An open-source experimental framework for automation of cell biology experiments

Abstract

Modern data analysis methods, such as optimisation algorithms or machine and deep learning, have been successfully applied to a number of biological, biotechnological and medical questions. For these methods to be efficient, a large number of high quality experiments need to be conducted, which requires a high degree of automation. Here we report an open-source hardware that allows for automatic high-throughput generation of large amounts of cell biology data. The hardware consists of an automatic XY-stage for moving a multiwell plate containing growing cells; a perfusion manifold allowing application of up to 8 different solutions; and a small epifluorescent microscope. It is extremely cheap (approximately {pound}400 without and {pound}2500 with a fluorescent microscope) and is easily customizable for individual experimental needs. We demonstrate the usability of this platform with high-throughput Ca2+ imaging and large-scale labelling experiments. Key points- We present an open source framework for automation of cell biology experiments - The framework consists of an XY platform, application of up to 8 solutions and a small epifluorescent microscope with autofocusing - Very cheap ({pound}400 without a fluorescent microscope and {pound}2500 with a fluorescent microscope), customisable, - Can be used in a variety of biological applications such as imaging of fluorescent reporters, optimisation of treatment conditions and fluorescent labelling