MilliporeSigma Collaborates with Opentrons Labworks, Inc. to Support the Laboratory of the Future
Friday, January 24, 2025
MilliporeSigma, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the U.S. and Canada, has signed a multi-year agreement with Opentrons Labworks, Inc., a leader in laboratory automation and robotics, to automate assay kits using a customised Opentrons Flex® workstation.
Scientists and engineers from both organisations will work together to develop and validate workflows that utilise Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany’s automation-enabled assays. This collaboration aims to enhance consistency and increase throughput by minimising manual processes and repetitive tasks through an easy-to-use robotic system.
From mid-2025, customers will be able to order the workstations and assay kits, which will support a variety of workflows. These include protein sample preparation, molecular and cell biology, and other biochemical and chemistry applications. The agreement will see these workflows launched progressively over its duration.
By integrating Opentrons' expertise in automation with the research and development strengths, supply chain capabilities, and quality systems of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, this partnership will deliver reliable solutions. These will streamline research processes from sample preparation to analysis, covering areas such as immunodetection, protein research, genome editing, enzyme technology, and cell culture.
This initiative complements existing innovations by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, aimed at improving laboratory productivity. Products such as the Millicell® DCI Digital Cell Imager, which simplifies cell culture analysis, and the company’s recent acquisition of HUB Organoids Holding B.V., underscore its commitment to next-generation biological solutions.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, employs over 28,000 people in its Life Science business and operates more than 55 manufacturing and testing sites globally. Its portfolio includes over 300,000 products designed for scientific discovery, biomanufacturing, and testing services.
The wider organisation employs approximately 63,000 individuals across healthcare, life sciences, and electronics, striving to make sustainable and meaningful contributions to people’s lives. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, reported sales of €21 billion across 65 countries.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, retains the global rights to the “Merck” name and trademark, with the exception of the U.S. and Canada, where the business operates as MilliporeSigma in life sciences, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics. Established in 1668, the company has a long history of scientific innovation and remains majority-owned by its founding family.
Source: .businesswire.com
