Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
11:22
Automated Robotic Liquid Handling Assembly of Modular DNA Devices
Published on: December 1, 2017
Implementation of automation in a small-scale DNA sequencing core facility.
Journal of Biomolecular Techniques : JBT
|June 6, 2009
Summary
New England Biolabs (NEB) optimized its small-scale DNA sequencing services using robotics and simplified methods. This enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness for in-house projects, improving overall throughput.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
- Genomics
Background:
- The New England Biolabs (NEB) sequencing core facility offers automated services for in-house projects.
- Current operations are limited to a small scale, processing approximately 1000 to 1500 reactions monthly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a more efficient small-scale sequencing process at the NEB core facility.
- To integrate simplified methods and robotics for enhanced operational efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Beckman Biomek 2000 robot for automated liquid handling.
- Employed an MJ DNA Engine, 96-well plate cycler (PTC-200), and AB 373 and 377 sequencers.
- Incorporated BMA Singel gels and other materials to streamline lengthy procedures.
Main Results:
- Successfully implemented a procedure for efficient small-scale sequencing.
- Reduced the time required for sequencing procedures in a cost-efficient manner.
- Developed protocols for efficient sequencing of diverse templates.
Conclusions:
- The integrated system significantly improves the efficiency of small-scale sequencing operations.
- The NEB core facility can now handle sequencing demands more effectively.
- The optimized process offers a cost-efficient solution for in-house sequencing needs.
Related Concept Videos
03:21RNA-seq
RNA sequencing, or RNA-Seq, is a high-throughput sequencing technology used to study the transcriptome of a cell. Transcriptomics helps to interpret the functional elements of a genome and identify the molecular constituents of an organism. Additionally, it also helps in understanding the development of an organism and the occurrence of diseases.
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while microarray-based...
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while microarray-based...
03:00Next-generation Sequencing
The first human genome sequencing project cost $2.7 billion and was declared complete in 2003, after 15 years of international cooperation and collaboration between several research teams and funding agencies. Today, with the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, the cost and time of sequencing a human genome have dropped over 100 fold.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features.
01:57Sanger Sequencing
DNA sequencing is a fundamental technique that is routinely used in the biological sciences. This method can be applied to a range of questions at different scales - from the sequencing of a cloned DNA fragment or the study of a mutation in a gene up to whole-genome sequencing. However, despite the widespread use of sequencing today, it was not until 1977 that Fredrick Sanger and his collaborators developed the chain-termination method to decode DNA sequences. It relies on the separation of a...
01:24Automated Microbial Diagnostics
Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...
01:34DNA Isolation
DNA from cells is required for many biotechnology and research applications, such as molecular cloning. To remove and purify DNA from cells, researchers use various methods of DNA extraction. While the specifics of different protocols may vary, some general concepts underlie the process of DNA extraction.
01:24DNA Isolation
DNA isolation protocols can be fast and straightforward or complex and time-consuming depending on the type and quality of DNA required for further processing. For example, plasmid DNA extraction is a bit more complicated than genomic DNA extraction because of the need for an appropriate lysis method to separate plasmid DNA from gDNA during isolation. However, for specific applications, such as long-range DNA sequencing that require a good yield of high- quality DNA samples, we need to follow...