Abstract: The invention is a general method for improving the performance of the DNA-based vaccines. The method utilizes a complex DNA-generated profile of antigens to extend the effects of DNA-based vaccines and to broaden the immune response. This broadened immune response in turn improves the protection of the recipient from divergent (but related) strains of a pathogen. In addition, it effectively improves the efficacy of DNA-based vaccines used for treatment of viral diseases, including acquired immunity disorder (AIDS). One embodiment, where the target viral pathogen is HIV (the causative agent for aids), the method identifies an orderly set of plasmids of related sequences that may be used to prime a broad and strong immune response to HLA-restricted viral antigens. This mixture of plasmids is thus capable of priming an appropriate immune response to reduce the viral burden in HIV infected patients or to protect uninfected patients from HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic apparatus and method for automating the spreading of a biologic sample on a plate, wherein the robot includes at least one effector arm to hold and shake the plate and a pipetting arm to deliver the sample to the plate. The present invention also includes the spreading of the biologic sample being assisted by at least one bead being rolled on the interior bottom surface of the plate and then removed from the plate.