Biocenter: Distributed Remote Biology Platform
Urs Gaudenz, Miranda Moss, Jean-Baptiste Labrune, Martin Etzrodt (host)
- Gaudi Labs
- Radical Design Studio
- hosted at Open Science Institute, Interlaken
Abstract
Biocenter is a partially remotely operated biological experiment platform, structured as the bio-equivalent of a mini datacenter. A web interface controller paired with local OpenDrop hardware for material handling makes distributed, automated wetlab experimentation possible at scale. It began as a collaboration between Gaudi Labs and Radical Design Studio. Researchers, automated agents, and living systems can run and take part in biology experiments remotely.
Distributed remote experiments
The platform lets an operator execute and direct biological protocols without being on site. An operator can be a person or an autonomous agent.
Open hardware integration
The web controller is combined with local OpenDrop digital microfluidic hardware. OpenDrop moves the liquids, which automates the handling steps and the experimental processes built on them. Gaudi Labs documents the hardware and the rack it sits in. The OpenDrop BioServer, described in 2019, holds up to 18 devices behind one network connection and runs protocols uploaded remotely.
Open science workshops and collaborations
Workshops give open scientists a structured setting to start an experiment in the lab. Once it runs, they can keep taking part from a distance, on their own or with the wider community.
Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Free to share and adapt with attribution. (link opens in a new tab)