Acquisition of a TECAN, Fluent 780 DreamPrep, Liquid Handling Robot

The GeoGenetics Sequencing Core is a core research facility at SUND/GLOBE/GeoGenetics, that provide next-generation sequencing (NGS) infrastructure and services for researchers. The annual turnaround is DKK 6-10 Million and is run not-for-profit.

The TECAN Fluent 780, liquid handling robot will be used to scale up the production of DNA sequence data production in the GSC, by enabling high-throughput genomic analysis of environmental samples following in-house methods for ancient and environmental DNA (aDNA and eDNA). The purchased liquid handler will be the central piece of equipment in a research and development infrastructure.

A semi-automated high-throughput analysis pipeline for ancient- and environmental DNA (aDNA and eDNA) is required to maintain our institute’s world-leading position in these fields.

The TECAN Fluent 780, liquid handling robot is required to scale up the production of DNA sequence data in the GSC, by enabling high-throughput genomic analysis of environmental samples according to in-house laboratory methods for aDNA and eDNA in our dedicated clean lab facility.

The clean lab facility is located in the basement of the geological museum dating back from 1893, which implies that only equipment not exceeding specific dimensions can actually get in. Likewise, limited workspace space inside the labs restrict the footprint of equipment. The dimensions of the TECAN Fluent 780 permit access into and positioning inside the laboratory.

The pipeline consists of fully walk-away methods for extraction of a/eDNA, QC and subsequent preparation of sequencing libraries. These methods requires a liquid handler with enough space and flexibility on the deck to hold the following positions for labware and fully integrated devices and instruments, which is the case for The TECAN Fluent 780: 10 pipette tip boxes, ≥ 20 free positions for labware, 1 temperature-controlled shaker 0-1500 rpm (20-95 ºC), 1 shaker 0-1500 rpm, 1 peltier element (96 well), 1 peltier element eppendorf rack, 1 scanner for 2D tube barcodes, 1 scanner for 1D barcodes, 1 fully integrated thermocycler), 1-2 waste bin(s) and importantly 1 fully integrated SBS plate reader with excitation/emission 502/523 nm.

The methods for eDNA and aDNA are highly specialised, based on in-house reagents, and are continuously evolving, which poses specific challenges to the controlling software, fulfilled by the TECAN Fluent 780. Its control software permits in silico simulations of methods on computer, not attached to any hardware.

Our sample material is extremely valuable, sometimes even irreplaceable. From experience we know that it is crucial that the control software permits continuation from the point of interruption of methods in the case of stops caused by any malfunctioning. This is possible with the TECAN Fluent 780 control software.

We have frequent need for development of methods. Extremely accurate positioning of robotic arms and pipetting heads is central in this process. A functionality of the TECAN Fluent780 software allow manual positioning in 3 dimensions for subsequent use, which is incredibly time-saving during development.