An Austrian biotech start-up, Solgate, is making significant strides in the development of therapies targeting solute carrier transporters. These crucial membrane proteins play a vital role in transporting essential substances across cell membranes and are associated with numerous diseases. By employing advanced automated systems from INTEGRA Biosciences, Solgate aims to discover small molecules capable of modulating these transporters' functions. Their high-throughput screening assays have been enhanced by automation, ensuring consistency and reproducibility in their research processes.

Innovative Techniques Transforming Biomedical Research

Located in Klosterneuburg, Austria, Solgate has adopted cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize drug discovery. In a dynamic scientific environment, the company leverages robotic liquid handling systems like ASSIST PLUS pipetting robots and VIAFLO electronic pipettes. This technology supports multiple projects by enabling precise and consistent handling of liquids, which is critical for maintaining data quality. Georgi Dimchev, Senior Scientist at Solgate, emphasizes the importance of automation in minimizing variability when managing large-scale experiments. Weekly repeated tests require gentle treatment of sensitive cell layers, and INTEGRA's tools ensure reliable reagent delivery. Ivana Rinklake, a Research Associate, highlights how these instruments contribute to building a scalable and robust screening platform.

From a journalistic perspective, this story illustrates the transformative power of automation in advancing biomedical research. It showcases how even smaller companies can compete globally by adopting state-of-the-art technologies. The narrative underscores the potential impact on healthcare through innovative approaches to understanding and manipulating cellular processes, ultimately leading to improved treatments for various conditions.