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High Throughput Screening Facility

We empower researchers with cutting-edge tools and expertise to accelerate drug discovery and biomedical breakthroughs.

MED Basic Sciences - 2025 Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology
Section Contents

Types of Services

The Vanderbilt HTS Facility provides various services to the research community. Consultations are available for assay design, optimization, development, and validation, as well as for integrating automated HTS and data analysis. To contact HTS staff to discuss specific needs, please log in with your institution’s iLab account and complete a Project Request Form. Staff will evaluate requests and provide information describing the suggested resources required.

Request a Project

Facilities

  • Hoods (BSC) are reservable through HTS iLab
  • Thermo Multidrop Combi in hood for fast, high-throughput cell plating or liquid dispensing
  • Agilent Bravo for full plate (96w or 384w) liquid handling-note: can also do partial plate and single well cherry-pick
  • CO2 incubator for cell incubations- short or long-term growth
  • Cell counter (Countess)
  • Access to 4°/-20° storage and water bath (37°)
  • Large vessel flask and plates

              ~2,000 sq ft office/lab space

Plate Readers

WaveFront Panoptic

Automated Panoptic Kinetic Imaging Plate Reader

Photograph of an automated high-throughput screening setup labeled “WaveFront Panoptic” at the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology. The system includes multiple integrated components marked with numbers: (1) the main imaging unit, (2) a connected control or processing module, (3) fluid or waste container, (4) a plate handling or loading station, and (5) a vertical robotic plate stacker. The platform is designed for automated panoptic plate imaging and screening in a laboratory environment.The WaveFront Panoptic is a highly advanced kinetic whole plate imager equipped with built-in 96/384-channel liquid handling robotics and up to nine plate holder nests. This automated system is capable of measuring fluorescence and/or luminescence, simultaneously from all wells of a microplate. When the Panoptic (1) is integrated with a BioTek plate washer (2), Thermo Multidrop Combi (3), Thermo Cytomat (4), Spinnaker microplate mover (5) and Waveguide data acquisition software, it serves as an efficient and versatile automation platform for HTS and early phase drug discovery efforts (see below image).

HTS core offers comprehensive screening-based services for all stages of the drug discovery process using our WaveFront Panoptic. We provide instrument training, compound management, assay development, assistance with data analysis, and post-screen hit validation (dose dependence), among other services. Please reference HTS core and the NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant 1S10OD021734 when publishing papers that utilized the Panoptic Kinetic Imaging Plate Reader.

Composite figure of the WaveFront Panoptic instrument. On the left is the full exterior view of the large automated imaging system labeled “WaveFront Panoptic.” On the right are inset images showing internal components, including a plate-handling area with stacked microplates, an imaging or detection module with blue illumination, and a computer interface displaying assay data and signal traces. Captions note the image source as WaveFront Biosciences.

  • Features and Capabilities

    Optics
    -10 excitation, 5 emission and rapid-changing filters
    -30 Hz continuous acquisition
    -> 10000 hour broadband illumination
    -Field flatness > 99.7%
    -Distortion < 0.05%

    Liquid Handling
    - Nine, user-configurable, nest positions
    -Can accommodate 3 separate tip boxes for ‘triple addition’ screening protocol
    -Automated tip exchange
    -Temperature control: ambient to 42 degree

    Software
    -Waveguide software
    -Powerful and flexible
    -Real-time data view
    -Built-in data normalization

    Applications and Targets

    Fluorescence
    - Calcium Flux assay (GPCRs)
    - Thallium Flux assay (K+ channels, Na+ channels)
    - Membrane potential (Ion channels, mitochondrial function)
    - Nucleotide exchange assay (K-RAS)
    - FRET (Kinase activity)
    - Fluorescence polarization (Protein-ligand interactions)

    Luminescence
    - cAMP-Glo assay (GPCRs)
    - Luciferase Reporter assay (transcription factors)
    - BRET (bioluminescence resonance energy transfer) assay (protein-protein interaction)

  • Filter Sets

    Table listing excitation and emission filter sets for Panoptic imaging systems. The left table shows excitation wavelengths (nm) with bandwidths (e.g., 434 ± 17, 482 ± 35, 515 ± 30) and notes indicating availability on Panoptic I, Panoptic II, or both. The right table lists corresponding emission wavelengths (e.g., 520 ± 28, 538 ± 40, 562 ± 40, 593 ± 40, 480 ± 17, 580 ± 60, 650 ± 50) with similar notes specifying which system each filter is available on.

