Sponsored content brought to you by
Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) have propelled genomics research to new heights. With the introduction of new sequencing platforms such as Element Biosciences’ AVITI and Ultima Genomics’ UG 100™, alongside the industry-standard Illumina NovaSeq™, the cost-per-sample for sequencing has plummeted. This progress has resulted in core sequencing facilities having more capacity than ever before.
However, as sequencing becomes more affordable, the cost and complexity of library preparation have increased, making it the new bottleneck in high-throughput genomics workflows. To remain competitive and efficient, sequencing core facilities must prioritize automation, miniaturization, and flexibility in their sample preparation workflows.
The growing challenge of library preparation
Before DNA or RNA samples can be sequenced, they must first be converted into sequencing-compatible libraries through a series of liquid handling steps. When performed manually, this workflow demands significant time, labor, and resources. As a result, core facilities face increasing pressure to deliver high-throughput results while maintaining cost efficiency and data accuracy. Contract research organizations (CROs) offer competitive pricing, making it essential for core facilities to maximize efficiency to attract and retain customers.
Automated liquid handling solutions, such as those provided by SPT Labtech’s firefly® and mosquito® instruments, are revolutionizing NGS library preparation. These systems not only increase throughput and reproducibility but also enable miniaturization of reactions—allowing labs to optimize reagent usage and reduce plastic waste.
The benefits of automation and miniaturization
One of the major advantages of automation in NGS workflows is precision. Manual pipetting is prone to variability, which can lead to inconsistencies in library quality and sequencing results. Automated liquid handlers improve accuracy, reduce human error, and ensure uniform library preparation across multiple samples.
Beyond precision, the mosquito liquid handler enables miniaturized library preparation, allowing users to scale down reaction volumes significantly. By reducing the volume of costly reagents required for each reaction, core facilities can extend their budgets while maintaining high-quality sequencing outputs. Additionally, miniaturization helps lower the environmental impact by reducing the use of plastic consumables—an increasingly important consideration in today’s research environment.
Case studies: core facilities leading the way
Several leading genomics core facilities have already leveraged our automated liquid handling technology to enhance their NGS workflows.
At the University of Florida, researchers have implemented miniaturized mRNA-seq library construction using mosquito, which has significantly improved their efficiency and reduced reagent costs. This approach has also had implications for their studies on circadian rhythms, demonstrating how high-throughput sequencing can be streamlined without compromising data quality.
Another case study showcases the miniaturization of DNA library preparation for Illumina sequencing, where our mosquito liquid handler helped reduce reaction volumes without sacrificing accuracy, ultimately leading to significant cost savings.
Staying competitive in an evolving industry
As sequencing technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, the role of core facilities is evolving. To meet the growing demand for high-throughput sequencing services, these facilities must adopt flexible and scalable automation solutions. Our firefly and mosquito instruments offer the adaptability needed to work with a wide range of customers, from academic researchers to pharmaceutical companies, ensuring that core facilities can accommodate diverse applications while maintaining efficiency.
By integrating automated liquid handling solutions, sequencing core facilities can eliminate manual bottlenecks, reduce costs, and improve data consistency. Miniaturization further enhances these benefits, making it an essential strategy for modern genomics labs looking to optimize workflows and stay ahead of the competition.
Looking ahead
The future of genomics lies in high-throughput, cost-effective, and precise sequencing workflows. Automation and miniaturization are the keys to unlocking the full potential of NGS. By investing in automation, sequencing labs can ensure they remain at the forefront of innovation—delivering high-quality results faster, more affordably, and with greater sustainability than ever before.
Learn more go.sptlabtech.com/3Yi1zNP.
