The ever changing laboratory

The root of many a scientific breakthrough comes off the back of improvements in instrumentation says Hanna Grano-Fabritius In any trade or profession, tools play a major role in the workflow process. Scientists depend on lab equipment and tools to deliver accurate, timely and repeatable results. This is especially the case when it comes to the academic, clinical and research lab settings. However, the size and shape of this landscape is rapidly evolving into a far smaller, more accessible and technologically-advanced arena.

Labs have historically been considered the nucleus of the process for scientific discovery. For those with direct access to these facilities, this mattered little, but for small companies looking to break into the industry through major scientific discoveries, these institutions have been largely cost prohibitive. Traditionally, it was in these labs where drugs were developed and scientific discoveries made. Now, more than a decade into the 21st century, the technology and the workforce of the lab have changed the landscape dramatically.

Lab equipment manufacturers have created innovative technologies and products that are easier to use, more ergonomic and lighter weight

There is a lot to be learned by looking at the most transformative developments in the lab. To support the thesis that tools and instruments drive innovation and accelerate discovery, three changes have been central: the changing demographics of lab workers, the evolution of the lab workspace and the advancements in specific instruments in improving the work process for everyone in the lab.

Lab equipment manufacturers have created innovative technologies and products that are easier to use, more ergonomic and lighter weight. Perhaps most telling of this transformation is the evolution of the pipette – arguably the most commonly used piece of equipment in the lab.

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On any given day, scientists toil away hunched over their workspaces, performing tests and preparing samples with pipettes. Because the primary goal of pipetting is to achieve maximum accuracy and repeatability when transferring fluids, it is imperative that every pipette is consistent and reliable. Furthermore, because of the repetitive nature of this task, pipettes must be designed to reduce the risk of hand and upper limb stress. Excessive pipetting results in an unbalanced muscoskeletal load on the neck, shoulders and upper limbs resulting in painful stress injuries. Consequentially, vendors and product managers have invested millions into R&D looking for new ways to revisit the traditional pipette design. With these changes, instruments now cater to the needs of individual lab workers providing optimal liquid handling results for all demographics.

Electronic pipettes have been introduced to seamlessly transition traditional manual pipette users to a more ergonomic solution and at the same time driving greater research efficiency due to their programmability.

End-user interest in real-time devices has been unrelenting since the instruments were first introduced to the clinical, research and academic settings. Frequently used in clinical diagnostics, quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology has been helpful in the identification and diagnosis of diseases and viruses.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method that allows exponential amplification of short DNA sequences within a longer double stranded DNA molecule. PCR entails the use of a pair of primers, each about 20 nucleotides in length. These primers are extended by an enzyme (DNA polymerase) in keeping with the designated sequence. This allows for specific replication of the target DNA sequence.

In addition to special reagents, the method relies on cycles of repeated heating and cooling of the reaction for melting and enzymatic replication of the DNA thereby requiring accurate and programmable thermal cycles. By using fluorescent reporter dyes in the reactions and special optical parts in the instruments, real-time polymerase chain reaction, also called quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) makes possible real-time detection and quantification of the targeted DNA molecule in the samples. Numerous applications of this technique include quantifying gene expressions, detecting and typing nucleic acids that are diagnostic of diseases, pathogens or genetic changes in any biological organism.

Advancements in lab technology can be seen in the latest real-time qPCR systems. With these re-designed systems, workers are able to avoid the physical constraints inherent in legacy models. New devices, including qPCR instruments, are far smaller, more portable and technologically advanced. Simultaneously, these new products continue to ensure the accuracy and precision scientists demand.

Examples of where qPCR tools are crucial include the food and healthcare industries. Using lightweight and portable qPCR tools, researchers are able to go into the field rather than be confined to the four walls of the lab. The real-time results generated from these tools means action can be taken immediately to tackle the challenges that develop frequently and affect professionals in both industries.

[caption id="attachment_30484" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Researcher uses Thermo Scientific Multidrop Combi Reagent Dispenser to quickly and easily dispense reagents into a microplate"][/caption]

Because lab results and findings must be scientifically accurate and repeatable, many processes in the lab require a standard method of measurement and accounting. These “data protocols” as they are more commonly known, are written instructions on how to collect, measure and assess specific pieces of data. With field sample collection now possible, scientists can continue to follow the prescribed data protocol for their sample collection. For example, when collecting information for genetic footprints or pathological/epidemiological field work, scientists can collect this information in the field without the need for peripheral computer support. This proves invaluable to the scientific process as the reporting and monitoring of results is crucial when conducting field studies.

Furthermore, portability has helped improve inter-lab collaboration and research since these devices can be easily transported between multiple disparate lab locations to better facilitate collaborative research between scientists and companies. By making open collaboration easier, companies can work together to share the high costs of lab spaces and equipment. Furthermore, by collaborating with other researchers, scientists can identify (at a much faster rate) the best process for collecting information.

Using lightweight and portable qPCR tools, researchers are able to go into the field rather than be confined to the four walls of the lab

The new qPCR instruments represent a change in lab design for both spaces and instruments. As the needs of the scientists develop and change, so too must the tools and devices used to conduct these experiments. Real-time qPCR technology is but one example of our movement away from the bulky instruments of the past and towards a more streamlined and ergonomic design for the future. The design of the lab – and the innovation of the instruments within the lab – are central to accelerating scientific discoveries. Pipettes and qPCR technology are just two specific examples of how design has adapted to fit the developing needs and changing profile of today’s lab worker.  The future of lab design and innovation depends on the articulated needs of the scientists. Hopefully, moving forward, manufacturers will continue to look to lab workers when considering changes and improvements to instruments.

The author:

Hanna Grano-Fabritius is the Business Director of Sample Preparation & Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Contact: hanna.grano-fabritius@thermofisher.com www.thermoscientific.com