Synthace
The software that you use to create, simulate and iterate your workflows. Synthace runs in a web browser. Use it anywhere, on any computer with an internet connection.
Workflow
Workflows, made up of elements, are the easily readable no-code scripts that a user generates - allowing a user to document and run an experiment either manually, or on a lab robot.
Elements
The building blocks of your workflows. Synthace contains a range of elements, each with a different function. However, every one serves the same purpose: to describe something that you want to do.
Inputs & Outputs
On the left-hand-side and right-hand-side of most elements in the workflow builder, you'll find a set of inputs and outputs. These are used to pass information from one element to another. For example, if you were to define a reagent in a "Define Liquids And Plates" element and aliquot it using an Aliquot element - you would connect the output of "Define Liquids And Plates", to the input of "Aliquot".
Simulate
When you simulate a workflow, Synthace checks that the devices in your lab can follow the instructions that you prepared. If they can, Synthace translates the instructions into a series of steps for the devices to perform.
Draft
When you create a workflow, it will appear in the "drafts" tab on the Synthace cloud platform homepage. The workflow will move from the "drafts" tab to the "workflows" tab once it has been simulated.
Template
After you simulate a workflow, you can save it as a template. A workflow might have dozens of inputs. However, you might ask your colleagues to change only a few of them when they iterate the workflow.
If you save the workflow as a template, you can select the inputs that you want your colleagues to change. When they open the template, Synthace will create a workflow from the template, then open it in a page that displays only the inputs that you selected. This makes it easier for your colleagues to iterate the workflow.
Simulation
A workflow that you have simulated. If Synthace determines that the devices in your lab can follow the instructions that you prepared, the simulation is successful and ready for you to send to your lab. If not, the simulation is unsuccessful and you must change the workflow.
Schedule
To send a simulation to your lab. When you send a simulation to your lab, you create an execution from the simulation. You will see the execution in the instance of SynthaceHub that is installed on the computer that is physically connected to the devices in the workflow.
Execution
A simulation that you have sent to your lab. A record of what happened when the devices in your lab followed the instructions that you prepared. After you run the execution, if the devices output any files that contain results, Synthace adds the results to the execution.
SynthaceHub
The software that you use to run executions on the devices in your lab and collect results from them. It communicates with the applications that control those devices. SynthaceHub runs in a web browser. Install it on the computers that are physically connected to the devices in your lab.
Tasks
An execution comprises a series of tasks: specific instructions for specific devices. Some tasks include multiple steps (such as the premix, transfer and postmix of a liquid), whereas others include just one (such as the movement of a plate).
Device
A piece of lab equipment that you control digitally and have integrated with Synthace. This includes liquid handlers, liquid dispersers and analytical devices, as well as plate washers and other peripherals.
Example: A Tecan Freedom EVO®, a dragonfly® discovery or a BioTek Synergy™ 2.
Labware
The plates and tips that you use in your lab.
Plate Type
The model of a plate.
Example: A shallow, 96-well flat bottom plate, a 12-well trough or a reservoir.
Plate
A digital representation of a plate. In a simulation, this refers to a plate that you might use when you send the simulation to your lab. In an execution, this refers to a plate that you have actually used in your lab. These plates can have barcodes or other unique identifiers.
Liquid Policy
A set of instructions that controls how a liquid handler transfers a liquid from one well to another.
Example: DNA, Glycerol or Water.
Design of Experiments (DOE)
DOE is a method commonly used to optimize a process. In contrast to traditional experimentation which investigates the impact of one variable on a given response - DOE investigates the impact of multiple variables, on multiple responses, simultaneously.
Click here to learn more.
Response Analysis
Response analysis is the functionality in Synthace which allows a users to analyse their DOE data.
Click here to learn more.
Example Workflows
The example workflows provide workflows for various use cases, providing a demonstration of how different workflows can be built. These workflows can be found on the Synthace cloud platform homepage, on the left-hand-side of the screen, and in the workflow builder.
Tutorials
Find educational resources to help you broaden your knowledge of the Synthace platform. The materials cover everything from introductory materials, that giv an overview of specific functionality, element spotlights, focusing on the use of a certain element, and training exercises to teach you how to implement specific elements.