Week 3 HW: Lab Automation

1. Python Script for Opentrons Artwork

I used Ronan’s tool to make the art. I published it here and downloaded the python script from the website. Below is an image of the art, and I put the python script under this week’s homework folder

2. Post-Lab Question 1: Luciferase reporter assay for NF-kB activation automated by an open-source liquid handling platform

This paper details the development of an automated workflow for NF-kB luciferase reporter assays using the Opentrons OT-2, an open-source liquid handling platform. By using Python-scripted protocols, the authors automated key steps including cell seeding, transient transfection, and enzymatic reaction development in a 96-well format. This automation allowed the experiment to be more cost-effective and gain consistent results with coefficient of variation being below 10% while reducing hands-on time, and keeping aseptic integrity through the HEPA module which maintains a sterile environment.

Post-Lab Question 2: For my final project, I plan to use automation tools to test engineered biological systems that respond to environmental signals, such as glucose-responsive therapeutic cells or plants engineered to detect soil nitrogen levels. These systems require testing many genetic variants and environmental conditions, which are made easier with automations. An Opentrons liquid-handling robot will automate repetitive lab tasks such as distributing reagents, assembling culture plates, and preparing assays. Instead of manually pipetting dozens of samples, protocols can be written in Python so the robot prepares a full 96-well experiment in a reproducible way.

3. Final Project Ideas: I posted these slides under my node’s section here