Apollo 100 System: Cycle sequencing sample preparation

The Apollo 100 allows the processing of DNA sequencing reactions to be easier than ever before. Apollo 100 is the answer for a laboratory trying to reduce cost while also reducing time spent on sample preparation and cleanup. This revolutionary new system integrates the cycle sequencing reaction setup and cleanup while automating the process on a small bench-top system.

To operate, simply place a microplate of DNA templates and sequencing reagents on the Apollo 100 deck, and set the system to run with the user-friendly Apollo 100 Interface. In about three hours, a microplate of samples is Ready-to-Inject^SM into a commercial sequencer such as the AB 3130xl or AB 3730xl. The only user interaction required, once the run is started, is to transfer the product microplate to the sequencer at the end of the run.

Reduce costs two ways

The Apollo 100 System reduces the cost of DNA sequencing by enabling efficient scaled down sequencing reaction setup and cleanup on microchips. Integrating the use of standard four-color cycle sequencing chemistry, paramagnetic bead technology and MBI’s MOVe microfluidic technology, Apollo 100 takes Sanger-based DNA sequencing to a new level of efficiency. Depending on the current protocol used in your facility Big Dye costs can be reduced by half and in many facilities much more. Using the well accepted SPRI^® paramagnetic beads for clean-up, the cost for this method is minimized by using much smaller amounts of fluid then manual methods.

Costs are reduced for both Big Dye and SPRI without compromising your results. Sequencing results routinely exceed 800 reads.

Click here for the Apollo 100 System brochure.

Apollo 100 Benefits

Significantly reduced Big Dye™ costs: The Apollo 100 reduces the volumes required for cycle sequencing reactions. Processes that are currently carried out in 10 – 20 µL can be scaled down to 1 µL or less. Not only does this reduce the amount of costly reagents needed; it also reduces the amount of precious sample needed per process.   Better qualify data in less time: During each manual step, errors can be introduced leading to expensive and time consuming re-runs. Process automation also helps meet heavier sample loads and schedule demands.   Less hands-on time: Microfluidics lends itself to complete automation freeing up valuable technicians for more complex processes. The sample preparation workflow for sequencing applications is traditionally fragmented and labor intensive. On-chip microfluidics processing integrates these processes on a platform that is easily automated. MBI’s MOVe Microfluidics technology provides outstanding cycle sequencing performance. The greatly reduces masses involved when using microfluidics allows for rapid and extremely reproducible temperature programs during the cycle sequencing.

Automated preparation of cycle sequencing reactions at nanoliter scale The Apollo 100 system reduces reagents costs, reduces valuable technician involvement and eliminates user errors due to tedium and distraction while maintaining the quality of the sequencing data you expect. Long read lengths exceeding 800 bases are routine. You need not compromise data quality or quantity to reduce your facilities costs while also increasing sample capacity. Contact MBI for details and pricing on the revolutionary new Apollo 100 System.

Apollo 100 Interface

Microchip Biotechnologies’ first product, the Apollo 100 System, is provided with an easy to use, intuitive user interface. The tabular interface allows all setup menus to be kept on the screen. The user does not get lost in a script driven menu, but logically makes choices to tailor sample preparation.

On well labeled tabs, the user can:

• Identify the samples being processed, and their locations, by importing the file used with the AB sequence analyzers or by entering data manually
• See displayed the position of plates and microchips on the robot
• Identify the location of reagents in the reagent plates
• Set up flexible cycling conditions
• Perform maintenance on the microchips and do simple troubleshooting
• Schedule a run by simply clicking on the Start button

That’s all there is to it! There are no scripts to write nor software to learn. MBI has provided methods as part of the product’s default setup. The user simply selects the desired protocol, modifies it, if desired, and starts the run.

While the Apollo 100 System is running, a process that takes about 3 ½ hours, a Progress Monitor is displayed, so you can monitor process throughout the run. Additionally the system captures and saves extensive instrument log files that allow you to review prior runs.

Software screen shows reagent locations

User may easily adjust cycling parameters

During run the process monitor displays status