Synchron and Festo introduce new ultra-high throughput DNA extraction device at SLAS 2019

During SLAS 2019, February 4-6 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Synchron, with its automation partner Festo, describes for the first time the recent technology breakthrough leading to ultra-high throughput DNA extraction – up to 38,400 extractions per 24 hours.

The new Synchron DNA Cruiser extracts 38,400 DNA samples per 24 hours. This modular machine can be cost-effectively scaled for low, moderate, or high volume extraction applications.

A key section of the new extraction machine, the Synchron DNA Cruiser, along with 3D animation, are the centerpieces of the Festo SLAS Exhibit #1007.

Festo also introduces at the show a new telescoping slide for transporting samples to storage and demonstrates automation solutions for pre-analytic sample handling and precise microliter plate dispensing.

On February 5, from 12:30-1:15 in Room 143C, Business Development Leaders Niels Kruize, Synchron, and Wolfgang Trautwein, Festo, explain the breakthrough that led to the development of ultra-high throughput DNA extraction and the building of the DNA Cruiser. The first machine in the series is installed and engaged in agrigenomics research.         

The current model for DNA extraction involves handling samples in parallel. Synchron with Festo envisioned DNA extraction in series, rather than parallel, and saw the potential for extraction rates many times higher than previously possible.

The DNA Cruiser relies on automated liquid handling stations for each sequential step to achieve the volume required for ultra-high throughput extraction. The serial method also lends itself to other lab automation processes such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and sample preparation.

The DNA Cruiser is built to Industry 4.0 concepts of modularity. Synchron can cost-effectively scale the extraction devices for specified volumes from low to high. Modules feature a small footprint to conserve valuable laboratory floor space.

Festo partners with life technology and biopharmaceutical equipment manufacturers and end users to provide system and sub-assembly process automation solutions. These partnerships enable customers to focus resources on their intellectual property while Festo supplies the automation utilized in:

• Identification and evaluation
• Dispensing and pipetting
• Centrifuging
• Incubation and shaking
• Aspirating and dispensing
• Storage

Late last year Festo opened its first engineering center in the United States devoted to the life sciences. The new center in Billerica, Mass., pioneers the development of high speed, high accuracy fluid handling automation based on pneumatic principles.

Center personnel also work with individual customers on automated motion and fluid handling solutions that help bring their laboratory device to market faster and at less cost.

See the Synchron DNA Cruiser display at the Festo Booth #1007. Write to Synchron at [email protected]. To learn more about Festo sample handling, dispensing, and storage automation solutions, visit the company’s laboratory automation webpage.

For more on the services of the Festo Life Tech Technical Engineering Center in Billerica, email [email protected]. The Festo general information number is 800-993-3786.