FlexPrep Overview Flashcards
What is the FlexPrep UHT library kit?
It’s a tool that helps scientists prepare DNA/RNA samples for next-gen Sequencing. It’s designed to make the process faster, more efficient, and work with very small amounts of DNA/RNA.
Key points about FlexPrep
- This kit helps turn DNA or RNA into a sequencing ready library.
- UHT- Can sequence / handle a huge number of samples in a short time.
- Low input DNA/RNA- it works well with small amounts of DNA/RNA . If you have a really small biopsy, you can still prepare it for sequencing.
- Fast and efficient- the kit speeds up the process so you can go from sample to sequencer in less time.
- No need for special equipment- it’s designed to work with standard lab equipment and doesn’t require special machines. Easy for most labs to use.
- High quality libraries- the kit creates high-quality sequencing libraries that give you accurate results.
- compatiable for many applications-can use for whole genome sequencing, RNA Seq, or targeted sequencing.
- Cost effective- designed to be affordable where you need to prepare a lot of samples. Cost savings.
Explain Automation in NGS
Automation in NGS refers to the use of robotic systems and liquid handling technologies to automate various steps of the NGS workflow, from library preparation to sequencing, to make the process more efficient, reproducible, and high-throughput.
For Twist Bioscience, automation plays a critical role in scaling NGS operations, especially in the context of target enrichment and panel-based sequencing. Automation is particularly useful in clinical labs and research environments where large volumes of samples need to be processed consistently and accurately.
Automated solutions that Twist offers
Step 1: Sample Input and Library Prep Automation
DNA samples are loaded onto a liquid handler that automates the sample preparation process.
The FlexPrep reagents are automatically mixed and applied to the samples, including steps like DNA fragmentation, adapter ligation, and PCR amplification.
The liquid handler ensures that all steps are done in a consistent and reproducible manner across many samples.
Step 2: Target Enrichment and Hybridization
For targeted sequencing, capture probes specific to the genes or regions of interest are introduced into the workflow.
The probes are hybridized with the target regions in the DNA, enriching the sample for sequencing the regions of interest.
This step can also be automated, making it easy to handle large numbers of samples.
Step 3: Amplification and Quality Control
After target enrichment, the DNA is amplified (using PCR) to ensure enough material is available for sequencing.
Automated systems can monitor the quality of the amplification and ensure that the final library meets the required standards.
Step 4: Sequencing and Data Analysis
The prepared libraries are then loaded onto an NGS platform (like Illumina or Thermo Fisher), where sequencing-by-synthesis or other sequencing methods take place.
Bioinformatics tools can automatically process and analyze the sequencing data, identifying variants and mutations based on the targeted regions.
FlexPrep+ Automation
FlexPrep from Twist Bioscience is an advanced, flexible library preparation system designed to optimize and streamline the NGS process, especially for targeted sequencing applications. It’s designed to work with a variety of sample types and provides high sensitivity and customization for targeted panels.
Automation integrates with FlexPrep to further enhance the efficiency of the NGS workflow, allowing for high-throughput sample processing, reduced hands-on time, and increased consistency across large numbers of samples.
By combining FlexPrep with automation, Twist Bioscience enables labs to perform NGS with greater efficiency, scalability, and accuracy, making it easier to perform high-throughput and high-quality sequencing for a wide range of genomic applications.
Library Prep
converting DNA or RNA into a format that can be sequenced. This involves fragmentation of the DNA/RNA, adding adapters and enriching specific sequences.
Ex: FlexPrep automates and streamlines the preparation of DNA libraries for sequencing across different types of samples.
Targent enrichment kits and custom panels
Allow for targeted sequencing of specific genes, regions or even whole exomes. Provides more focus on a specific area of interest.