  • Instrument Training

    Instrument Training Request

    Please contract Dehui Mi and Liangping Li to discuss assay parameters/conditions if needed.

*NIH S10 acknowledgment required - view citation

BioTek Synergy Neo2 Hybrid Multimode Reader

Laboratory instrument setup featuring an automated plate-handling system. In the foreground is a vertical dual-stack plate loader holding multiple microplates, mounted on a metal stand. It is connected to a benchtop analytical instrument (likely a plate reader) positioned behind it. The system appears designed for automated loading and processing of microplates in high-throughput experiments.BioTek Synergy Neo2 multimode microplate reader features patented Hybrid Technology (filter-based and monochromator), with independent optical paths that ensure excellent performance in all detection modes. Variable bandwidth quad monochromators, sensitive high transmission filter-based optics, laser TRF, and up to 4 PMTs provide ultrafast measurements for clinical diagnostic applications.

  • Features and Capabilities of the NEO2

    Modes:

    • Absorbance/optical density (colorimetric)
    • Fluorescence (filter or mono)
    • Luminescence (very low crossover)
    • Time-resolved fluorescence and TR-FRET
    • Fluorescence Polarization (filters only)
    • AlphaScreen (filters only)

    Microplates

    • Capable of scanning 96, 384, or 1536-well microplates.
    • Can image an entire 384-well plate with multiple fluorescent images in a few minutes.

    Table titled “Available filters” listing detection and fluorescence filter options for an instrument. Entries include Alpha (top and bottom), single PMT (luminescence), excitation filters (e.g., EX 330, EX 420), emission filters (e.g., EM 485/540, EM 620/655), and fluorescence polarization (FP) filters (e.g., FP 485/530, FP 530/590, FP 620/680). Additional options include dual FP, luminescence channels (e.g., LUM 460, LUM 540, LUM 1538), and an empty filter position.

BioTek Cytation 5 Cell Imaging Multimode Reader

Benchtop BioTek Cytation instrument used for automated cell imaging and plate reading. The device has a curved, enclosed design with a front access door and an extended microplate tray partially pulled out, ready to load or unload samples. It is positioned on a laboratory bench alongside other equipment.Cytation 5 cell imaging reader combines automated microscopy and conventional microplate detection in a configurable, upgradable platform. The microscopy module offers up to 60x magnification in fluorescence, brightfield, high contrast brightfield, color brightfield, and phase contrast to address many applications and workflows.

The multimode detection modules include filter- and monochromator-based fluorescence detection, luminescence, and UV-Vis absorbance detection. Gen5 software provides complete control over all imaging and data capture, plus powerful image and data analysis.

  • Features and Capabilities
    • Modular, upgradable imaging modes, plus multimode detection enables a range of cell-based assays and applications beyond a standard microplate reader
    • Combination of hybrid plate reader and advanced microscopy mode increases productivity for a system that is ready for any assay
    • Hit-picking capability reduces time and computer memory with no unnecessary data collection or analysis
    • Fully automated microscopy tasks, from slide scanning to time-lapse live cell assays, and flexible hardware increase productivity and reduce manual labor
    • Combination of monochromator and filter optics delivers flexibility and performance to microplate assays, and choice of optics allows you to read microplates in a wide range of applications
    • BioTek Gen5 software enables walk-away automation for your image process and analysis workflows and data analysis tasks
    • Variable bandwidth quad monochromator optics enhance assay performance including increased sensitivity and lower limits of detection

    Microplates & Slides

    • Capable of scanning a 96-, 384, or 1536-well microplates.
    • Cell culture flasks (T25)
    • Can image an entire 384-well plate with multiple fluorescent images in a few minutes.

    Table titled “Available filters” listing detection and fluorescence filter options for an instrument. Entries include Alpha (top and bottom), single PMT (luminescence), excitation filters (e.g., EX 330, EX 420), emission filters (e.g., EM 485/540, EM 620/655), and fluorescence polarization (FP) filters (e.g., FP 485/530, FP 530/590, FP 620/680). Additional options include dual FP, luminescence channels (e.g., LUM 460, LUM 540, LUM 1538), and an empty filter position.

