Hamilton and Promega to Develop Automated DNA-Isolation Technology for Large-Volume Applications

Hamilton Robotics and Promega are collaborating to develop an automated system for the isolation of genomic DNA from large-volume blood samples. The firms say that this system will likely be available later this year.

The new offering will be based on Hamilton’s Microlab® STAR liquid-handling technology and Promega’s systems and reagents. It is expected to increase throughput for large-volume applications such as biobanking, pharmacogenomics, and genetic research.

“Hamilton’s air-displacement pipetting technology offers a number of unique advantages over other robotics systems,” explains Jeff Briganti, strategic marketing manager for Promega.  “We have already successfully collaborated with them to create and optimize automated protocols for several applications. This collaboration takes the relationship one step further toward the co-development of an entire system.”

Automated large-volume liquid handling poses specific challenges that Hamilton says have been addressed with the introduction of its 5 mL independent pipetting channels and 5 mL disposable tips for the Microlab STAR platform.  Promega’s new method reportedly employs next-generation technology and novel chemistry, allowing for a more robust automated process with increased recovery, higher concentration, and enhanced purity of gDNA isolated from large-volume blood samples compared to previous automated techniques.