Innovative liquid handling platform enhances NGS capabilities

SPT Labtech, a global leader in automated instrumentation and consumables for life science applications, is pleased to announce that its firefly liquid handling platform has been chosen by Colossal Biosciences to enhance their Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) capabilities. The firefly system will be installed at Colossal Biosciences’ headquarters in Dallas, Texas, to automate NGS library preparation, a vital component of their workflows.

By automating the repetitive liquid handling tasks involved in manual library preparation, Colossal Biosciences can more easily scale their operations in line with company growth. The firefly platform was selected for its intuitive, user-friendly software, compact design, and outstanding performance with challenging liquids.

"We have the best scientists on the planet working on some of the world's hardest science," said Colossal Biosciences. "Using the best products is essential to our mission."

Colossal Biosciences is at the forefront of developing solutions to combat species extinction and biodiversity loss, utilising advanced tools such as gene editing and NGS. With over $200 million raised to support their ambitious goals, the company is making significant progress in areas such as climate change reversal, alternative energy development, environmental protection, and sustainable food security. Founded by serial entrepreneur Ben Lamm in partnership with renowned geneticist George Church, Colossal Biosciences is pushing the boundaries of science and technology.

The firefly platform from SPT Labtech represents a major advancement in laboratory efficiency and workflow optimisation. This all-in-one automated liquid handling solution addresses the complexities and requirements of NGS workflows, streamlining library and sample preparation through integrated technologies for pipetting, dispensing, incubating, and shaking, all within a compact, benchtop design.

“We are proud to be part of this monumental effort, providing tools that not only advance scientific inquiry but also contribute to the greater good of our planet,” said Paul Lomax, Head of Genomics at SPT Labtech. “The synergy between firefly’s automated liquid handling capabilities and Colossal Biosciences’ advanced gene editing technology makes this an exciting partnership to address critical environmental and biological challenges.”

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