Sample Preparation Kits to Be Automated

Robots make processes more efficient, reduce hands-on time, and minimize human errors by automating labor-intensive pipetting steps.

Illumina, Inc. (San Diego, California, USA) is collaborating with providers of liquid handling robotic platforms to develop automation methods for its TruSeq and Nextera sample preparation kits. The initial partners are Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Eppendorf, Hamilton Robotics, PerkinElmer, and Tecan.

Under the agreements, sample preparation kits sold by Illumina will be automated by the partners, who will develop, distribute, and install the methods on customers' robots, as well as provide technical support. Illumina will assist during development, testing, and promotion of the methods. Methods for TruSeq RNA sample preparation kits will be available by end of second quarter 2013, with automation methods for additional TruSeq and Nextera kits to follow.

Automating sequencing library preparation minimizes errors, reduces hands-on time, and enables higher throughput. TruSeq and Nextera kits are designed with master-mixed reagents and simplified sample prep protocols to facilitate automation.

"We are excited to work with the top automation providers to deliver solutions that can be readily implemented in the lab, thus saving time for our customers and making automation much more accessible," said Christian Henry, senior vice president and general manager of Illumina's Genomic Solutions business. "TruSeq and Nextera sample preparation kits are designed with master-mixed reagents and simplified protocols to facilitate automation. In the long term, the new methods will allow more samples to be run simultaneously and with fewer errors, while freeing up resources so that customers can focus on their scientific goals."

Illumina's library prep kits can be automated on most general-purpose liquid-handling robots. Various vendors have developed methods for Illumina's kits; by using these, customers save the time and effort required to develop their own methods.

Illumina also helps make sequencing sample prep automation more accessible by partnering with leading automation vendors in liquid handling, fragmentation, and size selection. The resulting solutions and methods facilitate kit automation, leading to an unparalleled next-generation sequencing workflow and the easiest, most efficient way to go from samples to biologically relevant data.

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