  • Publication, Training, and Reservation

    Please include the following in any publication:

    “The Integrated Automated Liquid Handling System for Novel Antibody Discovery is housed and managed within the Vanderbilt High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, an institutionally supported core, and was funded by NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant S10OD021737”

    To use the Cytation 5, please submit a Training Request Form in iLab. *Only trained users and staff can create reservations.

    iLab reservation calendar: Cytation 5 iLab

High Content Screening/Imaging Capabilities

The HTS Core Lab, supported by an NIH S10 Shared Instrumentation Grant, features fully automated Molecular Devices ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai and ImageXpress Micro XLS systems for unattended live or fixed sample imaging (confocal, widefield fluorescence, and transmitted light).

We provide two analysis workstations plus one remote-access workstation with MetaXpress and IN Carta software for advanced image analysis. Both systems offer flexible lasers, filters, and objectives; detailed specs and resolution calculators are available.

If you are interested in learning more about the resolving power of our systems, see this resolution calculator website.

*NIH S10 acknowledgment required - view citation

  • ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai (Molecular Devices)

    Laboratory workstation featuring a Molecular Devices ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai high-throughput imaging system. The instrument sits on a lab bench next to a computer monitor displaying plate layout and assay settings, along with a keyboard and mouse. To the right, an automated plate stacker holds multiple microplates for high-throughput experiments. The background shows a typical lab environment with supplies, posters, and equipment.

    ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai (Molecular Devices)

    • Sample format flexibility
    • Wide-field CMOS camera
    • Standard and deep tissue confocal capabilities
    • 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x + water immersion objectives
    • 8 laser system w/up to 6 non-overlapping fluorescent channels
    • 6- to 1536-well plates
    • High-speed laser and image-based autofocus
    • Solid state light source for transmitted light imaging
    • Automation friendly
    • Environmental controls- CO2, heat, humidity, chiller

    Table titled “ImageXpress Confocal HT ai Laser and Filter Set Properties.” It lists filter sets (DAPI, CFP, FITC, YFP, TRITC, Texas Red, Cy5, Cy7) alongside their excitation and emission wavelength ranges (max/bandwidth) and compatible fluorochromes. Examples include DAPI and Hoechst for the DAPI channel, GFP and Alexa Fluor 488 for FITC, and Cy5-compatible dyes for longer wavelengths.

  • ImageXpress Micro XLS (Molecular Devices)

    Laboratory workstation with a Molecular Devices imaging system on a bench, featuring a microscope-style objective mounted above a plate stage. Next to it is a computer monitor displaying a microplate layout and assay setup interface, with a keyboard and mouse on an adjustable stand. The background shows a lab environment with shelves, supplies, a clock, and safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher.

    • Sample format flexibility
    • Wide-field CMOS camera
    • 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x objectives
    • 5 fluorescent filter sets
    • Transmitted light (w/phase contrast)
    • Compatible for 6- to 1536-well plates
    • High-speed laser and image-based autofocus
    • Solid state light source
    • Automation friendly

    Table titled “ImageXpress MICRO Standard Filter Sets from Semrock.” It lists filter sets (e.g., DAPI, CFP, Fura-2, GFP, FITC, YFP, TRITC, Cy3, Texas Red, Cy5) along with corresponding part numbers, excitation wavelengths (center/bandwidth), dichroic ranges, emission wavelengths, and supported fluorescent dyes. The table details compatibility with common fluorophores such as DAPI, GFP, Alexa Fluor dyes, Cy dyes, and others used in fluorescence imaging.

  • Fully automated live or fixed-sample imaging

    Wide view of a laboratory high-throughput imaging setup featuring multiple instruments on connected benches. Several Molecular Devices imaging systems and plate readers are arranged in sequence, each paired with a computer monitor displaying microplate layouts and assay interfaces. Automated plate stackers and robotic arms for plate handling are visible between instruments. The background shows typical lab equipment, storage shelves, and supplies, indicating an integrated workflow for automated screening and imaging experiments.

    • Fully automated tissue culture incubator and ambient temperature storage for unattended imaging of live and/or fixed samples.
    • Integrated barcode scanner for tracking and merging sample information and data.
    • Green Button Go scheduling software for orchestration of fully automated, unattended imaging sessions.
  • IN Carta and MetaXpress Image Analysis Workstations, 2 options:

    Two computer monitors on a lab workstation displaying high-content imaging analysis software. The left screen shows a microplate heatmap, quantitative data table, and a fluorescence image with segmented objects. The right screen displays multiple fluorescence microscopy images in different channels and analysis windows. A webcam sits on top of one monitor, and cables are visible behind the setup.

