Long String VANTAGE was developed by combining Hamilton’s expertise in precision engineering of automated liquid handling solutions and consumables, with Bionano’s capabilities in extraction, enzymatic treatment and analysis of UHMW DNA molecules
Long String VANTAGE is designed to isolate UHMW DNA. (Credit: Hamilton Company)
US-based laboratory automation company Hamilton, in collaboration with Bionano Genomics, has developed an automated DNA extraction solution, dubbed Long String VANTAGE.
The Long String VANTAGE is designed to isolate Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) DNA for use in optical genome mapping (OGM).
Bionano is a genome analysis solutions provider, where its sample preparation workflow requires extraction of UHMW DNA of superior quality and quantity as a prerequisite.
UHMW DNA extraction is traditionally performed by trained and experienced laboratory personnel manually, which limits the volume and application in routine sample preparation.
The two companies have developed Long String VANTAGE as the world’s first walk-away automation solution for UHMW DNA extraction.
Hamilton combined its expertise in precision engineering of automated liquid handling solutions and consumables, with Bionano’s capabilities in extraction, enzymatic treatment and analysis of UHMW DNA molecules.
Hamilton Bonaduz CEO Martin Frey said: “Hamilton is highly committed to empowering genomic sciences and diagnostics with innovative products and applications by collaborating with leading kit and technology providers.
“Analysing ultra-long DNA molecules by Optical Genome Mapping or genome sequencing technologies is providing insight into previously unresolved questions about genome biology and structural aberrations of the genome with clinical relevance.”
Hamilton said that its Long String VANTAGE is the first assay-ready workstation solution in its Long String Genomics product line and enables DNA extraction on large scale.
The device provides customers running the Bionano Prep SP Blood and Cell Culture DNA Isolation Kit to obtain up to 12 high-quality UHMW DNA samples within four hours.
Hamilton and Bionano intend to collaborate with select clinical research laboratories to test and further develop applications for Long String VANTAGE and the Bionano Prep SP kits.
The two companies are planning to commercialise some of the workflows by the end of this year.
Bionano Genomics president and chief executive officer Erik Holmlin said: “The outcomes of this partnership with Hamilton are outstanding.
“They have shown an exceptional ability to improve workflows through the automation of UHMW DNA isolation, which consistently results in extremely long and pure DNA molecules that are suitable for use in OGM.
“We expect this innovation will significantly reduce time to results, reduce hands-on time and improve OGM performance by standardising the process of UHMW DNA isolation. Bionano and Hamilton look forward to seeing customers adopt the Long String VANTAGE solution.”