case study

biobanking for biotech
SPT Labtech’s comPOUND® provides efficient biobanking for high quality antibody storage

Introduction
In a large number of academic research centres
and small pharmaceutical and biotech companies,
biological sample storage remains a manual process
requiring meticulous sample labelling, robust data
logging, accurate placement and retrieval. As thesample library grows, the acquisition of additional
freezers can place a strain on laboratory space orstorage areas. Manual placement and retrieval ofsamples from large libraries not only increases thepotential for error but can inhibit sample processing
speeds necessary to satisfy research flowor customer delivery schedules.

SPT Labtech’s automated comPOUND storage modules not
only provide low footprint, cost-efficient automated biobanking
capabilities but have the ability to cherry pick samples individuallywhilst not disturbing the internal storage environment. This ensures
the integrity of unselected samples.

Manual placement, search and retrieval of samples often requires
scientists to spend lengthy periods of time handling samples
in freezers or standing in cold rooms. The ability to automate sample
dispensing and processing whilst ensuring robust sample labelling
and tracking is invaluable. It significantly reduces the effort
and turn-around time of compound storage and retrieval.
This case study demonstrates that SPT Labtech’s comPOUND
biobanking storage modules are successfully employed by Abcam,
a worldwide supplier of high quality antibodies, proteins, peptides,
lysates and assay kits. In this company, the turnaround time ofsample placement and retrieval is an essential component of highquality service to its customers. This case study highlights a numberof features of comPOUND which have proved to be of significant
value during the development of this rapidly expanding company
and helped to ensure high quality customer service and support.

Case study: Abcam
Abcam was established in 1998 as a global web-based company
providing high quality reagents for both academic research and thedrug development industry. Based on the Science Park, Cambridge,
UK, the company grew rapidly, expanding its antibody repertoire andcustomer lead throughput. As space became limited, Abcam soonneeded an automated, reliable, low cost and footprint biobanking
facility to store valuable antibody stocks. This was to replacecostly, unreliable and large footprint traditional -20ºC and -80º C
laboratory freezers.
With an extensive stock range and large sample numbers, Abcam
need fast, robust, secure, efficient sample storage and management.

“comPOUND is the key
reason why Abcam is able
to ensure fast delivery
to its customers”

Labtech’s comPOUND storage modules at Abcam, UK.

Automated biobanking versus
traditional freezer storage
The ability to automate sample dispensing and processing whilst
ensuring robust sample labelling and tracking, significantly reduces
the effort and turn-around time of compound storage and retrieval.

Manual storage...
■manual sample labelling, storage and tracking increases
the risk of error■

manual database input and management is open to error■

users are subjected to unpleasant lengthy periods of time sorting
and locating samples in a cold zone and transporting the sample■

there is a risk to sample integrity due to partial thawing whilst
freezer doors are open■

stores have limited storage capacity in a larger footprint.

...versus automated biobanking■

2D barcodes are checked on sample storage and on retrieval■

automatically updated database■high speed cherry picking of only the samples required■

undisturbed storage environment ensures sample integrity■

space-efficient design■

remote sample delivery.

Unrivalled cherry picking,sample processing and speed

Maximizing storage spaceWith a focus on guaranteed next day delivery of reagents, it is vitalfor Abcam to rapidly and reliably retrieve requested products in orderto maintain its good reputation. Using comPOUND, a single cherry
picked sample can be delivered within 8 seconds. For larger orders,a rack of up to 96 samples can be dispensed in under 10 minutes.
Table 1. Study comparing manual selection of samples from a -20ºC
freezer to automated retrieval from two comPOUND stores via SPT
Labtech’s connect, a storage and retrieval unit (previously comPANION)

Number oftubes

Time taken for
manual selection

Time takenfor selection

122 secs

8 secs5

1 min 50 secs

40 secs

10

3 mins 40 secs

1 min 20 secs

50

18 mins 20 secs

2 mins 40 secs

10036 mins 40 secs

6 mins 40 secscomPOUND has 1.5 x footprint of one standard -80°C freezer.
When floor space for storage is limited, a single comPOUND
can store the equivalent of 10 standard -80°C freezers:
up to 100,000 x 1.0 or 1.5 mL tubes per module.

Secure, reliable, expandable storage
SPT Labtech’s proprietary pneumatic transport technology eliminates
the need for moving parts within the cold zone, reducing the risks
of module error or failure.
As Abcam has expanded, additional units have been easily integrated
to house an increasing reagent portfolio without affecting processflexibility.
During relocation, the compact modules were easily transferred tonew laboratories across the Science Park, with minimum disruption
to process efficiency.
Abcam, UK, has employed SPT Labtech’s sample storage andretrieval unit to retrieve from two comPOUND stores to a central input
and dispatch point. This allows valuable stock to be divided anddistributed through multiple storage units for rapid access,or safety and backup.

“comPOUND’s small footprint enables us
to keep our offices and logistics functions
on prime real-estate, close to centresof excellence for life science research,
enabling us to maintain our same day
local delivery promise”

Discussion
SPT Labtech’s storage unit linked to and controlling throughput
of 2 neighbouring comPOUND modules
As library requirements increase, additional comPOUND stores
can be easily integrated. Linking additional storage units further
enhance sample processing time as the modules can be accessed
simultaneously.

Abcam has continued to expand rapidly over the past 15 years.
Now with stock holding sites in the US, UK, Japan & China,
it supplies reagents to over 88 countries throughout the world.
Abcam currently handles in excess of 100,000 reagents and storesover 220,000 tubes, enabling it to maintain a large range of highquality biologics. This company recognizes the advantages of asecure, robust biobanking facility such as SPT Labtech’s comPOUND
modules. With fast cherry picking capabilities as a key feature,
comPOUND has enabled Abcam to ensure fast sample delivery
times to meet the deadlines expected by its customers.
Features such as comPOUND’s high capacity, compact, expandable
modular format, fast cherry picking capabilities, and its automatedsample logging, placement and dispensing all help to ensure
robustness, security and traceablity. These features ensure easy
incorporation of the storage modules into the laboratory workflow,increasing process efficiency. Integration with storage and retrieval
unit allows rapid transportation of samples from remote storage units
to the processing laboratory. This replaces manual effort and tedium,ensuring fast delivery is maintained.

SPT Labtech Ltd
Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn
Hertfordshire SG8 6HB+44 (0) 1223 627555

marketing@sptlabtech.com