Sequencing

DNA sequencing is the process of determining the nucleotide order of a given DNA fragment. Currently, most DNA sequencing is performed using the chain termination method developed by Frederick Sanger. This technique uses sequence-specific termination of a DNA synthesis reaction using modified nucleotide substrates. However, new sequencing technologies such as 454 Sequencing and Pyrosequencing are gaining an increasing share of the sequencing market.

Genomic Solutions® provides tools for various steps of your sequencing experiments, such as DNA shearing, clone production and low-volume sequencing.

DNA Shearing (Prep for Sequencing)

Pre-sequencing sample preparation is the key to the success of sequencing reactions. The HydroShear® DNA shearing device offers the simplest, most reproducible, and most controllable method available for generating random DNA fragments.

Clone Production

Clone production is another key step to the success of sequencing. In order to have quality clone production, you need to generate have high-throughput, high quality and reliable bacteria culture in a timely fashion. Genomic Solutions®’ HiGro® is the perfect tool for that.

Low Volume Sequencing

DNA sequencing is the determination of the precise sequence of nucleotides in a sample of DNA. This sequence determination plays an important role in the understanding of specific diseases. Many high throughput sequencing laboratories are now involved in the sequencing of many different genomes.

State of the art genomics laboratories perform many large-scale genetic studies. There is a constant drive to increase the throughput of these studies by automating many of the routine bench procedures and reducing reaction volumes used from suppliers’ kits.

Key Benefits of synQUAD technology for this application include:

  • Accurate and precise nanoliter dispensing
  • Non-contact dispensing – no contamination
  • Control of dispense and aspirate speeds – no aerosols
  • Use of air/oil gaps eliminates dilution by system fluid

Volume reduction strategies for high throughput capillary sequencing using the Genomic Solutions Cartesian Microsys.

The Cartesian Microsys liquid handling system, utilizing proprietary non-contact synQUAD™ technology, automates sequencing reaction preparation in a 96 well plate format and consequently the Microsys has become a necessary tool for large scale high-throughput sequencing.

The Microsys helps to minimizes routine bench work and automate the initial extensive volume reduction gradient to determine if reactions can be performed at lower volumes. This is important since not all sequencing reactions are the same with massive variations in sequencing parameters existing between different genes. Therefore it is essential to optimise the volume reduction before proceeding with factory-style sequencing. Once an optimum reduced reaction volume has been determined large-scale genotyping can commence.

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