Benchmarking a Low-Cost Automated Sample Preparation Platform for High Multiplexed Blood Plasma Proteomics

Join this webinar to learn more about how Eric Zaniewski and colleagues from Harvard Medical School developed a low-cost, automated sample preparation protocol for TMT-based plasma proteomics using an Opentrons robot. With minimal human intervention, the system is capable of preparing 288 samples per day with a consumables cost per sample of less than $10. Experimental data will show performance of the system compared to manual sample preparation, using protocols generated for a standardized 96-well plate. These include single-plot, solid-phase-enhanced (SP3) sample purification and digest, bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay for protein/peptide concentration determination, aliquoting samples for barcoding, generating a bridge sample to connect multiple barcoded sample sets, and automated barcoding with TMT reagents. Among the challenges addressed is the problem of TMT reagent stock solutions’ instability at room temperature, solved by preparing TMT in a modified resuspension buffer. The entire protocol was rigorously benchmarked on a sample set of 96 plasma samples from an Alzheimer’s disease treatment strategy study, including commercial human blood plasma samples as internal standards. Compared to manual sample preparation, automated methods resulted in higher throughput, lower cost, fewer errors, and a decrease in required training. This webinar will showcase the versatility and cost-effectiveness of this automated sample preparation platform as a base for proteomics sample preparation innovation.