The collaboration focuses on implementing a liquid handling platform to streamline end-to-end laboratory processes and protocol development.

SPT Labtech and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory Genomics Core Facility (EMBL GeneCore) have announced a collaboration to develop fully walkaway automated genomics workflows. As part of the agreement, SPT Labtech has installed its firefly+ liquid handling platform at the EMBL GeneCore facility in Heidelberg, Germany.

Through the installation, EMBL GeneCore will expand its capacity to develop new protocols and optimize existing workflows for applications such as metagenomics and low-input samples. The firefly+ platform is an all-in-one instrument that integrates pipetting, dispensing, incubating, and shaking technologies into a single system.

“The installation of SPT Labtech’s firefly+ platform as part of our collaboration underscores our commitment to remain at the forefront of scientific innovation,” says Vladimir Benes, head of genomics core facility at EMBL, in a release. “Fully walkaway automation will address key bottlenecks in genomics workflows, helping us develop high-quality, scalable [next-generation sequencing] protocols.”

The automated protocols utilize New England Biolabs (NEB) next-generation sequencing, known as NEBNext, to produce high-yield libraries from various input ranges. These kits are designed to enable the development of high-sensitivity next-generation sequencing protocols while minimizing plastic waste.

“Our latest collaboration with EMBL GeneCore marks a significant step towards advancing fully walkaway automation, providing end-to-end genomics workflows for a much wider range of applications, including environmental and rare species research,” says Morten Frost, chief commercial officer at SPT Labtech, in a release.

The integration of the liquid handling platform with NEB library preparation kits is intended to create a foundation for end-to-end workflows, allowing laboratories to scale automation more easily.

“Integration of our library prep kits with SPT Labtech’s firefly+ platform at EMBL GeneCore creates a compelling opportunity for faster, scalable DNA and RNA-Seq workflows, and we look forward to working together to develop novel solutions to overcome persistent challenges in genomics research,” says Bjoern Textor, PhD, sales and senior applications manager at New England Biolabs GmbH, in a release.

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