The Zymark BenchMate: An Automated Solution for Chemical Work-Up
Author Information
Author(s): Gordon A. Hamlin
Primary Institution: AstraZeneca
Hypothesis
The development of a compact, automated system will improve the efficiency of solution-phase reaction work-up in multiple parallel synthesis.
Conclusion
The custom BenchMate can significantly reduce the manual workload associated with chemical work-up processes.
Supporting Evidence
- The BenchMate can handle up to 72 sample tubes at once.
- It automates tedious tasks like filtration and washing, which saves time.
- The system is designed to work in a standard chemistry laboratory fume-hood.
- Custom protocols can be created and transferred to the BenchMate via diskette.
Takeaway
The BenchMate is a robot that helps chemists clean up their experiments faster and easier, so they can make more new medicines.
Methodology
The BenchMate performs four basic operations: filtration, solvent addition, washing, and separation, using a custom-built filtration station and Visual Basic procedure screens.
Limitations
The BenchMate's design limits its ability to perform certain operations that require more space or different mechanical actions.
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