An Automated Peptide Synthesizer is a laboratory instrument used to synthesize peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. The system automates the process of peptide synthesis, which involves linking individual amino acids together in a specific order to create a peptide sequence. In recent times peptide synthesizing has become a highly automated and efficient process, playing an integral role in protein biochemistry and related life science applications.

Protein/peptides are synthesized by adding the Amino acids in sequence to the manufacturing vessel, which performs defined synthesizing operations like heating, shaking, washing, etc., to generate the required peptide. This case study showcases Mistral’s capability in the design and development of intuitive/GUI Applications and Communication frameworks for Automated Peptide Synthesizer and similar biochemical/ scientific products.

The Customer

The customer is a leading provider of solutions for automated peptide synthesizing and bioanalysis. They develop and supply peptide synthesizer and reagents to biotech, pharmaceutical companies, universities, and scientific/research labs.

The Requirement

The customer approached Mistral to assist in the development of an intuitive and user-friendly GUI along with a Communication Framework for their next generation model of Automated Peptide Synthesizer. The GUI Application had to aid users in remotely configuring the amino acid sequences and defining the synthesis methods. The GUI needed to be interfaced with the communication framework over WIFI and Ethernet. The customer was keen on a highly structured application that looks great on every device [Desktop PC and Wireless tablets] and performs as per user expectations. The project requirements were discussed across the table by forming a team, consisting of members from Mistral as well as the customer’s product development division.

Requirement specific to the GUI included

• Enticing and intuitive UX
• Deployable across all screens and platforms
• Streamline the workflow and reduce costs of operation

Requirement specific to the Communication Framework

• Platform independent distributed framework
• Supports unreliable networks including Wi-Fi

The Solution

Mistral developed a UI Application which enables the user to configure the system with an intuitive, guided workflow. The GUI application runs on Windows and supports several key features.

Method management: The GUI allows users to create, edit, and save peptide synthesis methods. This includes specifying the amino acid sequence, reaction times, reagent concentrations, and other parameters.

Instrument control: The GUI provides a means of controlling the system, including starting and stopping the synthesis process, monitoring reaction progress, and adjusting synthesis parameters as needed.

Real-time monitoring: The GUI displays real-time data on the instrument’s status, including reaction temperature, pressure, and other variables. This allows users to monitor the progress of the synthesis in real-time and make adjustments as needed.

Error detection: The GUI includes an error detection system that alerts users to any problems or malfunctions that may occur during the synthesis process. This can help prevent errors or equipment damage and ensure that the final product is of high quality.

Data export: The GUI provides the ability to export data related to the synthesis process, such as reaction progress, peptide sequence, and other parameters. This data can be used for further analysis and documentation.

Highlights:

• Configuring amino acid sequences Configuring system parameters
• Monitoring and controlling the synthesis progress
• Diagnostic and Service screens
• Graphs/Charts support
• Reports with export to PDF format
• Integration with Communication Framework
• Event and Notification support

The communication framework is developed using 3rd party frameworks. The application communicates with the backend synthesizer using the communication framework over a wireless or wired network. By choosing, Mistral made the technology simpler & the end application future-proof, saving time and cost for end customer.

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