# A robotic plate handling system for high content screening and 3D organoid culture

> **NIH NIH S10** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $137,000

## Abstract

SUMMARY
The long-term objective of this proposal is to spur the translation of basic scientific discoveries to new therapeutic
strategies for a broad range of human afflictions. Northwestern University’s High Throughput Analysis
Laboratory (NU-HTA) is a well-established shared resource facility that supports development and execution of
diverse projects that utilize either massively parallel experiments or highly controlled automated processes.
These include cell-based screening of compound libraries to identify agents that modulate important biological
processes, large-scale analysis of gene function, and organotypic 3D cell culture models. NU-HTA’s suite of
analytical instruments includes a high-content screening system integrated with a plate handling robotic arm and
automated incubator. The system has enabled walk away image acquisition on high throughput live cell assays.
The facility’s current Catalyst Express robotic arm is over 13 years old and is no longer manufactured by Thermo.
The instrument has incurred increasingly expensive and time-consuming repairs in recent years. The imminent
failure of a part that is no longer manufactured or available will irreparably harm the system. It is imperative that
the current system be replaced. The acquisition of a new Precise Automation robotic arm integrated with
the Green Button Go scheduling software will not only ensure the continued support of current NIH-funded
research projects but it will also significantly enhance the capabilities of the system, including integration with an
existing liquid handling instrument. The Green Button Go robotic system offers significantly more functionality
and ease of use compared to competitor’s platforms.
NU-HTA is a critical element of Northwestern University’s preclinical translation ecosystem administered by the
Chemistry of Life Processes Institute. NU-HTA synergizes with other CLP core facilities, including medicinal
chemistry capabilities, in vivo and in vitro imaging, biologics production, proteomics, elemental mapping, and
preclinical in vivo testing, to provide a seamless pipeline for therapeutic, diagnostic and biomarker development.
In recognition of the valuable service NU-HTA provides to Northwestern investigators, the University provides
over $120,000 in subsidies to the core to support unallowable costs and to keep user rates low. The University
also provides supporting operational and fiscal management teams and infrastructure. Specific to this proposal,
various units within the University have pledged $1,500 per year for the first three years of the project period to
support staff time spent on installation, training, and marketing of the system. Acquisition of the Green Button
Go robotic system will spur the development of new therapeutic strategies for cancer, reproductive disorders,
neuronal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10431246
- **Project number:** 1S10OD032367-01
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** CURT M HORVATH
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $137,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10431246

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10431246, A robotic plate handling system for high content screening and 3D organoid culture (1S10OD032367-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10431246. Licensed CC0.

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