    1.A MetaXpress Offline analysis computer workstation is available to review and analyze images acquired on the ImageXpress systems (confocal and/or widefield).

    • MetaXpress software offers a variety of standard analysis options as well as a custom module editor for more sophisticated image processing and analyses.

    2. An IN Carta analysis computer workstation is available to review images and analyze images using the AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) based tools within IN Carta:

    • SINAP (Segmentation Is Not A Problem): Deep learning based image segmentation.
    • Phenoglyphs: Supervised and unsupervised ML based phenotypic classification.
    • 2D, 3D and 4D (time series) analyses of more complex biological model systems such as organoids, spheroids and whole animals.
    • MetaXpress Custom Module editor embedded for unparalleled image processing and analysis flexibility.

For imaging using the Cytation5 within CASSy, please see information above.

Seahorse (Extracellular Flux Analyzer) Instruments

Which Seahorse Instrument To Choose?

  • Xfe 96 Analyzer

    Laboratory setup featuring a Seahorse XF96 analyzer on a benchtop, used for measuring cellular metabolism. Next to it is a computer workstation with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for instrument control and data analysis.

    • Mature technology from 2012
    • High Throughput
    • Economical
      • Up to 24 Groups
      • Good Error
    • Good Sensitivity
    • Good for Spheroids / Small Organisms

    *NIH S10 acknowledgment required - view citation

  • XF Pro Analyzer

    Laboratory bench setup with an Agilent Seahorse XF Pro analyzer on the left and a companion prep station on the right. A central computer monitor with keyboard and mouse is used to control the instruments and analyze data. Shelving above the bench holds lab supplies, bottles, and documentation, indicating a typical cell metabolism assay workspace.

    • Most Advanced
      • Advanced Thermal Control
      • Edge Effect Reduction
      • Compatible with Cutting Edge Applications
    • Certified/QC Assurance
    • High Sensitivity
    • High Throughput
    • Most Economical
      • Up to 80 groups/ Fewer Replicates
      • Tight Error
    • Good for Spheroids/ Small organisms
    • Projects Compatible

    *NIH S10 acknowledgment required - view citation

  • XF HS Mini Analyzer

    Agilent Seahorse XF HS Mini analyzer on a laboratory shelf, featuring a touchscreen interface displaying system status and temperature. Surrounding the instrument are boxes of assay kits and consumables, along with lab supplies, indicating a setup for cellular metabolic analysis experiments.

    • Highest Sensitivity
    • Easier to Set Up Experiments
    • Good for Rare Samples

Liquid handling

Liquid Handling (non-contact)

Labcyte Echo OMICS 555

The Labcyte Echo OMICS 555 is a high-throughput, acoustic liquid handler leveraging non-contact Acoustic Droplet Ejection (ADE) technology to deliver precise 2.5nL- scale transfers.

The system is controlled using Echo Client, Echo Cherry-Pick and Echo Dose-Response software. It also supports method simulation, protocol recovery and logs full audit trails. 

Installed in February 2013, this machine supports seamless plate-to-plate dispensing, real time fluid composition monitoring, and reduces tip-related waste all while enabling true high-throughput workflows. 

Beckman Echo 650

The Beckman Echo 650 is a versatile acoustic liquid handler delivering contact-free, nanoliter-scale transfers using Acoustic Droplet Ejection (ADE) technology.

Building on the proven precision of the Echo platform, the 650 introduces multi-solvent transfers in a single protocol, supporting even more complex assays. The system is controlled using Echo Client Utility, Echo Plate Reformat, Echo Cherry-Pick and Echo Dose-Response software. It also supports method simulation, protocol recovery and logs full audit trails.

Installed in March 2022, the Echo 650 expanded the Vanderbilt HTS Core's capacity for even more seamless plate-to-plate dispensing, real time fluid composition monitoring, and reduced tip-related waste. 

Revvity FlexDrop iQ Non-contact Dispenser

The FlexDrop™ iQ Non-Contact Dispenser is perfect simple, very small volume dispensing workflows and can be set-up and used in minutes.

Features and Capabilities of the Revvity FlexDrop iQ.

