New Methods Automate Gene Expression Sample Prep

Beckman Coulter, Inc. introduces Biomek^® 3000 GeXP Methods for automated gene expression sample preparation. This new software plug-in provides methods to prepare samples for the GenomeLab™ GeXP Genetic Analysis system on the Biomek 3000 Liquid Handling Workstation.

The suite includes fully validated methods for RNA sample prep, quantitation and normalization and reaction setup. When used together, the Biomek 3000 workstation and these validated methods along with the GeXP Genetic Analysis system deliver a complete solution for gene expression analysis, from sample to answer.

The new Biomek 3000 GeXP Methods replace manual configurations for increased throughput, enabling the processing of 96 samples in less than four hours. The automated sample prep component incorporates the Agencourt® RNAdvance Cell chemistry, based on SPRI^® (Solid Phase Reversible Immobilization) paramagnetic bead-based nucleic acid purification technology.

“This validated methods suite, the first in a series of GenomeLab applications we will roll out over the coming months, represents our focus on simplifying and automating total processes for our customers,” explained Noreen Galvin, director of life science laboratory automation for Beckman Coulter. “No other company has linked these functions to give researchers a ‘click and go’ process with minimal intervention.”

GenomeLab GeXP delivers more genes per reaction and more samples per run than real-time PCR*, removing bottlenecks in gene expression studies for drug discovery and development research. The system’s patented priming strategy overcomes the biases that limit standard multiplexed PCR analysis to just a few genes at a time.

*The PCR process is covered by patents owned by Roche Molecular Systems and F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.