BioAutomation Facility
The BioAutomation Facility at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) provides researchers with powerful, high‑throughput technologies that streamline, scale and accelerate laboratory workflows.
As part of the MIB’s interdisciplinary ecosystem, the facility supports research across synthetic biology, biocatalysis, engineering biology and more – helping scientists move from ideas to automated, reproducible results.
Working with us
Managed by Dr Mark Dunstan, the BioAutomation Facility helps researchers and external partners turn manual lab protocols into robust, automated, high‑throughput workflows.
Our experienced technical specialists bring an iterative approach that improves reproducibility, reduces hands-on time and helps you scale with confidence. Partners work with us to de-risk automation and shorten development cycles and leave with a validated workflow, trained users and clear documentation for smooth tech transfer.
The facility offers:
High‑throughput DNA library generation and screening
Directed evolution workflows for enzyme engineering
Culture handling, colony picking and microbial screening
High-throughput assay setup for protein expression, biotransformation and cell-based workflows
Automated sample processing for downstream analytics
Compound library screening and high-throughput GCMS/LCMS/HPLC plate preparation
Automated DNA pathway assembly
Bespoke automation solutions for unique research challenges
9 liquid-handling platforms
76 active users
50+ established liquid handling protocols
Our equipment
Liquid handling and robotics
We host nine liquid‑handling platforms, including four Hamilton STAR systems, a TECAN Evo, Eppendorf epMotion, and a Beckman ECHO for nanolitre transfer. Additional tools include a Qiagen QIAcube for automated minipreps and a Thermo Multidrop Combi reagent dispenser.
Royce Directed Evolution Platform
A fully integrated, 16‑instrument robotics suite serviced by a central robotic arm and controlled by Momentum scheduling software. This platform supports end‑to‑end automation of high‑throughput directed evolution, combining acoustic dispensing, pipetting robots, PCR systems, centrifugation, plate handling and more.
Automated Colony Picking
Our QPix420 system uses intelligent image analysis to rapidly screen microbial colonies—processing up to 3,000 colonies per hour with walk‑away automation via robotic plate feeds.
Our impact
Our projects support the MIB’s research missions by accelerating technology development, biomanufacturing routes to sustainable chemicals and materials, platforms for advanced therapeutics, and biological solutions for environmental protection. Working with MIB’s cross-disciplinary teams, we provide collaborative access, training and clear handover so partners can adopt, sustain and grow capability.
