For a laboratory performing high-throughput routine testing of food samples, automation of analyses is key for greater efficiency.

The new foodproof® RoboPrep+ Series, offered by BIOTECON Diagnostics, is the first commercially available system for automated food sample preparation and subsequent PCR setup. It has been developed as a cost-effective tool for food pathogen testing, drastically reducing hands-on time and increasing lab efficiency. Several different instrument versions and sizes are available to match laboratory throughput demands.

The largest platform, the foodproof® RoboPrep+ 150-8, allows the simultaneous preparation of 96 samples in just 2 hours and 20 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes including PCR setup). No manual handling steps are necessary other than the loading of samples and consumables.

With only a few mouse clicks, each automated run is easily started using a validated, predefined protocol. Each foodproof® RoboPrep+ workstation meets the regulatory requirements in regard to CE and 21 CFR part 11. Full data traceability is achieved through barcode reading of samples. To prevent contamination, a hood and UV air filter are available. BIOTECON Diagnostics offers complete pathogen detection solutions, including the robotic workstation, sample preparation and real-time PCR kits, consumables, as well as world-wide support, maintenance and service.

Automated sample preparation on the foodproof® RoboPrep+ workstation is performed using the foodproof® Magnetic Preparation Kit I. The kit's magnetic bead technology isolates highly purified DNA from liquid sample enrichments, while minimizing inhibiting matrix influences.

The foodproof® Magnetic Preparation Kit I has been developed in cooperation with a leading international confectionary manufacturer, who has begun implementing the foodproof® RoboPrep+ system for automated Salmonella detection in its sites globally.

For the rapid and reliable detection of Salmonella, BIOTECON Diagnostics offers the AOAC and NordVal validated foodproof® Salmonella Detection Kit. The kit detects down to 1-10 cells per 25 g sample and provides an unmatched inclusivity, showing no false-negative results when tested with more than 700 different Salmonella strains.

The validation of the foodproof® RoboPrep+ Series for other parameters, e.g. Listeria, is in process.

See the robot in action on YouTube (search term "BIOTECON Diagnostics"). Contact BIOTECON Diagnostics using contact details at the top of this page for more information on automated pathogen detection.