Human Genome Sequencing Automation - Genome Automation Systems
3D Rendering of GAS.
GAS.
Purpose/Function:
A hardware and software system called the Genome Automation System was constructed for the purpose of demonstrating and then deploying for operation an integrated machine to process biological samples primarily in an 864 well plate at ~15 microliter volumes. This system is now in use in the genome center, but development continues to expand its operational capabilities and soon upgrade its speed to >16,000 PCRs per day. A unique detection method is in use for detecting PCR products, i.e. the formation of double stranded product. Ethidium Bromide is added to the PCR mix prior to thermal cycling. Increases in the fluorescent intensity indicate a putative positive. Only the small number of samples with a putative positive need be verified for product size.
EtBr calibration.
EtBr calibration curve.
Operating Parameters:
- Number of samples = 10,000
- 96, 384, 864 microwell plates
- Operation unattended
- Sumicroliter pipetting
- Speed = 2,000 PCRs per day
- Main function = library screening
- Current activity = screening yRP library
