Beckman Coulter Robotics To Automate Operation Of MegaBACE DNA Sequencing Units

Molecular Dynamics, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA) and Beckman Coulter, Inc. are collaborating on the development of a robotic system to integrate and automate the operation of multiple MegaBACE 1000 DNA sequencing units.

The automation system will allow genome centers, pharmaceutical firms and other organizations with large-scale sequencing requirements to link up to four MegaBACE instruments—processing 4,600 samples and sequencing over 2 million DNA bases in a 24-hour period, with unattended operation.

Under the agreement, Beckman Coulter is providing integrated laboratory robotics including the Orca robotic arm, Sami scheduling software and Sagian Core System components to automate the loading of gel, sample templates and buffers.

Introduced in 1997, the MegaBACE DNA sequencing platform integrates scanning instrumentation, software for base calling, quantitation and analysis, optimized reagent chemistry and field production support services. The addition of unattended, robotic operation gives life scientists an important new tool in the race to sequence the human genome and other genomic structures.

For more information: Jay Flatley, Molecular Dynamics, Inc., 408-737-3000 or Linda Ciccone, Beckman Coulter, Inc., 714-773-6983.