Application Blueprint
Built and tested in our own labs to tackle the most demanding genetic engineering workflows, this blueprint combines 13 precisely configured RACs that streamline DNA assembly, PCR, purification, and microbial transformations. Use it as a validated starting point for your genetic engineering automation planning.
The DNA Assembly & Microbial Strain Engineering RAC System has been extensively validated across genetic engineering workflows.
01
Streamline PCR workflows with precise acoustic dispensing of primers and templates, followed by automated master mix addition and thermal cycling.
02
Automate Gibson or Golden Gate assembly methods with accurate nanoliter-scale dispensing of DNA parts and assembly reagents followed by incubation / thermal cycling.
03
Transform bacteria with complete automation of the critical temperature transitions required for successful DNA uptake and recovery.
04
Achieve consistent yeast transformations through precise control over competent cell handling, incubation conditions, and post-transformation processing.
05
Purify DNA with magnetic beads using hands-free automation of mixing, magnetization, washing, and elution steps.
06
Accurately measure and standardize DNA concentrations through automated absorbance readings and low-volume cherry pick liquid transfers.
07
Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries with miniaturized reagent volumes for significant cost savings while maintaining high-quality results.
Application Note
We know automation claims can sound too good to be true so we tested our design against a challenging, miniaturized Illumina DNA Prep workflow, essential to final DNA sequence verification of designer DNA constructs and microbial strains at Ginkgo.
Our team tackled real challenges that trip up ordinary automation systems - like acoustic transfers of magnetic beads and their sedimentation during large-scale workflow runs. The results?
30-40% decrease in hands-on time
33% reduction in required headcount
$30 to $3 reagent cost reduction per sample
Consistent results across both purified DNA and crude samples
| DNA Assembly & Microbial Strain Engineering RAC System | ||
| Operation | Instrument | Vendor |
|---|---|---|
Ambient random access storage | AmbiStore | HighRes Biosolutions |
Ambient serial access storage | MicroServe | HighRes Biosolutions |
Non-contact acoustic cherry picking | Echo 525 | Beckman Coulter |
Contact stamping pipetting | Bravo 96 | Agilent |
Contact plate washing & bulk dispensing | 406 FX | Agilent Technologies |
Thermal cycling | ATC 96 | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
Plate reading | Spark | Tecan |
Temp-control shaking incubation | Single Plate Incubator | Inheco |
Colony picking (optional) | PIXL | Singer Instruments |
Microplate sealing | PlateLoc | Agilent Technologies |
Microplate breathable sealing | a4s | Azenta |
Microplate seal peeling | XPeel | Azenta |
Centrifugation | HiG3 | BioNex Solutions |
Download
In this blueprint you'll find:
A clear breakdown of the specific unit operations automated within each supported application (DNA assembly, PCR amplification, microbial transformation, nucleic acid purification, and more).
Comprehensive modular diagrams illustrating the complete system architecture, including instrument configurations.
In-depth RAC hardware and software specifications to help you accurately plan and implement flexible lab automation solutions.
Proven best practices and instrument integration strategies validated by Ginkgo’s internal R&D team.
Hardware
Unlike traditional fixed automation, Reconfigurable Automation Carts (RACs) provide the flexibility needed for ever-changing experimental workflows:
Modular Architecture: Quickly add or remove unit operations as your protocols evolve
"Lego-like" Flexibility: Reconfigure in hours, not months with quick-connect interfaces
Multi-Protocol Support: Run different experiments simultaneously and expand your experiment run queue last minute as needed
Off-the-Shelf Instrument Integration: Compatible with 30+ standard lab instruments, and our list of integrated instruments is always expanding
Optimized footprint: Increase your equipment utilization via our patented decentralized labware transport architecture
Software & Support
Automation hardware without intelligent software is just expensive furniture. All of our RAC systems include Catalyst Automation Control Software (ACS) and Catalyst Flow - a comprehensive ticketless support service that transforms how your team interacts with automation:
Programmatic Control: Launch experiments manually via our web-based user interfaces or automatically via API
Parameterized Protocols: Highly customizable experimental workflows can be modified via simple parameter adjustments
Automated Data Egress: Easily connect output data streams to your downstream data analysis pipelines
Scheduler Intelligence: Multi-user, multi-protocol concurrent execution with constraint-based scheduling
Remote Troubleshooting: Proactive system error resolution and troubleshooting to handle issues as they occur, with 80-90% of issues resolvable without user intervention
01
Yes, any instruments you already own that are listed in this blueprint can be integrated; you do not need to purchase new versions for your system.
02
Our Catalyst software and support package minimizes the need for dedicated automation specialists. Most research teams can operate their system with just 1-2 days of training, and often by one junior automation engineer (or similar professional).
03
The Catalyst Flow remote support team proactively monitors performance and resolves most issues without you even noticing them. For the ~10-20% of issues requiring hands-on attention, the system provides clear guidance for quick resolution.
04
Absolutely! That's one of the key advantages of RACs. The blueprint includes guidance for prioritizing initial components and suggests options for “next gen” expansions.
05
This system has demonstrated capacity to process 1000-10,000s of samples daily. And unlike fixed automation where scale-up requires proportional headcount increases, RACs can handle expanded throughput with minimal additional staffing.
Ready to start designing your system? Schedule a call with our automation experts.
