Guide to Automated NGS Library Prep Solutions

Automated pipetting is now a crucial component of complex analytical and biological workflows, where high precision is required, and even minor errors can have significant consequences. The advanced capabilities of automated pipetting are especially critical in next-generation sequencing (NGS) experiments, where automation is vital in ensuring accuracy and efficiency. NGS workflows involve extensive pipetting steps that must be performed precisely and efficiently to ensure reliable results, particularly during library preparation. This article explores the significant benefits automated pipetting solutions offer scientists performing demanding workflows, such as those involved in NGS.

Benefits of a Semi-Automated Pipette

Semi-automated pipettes offer significant advantages to researchers performing repetitive and tedious pipetting tasks. They help minimize key sources of error, enhance result accuracy, and improve the daily workflow experience of biological researchers.

Accuracy and Precision

Automation in pipetting eliminates human error, ensuring accuracy and consistency, which is vital for sensitive techniques like qPCR and NGS (Fig. 1). Manual pipetting can be tedious and error-prone, but semi-automated systems streamline workflows, improve data quality, and enhance reproducibility^1,2. With semi-automated pipettes, researchers can have greater confidence in their results and may find generating high-quality data more enjoyable. Reliable, consistent data boosts research credibility and helps address longstanding reproducibility challenges in biomedical science^3,4.

Figure 1. Molecular techniques such as qPCR and NGS rely on consistent pipetting of small volumes to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Increased Throughput

Semi-automated pipetting enables researchers to complete complex tasks faster, boosting lab productivity and competitiveness. By reducing the number of aspiration and dispensing steps, it saves time without sacrificing quality⁴. These advantages provide a robust automated NGS library prep solution, empowering researchers to handle hundreds of samples in multiwell-plate formats. Compared to time-consuming manual methods, semi-automation provides greater speed, accuracy, and efficiency, enabling researchers to boost productivity and simplify complex NGS workflows.

Reduced Repetitive Strain Injury Risks

Manual pipetting involves many repetitive steps, increasing the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and slowing workflows⁵. Semi-automated pipettes reduce manual input, facilitating higher work volumes with less physical (and mental) strain and helping operators avoid musculoskeletal fatigue.

Check out our full-length article to discover more benefits of semi-automated pipettes in research.

How the Tecan Automated Liquid Pipette Transforms Workflows

Automated liquid pipettes offer superior precision, eliminating operator variability and ensuring consistent, reproducible results^2,6. They seamlessly integrate into automated workflows, supporting applications like NGS and high-throughput screening in small- and large-scale experiments. In genomics, devices like the Tecan automated pipette and I.DOT Liquid Handler from DISPENDIX represent powerful automated NGS library prep solutions, reducing variability and conserving reagents.

The I.DOT Liquid Handler ensures precise, consistent, and reproducible results, eliminating operator variability across biological workflows (Fig. 2). It integrates seamlessly into automated workflows, making it ideal for NGS library preparation by ensuring precise reagent dispensing while minimizing variability and waste. Its scalability accommodates both small- and large-scale genomics applications, simplifying complex processes, enhancing data quality, and increasing laboratory efficiency. As a result, it shortens project timelines and supports the cost-effective production of high-quality data in modern genomics research.

Figure 2. The I.DOT Liquid Dispenser is an automated NGS library prep solution that can dispense up to 384 liquids into 1536 wells of a destination plate. It is a versatile tool for complex experiments at any scale.

Read this article to learn more about how automated liquid pipettes transform biological laboratory workflows. 

Why Every Lab Needs Automated Pipetting Machines

Enhanced Accuracy and Reproducibility

Although manual pipetting is fundamental to many laboratory workflows, it is prone to errors and variability that can undermine experiment reproducibility and slow project progress^1,7. Automated systems like the I.DOT Non-Contact Dispenser address this issue by eliminating operator variability, ensuring consistent and precise results. With programmable, non-contact functionality, these systems improve transparency, reproducibility, and efficiency, even for complex tasks performed by different users over varying time frames.

Reduced Contamination Risks

Contamination is a significant risk in biological experiments, with tiny pipetting errors or microbial exposure jeopardizing entire workflows^8–10. Mistakenly adding the wrong reagent or introducing microbes can waste valuable samples and compromise results, especially in sensitive techniques like qPCR and NGS. The I.DOT Liquid Handler combats this with tipless, non-contact technology, minimizing contamination from reagents and operator-derived microbes, ensuring cleaner, more reliable experiments.

Long-Term Cost and Time Savings

Researchers often hesitate to invest in new technologies due to budget concerns. However, automation is a proven, resource-efficient solution that researchers should consider as part of cost-saving measures. While it requires an upfront investment, it quickly pays off through reduced waste, higher throughput, and improved reproducibility. For example, the University of Illinois achieved a 300-fold cost reduction in genome editing using automation^11,12. With solutions like the I.DOT Liquid Handler from DISPENDIX, researchers can easily harness these benefits without building platforms from scratch, enhancing efficiency and long-term savings.

Explore the full article to understand how your laboratory stands to benefit from an automated pipetting machine.

Conclusion

Automated pipetting solutions, especially NGS workflows, are revolutionizing laboratory workflows by improving accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility. Tools like the I.DOT Liquid Handler eliminate operator variability, reduce contamination risks, and save time and costs while boosting throughput. Automation enhances data quality and supports scalability, helping labs meet growing research demands. By embracing automated pipetting, researchers can future-proof their workflows, streamline complex tasks, and focus on achieving high-quality, reliable results faster and more cost-effectively.

Book a workflow consultation to discover how DISPENDIX can enhance your lab’s efficiency, minimize errors, and ensure the long-term success of your research!

References

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