New DNA sequencing robots
We are very excited to announce that two new members of the DNA sequencing team have arrived and are already performing outstanding work. Their names are Bert and Ernie, which in a departure from previous naming conventions, are not members of Donald Duck's family tree. They are, however, named after cartoon characters and are a well known double act (at least for parents with young children or anyone else who remembers well their childhood!).
Bert and Ernie are, in fact, both Thermo Fisher Kingfisher Flex 96 robots. These compact robotic units will enhance the service we can provide by increasing consistency and reproducibility yet further during the reaction clean-up stage. Customers may recall that last year we changed to a magnetic bead-based purification procedure and that this has had significant benefits already. By now automating the magnetic bead cleanup, we can achieve even greater benefits for customers. Apart from the added consistency across a set of samples, the robots undertake the purification much more quickly than can be done manually. Also, the way in which the robot performs the cleanup (by moving the beads and not the liquids) results in an increased purity of products going onto the sequencers, which means cleaner results for customers.
We undertook an extensive review of available magnetic bead-handling robots before deciding to trial the Kingfisher Flex earlier this year. What really impresses us about the robot is its compact footprint, autonomous operation (no need to have a computer constantly connected to it), speed of operation, ability to use standard 96 well PCR plates, simplicity of setup and use and, crucially, the quality of the purification achieved.
The DNA sequencing facility within the MRC Unit provides a fast and accurate service for hundreds of customers within the University of Dundee and throughout the UK. With over 30 years combined experience of DNA sequencing, the staff within the facility are also able to offer expert advice on all aspects of Sanger DNA sequencing. Turnaround time is within 24 hours from receipt of the samples and prices are very competitive, with individual samples costing as little as £3.5 each. For more information on the range of services provided by the facility, please see here.
Bert and Ernie are, in fact, both Thermo Fisher Kingfisher Flex 96 robots. These compact robotic units will enhance the service we can provide by increasing consistency and reproducibility yet further during the reaction clean-up stage. Customers may recall that last year we changed to a magnetic bead-based purification procedure and that this has had significant benefits already. By now automating the magnetic bead cleanup, we can achieve even greater benefits for customers. Apart from the added consistency across a set of samples, the robots undertake the purification much more quickly than can be done manually. Also, the way in which the robot performs the cleanup (by moving the beads and not the liquids) results in an increased purity of products going onto the sequencers, which means cleaner results for customers.
We undertook an extensive review of available magnetic bead-handling robots before deciding to trial the Kingfisher Flex earlier this year. What really impresses us about the robot is its compact footprint, autonomous operation (no need to have a computer constantly connected to it), speed of operation, ability to use standard 96 well PCR plates, simplicity of setup and use and, crucially, the quality of the purification achieved.
The DNA sequencing facility within the MRC Unit provides a fast and accurate service for hundreds of customers within the University of Dundee and throughout the UK. With over 30 years combined experience of DNA sequencing, the staff within the facility are also able to offer expert advice on all aspects of Sanger DNA sequencing. Turnaround time is within 24 hours from receipt of the samples and prices are very competitive, with individual samples costing as little as £3.5 each. For more information on the range of services provided by the facility, please see here.