SPT Labtech partners with Semarion for automated cell assays
SPT Labtech has announced a strategic collaboration with University of Cambridge spin-out Semarion to integrate liquid handling automation with innovative microcarrier technology. The partnership aims to develop scalable, miniaturised workflows for adherent cell assays, addressing longstanding challenges in cell biology process automation whilst improving efficiency and reproducibility.
Cambridge-based laboratory automation specialist SPT Labtech has forged a strategic alliance with Semarion, a University of Cambridge spin-out from the Cavendish Laboratory, to advance automated cell-based assay capabilities. The collaboration will integrate SPT Labtech’s firefly® liquid handling platform with Semarion’s proprietary SemaCyte® microcarrier technology, creating enhanced workflows for adherent cell research applications.
The partnership addresses critical bottlenecks in cell biology automation, particularly in miniaturising and scaling complex cellular processes. Traditional cell-based assays often present significant technical challenges when transitioning from manual to automated protocols, limiting throughput and reproducibility in drug discovery and research applications.
Technical integration advances miniaturisation capabilities
Semarion’s SemaCyte microcarriers represent a novel approach to cell cultivation and manipulation. These flat, ultra-miniaturised platforms function as steerable wells that support small adherent cell colonies, enabling precise control of cellular positioning within liquid environments. The technology facilitates 10-fold improvements in drug screening efficiency across molecular profiling, cell panel screening, and patient-derived cell applications.
The integration with SPT Labtech’s firefly platform leverages the system’s versatility in liquid handling operations. This combination is expected to streamline assay development processes whilst maintaining the flexibility required for diverse research applications, including high-content imaging assays such as cell painting protocols.
“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to explore how cutting-edge technologies like Semarion’s microcarriers can be seamlessly integrated into flexible automation platforms like firefly,” said Maryia Karpiyevich, Product Development Scientist at SPT Labtech. “We’re looking forward to developing tools that truly empower scientists working at the forefront of cellular research.”
Workflow optimisation targets discovery pipelines
The collaboration will focus on developing joint application protocols and proof-of-concept data to demonstrate enhanced workflow capabilities. Jeroen Verheyen, CEO and Co-Founder at Semarion, emphasised the partnership’s potential impact: “This partnership demonstrates the impact of combining our innovative microcarrier technology with agile automation. By integrating our SemaCyte platform with SPT Labtech’s firefly system, we’re unlocking a new class of flexible, miniaturised workflows that streamline assay development and unlock more scalable discovery pipelines.”
Market positioning strengthens automation portfolio
For SPT Labtech, the collaboration reinforces its commitment to supporting emerging technologies that align with laboratory efficiency objectives. Morten Frost, Chief Commercial Officer at SPT Labtech, noted: “We are committed to supporting emerging technologies that align with our mission to make life in the lab easier. This partnership reflects our dedication to innovation that meets researchers where they are – scaling up, scaling down, and adapting as science evolves.”
The partnership represents a convergence of materials engineering expertise from the Cavendish Laboratory with established liquid handling automation capabilities, setting new standards for flexibility and scalability in cell-based research workflows.
