SLAS Technology Vol. 32: AI, Robotics and Precision Diagnostics

Oak Brook, IL – Volume 32 of SLAS Technology, includes one review, one tech brief, six original research articles, one protocol, one literature highlight and several Special Issue (SI) features.

Review

• Review on biphasic blood drying method for rapid pathogen detection in bloodstream infections
  This review highlights the biphasic blood drying method—a novel approach combining blood drying with isothermal amplification to enable rapid, culture-free detection of bloodstream pathogens at ultra-low concentrations--offering a faster and more sensitive alternative to traditional PCR-based diagnostics.

Tech Brief

• Digitalizing the design-make-test-analyze workflow in drug discovery with an electronic inventory platform
  This study presents a cost-effective strategy using existing electronic inventory systems to streamline DMTA workflow tracking in drug discovery, enabling real-time collaboration, customizable data management and broader industry adoption without the need for custom-built solutions.

Original Research

• Association of the characteristics of brain magnetic resonance imaging with genes related to disease onset in schizophrenia patients
  This study integrates multi-omics MRI analysis and machine learning (3D DANet) to reveal schizophrenia-linked dysregulated brain networks (DMN, FAN) and core genes (KLRD1, CD244), suggesting granzyme-mediated cell death pathways as potential therapeutic targets while improving diagnostic precision through AI-driven neuroimaging.
• Nano TiO2 photocatalytic combined with optimized operating room care in postoperative infection after gynecological open abdominal surgery
  This study demonstrates that nano-TiO₂ photocatalytic disinfection, combined with optimized nursing care, significantly reduces postoperative infections and improves wound healing in gynecological laparotomy patients by lowering airborne pathogens and modulating immune-inflammatory responses.
• Precision through electric-field assisted automatable high-throughput sample preparation of dried blood spots for neonatal abstinence syndrome detection
  This study introduces a novel Dried Blood Spot-based LC-MS/MS method for quantifying opioids in neonates, offering a faster, less invasive, and more precise diagnostic alternative to the subjective Finnegan scoring system, with the potential to improve early detection and management of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
• Biomechanics-based gradient nano-surface implants screening and its adoption in dental implant repair
  This study demonstrates that 1.2% hydrofluoric acid etching for 15 minutes optimally enhances osseointegration in titanium dental implants, achieving superior bone-to-implant contact, pull-out strength and bone fusion rates due to its uniform micro/nano surface structure with the lowest contact angle.
• Alpha test 1 robotic platform for traditional Chinese medicine pretreatment: Automated modular integration and quality control applications
  This study introduces Alpha Test 1, an intelligent robotic platform that automates traditional Chinese medicine sample pretreatment via modular components, demonstrating compliance with pharmacopoeia standards for Xianglian/Erzhi Pills while improving efficiency, accuracy and reproducibility over manual methods.
• Design and optimization of a fluid flow splitting device for low-flow applications

This study presents the µ-Split, a high-precision microfluidic flow splitter that outperforms commercial alternatives by enabling even flow division via a high-resistance inlet design, simplifying multi-inlet perfusion while reducing cost and system complexity.

Protocol

• Automation of protein crystallization scaleup via Opentrons-2 liquid handling
  This protocol demonstrates an automated, cost-effective protein crystallization workflow using the Opentrons-2 liquid handler, showing improved reliability and reproducibility for both hen egg white lysozyme and Campylobacter jejuni periplasmic protein crystallization compared to manual methods while providing open-access protocols for broader adoption.

Lit Highlights

• Literature highlights column: From the literature life sciences discovery and technology highlights
  SLAS Technology editors Tal Murthy, PhD (TDK Electronics) and Jamien Lim, PhD (TDK Electronics) discuss recent highlights in laboratory automation and high-throughput biology, microfluidics and advancements in AI imaging.

Special Issues

• AI-Driven Predictive Modeling for Disease Prevention and Early Detection
  This SI highlights how AI and machine learning revolutionize disease prevention and early detection by analyzing multimodal data (genetic, lifestyle, and environmental) to uncover hidden patterns, enabling proactive and personalized medicine. While promising, challenges such as data quality, privacy and standardization must be addressed to fully realize AI’s potential in transforming healthcare from a reactive to a preventive approach.
• High-throughput mass spectrometry in drug discovery
  This SI features innovative research on high-throughput mass spectrometry technologies that overcome traditional LC-MS bottlenecks, enabling ultrafast, label-free screening for hit identification, covalent drug discovery and compound library validation.
• Robotics in Laboratory Automation
  This SI contains research on innovative robotics solutions for laboratory automation, including novel applications and automation frameworks.
• Bio-inspired computing and Machine learning analytics for a future-oriented mental well-being
  The SI proposes bio-inspired computing and machine learning analytics for mental well-being in the field of life sciences innovation. Featured research reinforces the goal of revolutionizing the delivery of biological services through a medical assistive environment and facilitating the independent living of patients.
• Innovative Applications of NLP and LLMs in Life Sciences
  Presented in this SI is research that marks a pivotal transformation in the life sciences: the transition of natural language processing and large language models from theoretical promise to real-world application.

This issue of SLAS Technology is available at https://www.slas-technology.org/issue/S2472-6303(25)X0003-0

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SLAS Technology reveals how scientists adapt technological advancements for life sciences exploration and experimentation in biomedical research and development. The journal emphasizes scientific and technical advances that enable and improve:

• Life sciences research and development
• Drug delivery
• Diagnostics
• Biomedical and molecular imaging
• Personalized and precision medicine

SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.

SLAS Technology: Translating Life Sciences Innovation, 2024 Impact Factor 3.7. Editor-in-Chief Edward Kai-Hua Chow, PhD, KYAN Technologies, Los Angeles, CA (USA).

 

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