  • Make, optimize & dispense a wide range of liquid classes, incl DMSO
  • Low volume to high volume range (8 nL-80 µL) allows compounds & buffer backfilling on the same instrument
  • Wide range of sample types, large & small molecules
  • Precision less than 5%CV at 50 nL volume (H2O)
  • Fast and efficient: dispense 10 nL into 96 wells in 10 seconds, into 384 wells in 20 seconds. unique speed at high volumes 

Publication, Training, and Reservations

Please include the following in any publication "The Revvity FlexDrop iQ Non-contact Dispenser is housed and managed within the Vanderbilt High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, an institutionally supported core.“

To use the Revvity FlexDrop, please submit a Training Request Form in iLab. Only trained users and staff can create reservations.

Links to iLab reservation calendar: FlexDrop iQ (893 PRB).

Consumables available for purchase through iLab: Plate FlexDrop iQ Source Plate (96-well)

Liquid handling (tip-based)

  • Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform

    Agilent Bravo automated liquid handling system on a laboratory bench. The instrument features a robotic arm positioned over a deck with multiple plate positions for pipetting tasks. A computer workstation with monitor, keyboard, and mouse is placed nearby for programming and control, and a small cooling unit sits to the side.

    The Agilent Bravo is a flexible liquid handling platform that automates your sample preparation for screening applications such as compound management, cell-based assays, and genomic assays. With this robotic liquid handling system, time is freed up and consistent data are achieved across samples and users.

    The compact liquid handler can be easily placed on a small bench and fits in a flow hood. With more than 60 accessories ranging from thermal cycler to shaker, the system can be tailored to automate most sample preparation protocols. Automating your sample prep protocol has never been easier with the included VWorks control software that allows users to create and run flexible liquid handling protocols quickly.

    Features and Capabilities

    • Compact, space-saving nine microplate-position footprint fits in a laminar flow hood
    • Precise pipette heads dispense from 300 nL to 250 µL in 96-, 384-, and 1536- microplates using disposable tips
    • Versatile 96 and 384 pipette heads can easily be swapped to address your needs
    • Unique open design permits access from all sides for improved user interaction
    • Provides ability to pick up tips using a single barrel, row, column, or arrays of barrels
    • VWorks control software helps you to quickly create automated protocols by using the intuitive drag and drop tasks

    Publication, Training, and Reservations

    Please include the following in any publication "The Agilent Bravo Liquid Handling Platform is housed and managed within the Vanderbilt High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, an institutionally supported core.“

    To use the Agilent Bravo, please submit a Training Request Form in iLab. Only trained users and staff can create reservations.

    We have three Agilent Bravo instruments, in addition to the Bravos in the Panoptic instruments.

    Links to iLab reservation calendars:

    Bravo in Compound Management (824 RRB).

    Bravo in CASSy Enclosure (892 PRB).  

    Bravo in Tissue Culture Hood A (892A PRB). 

  • VIAFLO 96 | VIAFLO 384, 96- and 384-channel handheld electronic pipettes

    INTEGRA VIAFLO electronic pipetting system mounted on a benchtop stand inside a biosafety cabinet. The device includes a handheld pipette with a digital display for programmed liquid handling. Nearby are reagent bottles, a box of pipette tips, and labeled lab materials, indicating preparation for automated pipetting tasks.

    VIAFLO 96 | VIAFLO 384 is a compact, and easy to use pipette which greatly increases productivity and throughput.

    We have both a 96-channel head and a 384-channel head in varying volume ranges (0.5 to 1250 ul) and number of channels (96, or 384 channels), VIAFLOs can handle a wide range of applications and volumes. These instruments offer flexibility by allowing filling plates either by hand or by using the hands-free automatic mode.

    Features and Capabilities

    • Reservoir-to-plate transfers

      • Compound addition
      • Medium exchange
      • Cell seeding
      • Addition of buffers and reagents

    • Plate-to-plate transfers

      • Plate duplication
      • Supernatant transfers/collections
      • Plate reformatting

    • Sample transfers within plates

      • Serial dilutions
      • Mixing and resuspension

    • Magnetic bead purifications with MAG modules

      • PCR, NGS library clean-ups
      • DNA/RNA extraction

    Publication, Training, and Reservation

    Please include the following in any publication "The VIAFLO 384 Liquid Handling Platform is housed and managed within the Vanderbilt High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, an institutionally supported core.“

    To use the Integra VIAFLO 384, please submit a Training Request Form in iLab. Only trained users and staff can create reservations.

