We present a general automation platform for droplet microfluidics with a conversational mobile interface. We demonstrate fully automated production of standardized human cancer 3D microtissues from OvCar8, RT4, BJhTERT, RT4-BJhTERT co-cultures, J82, TCCSUP, TYK-nu, HEK, CHO cells as well as primary human hepatocytes, at a throughput of 85000 spheroids per microfluidic circuit per hour using this platform. Spheroids are automatically assembled, incubated and retrieved with high viability. HEK cell viability decreased by only 4%, from 96% after spheroid formation and retrieval. The platform interfaces with standard labware. This allows the scientist to perform further downstream analysis on the spheroids. 45 μm spheroids continue to grow on plates for 5 days, reaching 135 μm in diameter. Finally, RT4 (bladder cancer)-BJhTERT (fibroblast) co-culture spheroids prepared by the robotic assistant were tested against Gemcitabine as a model for future automated workflows for precision oncology. The automated large scale production of engineered 3D microtissues is part of a larger effort to implement a workflow for near-patient drug development.
