Epigenetics continues to produce new targets for drug discovery and cancer research. As programs scale to evaluate these targets new tools and techniques are required to enable efficient and reproducible high-throughput epigenetic screening. The combination of robust and precise instrumentation from Labcyte and BMG enable the miniaturization and automation of PerkinElmer AlphaLISA kits without compromising performance and data quality.

Assay miniaturization increases screening throughput and reduces operating costs. Echo liquid handlers can transfer compounds, samples, reagents, and beads in sub-microliter volumes to high density assay formats using only acoustic energy – no contact or tips required. This eliminates tip costs and reduces the risk of reagent carryover.

The PHERAstar FS multi-mode plate reader, with the highest sensitivity and lowest read time of assays in densities as high as 3456 wells, is a perfect complement. The PHERAstar FS plate reader uses a dedicated laser and assay specific modules for AlphaScreen / AlphaLISA detection which enables data collection at low assay volumes. Together the BMG PHERAstar FS and Labcyte Echo Liquid Handler offer an unparalleled solution for cost-effective, high-throughput epigenetic screening.

AlphaLISA assays are typically performed at volumes of about 20 to 25 µL. However with the 25 nL dispense increment of the Echo 525 liquid handler, assay volumes can be reduced significantly. In this study we were able to reduce a methyltransferase assay to a 5 µL final volume with excellent results.