An IoT-Enabled Fully Automated Blot Processor for Cytoskeleton
Cytoskeleton is a leading US-based manufacturer dedicated to advancing biological research. They specialize in providing high-quality kits and products designed to support drug screening, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal research. They deliver innovative solutions that empower researchers to study complex biochemical and cellular processes with precision.
We’re enhancing GoBlot with AI to improve speed, efficiency, and usability. By automating complex tasks, we aim to reduce manual effort, support better decision-making, and accelerate research. Our vision is to develop a smarter, more self-sufficient system that seamlessly integrates into scientific workflows and drives future advancements.
Requirement Outline
The client approached Bridge Global to acquire the necessary tech experts to make their blot processor operational through a web interface. The client wanted our software development team to develop two interfaces (UIs): a Server Web Interface & an Embedded Web Interface, for their blot processing machine, GOBlot V2.
The GOBlot Western Blot Processor is a device that accurately applies fluids to blots and membranes with antibodies. It was created after talking to hundreds of researchers over the past two years, who wanted an affordable machine that could mimic the traditional manual process of using a rocker platform and changing buffers by hand.
They wanted the device’s web platform to be accessible from any phone or browser, making it a more reliable and portable solution. To ensure smooth performance, they also needed our QA experts to test its functionality, responsiveness, automation, and hardware integration. The goal was to develop an integrated web application that allows users to create protocols, load them onto the device, and track usage. Protocol files would be sent via Wi-Fi, enabling users to monitor the device from their phone or browser.
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Our Approach and Solutions
- Extended a dedicated team of Designers, Developers, QAs, and a Project Manager.
- Designed a prototype IoT-enabled microcontroller that supports various connectivity options to act as an embedded web server for the configuration and management of the website.
- The embedded web server communicates with an internet-exposed web server to report status updates and archive test results from the device.
- Developed a responsive web interface for both the embedded device and internet-hosted platform, compatible with mobile and desktop.
- Deployed a Web API for continuous device status updates to the centralized server.
- Conducted extensive testing, including API automation, UI responsiveness, and functionality checks.
- Ensured smooth communication between the blot processor and web interface through hardware integration.
- Improved blot processing efficiency by 10x with advanced server and embedded web interfaces.
- Engineered a dynamic web interface for both on-premises and cloud-hosted applications, enhancing user engagement.
- Enabled real-time synchronization of device status updates with centralized systems through a resilient Web API.
- Developed tools for creating and editing custom workflows by merging predefined protocols.
- Implemented multi-format report exports (Excel, CSV) and a notification system for alerts.
Features and Functionalities of the Integrated Solution
- Simple and secure login interface for Super Admin (device manufacturer) and their Customers (Company Admins/lab users) through an internet-served web server.
- The Super Admin can register Company Admins and their devices using their email address and the device’s unique Serial No.
- The Company Admins can then register lab users and assign devices against them.
- Lab users can load protocols onto the device via the microcontroller's web server and perform operations or run protocols using the embedded web interface over their local network.
- The devices can transfer protocol results to an internet-hosted web platform via Wi-Fi or a local network, allowing users to access them through an online portal.
- Authorized users can add comments and attachments to the results, and with approval from the company admin, make their test results visible on the web portal for authorized users.
Highlights of the Project
- Designed and implemented a seamless system integrating laboratory testing devices, ensuring automated data synchronization and minimizing manual intervention. Upgraded to newer firmware version that uses better device connectivity to portal using new technologies.
- Our solution empowered users to create, edit, import, and export protocols via the GoBlot Browser Interface. We developed a web interface for user-defined protocols, enabling researchers to combine predefined ones into custom workflows.
- We automated data updates and reporting in real-time, providing easy access across all centers. Reports could be exported in multiple formats (Excel, CSV, etc.), improving workflow efficiency.
- Centralized data storage with MyGoBlot.com allowed for seamless synchronization and a unified view for all users. Our system also sends alerts to research teams in case of suspicious findings.
- The system accelerated processes by 10x, allowing researchers to focus on critical tasks instead of manual data handling, ultimately saving valuable time and resources.
Technologies Used
Microsoft .Net Core Framework, Entity Core Framework, Angular, Arduino IDE
The Outcome
With over 20 years of research invested in understanding blood patterns, GOBlot required modernization to keep pace with technological advancements. We played a pivotal role in transitioning GOBlot’s technology from a paper-based era to a fully automated and user-friendly system, enabling scientists worldwide to conduct complex protocols efficiently and accurately, seamless data synchronization, custom protocol creation, and enhanced reporting capabilities.
The implementation of the server web interface and embedded web solution streamlined the device's functionality and improved its speed. Users can now operate the machine remotely via handheld devices, even when they are away from it. We provided experts on an on-demand and scalable basis, resulting in the development of a fully automated and programmable Western Blot Processor.
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