Automated centrifugal microfluidic system for the preparation of adaptor-ligated sequencing libraries

The intensive workload associated with the preparation of high-quality DNA libraries remains a key obstacle toward widespread deployment of sequencing technologies in remote and resource-limited areas. We describe the development of single-use microfluidic devices driven by an advanced pneumatic centrifugal microfluidic platform, the PowerBlade, to automate the preparation of Illumina-compatible libraries based on adaptor ligation methodology. The developed on-chip workflow includes enzymatic DNA fragmentation coupled to end-repair, adaptor ligation, first DNA cleanup, PCR amplification, and second DNA cleanup. This complex workflow was successfully integrated into simple thermoplastic microfluidic devices that are amenable to mass production with injection molding. The system was validated by preparing, on chip, libraries from a mixture of genomic DNA extracted from three common foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium) and comparing them with libraries made via a manual procedure. The two types of libraries were found to exhibit similar quality control metrics (including genome coverage, assembly, and relative abundances) and led to nearly uniform coverage independent of GC content. This microfluidic technology offers a time-saving and cost-effective alternative to manual procedures and robotic-based automation, making it suitable for deployment in remote environments where technical expertise and resources might be scarce. Specifically, it facilitates field practices that involve mid- to low-throughput sequencing, such as tasks related to foodborne pathogen detection, characterization, and microbial profiling.