardizes protocols, removes variability between runs and operators, and minimizes human error, preserving data integrity. The platform also enables in silico simulation and optimization of assays before execution, ensuring efficient and error-free workflows.

Impact #1	Antha enabled scientists to execute flexible and robust qPCR workflows on automated liquid handlers without programming knowledge.
Impact #2	The platform retained data integrity and high data quality, standardizing protocols and ensuring data reproducibility.
Impact #3	Scientists could simulate and optimize their assays in silico before execution on hardware, reducing hands-on time by up to 5 hours.

Impact #1

Antha enabled scientists to execute flexible and robust qPCR workflows on automated liquid handlers without programming knowledge.

Impact #2

The platform retained data integrity and high data quality, standardizing protocols and ensuring data reproducibility.

Impact #3

Scientists could simulate and optimize their assays in silico before execution on hardware, reducing hands-on time by up to 5 hours.

Benefit #1	Reduced hands-on time by up to 5 hours per week.
Benefit #2	qPCR efficiency between 90-110% and less than 0.5Ct range between technical replicates.
Benefit #3	Antha set up a 384-well plate in 1 hour 45 minutes compared to 5 hours manually.

Benefit #1

Reduced hands-on time by up to 5 hours per week.

Benefit #2

qPCR efficiency between 90-110% and less than 0.5Ct range between technical replicates.

Benefit #3

Antha set up a 384-well plate in 1 hour 45 minutes compared to 5 hours manually.

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Overview

Scaling Up qPCR Assays with a Flexible and User-Friendly Automation Software Platform

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit