For fully automated, large-scale screening we will employ a robotic screening platform manufactured by Agilent Technologies (illustrated below). Integrated within this system are a number of devices for reagent manipulation, as well as readers designed to accommodate a wide variety of assays. These include an Envision Multilabel Reader (PerkinElmer) and an ImageXpress Micro high-content imager (Molecular Devices). The Envision can measure luminescence, fluorescence, fluorescence polarization, absorbance, and time-resolved fluorescence. The ImageXpress is an automated microscope used for the acquisition and analysis of cell-based images in relatively high throughput.
In addition to the robot, the RNAi facility has a number of offline items for assay optimization through medium-scale screening, including dispensers, liquid handlers, plate washers, and readers. Collaborators will have access to these items to help facilitate their investigations.