    Links to iLab reservation calendar:

    VIAFLO 384 (802E RRB - Hood 3).

    Stocked Consumables:

    • Integra 6463 - 125 µL NS (each) VIAFLOW 384 - Non-Sterile
    • Integra 6564 - 125 µL S-LR (each) VIAFLOW 384 - Sterile, Low-retention, Unfiltered

Liquid handling (plate washer)

  • Agilent BioTek EL406 Microplate Washer

    BioTek EL406 microplate washer/dispenser inside a biosafety cabinet. The instrument has a control panel with buttons and display, tubing for fluid handling, and a plate loading area for automated washing or reagent dispensing. Nearby are bottles of cleaning or assay reagents, indicating use in plate-based experiments.

    The EL406™ Microplate Washer Dispenser provides microplate priming, washing,  and dispensing for ELISA™, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence immunoassays, cellular and agglutination assays.

    The EL406 offers up to three devices in one instrument: a microplate Washer, a peristaltic pump dispenser called the Peri-pump, and a dual Syringe pump dispenser.

    Features and Capabilities

    • Washer:

      • Supports all microplate-based assays, including ELISA, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, RIA, DNA probes, and cellular assays.
      • A variety of solutions, including buffered saline and reagents can be dispensed.
      • The intuitive onboard software allows you to create and store up to 99 wash and dispense protocols. BioTek provides numerous predefined protocols for maintenance and instrument qualification purposes.
      • Compatible with BioTek’s BioStack™ Microplate Stacker for automated plate processing.
      • A robot-accessible carrier that can be interfaced into some robotic systems. l Computer control using BioTek’s Liquid Handling Control™software (“LHC”).
      • A low-maintenance design, the result of BioTek’s long history with liquid-handling instruments.

    • Peri-pump Dispenser:

      • A peristaltic pump with eight individual tubes transfers fluid from a supply bottle, or up to eight different supply bottles, to various vessels. The pump has four rollers over which the tubing is stretched.
      • The tubing is contained in an easy to load and unload cassette that is attached to the pump head. The pump’s protective cover must be in place to run a dispense routine.
      • Three cassette sizes are available: 1 µL, 5 µL, and 10 µL for the most precise dispensing of volumes from 1 to 3000 µL and 0.5 µL dispenses with certain models using a 1 µL cassette.
      • Autoclavable tubing (steam temperatures and pressures of 121° C and 1 bar (750 mmHg)) is compatible with 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution for easy maintenance.

    • Syringe Dispensers:

      • The Syringe dispenser has a long-lasting seal that ensures precise and accurate fluid delivery, as well as reproducibility for repeated dispenses.
      • Two syringes support distinct fluid sources:
      • 16-channel: one tube per well for 384-well plates and two tubes per well for 96well plates.
      • 32-channel: one tube per well for 1536-well plates,
      • 8-channel (two manifolds in one block): one tube per well for both 96- and 384well plates.
      • Autoclavable components can be used with organic solvents and provide easy maintenance.
      • Does not require recalibration.

    • Liquid Handling Control™ (LHC) Software:

      • BioTek’s Liquid Handling Control (LHC) software lets you control the instrument from your computer. Programming assay-specific wash and dispense protocols.
      • For high-throughput applications, the LHC supports BioStack™ integration.

    Publication, Training, and Reservations

    Please include the following in any publication "The Agilent BioTek 405 Plate Washer is housed and managed within the Vanderbilt High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, an institutionally supported core.“

    To use the Agilent BioTek 405 Plate Washer, please submit a Training Request Form in iLab. Only trained users and staff can create reservations.

    iLab reservation calendars: 

    BioTek ELx 405 on SS1 (RRB 824)

    BioTek ELx 406 in TC Hood 3 (802E RRB)

  • Agilent BioTek 405 TS/LS Microplate Washer

    BioTek 405 TS microplate washer on a laboratory bench, featuring a touchscreen interface and an open plate-loading tray. The instrument includes wash heads and fluid handling components for automated plate washing in assays such as ELISA. Surrounding lab equipment and supplies indicate use in routine plate-based workflows.

    The Agilent BioTek 405 TS microplate washer is well known for its gold-standard performance in life science research. Experience higher throughput and reduced assay variability thanks to its unique features and advanced technologies.

