Revolutionizing NGS library preparation with automated liquid handling integration
The advent of NGS has transformed the landscape of genetic research, enabling scientists to analyze vast amounts of genetic material quickly and cost effectively. However, as laboratories aim to process increasingly larger numbers of samples, the library preparation step can become a limiting factor in the sequencing workflow. seqWell was established in 2014 with the aim of addressing this challenge and revolutionizing NGS library preparation. The company offers a rapid plasmid sequencing service, while also producing library preparation kits to help its clients perform in-house genome sequencing. A standout feature of seqWell’s offerings is its true multiplexing solutions, which enable researchers to swiftly prepare NGS libraries from hundreds to thousands of samples. John Palys, Senior Automation Engineer at seqWell, commented: “We have fine-tuned our transposon-mediated reagents to accomplish DNA fragmentation, adapter ligation and amplification in just one step. In addition, every kit that we produce includes built-in normalization to ensure a simple and straightforward NGS workflow. In particular, our ExpressPlex library preparation kits are a game-changer for fast and efficient library preparation, boasting a single-step workflow that only takes 90 minutes. This means that researchers can spend less time on hands-on tasks, and more time analyzing data and interpreting results.”
seqWell’s team of production scientists are constantly on the lookout for automation solutions to speed up the manufacture of its kits and reagents. To achieve this goal, the company combined a WELLJET reagent dispenser from INTEGRA into a Fluent® Automation Workstation from Tecan. This integrated solution automatically fills and seals plates of ExpressPlex reagents, ensuring a high throughput, walk-away production process.
John continued: “Integrating the WELLJET into the Tecan liquid handler was straightforward, thanks to the simple interface, easy programming and effortless operation of both instruments, as well as the extensive customer support from INTEGRA. Combining the two systems has resulted in a very streamlined process for the production of our library preparation kits, enabling us to fill up to 50 plates in a single batch. We can even use the WELLJET to fill plates in isolation if the Tecan instrument is already in use, so it is very flexible and convenient.”
The seqWell team is anticipating growing customer demand – accompanied by a greater number of sequencing requests each day – as the popularity of NGS approaches grows. “Our goal is to make genetic sequencing more accessible and efficient, empowering scientists to unlock transformative discoveries in the life sciences and medical fields. State-of-the-art automation – such as that offered by INTEGRA and Tecan – is helping labs around the world to achieve this,” John concluded.
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