IntelliEppi: Intelligent reaction monitoring and holistic data management system for the molecular biology lab

Abstract

Daily alterations of routines and protocols create high, yet so far unmet demands for intelligent reaction monitoring, quality control and data management in molecular biology laboratories. To meet such needs, the \"internet of things\" is implemented here. We propose an approach which combines direct tracking of lab tubes, reactions and racks with a comprehensive data management system. Reagent tubes in this system are tagged with 2D data matrices or imprinted RFID-chips using a unique identification number. For each tube, individual content and all relevant information based on conducted experimental procedures are stored in an experimental data management system. This information is managed automatically but allow scientists to engage and interfere via user-friendly graphical interface. Tagged tubes are used in connection with a detectable RFID-tagged rack. We show that reaction protocols, HTS storage and complex reactions are easily planned and controlled.