Less Manual Work, More Discovery

Automating biologics discovery workflows is essential for addressing the growing demand to accelerate timelines and reduce costs in bringing innovative therapies to patients. While many analytical techniques have been integrated into automated workcells, SPR has lagged.

Nicoya’s Alto Digital SPR platform offers an easy-to-use, high-throughput platform that provides high-quality binding kinetics measurements. The addition of the Alto Automation Suite™ offers scientists the ability to run SPR analysis 24/7 to scale their research.

The Alto Automation Suite is designed to eliminate common automation challenges and empower scientists to perform 24/7 unattended SPR analysis with ease.

Key benefits include:

• Increased throughput (2,000+ samples screened per week) with continuous 24/7 operation
• Minimized human error through streamlined automation
• Seamless connectivity to data pipelines, LIMS, AI, and more
• Effortless integration of SPR into existing automated workflows

Alto’s API is designed to make it easy and accessible to create automation protocols. The API interface follows SiLA 2 automation standards and communication protocols, allowing for rapid integration of Alto with automation hardware, LIMS, scheduling, and data management software.

Nicoya offers support for automation integration for customers who need help developing automated Alto protocols or require a function or format not yet in the API library.

Alto is the only SPR system whose consumables are entirely contained within a robot-compatible, disposable cartridge. The cartridge contains 16 parallel sensors and 48 sample wells, which can be mapped to those of a well-plate for easy labware definition for any automation platform and existing workflows. The pitch of the wells is compatible with single or 8-channel pipettes.

Nicoya has partnered with Opentrons to offer pre-configured labware definitions and workflows for the Opentrons Flex® liquid handling robot, ensuring seamless integration with the Alto. Additionally, the Brooks Automation PreciseFlex™ Robot arm has also been rigorously tested for operation with the Alto Automation Suite and is recommended to be used for cartridge handling in the workcell.

Additionally, Alto and its cartridges are compatible with standard liquid handling platforms, plate hotels, and robot arms. When operating as a full workcell, Alto can run fully unattended, with no need for buffer refills, sensor changes, or any manual intervention.