Optimizing NGS Library Prep

To trust the results generated in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) pipelines, researchers must generate high quality NGS libraries. However, constructing an NGS library can be challenging due to the number of low-volume transfers of enzymes, beads, and samples that are often required. These liquids have varying viscosities, surface tensions, and target transfer volumes, making accurate and precise execution of the protocol challenging with handheld pipette. Further, the process can be time consuming, extremely wasteful, and one pipetting mistake can lead to dropouts, low yield, or shifted fragment size distribution in the final libraries.

Adopting the G.STATION NGS Workstation automates the entire NGS process from purified DNA to final library and guarantees the generation of trustworthy results in a sustainable way.

What is the G.STATION, and what makes it so unique?

The G.STATION is the newest solution available for fully automating NGS library preparation workflows.  Users can simply place purified DNA or generated cDNA on the deck, run a protocol, and come back to high-quality NGS libraries.  Although there are a few great solutions available to researchers to perform NGS library prep in this way, none of them provide the same degree of efficiency, user experience, and process safety as the new G.STATION NGS Workstation from DISPENDIX.

The major distinction from existing NGS workstations is that the G.STATION uses fit-for-purpose technologies for the various steps in the NGS workflow. Traditional solutions for NGS library prep attempt to utilize tip-based liquid handlers for every step of the NGS workflow including reagent dispensing, bead-based clean-ups, and sample transfers resulting in consumption of up to 20 boxes of pipette tips per 96 samples processed. The G.STATION only uses a tip-based liquid handler when absolutely required, which surprisingly is only for sample transfers and unique dual index (UDI) primer additions.

Fit for Purpose Tool #1: A Dispenser for Reagent Dispensing Steps

Instead of using tip-based liquid handling for reagent dispensing, the G.STATION includes the I.DOT Non-contact Dispenser, a microfluidic liquid handler that allows for reagents to be dispensed from 8 source wells to up to 384 destination wells at volumes as low as 8 nL only using a single pipette tip to transfer the reagent from the reagent tube to the wells. With this reduced tip consumption combined with a 1 uL dead volume, the I.DOT provides researchers with a clear return on investment when implementing the G.STATION

Although the I.DOT dispenses down to 8 nL with 8% CV, routine volumes from 1 uL to 20 uL are dispensed below 5% CV providing a much higher degree of precision than traditional tip-based liquid handlers.

Fit for Purpose Tool #2 A Plate Washer for Bead-based Clean ups

Instead of using a tip based liquid handler for bead-based clean-ups, the G.STATION includes the G.PURE NGS Clean-up Device, a novel tool for automating bead-based clean-ups quickly and sustainably.  Instead of using tips to add wash buffers and remove supernatant from wells, the G.STATION employs the G.PURE which includes a magnet adapter and automatically dispenses and removes liquid waste from the wells using centrifugal force without the use of pipette tips.  This saves researchers 3-5 boxes of pipette tips per clean-up step when running 96 samples, making the G.STATION the most sustainable path to fully automated NGS Library Preparation available on the market.

A Library of Protocols in the Cloud

The team at DISPENDIX is invested in creating push button protocols in the cloud for the automation of common library preparation kits spanning DNA-Seq, RNA-Seq, and targeted sequencing workflows. These protocols are available to all customers and can be optimized and run from a browser-based interface that includes a deep simulation of the process.  Without being tethered to the instrument, automation engineers can see a detailed view of the deck layout and well contents at any step of the process which enables small updates to protocols quickly and easily without having to sift through complex loops and parameters. At any time and from anywhere, researchers and lab managers can log-in to the DISPENDIX Cloud Portal and remotely monitor the progress of existing runs allowing for an unmatched visibility to the productivity of the lab for time-critical analysis.

Verified Volumes for a High Degree of Process Safety.

The two liquid handlers utilized in the G.STATION, the I.DOT and the L.DROP Liquid Handler both provide closed-loop liquid transfers, meaning that there is real-time feedback that verifies the volume of liquid actually dispensed or transferred.  With this novel functionality, users have a unique visibility into the troubleshooting process when they experience drop outs and skewed peaks in their NGS Library QC. Users of the G.STATION do not have to guess if their automation missed a well when pipetting and can therefore focus on other factors that impact data quality like mixing efficiency and appropriate thermal control of samples and reagents.

To learn more about the G.STATION – download our brochure here or book a demo.