Automation is key to facilitating the availability of samples for research.

Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (RUCDR) has adopted PerkinElmer’s technologies for automation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample preparation. The combination of PerkinElmer’s sample library automation with Rutgers’ biorepository will make millions of biological samples accessible to researchers worldwide for large-scale genomic and disease-related studies, according to PerkinElmer and RUCDR.

The PerkinElmer NGS laboratory pipeline preparation solutions will enable the RUCDR to perform quality control on 25,000 DNA samples per week and prepare hundreds of DNA and RNA sequence libraries per week. The products covered in this deal include Sciclone® NGS Workstation, an automated solution for high-throughput sequencing sample preparation, to be used for library preparation and RNA sequencing; LabChip® GX Nucleic Acid Separations System, a microfluidics system to be used for RNA sample quality control and DNA library quality control; LabChip® DS Microplate Reader to be used for quality control of extracted biological material; and Twister® II Microplate Handler, a high-capacity plate stacker, to feed biological samples through the LabChip DS reader.

“Going forward the RUCDR will have the capacity to prepare every biological sample coming into the repository for automated sequencing applications,” remarks Andrew Brooks, Ph.D., associate professor of genetics and COO, Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository. “This will help expedite research projects, ensure comparable data quality across analytical centers, and facilitate large-scale access and use of clinically relevant samples across a variety of NIH, foundation, and industry funded projects.

“As preserving prepared libraries of patient samples is becoming a new standard practice for accelerating NGS studies, it is our intention to continue to be the leader in providing researchers with unparalleled access to high-quality nucleic acid and cellular material to make potential therapies and diagnostics more powerful and accurate. Without this critical relationship with PerkinElmer, we would not have been able to achieve these goals as efficiently as we have.”

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