Ready to Speed up Your NGS Workflow – And Rest Your Pipetting Hand?
Download the case study to learn how the Advanced Genomics Core at the University of Michigan shaved hours off their NGS workflows with MicroPro.
MicroPro Case Study: University of Michigan
The University of Michigan’s Advanced Genomics Core integrated two Rainin MicroPro 96-channel pipettes in their NGS library prep workflow, increasing throughput and virtually eliminating manual pipetting. The result: significant advances in accuracy and efficiency, and greater protection for researchers from repetitive strain injury.
“Having MicroPro enables us to do entire plate cleanups at one time and completely speed up the process.”
Joe K, Advanced Genomics Core at the University of Michigan
MicroPro Advantages for the Advanced Genomics Core
14,000 Libraries / Year
In 2023, the core facility produced 14,000 DNA and RNA libraries using MicroPro.
Two MicroPros
MicroPro's portability means they're easy to move to different work areas, supporting the facility's flexibility and agility.
Practice of Note
To bring plate work closer to eye level, the lab puts a MicroPro on a riser on the benchtop.
12 Dispenses vs. One
Filling a plate using an 8-channel pipette takes 12 separate aspirate/dispense cycles vs. just one using MicroPro.
Background
Library preparation is a key step in next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows where nucleic acid samples are converted into sequencing-ready libraries. Library preparation is a labor- and time-intensive process involving many dispensing, mixing and incubation steps. Many of these pipetting steps are also sensitive to extended incubation and insufficient mixing.
Bead cleanups are critical to most NGS library preparation workflows. These cleanups are used to purify nucleic acids from reaction mixtures containing salts, primers, enzymes and other contaminants. A typical bead cleanup requires between 20-30 pipetting steps, which can add significant time to workflows particularly when processing many samples. In addition, they are sensitive to prolonged incubation between steps.
Challenge
NGS library preparation requires core facility staff to perform precise dispensing and mixing across lengthy protocols. The Advanced Genomics Core at the University of Michigan processes a large number of samples, which means that staff perform hundreds of individual pipetting tasks within a single workflow. This raises significant ergonomic challenges and the risk of repetitive strain injury.
Due to the time-sensitive nature of many steps in library preparation, prolonged workflows can result in reduced data quality and even experimental failure. In addition, slight delays can quickly lead to production backlogs and delay customers' research timelines.
Solution
The MicroPro is a game-changer for the researchers in the core facility, replacing pipettes as the primary tool for their NGS library preparations. The device enables them to process multiple 96-well plates simultaneously in a fraction of the time of multichannel alternatives.
Furthermore, the researchers can step away and perform other tasks while MicroPro carries out routine dispensing and mixing steps. MicroPro significantly reduces the risk of repetitive strain injury and enables the laboratory team to process more sample, more safely.
MicroPro’s small footprint is ideal for their working environment and enables them to easily place it on a standing desk to visualize dispensing at eye level. Being able to directly observe key pipetting steps provides confidence that workflows are progressing as expected.
Comments about MicroPro
Laboratory Professionals at the University of Michigan Share Their Experience
“It’s like having a little assistant…I can do so much more work.”
- Andrea R.
Furthermore, the researchers can step away and perform other tasks while the MicroPro carries out routine dispensing and mixing steps. The MicroPro significantly reduces the risk of repetitive strain injury and enables the laboratory team to process more samples, more safely.
“(Using the MicroPro) rather than having to stop because I physically can’t use my hand that much in one day, has definitely saved tons of time.”
- Andrea R.
MicroPro’s small footprint is perfect for their working environment, and the researchers can easily place it on a standing desk to visualize dispensing at eye level.
“We can move it easily if we need to go to different spots. It doesn’t take up a lot of room on the bench.”
- Joe K.
The Advanced Genomics Core at the University of Michigan chooses Rainin as its primary supplier for pipetting and dispensing solutions. Technicians trust Rainin for critical library preparation workflows, ensuring the best results for valuable experiments.
Outcome
By incorporating MicroPro into their NGS workflow, the University of Michigan’s Advanced Genomics Core team has experienced significant gains in productivity and performance. The team processes more samples in less time while slashing the need for painstaking manual steps. What multichannel pipettes did in 12 aspiration/dispense steps, MicroPro does in one. And MicroPro’s small footprint and portability make it particularly useful in high-throughput laboratory that requires flexibility across multiple workstations. MicroPro has significantly improved the day-to-day operations for the Advanced Genomics Core team, improving speed, efficiency and ergonomics.
Ready to significantly boost your lab efficiency? Contact the Rainin team today to learn how the MicroPro can help revolutionize your NGS workflows.
