Making CLD Workflows More Efficient

Cell line development (CLD) is becoming increasingly data-intensive, with researchers often working with larger numbers of clones, samples, and experiments. At the same time, laboratories need to generate consistent, reliable data while making the most of available time and resources.

For many laboratories, increasing throughput through manual processes alone is not sustainable. Automation can reduce repetitive tasks, improve consistency, and enable researchers to process more samples efficiently. It can also extend laboratory capacity beyond normal working hours, allowing automated screening and monitoring runs to continue overnight or at weekends without staff being present.

Automation does not necessarily mean replacing an entire workflow. It can start with a single repetitive process and expand as throughput requirements grow.

At BPES, our CLD portfolio includes specialist technologies that can automate individual stages and, where required, integrate into broader automated workflows.

Automation at Key Stages of CLD

The SEED Biosciences DispenCell-S4 automates single-cell dispensing into multi-well plates using impedance-based single-cell detection. Its automation-ready design and API enable integration with wider laboratory automation platforms, helping reduce manual intervention during single-cell isolation.

The SYNENTEC CELLAVISTA and NYONE systems automate image acquisition and analysis, providing consistent measurements of cell growth, confluence, morphology, and other characteristics across large numbers of samples. This can reduce the need for manual assessment while generating standardised data for clone monitoring and selection.

For laboratories looking to take imaging automation further, SYNENTEC also provides dedicated SYBOT robotic solutions for automated plate handling around its imaging systems. These can be configured for either incubated plate storage or ambient plate storage, providing a flexible pathway from automated imaging to more complete, walk-away workflows.

The Leadgene Biosolutions S.NEST 2.0 enables parallel culture and monitoring across multiple wells, with integrated pH and dissolved oxygen measurements. Its automation-friendly design allows it to be incorporated into wider laboratory automation systems, supporting higher-throughput culture and assessment.

From Individual Automation to Integrated Workflows

Automating individual processes can deliver immediate benefits, but connecting multiple stages can provide further opportunities to move closer to the kind of walk-away workflows made possible at the imaging stage — reducing manual sample handling and increasing throughput across the wider process.

Automation platforms can combine technologies such as cell dispensing, liquid handling, incubation, imaging, and culture monitoring, allowing samples to move between processes with less researcher intervention. DispenCell-S4, SYNENTEC imaging systems, and S.NEST 2.0 are each built with this kind of integration in mind, allowing them to be incorporated into wider automated workflows as laboratory needs evolve. SYNENTEC's imaging and plate-handling systems bring a particularly strong track record here, with extensive experience integrating alongside major automation providers including Hamilton, Tecan, and PAA.

As sample numbers and workflow complexity grow, this flexibility to move from individual automation to a connected, higher-throughput setup becomes an increasingly valuable option.

Building Automation Around Your Workflow

The right level of automation will depend on each laboratory's processes, throughput and priorities. For some, automating a single repetitive task may provide the greatest immediate benefit. For others, integrating several stages may be the next step as sample numbers increase.

Our portfolio gives researchers the flexibility to select specialist technologies that address their current requirements while retaining the option to connect them into broader automated workflows as those requirements evolve.

At BPES, we work with researchers to understand their CLD processes and identify where automation can deliver the greatest value — from reducing hands-on work at individual stages to supporting more connected, higher-throughput workflows. Contact our team to discuss your requirements and discover how specialist technologies can help you build a more consistent, efficient CLD workflow.