96-Channel Automated Pipetting Workstation for Genomics and Sequencing

Product Introduction

NGS library preparation is a multi-step process where each enzymatic reaction — fragmentation, end-repair, A-tailing, adapter ligation — requires precise addition of enzymes, buffers, and nucleotides in volumes ranging from 5 to 50 μL. Manual preparation introduces two compounding error sources: volume inaccuracy at each step that accumulates across the workflow, and operator-dependent timing variation that affects enzymatic reaction consistency across the plate.

The YA50-4's four deck positions solve the logistics of multi-step library prep by accommodating the source plate, up to two reagent reservoirs (for different enzymes and buffers), and a tip box simultaneously. This eliminates the need for manual reagent swapping between steps — each reagent is pre-loaded on the deck, and the protocol automatically moves between reservoirs. The result is a continuous, unattended workflow that processes a 96-well plate through all library prep steps with consistent timing and ≤1.5% volume accuracy.

For genomics laboratories producing hundreds of libraries per week, the YA50-4 delivers the reproducibility that manual preparation cannot achieve. Batch-to-batch library quality metrics (insert size distribution, adapter dimer rates, coverage uniformity) become more consistent because each library is processed with identical timing and volume precision — eliminating the operator variability that accounts for up to 30% of library quality variation in manual workflows.

The built-in gradient dilution function enables automated creation of concentration standards and dilution series for quality control steps, while the column-by-column transfer capability supports selective plate reformatting when consolidating libraries from multiple source plates.

Applications

• NGS library construction: Sequential addition of fragmentation enzyme, end-repair mix, A-tailing enzyme, and ligation master mix from separate reservoirs

• RNA-seq library prep: In vitro transcription with NTP mix, transcription buffer, and RNA polymerase loaded on separate deck positions

• PCR with controls: Separate positive and negative control reservoirs enable diagnostic PCR setup without cross-contamination risk

• Sample normalization: Automated concentration adjustment across 96 samples using selective volume dispensing

• Plate reformatting: Column-by-column or selective well transfer between 96-well plates for library pooling

Key Features and Advantages

1. 4 deck positions load source plate + 2 reagent reservoirs + tip box for unattended multi-step protocols

2. 96-channel simultaneous dispensing ensures identical reaction start times across all wells

3. 2–50 μL range covers all standard NGS library prep kit volumes with ≤1.5% accuracy at 20 μL

4. Separate tip racks per reagent type eliminate cross-contamination between enzymatic steps

5. Built-in gradient dilution automates concentration series for QC and standard curves

6. Column-by-column selective transfer supports library pooling and plate reformatting

7. 580 × 350 × 580 mm BSC-compatible footprint for biohazardous nucleic acid processing

8. Android tablet control with protocol export/import for multi-site standardization

9. Adjustable speed for gentle enzyme handling and rapid buffer dispensing within the same protocol

10. Pre-built NGS library prep templates reduce protocol development time to under 30 minutes

Technical Specifications

FAQ

How does the 4-deck configuration improve NGS library prep compared to 3 decks?

With 3 decks, multi-step protocols requiring more than one reagent type require either manual reagent swapping between steps (introducing timing inconsistency and contamination risk) or using a single reservoir for mixed reagents (which is incompatible with sequential enzymatic reactions). The 4th deck position allows pre-loading two separate reagent reservoirs, enabling continuous unattended operation through multi-step protocols.

Can the YA50-4 handle different enzymatic reaction volumes in the same protocol?

Yes. Each protocol step can be programmed with a different dispensing volume. For example, a fragmentation step may dispense 10 μL enzyme mix, while the ligation step dispenses 25 μL ligation master mix. The system automatically adjusts volumes per step.

How does gradient dilution work on the YA50-4?

The gradient dilution function creates a concentration series across plate columns. The system aspirates from a source well, performs serial dilution by transferring a defined volume to the next column with diluent, mixes by repeated aspiration and dispensing, then repeats through the specified number of dilution points. This automates the creation of standard curves and QC dilution series.

What quality improvements can we expect in NGS library metrics?

Laboratories transitioning from manual to automated library prep typically report: 30–50% reduction in adapter dimer rates, 20–40% improvement in insert size distribution consistency, and 15–25% improvement in coverage uniformity (measured by fold-80 base penalty). These improvements result from consistent timing and volume precision across all 96 wells.

Can protocols be shared between multiple YA50-4 units?

Yes. Protocols are exported via the Android tablet's file sharing function and imported on another unit. This enables standardized library prep across multi-site operations, ensuring identical processing parameters regardless of operator or location.

• Previous: 96-Channel Automated Pipetting Workstation for Molecular Diagnostics
• Next: 96-Channel Automated Pipetting Workstation for Diagnostic Laboratories