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LNP Screening Array vs. Unchained Labs Sunscreen
By Joshua Gomes
Unchained Labs Sunscreen formulates LNPs on a dedicated benchtop instrument at 15 to 20 formulations per hour. The LNP Screening Array runs directly on a liquid handler and generates 100+ formulations per hour.
LNP Screening Array vs. Sunscreen
Sunscreen and the LNP Screening Array both automate microfluidic LNP formulation, but they place formulation in fundamentally different workflows.
Sunscreen adds a dedicated benchtop instrument that formulates samples one at a time.
The LNP Screening Array brings formulation onto the liquid handler, where multiple formulations are generated in parallel and collected on deck for downstream handling.
| Comparison | LNP Screening Array | Sunscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Runs on a standard liquid handler | Dedicated benchtop formulation instrument |
| Screening throughput | 100+ formulations per hour | 15–20 samples per hour |
| Formulation sequence | Multiple formulations generated in parallel | Samples run one at a time |
| Mixers | New micromixer for every formulation; no cleaning between samples | Reusable glass mixers cleaned between samples |
| Sample handling | Inputs dispensed and formulations collected on the liquid handler deck | Input plates loaded and samples collected on Sunscreen |
| Setup | LNP Screening Array, deck adapter, and automation protocol | 57 kg dedicated instrument with separate computer |
Screen more formulations per hour
Sunscreen formulates samples sequentially, so run time increases with each formulation in the screen.
The LNP Screening Array runs multiple formulations in parallel. Each array contains eight micromixers, and multiple arrays can run within the same liquid handler method to generate 100+ formulations per hour.
| As screening scales | LNP Screening Array | Sunscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Formulation cycle | Multiple formulations run in parallel | Samples run one at a time |
| Large screens | Additional arrays expand parallel capacity across the deck | Each sample adds another 3-4 minute cycle |
| Scaling throughput | 100+ formulations per hour | 96 formulations in 5-6 hours |
Keep formulation on the liquid handler
Sunscreen automates formulation, but it remains a separate benchtop system in the screening workflow. Input plates are loaded onto Sunscreen, formulations are generated and collected there, and the resulting samples then move into the next stage of the workflow manually.
The LNP Screening Array keeps formulation and sample handling on the liquid handler. The liquid handler dispenses the lipid and aqueous inputs, formulations are generated on deck, and each output remains accessible for subsequent transfer, dilution, buffer exchange, plate preparation, or other downstream processing.
| Workflow step | LNP Screening Array | Sunscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Input handling | Source plates prepared on the liquid handler | Plates manually loaded onto Sunscreen |
| Formulation | Runs directly on deck | Runs on Sunscreen |
| Downstream processes | Liquid handler can collect and transfer formulated samples directly | Samples move manually from Sunscreen into the downstream workflow |
| Method control | Formulation runs within the liquid handler method | Separate Sunny Suite software and computer |
For teams already using automated liquid handling, the LNP Screening Array removes the need for a separate formulation station.
Evaluate the LNP Screening Array in your lab
Run your own formulations on the liquid handler already in your lab.
We provide the arrays, configured automation protocol, setup components, and applications support to establish the workflow and generate your first screening data.