Implementing enclosed sterile integrated robotic platforms to improve cell-based screening for drug discovery.

Abstract

At GSK, we have implemented custom integrated robotics platforms housed in bespoke biosafety enclosures to augment our capabilities in advanced cellular screening. Here we present and discuss the impact of one such system, the Cellular Automated Screening Platform (CASPer). We evaluate the benefits of implementing specific processes on CASPer that include increasing the throughput of safety screening assays and improving data integrity when testing complex in vitro 3D primary human hepatocyte models. This article provides an overview of the platforms installed and offers insight into their utilisation by presenting example workflows and quality control solutions which have been implemented. We offer perspective on the advantages of such custom integrated systems and their limitations in cellular screening for early drug discovery.