Next-generation sequencing library preparation is one of the most demanding workflows in high-throughput labs: technically precise, reagent-intensive, and unforgiving of variability. In a recent webinar, Thomas Rawlins and Michael Smith (HighRes), Claire Duffie (Formulatrix), and Frank Feist (BlueCatBio) walked through how a fully integrated, automated system tackles these challenges at the 384-well scale.
Video 1. Discover how the Prime NGS Workstation revolutionizes next-generation sequencing library prep with automation, enhancing throughput and reproducibility in labs in this recent joint webinar with HighRes, Formulatrix, and BlueCatBio.
The Four Building Blocks of NGS Library Prep
Regardless of whether a lab is working with DNA, RNA, or targeted sequencing protocols, Tom outlined that NGS library prep comes down to four core steps: reagent dispensing, bead-based cleanups, sample transfers, and temperature management. Because these steps are consistent across protocols, they're well-suited to standardization and automation.
At the 384-well scale, however, manual execution becomes error-prone and inefficient. Most labs land somewhere in the middle with semi-automated solutions, but the gains from full automation are substantial: higher throughput, better reproducibility, and the ability to process four to five times as many samples at equivalent cost through miniaturization.
The Prime® NGS Workstation
This webinar introduces HighRes' answer to this challenge: the Prime NGS Workstation, an integrated system that coordinates four instruments under a single orchestration layer (Video 1).
- Formulatrix Tempest: Reagent dispensing
- BlueCat Bio Blue Washer: Bead-based clean-ups
- Inheco ODTCs: Incubation and temperature control
- Prime Liquid Handler: Sample transfers and plate movement
Coordinated by Cellario Scheduler™ orchestration software, the system processes eight 384-well plates in eight hours with minimal manual intervention.
Prime Liquid Handler: Built for Batch Processing
Tom provides a closer look at the Prime liquid handler, which was designed from the ground up for automation. Key features include high consumable capacity, supporting large numbers of tips, plates, and lids for uninterrupted batch runs, and a dual deck tray pooling system that keeps pipetting continuous by alternating trays: while one is being processed, the other is being loaded.
The Prime's robotic arm handles plate transfers between the liquid handler and adjacent instruments like the Tempest and BlueWasher, allowing the full workflow to run without manual handoffs. Cellario schedules all plate movements and operations in parallel, keeping throughput high across the entire eight-plate run.
Protocol Design and Scheduling in Cellario Scheduler
Michael walked through how Cellario Scheduler organizes a full library prep run into five discrete protocols, enzymatic setup, ligation, purification, PCR amplification, and final purification, scheduled back-to-back for efficient processing.
The software uses a thread-based workflow structure for plates, tips, and lids, with drag-and-drop protocol design and flow controls that prevent resource bottlenecks and maintain plate-to-plate uniformity. Tray pooling on the Prime® enables overlapping plate processing, and Cellario Scheduler tracks consumable placement and order templates to keep execution flexible across different run configurations. Compared to traditional liquid handler approaches, integration with the Tempest and BlueWasher significantly reduces tip usage and associated costs.
For more information on the Prime NGS Workstation or any of the integrated technologies, get in touch with us!
