BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and laboratory automation solutions developer Biosero have partnered to integrate robotic arms with BD flow cytometry instruments.
The framework collaboration agreement is intended to accelerate drug discovery and development.
BD and Biosero will develop new software capabilities for BD flow cytometers instrument software, ensuring compatibility with Biosero’s Green Button Go software.
Green Button Go Scheduler software and integration services align laboratory automation with scientific workflows, boosting productivity and efficiency.
Its applications offer a comprehensive lab management solution, streamlining operations across life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic research.
Both companies will also support biopharmaceutical and contract research organisations with custom research needs, simplifying robotic arm integration.
According to BD, many steps are manual in traditional flow cytometry workflows, slowing down drug discovery.
Robotic integration automates these processes, such as loading and analysing multiwell plates. Instead of changing plates manually, robotic arms can automatically swap out plates, saving time and reducing human intervention, the medical technology company said.
BD Biosciences worldwide president Steve Conly said: “Automation is increasingly paramount for biopharma companies and contract research organisations whose high-throughput drug screening and cell therapy manufacturing efforts rely on the scalability, reproducibility, quality and speed that robotic integration can provide.
“This collaboration unlocks a new chapter of automation for our current and future biopharma partners.”
Flow cytometry is essential in drug discovery, enabling researchers to analyse drug candidates’ effects on single cells in large populations.
It also plays a crucial role in cell therapy manufacturing, helping to analyse and characterise cells at various production stages to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final product.
Biosero CEO Ryan Bernhardt said: “Biosero’s portfolio of laboratory automation software works with flow cytometers, robotic arms, as well as mobile robots and other equipment, within one communicative ecosystem, to automate scientific protocols and boost lab productivity while reducing human error.”
New BD flow cytometer instrument software, compatible with Biosero automation, will be available in 2025 for the BD FACSymphony A1 Cell Analyzer, BD FACSymphony A5 SE Cell Analyzer, and BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometry System.
In October last year, the laboratory automation solutions provider collaborated with BioNex to deliver an improved lab automation platform.
