Robots Minimize Cost of DNA Sequencing

Two robotic systems have been joined to facilitate DNA sequencing using technology that dramatically reduces costs through the use of microfluid liquid transfer protocols that require a bare minimum of expensive reagents.

IntegenX Inc. (Pleasanton, CA, USA) has adapted Tecan's (Männedorf, Switzerland) Cavro Mini Sample Processor (MSP) 9250 as a key component in an automated Sanger sequencing sample preparation platform based on the Tecan Apollo 100 Sanger sequencing automation system.

Microfluidic Sanger sequencing is a lab-on-a-chip application for DNA sequencing, in which the Sanger sequencing steps (thermal cycling, sample purification, and capillary electrophoresis) are integrated on a wafer-scale chip using nanoliter-scale sample volumes. This technology generates long and accurate sequence reads, while obviating many of the significant shortcomings of the conventional, manual Sanger method (e.g., high consumption of expensive reagents, reliance on expensive equipment, personnel-intensive manipulations, etc.) by integrating and automating the Sanger sequencing steps.

The Apollo 100 platform integrates the first two Sanger sequencing steps (thermal cycling and purification) in a fully automated system. The manufacturer claims that samples are ready for capillary electrophoresis within three hours of the sample and reagents being loaded into the system. The Apollo 100 platform requires submicroliter volumes of reagents. In the new, improved format by interfacing directly with IntergenX's patented MOVe microfluidic technology, users are able to work with volumes, from 10 nanoliters to 100 microliters.

"The Apollo 100 Sanger sequencing automation system uses the Cavro MSP 9250 to automate bulk liquid transfers,” said James Nelson, marketing director at IntegenX. "With Sanger sequencing, the major "pain point” for the researcher is the expense of both the Big Dye and clean-up reagents. The process is relatively expensive when performed manually, but, once automated with a microfluidics chip, the reagent volumes used can be dramatically reduced, meaning that the initial cost of automation pays for itself through the substantial reagent cost savings generated.”

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IntegenX Inc.
Tecan