Unchained Labs sets the hook on automated buffer exchange with Lil' Tuna. July 7, 2026 - Pleasanton, CA - Unchained Labs, the life sciences company that's all about getting biologics and gene therapy researchers the right tool for the job, launched Lil' Tuna today, the first fully automated, plate-based, benchtop buffer exchange system. Unchained's been automating buffer exchange forever - with Big Tuna for plate exchanges and Unagi for walk-up processing of individual samples. Lil' Tuna packs the best of both systems into one simple, compact, high-throughput buffer exchange platform perfect for every lab, at every scale. Buffer exchange and sample concentration are some of the most time-consuming, manual steps standing between researchers and the science they want to do. Traditional approaches using dialysis, centrifugation or cartridge-based filtration require constant intervention and are super hard to automate when going into screening mode. Teams using these methods are forced to micromanage a step that demands way too much of their attention and throttles throughput. Lil' Tuna uses the same exact pressure-based UF/DF approach and consumables as Big Tuna and Unagi - processing 96- or 24-well plates for maximum throughput, handling one-off samples on the fly, and delivering recoveries >=96%. For labs all in on automation, Lil' Tuna fits right in with API software, automation-friendly template importing and a sample stage designed for easy robotic access. It integrates directly with Stuntman, Unchained's AI-driven automation platform, for seamless handoff into formulation screening, stability characterization and other downstream workflows. "Buffer exchange has always been one of those steps that kills a scientist's momentum," said Krystin Schmidt, VP Marketing, Unchained Labs. "Lil' Tuna fully automates the whole thing so researchers can finally stop babysitting their buffer exchange. Its compact footprint and automation-ready design make it a perfect fit for the next generation of AI-enabled labs." About Unchained Labs Here's the deal. Unchainedlabs is all about helping biologics and gene therapy researchers break free from tools that just don't cut it. Unleashing problem-tackling solutions and AI-driven automation that make a huge difference in the real science they do every day. That's its mantra, its promise, and Unchainedlabs own it. Unchainedlabs is located in Pleasanton, CA and can be found online at www.unchainedlabs.com. Krystin Schmidt VP Marketing, Unchained Labs [email protected] 925.392.5597

Unchained Labs has launched Stuntman, an automation platform combining natural-language AI with flexible hardware for life sciences research. The system allows scientists to describe experiments in plain language, which are then converted into executable workflows through an embedded large language model. The platform addresses common automation challenges where rigid scripts and fixed workflows require researchers to translate ideas into code. Stuntman's AI helps plan experiments, guide closed-loop automation and interpret results, whilst capturing data in open, structured formats. Its modular deck allows teams to customise their setup from the start. "Automation should meet researchers where they work," said Tim Harkness, founder and CEO at Unchained Labs. The Pleasanton, California-based company specialises in tools for biologics and gene therapy researchers.

Unchained Labs launches Stuntman to bring ai-driven automation to the biology lab. Key takeaways. * Unchained Labs launches Stuntman, an AI-driven lab automation platform accelerating complex experimental workflows. * Stuntman uses natural language prompts to plan experiments, orchestrate robotics and interpret research results. * AI-powered laboratory automation helps biopharma and academic labs boost productivity amid staffing and cost pressures. Unchained Labs, a life sciences research company, has launched Stuntman, a new AI-driven automation platform designed to help life sciences teams accelerate experimental workflows and reduce reliance on manual laboratory processes. Stuntman combines artificial intelligence, robotics and software orchestration to automate complex, multi-step experiments, allowing scientists to focus more on analysis and discovery rather than routine execution. The integration allows scientists to describe what they aim to do in natural language and have these prompts turn into workflows, help plan experiments, interpret results and guide automation. Laboratories across biopharma and academic research continue to face pressure to improve productivity amid staffing constraints and rising costs. With Stuntman, Unchained Labs is positioning AI as the connective layer that links instruments, protocols, and data into a unified system. For research organizations, the launch highlights how AI-driven automation is moving from isolated tasks toward holistic lab operations, with the potential to shorten timelines, improve consistency and increase overall research throughput. Posted by MedCloudInsider Editors on 02/09/2026