Sample Processing, Storage and Quality Control

Evotec offers a comprehensive suite of services which encompasses the identification, selection, and procurement of small molecule compounds that possess very specific (including commercial, physicochemical or bioactivity-related) properties. With a keen focus on client needs, our Project Management team negotiates favorable terms, including price and purity, by utilizing our established vendor relations to secure volume discounts.  

Evotec employs a three-part incoming Quality Control (“QC”) process comprised of weight, solubility and LC-MS purity and identity to ensure that all compound collections consist of only the highest quality materials from the outset.  

In addition to quality assurance, our state-of-the-art storage systems play a crucial role in compound storage. Evotec has invested in advanced automated storage solutions capable of accommodating vials, tubes, plates, and bulk materials at controlled temperatures of -80°C, -20°C (under humidity-controlled atmosphere) and ambient. Cryogenic storage is also available for cell lines and other materials requiring ultra-low temperature environments. Actual storage conditions are dictated by sample type, containers and length of storage. Our systems are equipped with high-speed pickers that facilitate rapid retrieval for large-scale plating, weighing, and screening campaigns. Moreover, we offer disaster recovery solutions by maintaining a secure backup of the client's collection at one of our Sample Management facilities, ensuring that clients can easily access and distribute their compounds as needed. processed for distribution at the client’s request. 

Evotec has the capability for automated arraying of large numbers of samples between a large variety of containers suitable for distribution or storage. Our extensive liquid handling resources cover the widest range of possible volumes. 

•  High-volume systems include the eight channel pipettors, Tecan, Hamilton and Beckman and Agilent systems that can dispense and transfer 1uL to multi-milliliters in vials and plates
• Mid-volume systems include the Beckman and Agilent plate replicators (formerly VPrep and Bravo) that can dispense from 1uL to 2mL to and from 96, 384 and 1536 SBS format arrays
•  Low-volume systems include the Beckman Echo 550,555 and 655T that acoustically dispenses volumes below 1uL, and the TTP Mosquito, which dispense volumes between 50nl and 1.2ml 

The storage and management of biological samples, particularly biological macromolecules and human specimens have undergone significant advancements in recent years. Evotec recognizes the critical importance of preserving sample security and integrity, which is why we employ state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed for this purpose. Our comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are meticulously crafted to ensure that all biological samples are handled, transported, and stored effectively, minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency. With over 48 million samples processed and delivered annually, our expertise extends beyond mere storage; we excel in compound management as well, supporting drug discovery workflows through streamlined compound storage and liquid handling processes. 

Our biorepository not only adheres to industry-leading practices but also adapts to the evolving needs of our clients in the competitive landscape of drug candidates development. By leveraging high throughput screening methodologies and maintaining robust data management systems, we provide an unparalleled level of service in the realm of compound libraries and collections.