DISPENDIX G.PREP: Innovating Automated Solutions for Cutting-Edge Research

Sample preparation is a critical yet challenging step in next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows. Manual processes are often technically challenging and waste resources and researchers' time. Human error, reagent waste, and high consumable costs can compromise data quality and delay research progress when manual methods are used^1,2. The DISPENDIX G.PREP system offers a transformative solution, automating up to 90% of NGS workflows and ensuring faster, more accurate results. This article will cover the challenges associated with sample preparation before diving into the transformative benefits of the DISPENDIX G.PREP for simplifying and accelerating complex, time-consuming workflows.

The Challenges in Sample Preparation

Sample preparation for NGS is fraught with pitfalls that can have disastrous consequences for data quality and research project success. NGS library prep is a long and tedious process requiring many different reagents and manual pipetting actions³.

These characteristics increase the chances of human error, especially when manual or semi-automated workflows are employed. NGS workflows are also time-intensive and can consume entire days with manual approaches. These demands can put researchers under physical and mental strain, demanding unwavering concentration and technical accuracy, which are difficult to maintain across lengthy workflows⁴. Manual processes result in significant consumable waste, including plastic pipette tips. Additionally, limitations in scalability and the risk of human error contribute to reagent waste, straining laboratory budgets.

What is the DISPENDIX G.PREP?

Overview

The DISPENDIX G.PREP NGS Automation Solution is a revolutionary approach to NGS workflows that helps researchers match high throughput with unrivaled quality. It incorporates two best-in-class devices: the I.DOT Liquid Handler and the G.PURE NGS Clean-Up Device. Together, these devices allow researchers to automate up to 90% of NGS workflows, saving time and quickly producing higher-quality results with reduced risk of human error and contamination. 

Key Features

The G.PREP enables complex NGS workflows to be automated. This is thanks to the I.DOT’s ability to incorporate 384 source liquids at nanoscale volumes and in a wide range of viscosities. The I.DOT and G.PURE remove the tedium of manual pipetting, achieving high throughput and reproducibility that manual methods simply can’t match. The G.PREP system is designed with seamless integration in mind, meaning it fits easily within existing laboratory infrastructure, including automated work cells.

Applications of the G.PREP

The l.DOT and G.PURE's liquid handling capabilities give the G.PREP NGS Automation system great versatility, enabling it to support various laboratory applications (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. The G.PREP NGS Automation platform leverages the I.DOT Non-Contact Dispenser and the G.PURE NGS Clean-Up Device to provide researchers with best-in-class automated solutions.

NGS Library Preparation

NGS is an essential technique in modern research, but it requires precise dispensing over long periods of time⁵. The I.DOT provides dispensing at the nanoliter scale, while the G.PURE provides robust clean-up for NGS reactions. Together, the G.PREP system is the optimal solution for automated NGS library prep.

PCR and qPCR Setups

These techniques are used for various research and clinical applications requiring ultra-accurate, low-volume dispensing^6,7. The I.DOT allows dispensing into various well-plate formats supporting high throughput approaches. The integrated droplet detection significantly de-risks dispensing and gives researchers confidence when interpreting results.

Assay Optimization and Screening

The G.PREP is fantastic at eliminating variables introduced by contamination with microorganisms, inappropriately dispensed reagents, and human error. This makes it ideal for optimizing assays by minimizing variables that could compromise the reliability and reproducibility of results, allowing for more accurate identification of optimal assay parameters.

Benefits for Researchers

The DISPENDIX G.PREP NGS Automation combines the I.DOT and G.PURE platforms allowing researchers to reap the benefits of both high-end instruments. These instruments enable complex workflow automation, significantly speeding up research while letting researchers focus on other tasks.

For instance, the I.DOT can dispense 10 nL into a full 384-well plate in 20 seconds. Furthermore, the I.DOT achieves dead volumes of 1 μL, so researchers don’t waste expensive reagents. The I.DOT and G.PURE are designed to operate down to the nanoliter scale, meaning workflows can be miniaturized to reduce the reagents required per run.

To see just how much the G.PREP can save, check out our ROI calculator.

Eliminating the need for manual input improves data quality and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injury for researchers (Fig. 2)¹. The G.PREP NGS Automation provides researchers with more reliable results and improves reproducibility, fostering faster research and streamlining collaboration. The G.PREP system fits seamlessly into automation-ready workflows and requires minimal training to operate.

Figure 2. The DISPENDIX G.PREP NGS Automation Solution removes the need for tedious pipetting tasks that lead to less reproducible results and are less scalable for optimal resource utilization. (Source)

Real-World Impact

The I.DOT Liquid Handler has helped researchers around the world achieve efficiency and accuracy across a wide range of cutting-edge applications. For example, researchers at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City use the I.DOT for applications like NGS, RNASeq, and qPCR to study drug resistance mechanisms in cancer and to support drug discovery. 

Dr. Kevin Mohammed, an instructor at the Ichan School of Medicine, lauded the I.DOT's game-changing impact on his laboratory work. With regards to qPCR he notes:

“Whereas it would take me personally an hour to load 384 wells at least, the I.DOT is capable of loading 384 wells in 15 minutes.”

Instructor Kevin Mohammed, Ph.D.

Conclusion

The DISPENDIX G.PREP NGS Automation system revolutionizes laboratory workflows by combining precision and automation. By integrating the I.DOT Liquid Handler and G.PURE NGS Clean-Up Device, researchers can achieve unparalleled throughput, reproducibility, and cost savings. From NGS library preparation to assay optimization, the G.PREP system enhances data quality, minimizes human error, and streamlines research. Its real-world success demonstrates its impact on advancing scientific discovery while fostering innovation in labs worldwide.

Ready to streamline your NGS workflows? 

Discover how G.PREP NGS Automation can transform your lab’s efficiency and precision. With advanced automated sample prep, G.PREP ensures consistency, minimizes contamination, and maximizes throughput. Start optimizing your sequencing process today – download the G.PREP brochure and see the difference automation can make!

References

1. Holland I, Davies JA. Automation in the Life Science Research Laboratory. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020;8(571777). doi:10.3389/fbioe.2020.571777
2. Guan XL, Chang DPS, Mok ZX, Lee B. Assessing variations in manual pipetting: An under-investigated requirement of good laboratory practice. J Mass Spectrom Adv Clin Lab. 2023;30:25-29. doi:10.1016/j.jmsacl.2023.09.001
3. Hess JF, Kohl TA, Kotrová M. Library preparation for next generation sequencing: A review of automation strategies. Biotechnol Adv. 2020;41(107537). doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107537
4. Wu JZ, Sinsel EW, Shroyer JF, et al. The musculoskeletal loading profile of the thumb during pipetting based on tendon displacement. Medical Engineering & Physics. 2013;35(12):1801-1810. doi:10.1016/j.medengphy.2013.08.004
5. Satam H, Joshi K, Mangrolia U, et al. Next-Generation Sequencing Technology: Current Trends and Advancements. Biology (Basel). 2023;12(7):997. doi:10.3390/biology12070997
6. Shahrajabian MH, Sun W. The Significance and Importance of dPCR, qPCR, and SYBR Green PCR Kitin the Detection of Numerous Diseases. CPD. 2024;30(3):169-179. doi:10.2174/0113816128276560231218090436
7. Taylor SC, Nadeau K, Abbasi M, Lachance C, Nguyen M, Fenrich J. The Ultimate qPCR Experiment: Producing Publication Quality, Reproducible Data the First Time. Trends in Biotechnology. 2019;37(7):761-774. doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.12.002