A simplified summary that explains our Sequence pro automated machine process

Regardless of your level of experience, we want to make sure that you can conduct a quantitative PCR (qPCR) test quickly, effectively, and economically.

We live in a moment where genetics is helping us understand more and more of the world around us, from untangling evolutionary histories to more precisely diagnosing and treating diseases. But to do all this, we need to be able to find and examine specific pieces of DNA. One of the fundamental tools that we use is called qPCR. To be able to carry out a qPCR on a sample, we need to extract the DNA/RNA from the sample and then amplify it to quantitatively determine the presence of a target sequence or gene. These different steps take a lot of human manipulation time and expertise. We need a rapid and simple solution.

In this text, we’re going to explore our new machine, the “Sequence PRO”.

qPCR technique advantages: 3 hours vs 3-7 days!

To detect a disease in the veterinary world, we usually use microbiological techniques such as inoculation of a specimen on agar plates. These methods as we already know, take at least 3 days to reveal a contamination. Other techniques used consist of detecting contamination at a late stage. However, qPCR takes at most 3 hours to provide us with a result of early or late-stage-contamination. With this technique, we gain time and sensitivity.

A new machine that is automated, faster, and easier than a manual qPCR technique is needed.

Not everybody will be able to conduct PCR tests from all types of specimens and be able to analyze them, especially since we need to extract DNA or RNA before proceeding with the amplification. Our Sequence PRO automate is a DNA/RNA extractor (from any specimen after a simple pre-treatment for each type of matrix) and a qPCR machine at the same time. It is a compact tool that reduces diagnostic time (up to 3 hours) and improves rapid decision making with traceability and reliability of results. It consumes 1/30 of energy in comparison to the other diagnostic methods, such as agar plates. And the most important point is that you don’t need to be a scientist to be able to use this machine and analyze its results.

The solution is provided with the Sequence Pro

Sequence Pro different parts, contents, and procedures

Let’s get into the details of the Sequence PRO:

It has 2 ports: Ethernet (for maintenance and updating) and USB (for connecting the barcode scanner, the keyboard, and to retrieve the results).

Inside the Sequence PRO, we have a small camera that makes sure that the different parts of the machine are functioning properly, and we have several moving arms: a 200 µl pipette that can deliver a measured volume between 10 µl and up to 200 µl and a robotic gripper to help moving the strips.

Different modes: individual and Batch modes

Once you decide on your sample, you will have 2 options: either choose an individual mode or a batch mode, and each mode has its specific reagents:

If you want to use a small number of samples, varying from 1 to 8 samples, but at the same time being able to detect up to 4 targets per sample, you need to choose the individual mode. However, if your main goal is to test up to 14 samples at the same time and 1 target, this will be the batch mode. The prices between both modes are not quite different, but the batch mode will remain more advantageous over the individual one.

After you have chosen your mode, you have 2 drawers: a drawer to put the reagents, the samples, and a small garbage box; and another drawer for the treatment of the samples: going from extraction in a deepwell plate and purification in another deepwell, with a place to put a tips case inside.

The Sequence PRO, depending on the mode selected, will be able to take the amplification strip and the extraction strip, stock them inside the machine, and then take a volume of the sample and put it in the deepwell plate and start the extraction procedure based on the magnetic beads’ technique. Each sample needs 2 min max of human manipulation, and the rest of the time the operator can go and rest, take a coffee break, or continue other work. After extracting all the samples, the purification step begins, and here comes a magnetic plate that catches the magnetic beads and helps elute your DNA. After the purification of the DNA, the qPCR steps with the amplification start until we have the final results. These results are presented as CT values, which correspond to the number of threshold cycles where the signal starts to become higher than the background noise. The more amplified material there is in the sample, the lower the CT is and the more detectable the signal is. In both modes, you will be able to visualize the results on the screen and export the detailed pdf via a USB flash drive.

On the other hand, concerning the installation of the machine, it needs 1 whole day, including the tests that should be performed for the validation, the calibration, and the training of the operators.

Free maintenance for the first year, then one maintenance per year after that.

For the maintenance, it’s done annually for the pipette and the calibration remains robust if all the notes during the training are respected.

Different reagents and consumable items

Our kits that are complementary to the Sequence PRO consist of packs of 5 strips for the targets’ amplification and packs of 10 strips for the extraction. All the detailed information is published on our website, and if it’s necessary, we can design a specific kit according to your request.

Conclusion

As a conclusion, our Sequence Pro offers in-house quantitative PCR testing. It combines DNA/RNA extraction and real-time PCR on a single machine. Its use is flexible thanks to its capacity to manage nearly all kinds of matrices. It’s a compact benchtop tool that reduces diagnostic time and improves rapid decision-making with traceability and reliability of results.

Our R&D and engineering teams are ready to develop any kit with any sort of target and all types of matrices according to your request and modify any detail, such as adding additional controls. We can find a solution to your diagnostic procedures or auto-control tests by suggesting a specific target kit.

We can always work together to be able to help you with any questions and any projects.

Dr. Racha ZGHEIB

Chef de projet R&D

ADNucleis