Allsheng Auto-NGS 200 NGS Library Preparation Workstation

Overview

The Allsheng Auto-NGS 200 NGS Library Preparation Workstation is an integrated, walk-away automation platform engineered for end-to-end next-generation sequencing (NGS) library construction—from nucleic acid input to dual-indexed, QC-verified libraries ready for sequencing. It implements a modular, multi-robot architecture combining precise liquid handling, thermally controlled enzymatic processing, real-time fluorometric quantification, and hybridization-ready incubation—all within a single compact footprint. Unlike discrete instrumentation requiring manual transfer between steps, the Auto-NGS 200 executes fragmentation, end-repair, A-tailing, adapter ligation, size selection (via magnetic bead-based purification), PCR amplification, and target enrichment (hybrid capture) in sequence—without human intervention. Its design adheres to core laboratory automation principles: reproducibility through calibrated 24-channel pipetting, thermal fidelity via independently controlled lysis and elution blocks, and process integrity enforced by integrated contamination mitigation (HEPA + UV). The system is intended for use in clinical research laboratories, translational genomics cores, and regulated environments where traceability, consistency, and hands-off throughput are critical.

Key Features

• 24-channel pipetting module with pressure-capacitive liquid level sensing—supports both parallel and serial dispensing across 1–200 µL range, with validated accuracy down to 1 µL (≤±8%) and precision to 200 µL (≤±1%)
• Dual-zone thermal control: lysis/binding block (10–110 °C, ±1 °C uniformity at 95 °C) and elution block (37–120 °C, ±0.05 °C stability at 65 °C), enabling simultaneous or staggered temperature protocols for enzymatic reactions and DNA elution
• Integrated 24-well fluorometer for on-instrument library quantification using dsDNA-binding dyes—eliminates off-line Qubit or Picodrop steps and reduces inter-assay variability
• Dedicated thermal mixing modules: Au-Shaker (thermostatic vortex, auto-clamp, 24 V DC) and Au-Cooler (Peltier-based heating/cooling, CAN-enabled) ensure homogeneous reaction kinetics during ligation, hybridization, and cleanup
• 26-position SBS-compliant deck layout with dual robotic arms—supports concurrent operation of pipetting, thermal cycling, magnetic separation, and plate transport without scheduling conflicts
• Android-based 10-inch HMI with hierarchical user permissions (admin/operator/technician), protocol versioning, electronic signature support, and audit-log generation compliant with GLP/GMP documentation requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Auto-NGS 200 accommodates diverse nucleic acid inputs—including genomic DNA, FFPE-derived DNA, cfDNA, and RNA (with optional cDNA conversion kits)—and processes them into Illumina-compatible, dual-indexed libraries. It supports standard NGS workflows such as whole-exome sequencing (WES), targeted panels (e.g., cancer hotspot, inherited disease), and RNA-Seq library prep. All thermal modules meet IEC 61000-4-3 EMC immunity standards; temperature calibration is traceable to NIST-certified references. The system’s software architecture supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails when paired with network-authenticated user logins and timestamped protocol execution logs. Consumables compatibility includes all SBS-format plates (96-well PCR, deep-well, PCR strips), magnetic racks, and tip boxes meeting ISO 8655 volumetric accuracy specifications. No proprietary consumables are required—reducing long-term operational cost and supply chain dependency.

Software & Data Management

The onboard Android OS delivers a responsive, context-aware interface optimized for wet-lab operators—not IT specialists. Protocols are built using drag-and-drop workflow editors with conditional logic (e.g., “if concentration < 0.5 ng/µL, repeat fragmentation”), parameter validation, and real-time error flagging. All runs generate immutable JSON-formatted metadata files containing instrument ID, operator ID, timestamp, environmental sensor readings (ambient temp/humidity), and step-by-step execution logs. Data export supports CSV, PDF, and XML formats compatible with LIMS integration via RESTful API over LAN. Optional barcode scanning (via external USB scanner) enables full sample traceability from tube label to final library ID. Firmware updates are delivered via encrypted OTA packages with SHA-256 verification, ensuring integrity and version control across fleet deployments.

Applications

• Clinical genomics labs performing routine somatic variant detection using hybrid-capture panels (e.g., MSK-IMPACT, FoundationOne CDx-equivalent workflows)
• Academic core facilities scaling library prep for large-cohort studies (e.g., biobank exome sequencing, population-scale RNA-Seq)
• Diagnostics R&D teams validating NGS assay robustness across variable input quality (e.g., degraded FFPE, low-input cfDNA)
• QC/QA units implementing automated library QC checkpoints—fluorescence-based quantification followed by automated dilution normalization prior to pooling
• Regulated environments requiring ALCOA+ data integrity: attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, accurate, complete, consistent, enduring, and available

FAQ

Does the Auto-NGS 200 support dual indexing for Illumina platforms?

Yes—the system natively executes dual-index ligation using i7/i5 adapters and supports index hopping mitigation via staggered addition protocols and thermal ramp optimization.
Can it perform both PCR-free and PCR-amplified library prep?

Yes—integrated thermal cycling enables both amplification-free workflows (e.g., for high-molecular-weight DNA) and targeted amplification (e.g., for low-input or fragmented samples) under programmable ramp rates and hold times.
Is remote monitoring or troubleshooting supported?

Remote diagnostics are enabled via secure SSH tunneling and VNC-over-LAN; however, no cloud connectivity or vendor telemetry is active by default—ensuring full data sovereignty per institutional IT policy.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

Scheduled calibration of pipetting accuracy (biannual), fluorometer baseline verification (monthly), and HEPA/UV lamp replacement (annually) constitute the preventive maintenance regimen—documented in the included service manual.
How does the system handle carryover contamination between runs?

Tip ejection into sealed waste bins, air-gap aspiration, post-run UV irradiation (30-min cycle), and HEPA-filtered laminar airflow across the deck collectively reduce cross-contamination risk to <1 copy per 10⁶ reads, verified per ISO 15197:2013 Annex C protocols.