Automating NGS library prep is a critical part of optimizing workflows in genomics labs. As the cost and efficiency of sequencing has improved, the process of library preparation has largely failed to improve in parallel, largely due to the significant hands-on time and complexity involved in the process. Automation offers a compelling solution to this challenge, but there are still barriers with creating and verifying automated protocols, and making the day-to-day running of protocols accessible to all lab personnel.
In this Exhibitor Tutorial, we will present using a benchtop liquid handler, the Opentrons Flex, to fully automate the process quickly and easily. By reducing setup to a handful of simple touchscreen selections, NGS automation setup and day-to-day runs are quick and easy, and variations in library preparation between scientists can be eliminated.
We’ll demonstrate the process of finding and configuring your protocol in the Opentrons Protocol Library and setting up the robot for a run, including touchscreen-guided automated calibration and changing run-specific parameters. We’ll present data from verified protocols for automated library prep for a variety of different NGS techniques, including whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, long-read sequencing, and multiplexed plasmid sequencing.
Finally, we’ll preview some highlights in our product roadmap for the coming year
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