Flex应用专题 | 解锁蛋白质谱前处理自动化的无限潜能

HIT Pick [Cherry Pick]

HIT picking, often called cherry picking, is the process of precisely selecting specific samples, or ‘HITs’, that display desired characteristics from a large number of samples. This is critical in workflows such as drug discovery, high-throughput screening, genomic research, and proteomics.

HIT picking and cherry picking essentially refer to the same process. Both terms describe the process of selecting and isolating specific samples, or ‘HITs’, from a larger sample set based on desired characteristics. This process is critical in high-throughput workflows such as drug discovery, genomic research, and proteomics.

The scale of HIT picking creates challenges, especially when done manually, with the potential for human error, physical fatigue and slow processing speeds. To alleviate these problems, it is recommended to automate HIT picking. Automated systems combine robotics and liquid handling equipment to quickly and accurately select ‘HITs’ and often include features such as barcode recognition, temperature control and data management software.

HIT Picking Vs. Cherry Picking

The term ‘HIT selection’ originates from the practice of selecting ‘HITs’ or positive results from large-scale screening processes, often in the context of identifying potential drug candidates. The term ‘HIT’ is used metaphorically to indicate a positive outcome, like hitting a target in a targeting game.

The term ‘cherry picking’, on the other hand, migrated from its original context of picking the ripest or most desirable cherries from the tree. In scientific research, cherry picking refers to the practice of carefully selecting the most promising or suitable samples from a larger sample set for further analysis.

Workflows requiring HIT selectionHIT selection is particularly important in the following workflows:1. Drug Discovery: Used in high-throughput screening processes to identify promising compounds that show activity against targets of interest.2. Genomic research: Especially in clone library construction and screening, specific clones showing the desired phenotype or genotype need to be isolated.3. Proteomics: used to identify ‘HIT’ proteins that interact with target molecules or display desired functions.

The best method for HIT selection1. Manual pipetting: This method involves manually handling each sample using a pipette. Although this method is highly accurate, it is labor intensive and time consuming.2. Robotic arm systems: These systems can automate the pipetting process, increase throughput and reduce human errors.3. Acoustic dispensing: This is a non-contact method that transfers small amounts of liquid through sound waves. It is highly accurate and can handle large sample libraries.

Agreement Highlights

Opentrons helps you automate cherry picking with open source protocols for OT-2 and Opentrons Flex

Why is HIT selection so difficult?

Cherry picking was challenging due to the sheer scale of the task. In high-throughput workflows, thousands or even millions of samples may need to be screened. Manually selecting and processing ‘HITs’ can be tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone.

HIT selection for manual pipetting mainly faces the following challenges:

Throughput: Manual pipetting cannot match the speed of automated systems, making it unsuitable for large-scale projects.
Errors: Manual pipetting is prone to human error, such as pipetting inaccuracies, cross-contamination, or sample identification errors.
Fatigue: Repeated pipetting operations can cause physical fatigue, further increasing the risk of errors.

How to automate the HIT selection process

Automation of HIT picking (cherry picking) often involves integrating robotic systems with liquid handling equipment. These systems can quickly and accurately pick ‘HITs’ based on preset criteria. They often include barcoding capabilities for sample tracking, temperature control capabilities for sample stability, and software for data management and analysis.

Advantages of automating HIT picking compared to manual processing

Increased throughput: Automated systems can process larger sample volumes in significantly less time.
Reduce errors: Automation minimizes human error, ensuring results are more accurate and reliable.
Repeatability: Automated systems provide consistent operational performance, ensuring more repeatable results between runs and operators.
Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial investment may be higher, automated systems can be more cost-effective in the long run by reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.

Learn more

Feel free to contact us and our team of professional application scientists will help you confirm whether the automated experimental process is suitable for your needs. If you need to check the operation of the experimental process, you can schedule an online demo with us to discuss your experimental needs in depth with the expert team.

Book a Demo