Raykol Vitae120 NGS-SA Automated Library Preparation Workstation

Overview

The Raykol Vitae120 NGS-SA Automated Library Preparation Workstation is an integrated benchtop platform engineered for precise, reproducible, and walk-away automation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) library construction workflows. Designed specifically for low-throughput applications—supporting 1 to 16 samples per run—the system implements hybridization capture-based library preparation protocols in accordance with standardized molecular biology principles. It operates on a modular architecture that coordinates thermal cycling, magnetic bead-based purification, temperature-controlled incubation, and orbital mixing within a single enclosed workspace. Unlike generic liquid handlers, the Vitae120 NGS-SA embeds domain-specific hardware modules—including a Peltier-cooled PCR plate cold storage zone (4 °C), programmable heating blocks (up to 95 °C), variable-speed orbital shakers, high-gradient magnetic separation racks, and an integrated thermocycler—enabling end-to-end execution of fragmentation, end-repair, A-tailing, adapter ligation, size selection, and post-capture amplification steps without manual intervention.

Key Features

• Modular hardware integration: Dedicated, calibrated modules for cold storage (4 °C), thermal cycling (gradient-enabled), magnetic bead separation, and controlled agitation ensure protocol fidelity across diverse chemistry kits.
• Drag-and-drop workflow editor: Graphical software interface eliminates script-based programming; users configure protocols by selecting and sequencing pre-validated functional blocks (e.g., “Ligation – 20 min @ 20 °C”, “SPRI Cleanup – 5 min binding + 2× ethanol wash”).
• Multi-kit compatibility: Pre-optimized protocol templates validated for commercial NGS library prep kits from Vazyme, BGI (MGI), KAPA Biosystems, Illumina TruSeq, PacBio SMRTbell, and Oxford Nanopore Ligation Sequencing kits.
• Plate format flexibility: Supports standard 8-well, 32-well, and 96-well PCR plates—enabling scalable experimental design without hardware reconfiguration.
• Robust mechanical architecture: Steel-reinforced frame and vibration-dampened deck minimize positional drift during thermal ramping or magnetic separation, contributing to inter-run CVs <8% for fragment size distribution (as measured by Bioanalyzer).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Vitae120 NGS-SA accommodates input nucleic acid types including genomic DNA (gDNA), formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) extracts, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and RNA-derived cDNA. All onboard modules comply with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-3 (emissions) standards. While the instrument itself does not carry CE-IVD or FDA 510(k) clearance, its operational parameters and output data formats are structured to support GLP-compliant documentation practices. Audit trails—including timestamped module status logs, temperature profiles, and step completion flags—are exportable in CSV and PDF formats for internal QA review or regulatory submission preparation.

Software & Data Management

The workstation runs Raykol’s proprietary VitaeControl™ v3.x software suite, built on a deterministic real-time kernel to guarantee timing-critical step synchronization (e.g., precise 30-second ligation quenching). Software enforces user role-based access control (RBAC) with three permission tiers: Operator, Supervisor, and Administrator. All protocol executions generate immutable digital records containing environmental metadata (ambient temperature/humidity), hardware calibration IDs, and cycle-by-cycle thermocycler performance logs. Data exports conform to MIAME and MINSEQE reporting guidelines, facilitating downstream integration with LIMS platforms via RESTful API or secure SFTP transfer.

Applications

• Targeted panel sequencing (e.g., oncology hotspot panels, inherited disease gene sets)
• Low-input FFPE tumor profiling with dual-indexed barcoding
• Single-cell ATAC-seq library generation (with compatible tagmentation modules)
• Long-read sequencing library prep for PacBio HiFi and Nanopore ultra-long DNA workflows
• QC-driven clinical research pipelines requiring full traceability and repeatable fragment size profiles

FAQ

Does the Vitae120 NGS-SA support dual indexing and barcode splitting?
Yes—protocol templates include configurable index addition steps with support for both i7/i5 indexing (Illumina-compatible) and custom dual-barcoded adapters.
Is external ventilation or exhaust required for operation?
No. The system is self-contained with passive heat dissipation; ambient lab conditions between 18–25 °C and ≤60% RH are recommended.
Can users import custom protocol definitions from third-party vendors?
Yes—XML-based protocol schema allows import of vendor-provided .vtp files, provided they adhere to Raykol’s functional block taxonomy and thermal constraints.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for magnetic separation modules?
Magnetic rack field strength verification is advised every 6 months using the included Gauss meter calibration kit; consumable wear parts (e.g., silicone gaskets, tube gripper tips) are tracked via software lifecycle counters.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Yes—VitaeControl™ supports TLS-encrypted web dashboard access via local network; live status, queue management, and error diagnostics are available through browser-based interface.