The Revolution in Genomics: Liquid Handler Advancements & Technologies Shaping the Field

Genomics research has witnessed rapid advancements in recent years, particularly in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, transforming our understanding of genetic diseases and enabling personalized medicine^1,2. A key driver of this progress is the development and refinement of advanced liquid handlers, essential tools that play a pivotal role in high-throughput sequencing, gene editing technologies like CRISPR, and single-cell genomics workflows. 

In this article, we delve into the evolution of liquid handlers, their various types, and their significant impact on efficiency, data accuracy, and reproducibility in genomics workflows. Additionally, we explore future trends and innovations that promise to further enhance genomic research capabilities and drive discoveries.

Understanding Liquid Handlers

Liquid handlers are one of the most essential tools in any genomics laboratory; they enable the precise dispensing of a given volume of reagent, sample, or other liquid into a designated well or container. 

The evolution of liquid handlers in genomic research has progressed from the hazardous and imprecise method of mouth pipetting in the early 20^th century (Fig. 1) to the introduction of glass pipettes with rubber bulbs^3,4, followed by the development of the first mechanical air-displacement pipette in the 1950s⁵. In recent decades, this has further advanced to include semi-automated and fully automated liquid handling systems, enhancing precision, safety, and efficiency to keep pace with the rapid advancements in genomics research^6,7.

Today, liquid handling can be performed manually, semi-automatically, or automatically, and there are numerous types of liquid handlers that support this. 

Figure 1. Dr. Adah Elizabeth Verder mouth pipetting back in the 1930s. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and researchers of today can replace mouth pipettes with automated liquid handlers. Source: National Institutes of Health. 

Types of Liquid Handlers

• Manual Liquid Handlers are basic pipettes and dispensers operated by hand. They offer precise control for small volumes but require significant manual effort.

• Classical Liquid Handlers are automated systems that use pipetting heads or syringes to dispense liquids, providing higher throughput and consistency compared to manual methods.

• Digital Liquid Handlers are advanced systems that use software-controlled mechanisms for precise and programmable liquid handling, often integrating with other laboratory automation for complex workflows.

• Non-Contact Liquid Handlers dispense liquids without touching the receiving surface, using acoustic waves or pressure to deliver small volumes with high precision, reducing contamination risks.

Impact of Advanced Liquid Handlers on Genomic Research

Efficiency & Throughput

Efficiency in genomics experiments is crucial for balancing the management of large datasets such as entire genomes with resource usage and cost. This efficiency accelerates the translation of findings into practical applications like diagnostics and personalized medicine, maximizing the impact of the research⁸. Automated liquid handlers enhance this efficiency by increasing the scalability and throughput of genomic workflows, enabling miniaturization, and reducing the need for human input, which often slows down workflows since, having only two hands, we simply aren’t as good as machines at processing multiple samples simultaneously!

Data Accuracy & Reproducibility

With over 70% of scientists unable to reproduce others' work and more than 50% struggling to reproduce their own experiments, the reproducibility of scientific research is alarmingly low⁹. It is no wonder that 90% of surveyed scientists agreed that we are well and truly in the midst of a reproducibility crisis⁹. However, automated liquid handlers help address this issue by reducing analytical variability and error-prone manual preparation, thus enhancing data quality and efficiency¹⁰.

Future Trends and Innovations

With automated liquid handling systems now commonplace in genomics laboratories, more intuitive technologies are being built in to liquid handlers to address liquid handling challenges. For example, the I.DOT Liquid Handler, a non-contact automated liquid handling system, features integrated DropDetection technology (Fig. 2) that enables precise volume verification by detecting changes in light intensity as droplets pass through a light barrier. This results in a text file with color-coded results indicating successful dispensing or errors and potential reasons for any errors, enhancing reliability and reproducibility in sensitive genomics workflows. 

Figure 2. DropDetection technology counts droplets as they are dispensed by the I.DOT Non-Contact Dispenser for ultimate liquid handling precision.

Moving forward, integrating multiple advanced systems into fully automated workflows is expected to become more common, leading to substantial improvements in laboratory reproducibility, efficiency, and precision. The G.PURE NGS Clean-Up Device supports high-throughput magnetic bead-based cleanup of DNA libraries during NGS library preparation processes. When combined with the I.DOT Non-Contact Dispenser, it enables the routine generation of high-quality NGS libraries through a standardized method. Additionally, these tip-free solutions use up to 90% fewer pipette tips, aiding labs in reducing plastic waste – a critical factor in the push for lab sustainability.^11,12.

Recent advancements in AI-based tools are also likely to be heavily integrated into liquid handlers in the future. These tools could optimize and program liquid handling steps in complex genomics workflows and facilitate the integration of entire lab processes, minimizing or even eliminating the need for human contact¹³. 

Conclusion

The evolution of liquid handlers has been instrumental in advancing genomics research, significantly improving the precision, efficiency, and reproducibility of experimental workflows. From manual pipetting to fully automated systems, these technologies have enabled groundbreaking discoveries in sequencing, gene editing, and single-cell analysis.

As the field continues to evolve, integrating advanced technologies like AI and sustainable practices will further enhance the capabilities of genomic laboratories, paving the way for even more innovative and impactful research.

Unlock the full potential of your next-generation sequencing projects with the G.PURE NGS Clean-Up Device. Book a demo today!

References

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