Practical ATEBIO Workshop: Automation of Sample Preparation in Practice

On Tuesday, a workshop held in the Medicinal Plant Garden of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Charles University in Hradec Králové offered participants a unique opportunity to connect theory with practice in the field of automated sample preparation for analysis. The event took place as part of the scientific research project ATEBIO – Advanced Techniques for Biomedical Diagnostics, which brings together leading academic and application partners. 

Watrex Praha: Introductory photo: ATEBIO Workshop – Hradec Králové, September 23, 2025

What was the workshop about? 

The program focused on modern approaches to preparing biological and environmental samples prior to their analysis. Participants not only listened to expert presentations but also had the chance to try out in practice: 

• the use of nanofibers and microsampling techniques, 
• the possibilities of full automation using modern programmable systems. 

The workshop was designed as a hands-on training and brainstorming session, aimed at demonstrating how new approaches and technologies can be applied in laboratory practice. Students involved in the ATEBIO project left not only with new knowledge but also with inspiration for their future scientific work. 

Watrex Praha:Img. 2: Sample from the ATEBIO workshop

About the ATEBIO project 

The ATEBIO project (Advanced Techniques for Biomedical Diagnostics) was officially launched on February 18, 2025. It brings together leading institutions and companies: 

• Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (UIACH) 
• Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University (FaF UK) 
• University Hospital Hradec Králové 
• Watrex Praha s.r.o. 
• Elphogene s.r.o. 

The project was selected for funding within the prestigious Intersectoral Cooperation call of the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme (OP JAK) and will run until the end of 2028. 

Main objectives of the project 

ATEBIO connects research organizations with the application sector and aims to transfer research results into practice. Its key directions include: 

• development of new analytical methods for faster and more accurate biological sample processing, 
• automation of sample preparation, speeding up laboratory processes and reducing errors, 
• use of nanomaterials and new sorbents for ultra-sensitive biomarker detection, 
• introduction of less invasive biological material collection methods, 
• improving the sustainability of laboratory processes by reducing solvent consumption and minimizing waste. 

The project’s outcomes will include not only scientific publications but also functional instrument prototypes, validated technologies, utility models, and patent applications, with potential applications both in the Czech Republic and internationally. 

The role of Watrex Praha 

As a key application partner, Watrex Praha is actively involved in developing automated solutions for sample preparation, which will significantly accelerate workflows and simplify sample handling. The company also contributes to education and training of future specialists, supporting knowledge transfer between academia and industry. 

Why is ATEBIO important? 

Modern analytical methods play a crucial role not only in medicine but also in pharmacy, life sciences, and environmental protection. The outcomes of the project will contribute to: 

• faster and more accurate disease detection, 
• more efficient monitoring of water and soil quality, 
• better tracking of health risks. 

The ATEBIO project therefore represents a significant step towards the modernization of laboratory processes and the strengthening of innovation capacities in both Czech science and industry. 

A big thank you goes to all workshop participants and the implementation team. The event was made possible thanks to the financial support of the European Union within the project Advanced Techniques for Biomedical Diagnostics (ATEBIO), Reg. No. CZ.02.01.01/00/23_020/0008535.