Together with his team, Ingo Muckenschnabel has implemented a pneumatic pipework system for sample logistics in analytics. © Novartis; Quelle: Novartis Live Magazine

Does the system also automatically detect which HPLC device is currently available, or does this have to be specified?
Yes, one of the strengths of the Lab2Lab system is that it automatically detects which of the connected LC/MS or NMR devices is available. Additionally, the samples are automatically distributed so that if multiple systems are available simultaneously, the samples are distributed among them. This optimizes system utilization and minimizes the wait time for results.

How does the sample or aliquot reach the HPLC?
So-called Lab2Lab receivers are mounted to the LC/MS and NMR systems. As soon as a sample arrives at such a receiver, the sample is automatically transported into the autosampler's interior. From a predefined position there, the LC/MS or NMR system software takes over to aspirate the sample solution and then use it for analysis. This is accomplished fully automatically.

After this "pneumatic post" was installed and successfully used within buildings, sample transport between different buildings was also made possible. For this purpose, the various buildings had to be connected. Are special structural measures required here?
The connection of different buildings is carried out according to the same installation requirements of the manufacturer (bend radius, connectors) as within a building and can be implemented by local craftsmen. It is noteworthy that during the installation and immediately after the completion of the pipes, the new connections between the buildings are pneumatically tested.

Reduction in manual processes and short distances for employees: Only the provision of the sample at the beginning is still a manual step. Once the sample container has been placed in the transmitter, the Lab2Lab system takes over transport and provision directly at the analyser - even if the analyser is located in another building. © Novartis; Quelle: Novartis Live Magazine

How is sample transport carried out via compressed air? It must also be controlled so that the transport reaches the correct destination.
Pneumatic transport is ensured by creating a slight vacuum on the receiver side and using compressed air on the sender side. To ensure that the vial arrives at the correct location, the information of the 2D barcode of each vial is used, and the software controls the delivery of the sample to the optimal position for analysis.

Is there a temperature mapping for the transport areas?
Due to the short transport times, which are in the range of 10 to 20 seconds within the building and in the range of one to two minutes between buildings, temperature control was omitted.

How many samples are transported, how many laboratories are connected to the pneumatic network? How many buildings are interconnected?
We process up to 3,000 Lab2Lab vials daily for analysis purposes, globally. On the Basel campus, ten buildings are currently connected, providing an analogous sample distribution system with the goal of maximizing system utilization and analyzing samples as quickly as possible. Such a pneumatic sample distribution system is also in place at our site in Cambridge, MA, and is currently being expanded.

For such an extensive and central system, maintenance, proper functioning of processes, and possibly daily monitoring must be ensured. How is this realized?
Yes, the maintenance of the system is crucial for daily operation. On one hand, the system is secured by standard maintenance contracts with the manufacturer, and a support team is on-site to intervene when necessary.

The Lab2Lab system is validated by an acceptance test after installation. Regularly scheduled inspections are part of the maintenance contract and are carried out by the manufacturer accordingly.

The LC/MS autosampler can also “work” with samples provided by the Lab2Lab system. © Novartis; Quelle: Novartis Live Magazine

Such a system certainly not only offers advantages in terms of high sample throughput and quickly available analysis data, but it also surely represents a great relief for the employees. What are the key benefits?
Scientists have seamless access from their research workbench to all analytical techniques provided through the interconnected Lab2Lab – Open Access LCMS and NMR platform. They can control their chemical reactions by submitting samples via the Lab2Lab sender stations, typically located on each floor, without needing to bring the sample to the analytical laboratory. Additionally, every sample is uniquely labeled with a barcode, ensuring error-free tracing and assignment of result data. Our scientists can choose from predefined sets of methods for one or multiple types of analyses, all performed with a single sample.

Every innovation needs to be implemented first, and the employees who will work with it need to be involved. How was it received by the employees when it was planned to introduce such a system?
We introduced Lab2Lab gradually, starting 14 years ago with a pilot installation in one laboratory. This pilot Lab2Lab system operated alongside the traditional “walk-up Open Access” analytics. We continuously listened to user feedback and collaborated with the Lab2Lab vendor and other external companies to find the best solutions. For example, we co-developed the Lab2Lab vial, which is now suitable for multiple analyses and securely closed for safe transportation via pneumatic networks. Another example is the redesign of the Lab2Lab sender from a single-vial to a multiple-vial sender, all based on user feedback, ultimately leading to a better-suited technical solution.

Is Lab2Lab efficient for both large and small companies?
Due to the modular design of the system, it can also be used by smaller companies and expanded as needed. It is important that the respective company has the prerequisites for possible automation or has prepared for it. With Lab2Lab, the transition from manually labeled samples to 2D barcodes and the combination of measurements using HPLC, LC/MS, and NMR is carried out. This can lead to optimizations even in a small setup when the samples are managed and distributed by Lab2Lab.

A look into the future? What could still be improved or what expansion possibilities would be conceivable or desirable?
Currently, only analytical systems from a key manufacturer can be connected. These include Agilent GC/MS and LC/MS, Waters LC/MS, and Bruker NMR systems. There is interest in connecting additional specialized systems, and for this, the manufacturer of the Lab2Lab system needs to develop corresponding software with the new partners.

Thank you very much for the interview!