Biomek Echo One

High-Throughput Genomics Bundled Solution

 

Combining the Power of Acoustic Miniaturization with the Versatility of the Biomek Workstation

The Biomek Echo One for High-Throughput Genomics combines two platforms into one: the Echo acoustic liquid handler and the Biomek workstation together for robust, reliable and flexible execution of workflows such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and high throughput DNA assembly. The platform can seamlessly execute library preparation steps such as extraction, fragmentation, ligation, normalization and pooling along with requisite actions such as centrifugation, shaking and thermal incubation in an automated method.

Biomek Echo One Solution Benefits

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has a decades-long history of partnering with our customers and leading NGS kit vendors for delivering robust automated solutions for genomics.

At Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, we actively work with our customers on sustainable workflow solutions. Contactless labware reformatting using Echo-qualified source labware reduces tip-based transfers. Our Biomek i7 hybrid Workstations featured in the Biomek Echo One solution feature two individual pipetting options: a multichannel head (384 head included as default in the solution), as well as a Span-8 option which allows for versatile NGS library preparation options starting from a variety of labware: tubes, reservoirs, plates…we can handle them!

By combining the power of acoustic dispensing with robust library preparation chemistries, users can reduce NGS library costs from 1/5 to 1/20th* the standard reaction volume.

*Miniaturization levels can vary based on a number of factors including but not limited to kit chemistry, incubation times, total sample input volumes.

The Biomek Echo One solution allows for flexible operation such as operating the Echo acoustic liquid handler in standalone mode. Users can gain experience with the platform in incremental steps while getting useful work accomplished. When a workload starts to involve a number of plate processing operations, the Echo instrument can be easily pivoted to integrate with the Biomek Workstation for automated method executions. As experience and confidence in your team grows, so will the throughput and walk-away time.

The inherent nature of non-contact acoustic dispensing fully allows for steps such as pooling and normalization steps to occur up to 100 times faster than traditional methods. Learn more about Echo Acoustic Technology here.

The Biomek Echo One solution is ready to take on today’s high-throughput omics-based workflows, and it is fully expandable and adaptable to future workflow onboarding. Add devices such as additional thermal cyclers and readers as your throughput needs evolve. Our Access Solutions Group (ASG) has integrated over 300 devices in over 30 years of experience automating solutions in drug discovery, genomics and synthetic biology. Learn more about what ASG can do for you and your workflows here.

Biomek Echo One Application Highlights

Comprehensive NGS Library Preps

As highlighted in the following application note, the Illumina Nextera XT DNA Library Preparation kit can be utilized to prepare up to 384 indexed paired-end libraries for sequencing on Illumina platforms. This reduces manual pipetting optimizations and hands-on time by providing master mixed reagents.

The kit also accommodates various small genomes, amplicons, plasmids, etc. Previously this kit has been automated successfully on the Biomek i-Series liquid handlers, as well as miniaturized (20X) successfully and efficiently on Echo 525 liquid handlers.

qPCR Reaction Setups

Enter into the Biomek Echo One world with a straightforward workflow powered by Echo Plate Reformat software in standalone mode. Echo Plate Reformat software allows users to quickly select source and destination wells for transfers in an intuitive user interface. Our customers typically begin their introductory trainings with a simple workflow such as those found in a qPCR setup. Once the user is ready to execute plate creation in batch mode, the Echo instrument can be pivoted to face the Biomek to run an integrated Echo transfer method with steps such as centrifugation and plate shaking before transfer. Learn more about using the Echo acoustic liquid handler for qPCR reaction automation in this application note.

Rapid Combinatorial Transfers for Barcoding, Pooling and Normalization

A .CSV picklist can be created to specify the appropriate transfer volumes of each specific library to transfer to a destination labware to generate equimolar representation of barcoded samples. Simply specify the source well, destination well, plate names or barcodes if applicable, and the transfer volume in nanoliters. One row per well. Learn more about how our customers are using Echo acoustic technology for rapid equimolar pooling and normalization at 384-well scale in the following publication.

Nucleic Acid Cleanups Simplified

For over 20 years, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has been a leading provider for automated genomic sample prep solutions – robust liquid handling automation combined with sample prep chemistries such as those found in the AMPure XP and RNAClean XP reagents.

When executed on the Biomek Echo One High-Throughput Genomics Bundled Solution, nucleic acid cleanup steps can be automated to reduce hands-on time and increase throughput with an option to run the method end-to-end with only setup and tear-down touch points. Learn more in the following method overview.

*Multiwell plate magnets sold separately

Accelerating Nucleic Acid Engineering

The Biomek Echo One Solution also features core components, the Echo 525 and Biomek i7 Hybrid instruments, that facilitate the automation of rapid DNA/plasmid assembly, purification and acoustic arraying of colonies onto automation-compatible labware. Purchase oligos or fragments directly in Echo-qualified labware from vendors such as IDT and Twist. Custom-tailor your solution to include additional devices such as thermal cyclers, readers and colony pickers.

Future Workflow Expansions

Our team has experience in automating over 85 NGS library construction, nucleic acid isolation and cleanup demonstrated methods for the Biomek i-Series, which can be found in the following methods card. We have an active pipeline for method automation and work with our vendor and customer collaborators to keep up with the latest needs in high-throughput automation.

Biomek Echo One Major Components

Biomek Workstation Components Echo Acoustic Liquid Handler Components Integrated Third-Party Devices
Biomek i7 Hybrid Workstation – 384-well head* Echo 525 Acoustic Liquid Handler Automated Microplate centrifuge
Span-8 liquid displacement head Sliding-rotating turntable integration ATC 384-well automated thermal cycler
384-well wash station Echo Plate Reformat software v1.8 Shaking device
Biomek v5.0 software Echo Cherry Pick software v1.8 Cooling ALP
DeckOptix Final Check Insert swap station
Biomek Method Launcher

*96-well head available separately

 

Biomek Echo One Interactive 3D Model

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*Any methods or applications illustrated are for demonstration only and are not validated by Beckman Coulter. Beckman Coulter makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever express or implied, with respect to these protocols, including but not limited to warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability or that the protocol is non-infringing. All warranties are expressly disclaimed. Your use of these methods are solely at your own risk, without recourse to Beckman Coulter. Not intended or validated for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions.
© Beckman Coulter, Inc. All rights reserved. Beckman Coulter, the Stylized Logo, and Beckman Coulter product and service marks mentioned herein, including Biomek, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other countries. ECHO is a trademark or registered trademark of Labcyte Inc. in the United States and other countries. Labcyte is a Beckman Coulter company. All other product names and brands are properties of their respective owners.