A machine learning-driven robotic system for autonomous nucleic acid extraction and library preparation

Nucleic acids, the fundamental building blocks of life, serve as versatile tools in genetic information retrieval, disease diagnosis, and biotechnological applications. The automated Intelligent Robotic System for Nucleic Acid Extraction and Library Preparation (iRoNAEaLP) tool represents a significant advancement in nucleic acid extraction and library preparation in an automated manner, addressing complexity and diversity while minimizing human involvement. Utilising machine learning algorithms and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architecture, iRoNAEaLP autonomously generates process flowcharts, predetermined reagents and consumable quantities, and aligns process steps with specific module actions via strategy-guided segmented program file arrangements. As a result, the biological outcome from this system has demonstrated high efficiency and large-scale data quality in various types of samples in terms of trace nucleic acid extraction, plasmid/genetic construct extraction, and single-cell and spatial omics, which require mRNA library preparation for smart-seq2 sequencing. This innovation paves the way for more efficient and accessible bioprocesses in various life science applications.