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LNP Screening Array vs. Dolomite Automated Nanoparticle System
By Joshua Gomes
Dolomite’s Automated Nanoparticle System formulates samples one at a time on a dedicated benchtop system with reusable glass chips. The LNP Screening Array formulates four samples at a time on your liquid handler, automatically selects lipid and cargo inputs, and uses a fresh micromixer for every formulation.
LNP Screening Array vs. Dolomite Automated Nanoparticle System
Dolomite’s Automated Nanoparticle (ANP) System automates a series of experiments using reagents loaded into sample loops. Pumps deliver those reagents through a reusable microfluidic chip, and an automated collector captures the resulting samples in individual vials. The system washes the fluid path between experiments.
The LNP Screening Array integrates formulation into the liquid handler’s sample-preparation workflow. Once source plates and consumables are loaded, the liquid handler selects each formulation’s inputs, dispenses them into independent micromixers, and recovers the samples for downstream processing.
| Comparison | LNP Screening Array | Dolomite ANP System |
|---|---|---|
| Formulation platform | Liquid handler already in the lab | Dedicated benchtop system |
| Simultaneous formulations | Four formulations at a time | One formulation at a time |
| Formulation throughput | 100+ formulations per hour | 40 formulations per hour |
| Automated reagent selection | Automated selection from source plates | Manual loading of new reagents into sample loops |
| Mixer cleaning between formulations | No mixer cleaning required | Reused fluid path requires washing |
| Sample collection | Automated recovery directly from the array | Manual vial collection followed by transfer to downstream processing |
This comparison covers the original sample-loop ANP configuration marketed under the Dolomite and Particle Works brands. Throughput figures are manufacturer-reported and reflect different operating conditions.
Add formulation to the liquid handler already in your lab
The LNP Screening Array lets you add microfluidic formulation to a compatible liquid handler using arrays, a deck adapter, and a configured automation protocol. The liquid handler supplies the fluid delivery and positioning needed to run the screen. Dolomite’s ANP system requires dedicated pumps, injection valves, tubing, and collection hardware, creating a separate formulation station to operate and maintain.
| Equipment requirement | LNP Screening Array | Dolomite ANP System |
|---|---|---|
| Pumps for formulation | No additional pumps needed | Dedicated pumps required |
| External fluidic connections | Pipette tips engage directly with the array | Tubing connects input delivery, mixing, and collection |
| Formulation footprint | One standard SLAS deck position per array | Separate bench space for the formulation system |
| Control software | Existing liquid handler software | Flow Control Centre software |
This approach puts the lab’s existing automation investment to work across more of the screening process. Deck planning accounts for the arrays, source plates, tips, and collection labware needed for each run. For more information on equipping an automated screening workflow, see What Equipment Does an LNP Screening Lab Need?
Change lipid and cargo inputs within the automated run
A screen that compares different lipid mixtures or cargos needs a way to move between those inputs. With the LNP Screening Array, the liquid handler selects the lipid and cargo for each formulation independently from source plates. Dolomite’s ANP system can automatically vary process conditions using the reagent pair already loaded, but testing a new lipid mixture or cargo requires another manual loading step.
| Screening task | LNP Screening Array | Dolomite ANP System |
|---|---|---|
| Change the lipid mixture | Select another source well through the programmed method | Manually load the new mixture into the sample loop |
| Change the cargo | Select another cargo source well through the programmed method | Manually load the new cargo solution into the sample loop |
| Screen multiple lipid-cargo combinations | Program the combinations across loaded source plates | Manually reload reagents as the input pair changes |
For composition screening, the LNP Screening Array removes the repeated work of manually loading a new reagent pair into the formulation system. A single liquid handler method can progress through the planned combinations using the materials already on deck.
Run four formulations at a time
Each LNP Screening Array contains eight independent micromixers, allowing four formulations to run together during a dispensing step. After that step, the liquid handler moves to unused mixers for the next conditions. Dolomite’s ANP system processes samples sequentially through the same mixing path, with a wash between experiments. Those washes run automatically, but they still require time and cleaning fluid within the sequence.
| Formulation task | LNP Screening Array | Dolomite ANP System |
|---|---|---|
| Formulate four conditions | Four conditions in one parallel dispensing step | Four sequential formulation cycles |
| Formulate eight conditions | Two parallel dispensing steps on one array | Eight sequential formulation cycles |
| Prepare for the next condition | Move to a fresh micromixer | Wash the reused fluid path |
| Supply mixer-cleaning solvent | Not needed | Required |
Parallel dispensing lets several conditions share a formulation step, while single-use mixers eliminate the need to clean a previous formulation out of the mixing path. Additional arrays can be included in the run as deck space allows, alongside the supporting reagents, tips, and collection labware.
Continue from formulation into assay preparation on deck
Screening continues after the particles are formed. Samples need to be recovered, processed, and prepared for characterization. With the LNP Screening Array, the liquid handler can prepare working solutions from loaded stocks, formulate LNPs, and recover them directly for subsequent handling. Dolomite’s ANP system automates vial collection and supports inline dilution, but further plate-based assay preparation requires transferring the collected samples into another workflow.
| Workflow step | LNP Screening Array | Dolomite ANP System |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare and deliver formulation inputs | Working solutions can be prepared and dispensed within the liquid-handler method | Reagents are prepared separately and loaded into sample loops |
| Recover formulated samples | Liquid handler aspirates directly from the array’s collection reservoirs | Samples collect in vials that must be moved to the next processing step |
| Prepare samples for downstream assays | Dilution and plate preparation can follow within the same method | Collected samples enter a separate assay-preparation workflow\ |
Keeping samples accessible on deck removes the manual handoff from a separate formulation instrument. The liquid handler can continue into tasks such as preparing DLS dilutions or RiboGreen assay plates, with measurements performed on the appropriate analytical instruments.
For more information on connecting formulation with upstream preparation and downstream handling, see What to Look for in an Automated LNP Formulation Workflow.
Evaluate the LNP Screening Array in your lab
Evaluate the LNP Screening Array on your compatible liquid handler using the lipid and cargo combinations your screen needs. Get applications support to compare sample quality, operator involvement, and the complete workflow from reagent preparation through sample recovery and assay preparation.