The Screening Unit (SU) provides open access to automated platforms for medium-throughput cellular and biochemical assays in support of research activities within the Department of Experimental Oncology and in collaboration with external partners. The Unit enables systematic, plate-based screening approaches using curated compound libraries and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Mission
- Provide access to screening collections of compound libraries.
- Identify bioactive compounds capable of modulating cellular functions.
- Optimize and miniaturize assay conditions to improve efficiency and reduce reagent costs.
Screening workflow
The SU staff supports all key phases of medium-throughput screening, including:
- Preparation of cells and compound libraries.
- Assay optimization and DMSO tolerance testing with appropriate controls.
- Pilot screens to evaluate readouts, positional effects, and liquid handling performance.
- Configuration and programming of the Tecan Fluent 780 robotic platform.
- Automated data acquisition and data processing from plate readers.
- Validation of identified hit compounds.
- Troubleshooting and experimental optimization.