Volta Labs Collaborates with New England Biolabs for NGS Enhancement
Volta Labs, a forerunner in automation technology for genomics, has teamed up with New England Biolabs (NEB), a leading name in life science reagents. This partnership focuses on expanding the availability of NEBNext® reagents on the Callisto™ Sample Preparation Platform, bringing innovation to genomic research.
A New Era in Sequencing Accessibility
The collaboration harmonizes Volta's fully automated Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) sample preparation system with NEB's renowned NEBNext NGS sample preparation kits. The aim is to unlock the potential for reproducible and walk-away automation, making advanced sequencing techniques more accessible.
Udayan Umapathi, the CEO of Volta Labs, expressed, "Our venture with NEB bolsters Callisto’s commitment to enhancing the accessibility and reliability of genomic workflows. Integrating NEB's chemistries allows for seamless execution of trusted Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) workflows, merging efficiency with flexibility."
Innovating with NEBNext Ultra II FS
The partnership will initially focus on the development of NEBNext® Ultra™ II FS DNA Library Prep Kit, optimized for Illumina sequencing. By embedding these reagents into Callisto's digital fluidics framework, researchers will benefit from high-yield and quality library preparations, significantly minimizing manual input during the process.
This enhancement supports Callisto's guiding principle of catering to various sequencing setups, allowing labs to generate exceptional quality WGS libraries using NEB's pre-validated reagents across sequences ranging from Illumina to Oxford Nanopore, PacBio, and Ultima Genomics.
Enhancing Library Preparation Efficiency
With the streamlined automation offered by Callisto, essential processes such as DNA extraction, fragmentation, library preparation, and enrichment are efficiently handled within a compact benchtop system. The integration of NEB's reagents adds another layer of advantage, including:
1. Consistency: Achieve uniform fragment sizes and pristine libraries across diverse batches.
2. Speed: Complete the setup in less than 30 minutes, followed by three hours of hands-off operation.
3. Flexibility: Access workflows that are compatible with an array of sequencing systems that have already been validated.
About Volta Labs
Established in 2018, Volta Labs is dedicated to evolving genomic sample preparation through next-generation automation. Their goal is clear: transition laboratories from cumbersome, inconsistent manual workflows to automated, scalable processes that foster reproducibility. This shift not only accelerates the pace of discovery but also contributes significantly to advancements in human health.
About New England Biolabs
New England Biolabs, Inc. embodies over half a century of innovations tailored for molecular biology research. Their commitment to cutting-edge discoveries is encapsulated in a comprehensive product portfolio, ongoing investment in research initiatives, and steadfast support for customers across academia and industry. NEB's dedication to community welfare and sustainable practices further underscores its role as a global leader in genetic research.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main purpose of the Volta Labs and NEB partnership?
The primary aim is to enhance automated NGS library preparation using NEBNext reagents on the Callisto platform.
2. What technologies are being utilized in this collaboration?
The partnership integrates NEB's high-performance reagents with Volta's automation systems for genomic workflows.
3. How does the Callisto platform improve library preparation?
The Callisto platform automates critical steps in DNA preparation while ensuring high yield and quality with minimal hands-on time.
4. Which sequencing platforms are supported by Callisto?
Callisto supports a range of sequencing platforms, including Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio, and Ultima Genomics.
5. When was Volta Labs established?
Volta Labs was founded in 2018, focusing on innovative solutions for genomic sample preparation.
