SimArray
We have addressed the lack of any suitable array design tools by developing SimArray, a user-friendly and user-configurable program that generates a randomised spot layout, computes a maximum meta-grid area, and estimates print time, in response to user-specified design decisions.
Users enter these parameters during two runs of SimArray:
- First run produces the source visit list that can be edited for use of variable numbers of replicates and for specified source visits to be omitted.
- Second run processes the edited source list to create the spot layout, maximum meta-grid area and estimated print time.
SimArray is compatible with all current robotic spotters that employ 96-, 384-, or 1536-well plates, and can be configured to reflect most production environments. Print time and maximum meta-grid area estimates facilitate evaluation of each array design for its suitability. Randomisation of the spot layout facilitates correction of systematic biases, e.g., confounding spatial biases.
