Our research
The Translational Proteomics Center at Boston Children’s Hospital specializes in high throughput mass spectrometry based proteomics of complex biological samples, particularly body fluids. The Center developed and uses automated workflows using Opentrons OT2 and Flex liquid handling robots for scalable, reproducible sample preparation and processing. Evosep ONE/Bruker timsTOF-HT LC/MS systems, enabling deep proteomic coverage from microliter sample volumes (e.g., 1 uL of plasma, 50 uL of urine).These technologies enable analysis of thousands of proteins across large sample cohorts, supporting biomarker discovery, disease mechanism studies, and translational research. The Center integrates experimental innovation with advanced computational analysis to generate comprehensive molecular profiles.
Leveraging existing NIH funded instrumentation, automated workflows, and internationally recognized expertise within the Steen Lab provides Boston Children's Hospital investigators with access to capabilities available in only a limited number of academic laboratories. Establishing this core locally enables investigators to conduct large scale proteomics studies and new collaborative opportunities across Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and external academic partners.
timsTOF HT
Laika- The backbone of the Pathology lab configured as a timsTOF HT with Evosep One 60 and 100 SPD methods, Laika handles high-throughput body-fluid proteomics and large clinical cohort studies with speed, reproducibility, and remarkable consistency.
Balto- Laika’s twin also a timsTOF HT with 60 and 100 SPD methods, Balto brings additional throughput and flexibility to large-scale clinical proteomics efforts.
Optentrons
Opentrons OT-2
Opentrons Flex
The Steen Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital operates a uniquely scalable, automation-driven high-throughput body fluid proteomics platform built on three Opentrons OT-2 systems and one Opentrons Flex, with each instrument enabling parallel, standardized processing of up to 192 samples per day. Our sample-sparing workflow requires only microliter-scale input (as little as 1 µL plasma or 50 µL urine) and has supported the processing of tens of thousands of clinical body fluid samples, including large consortium-scale studies. Validated across plasma, serum, urine, CSF, tracheal aspirates, and saliva, this high-fidelity, cost- and time-efficient pipeline delivers reproducible, mass spectrometry–ready data matrices for rapid biomarker discovery and validation, and will serve as the automated core infrastructure of Professor Hanno Steen’s Translational Body Fluid Proteomics Center.
Services
Researchers interested in utilizing our services can use the following resources below to prepare and submit biological samples, including plasma, serum, urine, CSF, saliva, and other body fluids.
Prior to sample submission please review in detail our Sample Submission Guidelines which outlines requirements for sample preparation, plate organization, randomization, labeling, and shipping
Please fill and submit (or email to proteomics@childrens.harvard.edu) the Proteomics Sample Submission Form which includes study and sample information needed to initiate your project and determine analysis type.
For any questions about pricing, please refer to the Translational Proteomics Center Rates.