title: Capacity of robot handling for Epstein-Barr virus transformation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation has been described as a routine method to establish human B lymphoblastoid cell lines. Each established lymphoblastoid cell line represents one unique genetic information carrier and can produce unlimited quantities of DNA materials available for downstream applications and research. Undoubtedly, it is of great value to human clinical and experimental genetic studies. However, the current process of EBV transformation requires much manpower in the routine renewal of medium, which is time-consuming. This situation can become a serious problem especially when establishing a human B lymphoblastoid cell bank. A modified and cost-effective protocol for EBV transformation should be considered.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study, process in EBV transformation was modified to fit the requirements of robot handling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  1 mL of whole blood was demonstrated to be sufficient to perform EBV transformation. Additionally, EBV transformation can performed in 96-deep-well plates that are directly and widely used with automatic work platforms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these facts, a process of EBV transformation can be modified to fit the requirements of robot handling.
authors.affiliation: Bioresources Collection and Research Center, Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan. icc19731004@hotmail.com
authors.forename: I-C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: H-W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: S-M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hwang
mesh_terms: D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology; D002460:Cell Line; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012371:Robotics