BPS: Biochip Processing Station

The Biochip Processing Station (BPS) permits the automatic conduct of clinical analyses for the detection of genetic diseases. The BPS is a self-contained analytical unit for the conduct of genetic analyses based on DNA or protein chips. The instruments in the apparatus reproduce the working procedures established in standard analysis techniques with DNA chips in a compact or automatic fashion.

The BPS thus facilitates the leap to the practical, simple and accessible application of DNA chips by integrating, in a single machine, the systems needed for the hybridisation of the sample, detection and analysis of the signal, thus eliminating current technical limitations.

SENER is currently testing the pre-commercial units of BPS.

Comparison of the current process and the Biochip Processing Station (BPS)

AUTOPLACK

AUTOPLAK consists of the development of equipment for the automation of the inoculation and streaking of Petri dishes, processes which are currently performed manually in hospital and laboratory microbiology units worldwide.

The pre-analysis machine designed by SENER will automate the following steps: labelling of the Petri dishes; sterilisation of the inoculation loop; removal of the cover from the tube containing the sample; removal of the Petri dish cover; streaking; covering the Petri dish and covering the tube.

AUTOPLAK focuses on the health market, but the system can easily be applied to the preparation of any microorganism culture, and could therefore be used in, among other applications, the food market and the water quality control sector.

The objective is to develop a user-friendly and versatile finished product that can be used by any laboratory in the world with absolutely no need to change operating procedures or adapt installations, while also guaranteeing total reproducibility and increasing the laboratory's productivity.

representation of the AUTOPLAK product

Automation will bring major improvements to laboratory processes thanks to the fact that AUTOPLAK permits mechanical tasks to be performed which entail a substantial investment in work hours. Moreover, the automation of this process leads to fewer errors and also renders it possible to automate, in turn, the subsequent diagnostic process and to reduce patient waiting time.

AUTOPLAK is patent pending. SENER is currently designing and developing AUTOPLAK and will manufacture it in the future.