    • Versatile: Ideal for everything from cell-based assays to ELISAs.
    • Intuitive: Easy-to-use touchscreen interface.
    • Reliable: Self-maintaining design for consistent operation.
    • Automate: Fully compatible with automation systems.

    Features and Capabilities

    • Additional Applications:

      • Drug discovery and development ADME Assays
      • ELISA
      • ELISpot assays
      • Immunology
      • Virology

    Publication, Training, and Reservations

    Please include the following in any publication "The Agilent BioTek 405 Plate Washer is housed and managed within the Vanderbilt High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, an institutionally supported core.“

    To use the Agilent BioTek 405 Plate Washer, please submit a Training Request Form in iLab. Only trained users and staff can create reservations.

    iLab reservation calendars: 

    BioTek ELx 405 on SS1 (RRB 824)

    BioTek ELx 406 in TC Hood 3 (802E RRB)

Liquid handling (bulk dispenser)

ThermoFisher Multidrop Combi Reagent Dispenser

Thermo Scientific automated reagent dispenser on a laboratory bench, featuring a digital control panel and tubing connected to fluid reservoirs. The instrument has a plate-loading area for dispensing reagents into microplates, with nearby bottles and lab materials indicating use in assay preparation workflows.

Built for high-throughput labs, Multidrop dispensers rapidly process plates with exceptional consistency—dispensing a 384-well plate in just 6 seconds and a 1536-well plate in only 15 seconds.

These flexible, non-contact dispensers streamline workflows, minimize reagent waste, and keep pace with demanding screening and assay protocols. Whether you're accelerating qPCR setup or scaling drug discovery efforts, Multidrop dispensers deliver fast, reliable performance

  • Features and Capabilities
    • Applications:
      • Assay development
      • Cell-based assays
      • ELISA
      • Genomic and Proteomic Research
      • Compound Storage
      • Primary and Secondary Screening
    • Wide Volume Range: 0.5 to 2,500 µL
      • Providing precise and reproducible results across different applications, from small-scale experiments to large-scale assays.
    • Compatibility with Various Plate Types: 6- to 1536-well plates
      • Offering versatility for different laboratory setups and ensuring that the device meets various experimental needs.
    • Simple Operation with Intuitive Interface:
      • The visual, icon-based graphic display simplifies programming and use, reducing the need for extensive training and enabling quick setup and operation.
    • Reduced Reagent Costs:
      • Feature low dead volume and backflushing capabilities, which minimize reagent waste and reduce costs.
    • Full Robotic Compatibility:
      • Facilitates integration into automated workflows, increasing throughput and efficiency in high-demand laboratory environments.
  • Specifications

    •User Interface

    On-board interface or FILLit PC software

    •Volume

    0.5-2500 µl 

    •Volume increments 

    Small tube dispensing cassette: 0.5–50 μL, in 0.5 μL increments

    Standard tube dispensing cassette: 5- 2,000 µL in 5 µL increments

    •Dispensing technology

    Peristaltic pump

    •Dispensing volume adjustability

    Per column

    •Dead Volume

    < 1 mL volume range: 0.5 - 50 µL

    <7 mL volume range: >50 µL

    (it is possible to backflush the reagent into original reservoir to avoid loss of expensive reagent)

    •Plate Format

    9- to 1,536-well plates: including 96- and 384-deep well and tubes in rack format (plate height: 5 - 50 mm)

    •Automation/robot compatible

    Yes

  • Publication, Training, and Reservations

    Please include the following in any publication "The ThermoFisher Multidrop Combi Reagent Dispenser is housed and managed within the Vanderbilt High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, an institutionally supported core.“

    To use the ThermoFisher Multidrop Combi, please submit a Training Request Form in iLab. Only trained users and staff can create reservations.

    iLab reservation calendar: 

    *Needed only if in a tissue culture hood.

    Multidrop Combi in TC Hood 4 (802 RRB)

    Multidrop Combi in TC Hood A (893A PRB)

Tip Washer

coming soon

Compound Management 

  • Hamilton Verso M2

    The Hamilton Verso M2 is a high-throughput, −20 °C automated storage system precisely configured for Thermo Matrix 0.7 mL tubes and 384‑well plates. Equipped with a Universal Tube Picker, it delivers rapid, accurate, and automated single‑tube retrieval while preserving sample integrity. Capable of processing up to 1,500 tubes per hour and 170 plates per hour, the system uses the INSTINCT S software and benefit from a simple 3‑click interface plus LIMS and robotic integration, complete audit trails, and overnight unattended operation. Rack loading is streamlined via a foot‑activated I/O door supporting up to 100 racks. The Verso M2 installation was completed in March 2024 and is an essential platform for our high-throughput screening infrastructure providing a long-term storage environment, rapid retrieval, and tracking mechanism for each compound.

