A Spot Picker Robot has been developed by BARC for high throughput analysis of protein gels produced after 2D-electrophoresis. Analysis of 2D gels, by imaging and unequivocally identifying the various protein spots is the most important steps in proteomics. The robotic system with imaging capabilities analyzes and identifies the protein spots accurately from 2D gels electrophoresis and picks & transfers the proteins for analyzing protein expression in the field of proteomics. It provides the necessary automation for high throughput analysis. The indigenous system has the required capabilities for a laboratory pursuing R & D using proteomics.

1. Identification of new protein for biomarker discovery for early disease diagnosis
2. Development of new drugs in many diseases

1. High resolution imaging device
2. Non-separable wavelet based imaging algorithm for detection of faint, irregular and overexposed protein spots in non-linear background
3. 100% diffused white light with low power consumption for illumination
4. High performance electromagnetically controlled protein spot excision tool for excision of individual protein spots from 2D electrophoresis gel without deformation
5. Precise robotic system for automation
6. Hardware and software interlocks

The Spot Picker Robot has indigenously developed system for proteomics. The field of proteomics is very important in the identification of biomarkers and new drugs for many diseases. The most challenging task is to find true protein spots from 2D electrophoresis gel by imaging and precise excision for screening of the large number of proteins. The robotics system with imaging system is an essential tool in proteomics to provide the necessary automation for high throughput analysis.

1. High resolution imaging device
2. Non-separable wavelet based imaging algorithm for detection of faint, irregular and overexposed protein spots in non-linear background
3. 100% diffused white light with low power consumption for illumination
4. High performance electromagnetically controlled protein spot excision tool excision of individual protein spots from 2D electrophoresis gel without deformation
5. Precise robotic system for automation

SPECIFICATIONS

Sr. No.	Specification	Value
1	Positional repeatability	10 micron
2	Drives	Precision ball screw & servo motors
3	High resolution imaging	7 micron
4	Diffused white light with low power consumption for illumination	Uniformity-98%
5	Wavelet based imaging algorithm	Accuracy of true protein spots-92%
6	High performance electromagnetic based Protein spot cutting tool for accurate excision without any deformation	1.0mm,1.5mm, 2.0mm (tip diameter)
7	Working gel image area	160 mm x 180 mm

Floor Space

1. The Spot Picker is a standalone system. Allow space for the computer and monitor on the left hand side. Camera is attached at a height of 80 cm above the Spot Picker robotic system. Make sure that any shelves are mounted at sufficient height.
2. Dimensions, Spot Picker Robotic system : 72 x 70 x 120 cm (W x D x H)

MANPOWER

1. One Electronics or Electrical engineer for control, hardware manufacturing, assembling and testing of the system.
2. One software engineer for software development and maintenance of software of Spot Picker robotic system.

ENVIRONMENT

1. Temperature : 10 - 30° C
2. Humidity : 80% non-condensing

POWER

1. Mains Voltage : 240V, 50 Hz
2. Power Consumption : 200 W

TEST EQUIPMENTS

1. Standard test and measuring facility for instruments like Oscilloscope, DVM, Multimeter, Soldering machine, Co-ordinate measuring machine, Dial gauge etc.

OTHER FACILITIES

1. Manufacturing facility with CNC machines