    *NIH S10 acknowledgment required - view citation

    Large Hamilton VANTAGE automated liquid handling system enclosed within a clean, cabinet-style workstation. The unit features a touchscreen control panel on the front and a windowed chamber for robotic operations inside. A smaller Hamilton accessory unit stands nearby, and the setup is located in a laboratory environment designed for high-throughput automation. Close-up view of rows of small sample containers or vials organized on shelving within an automated storage system, arranged in uniform lines for high-throughput sample handling. Automated laboratory system handling microplates, with a robotic arm or pipetting head positioned above a 96-well plate. The machine operates within an enclosed environment, moving plates along a platform for high-throughput processing or dispensing tasks. Interior view of an automated laboratory system with stacked microplate racks and a central platform for plate transport. Plates are organized in multiple tiers, and a robotic mechanism is positioned to move or process them for high-throughput experiments.

  • Zinsser Analytic Alli liquid handler

    The Zinsser Analytic Alli Automated Liquid Handling System is a fully customizable, modular, robotics‑driven platform offering flexibility and precision in sample preparation workflows. The Alli has 4 independent dispensing self-cleaning tips (5 µL to 1 mL), advanced liquid‑level detection,  barcode scanning and verification, vortex with lids, it handles both DMSO and d6-DMSO interchangeably. It's main functions are for compound dissolutions and tube-to-plate reformatting. The system is controlled via intuitive WinLissy® software for complex protocols including fully automated liquid‑liquid extraction with real‑time conductivity feedback for precise liquid transfers. It also supports method simulation and protocol recovery and logs full audit trails. The Zinsser Alli was installed in July 2023 and is a robust platform for high-demand of compound distributions. 

    Zinsser Analytic automated liquid handling platform on a laboratory bench. The system features a horizontal robotic arm mounted on a green frame above a work deck with multiple racks, containers, and plate positions for dispensing and sample handling. Control buttons and lab supplies are visible nearby, indicating use in automated high-throughput workflows.

Automation

Screening System 1

  • WaveFront Panoptic plate imaging reader for kinetic assays (enzymes, receptors, ion channels)
  • Cytomat C2 automated incubator holds up to 42 plates
  • Plate hotels- up to 60 plates
  • Thermo Multidrop Combi- bulk dispenser
  • Biotek ELX 405 TS- plate washer
  • Delidder
  • Onboard bar scanner
  • Thermo Spinnaker articulating arm- plate handler
  • Momentum software- robotic scheduler for walk-away automation

Screening System 2

  • Molecular Devices ImageXpress HT.ai confocal (left) & ImageXpress Micro XL (right)- confocal or widefield, fluorescence and transmitted light automated imagers- high-content imaging and screening
  • Multiple filters and objectives
  • Heating/cooling options, environmental controls, water objective lenses (HT.ai only)
  • Liconic automated incubator holds up to 44 plates
  • Plate hotels- up to 80 plates
  • Bar scanning- plate tracking
  • Precision PF400 articulating arm- plate handler
  • Biosero Green-Button-Go software- robotic scheduler for walk-away automation

Compound Management Automation

  • Plate stacker hotel
  • Plate shaker
  • V-spin plate centrifuge
  • Bar scanning- plate tracking
  • Thermo Orbiter- plate handler arm
  • Momentum software- robotic scheduler for walk-away automation

Contained Automated Screening System [CASSy]

  • HEPA-filtered airflow for both containment [eg, infectious agents] or cleanroom [cell culture, siRNA/CRISPR screens]
  • Cytation5- multi-mode plate reader and imager
  • Multiple filters and objectives
  • Agilent Bravo and Tecan EVO Freedom for plate or single channel liquid handling
  • Cytomat C10 automated incubator holds up to 100 plates & 100 plate hotel [ambient temp]
  • Onboard bar scanning- plate tracking
  • Thermo Spinnaker articulating arm- plate handler
  • Momentum software- robotic scheduler for walk-away automation

The HTS facility manages projects and billing through iLab.