DNA Normalization
Nucleic Acid Normalization the Easy Way
Hudson Robotics has developed a ready-to-use DNA Normalization and RNA Normalization platform that will make this tedious task easier than ever before.
Utilizing the simplicity of Hudson’s SOLO Robotic Pipettor, and Hudson’s powerful SoftLinx Scheduling Software, users can perform accurate normalization of any plate of DNA samples. Using the SOLO to perform all the solvent addition, mixing and sample transfer operations, the user need only select the appropriate DNA quantitation data file (for instance, the OD output of an absorbance reader, or electrophoresis results, etc.) , and start the system. Based on user-specified values, like target concentration value, minimum and target finished volumes, the system automatically performs the normalization without any further input from the user.
Hudson’s GO (Guided Operation) Wizard will guide the user to put the sample plate, target plate(s), tip box and solvent reservoir in their proper locations on the SOLO, then prompt the user to click ‘RUN’. It’s that simple! Use your time for research, not pipetting drudgery!
This system relieves the researcher from time-consuming manual pipetting operations otherwise required to normalize DNA samples, and improves the accuracy and consistency of the final result.
Accurate DNA Normalization
The improved accuracy in DNA normalization with Hudson’s system comes from the consistency of the pipetting actions and from the complete avoidance of potential computational errors possible with manual methods. It also completely eliminates any possibility of errors in transferring among the correct plate wells, which is always a possibility when doing DNA normalization pipetting by hand.
Efficient DNA Normalization
Efficiency is needed in all your lab operations and no less by DNA normalization. Hudson’s system allows you a minimum of personnel time to do a task which is easy for the SOLO pipettor. You can now spend your time verifying computations, discovering new data and analyzing the results of your measurements. The SOLO is economical and will improve your normailization capabilities many times compared to the manual methods you may now use.
Standard Bio-Safety Enclosures
Hudson Robotics automated DNA normalization can be easily performed in the clean environment of your choice. Typically, labs performing DNA normalization require the process be performed in a Biosafety Cabinet, clean bench or other HEPA filtered enclosure. The small size of the Hudson SOLO pipettor allows for easy installation in almost any standard-size clean enclosure. This feature alone can save you thousands of dollars and several weeks when setting up you automated DNA normalization process.
Sample Protection
Your samples are unique! There are several reasons why our clients need to protect their samples. Hudson Robotics understands that most clients would rather have all the diluents delivered to the DNA normalization plate prior to any actual samples being processed. When it comes time to transfer DNA samples to the diluent, Hudson’s unique “Find Well Bottom” feature allows you to access down to the last uL of your samples. The Hudson Solo pipettor can find the bottom of the plate well and gently back off a fraction of a millimeter prior to aspirating. This feature makes sure we have access to all of the available sample volume. Find Well Bottom is a standard feature on all Hudson SOLOs and is included with all of Hudson’s DNA Normalization products.
Custom Wizards
Even with these great features you may want your DNA normalization process customized to fit your specific needs. Hudson DNA Normalization Wizard allows you to design your DNA normalization process around your existing SOPs we don’t force you into a process that violates your current protocols.
The Benefits of Automated DNA Normalization
In summary, Hudson Robotics DNA Normalization delivers the following high value features:
- High accuracy vs. manual methods
- Increased efficiency and throughput
- Easy set up in most standard enclosures
- Diluent delivery prior to sample transfer
- Highly efficient sample transfers
- Customization for your requirements
Hudson’s DNA Normalization System and Built-in Wizard
Hudson’s DNA Normalization System is designed to take the tedium and uncertainty out of manual normalization pipetting steps, and insure accurate, documented normalized DNA samples.
Hudson’s DNA Normalization System consists of a SOLO Pipettor with an 8-channel pipette head, a 4-position landscape plate deck, the SOLO DNA Normalization Wizard and a laptop control computer for the operator GUI and to control the process. Optional accessories include a shaker nest and a hand-held barcode scanner.
Hudson offers every user a choice of two DNA Normalization Methods:
1. Rapid Normalization (with varying final well volumes): add diluent amounts to destination plate first, then add samples.
Method procedure:
- Scan (or enter) sample DNA plate ID
- Scan (or enter) normalized destination plate ID
- Place rack of disposable tips on deck
- Select saved protocol file (or create new one with desired settings)
- Select data file for reader
- System calculates diluent volume for each individual well in the destination plate
- System adds calculated diluent amount to each destination plate well
- System transfers constant volume of DNA sample from every well into the destination plate to achieve the desired (constant) concentration of DNA in the destination plate, using fresh tip for each well, mixing after each dispense, then discarding the tips
User Inputs: (all can be saved to a protocol file, then the file can be called up instead of re-entering all the settings):
- Desired final DNA concentration
- Sample transfer volume (constant)
- Minimum final well volume
- Maximum final well volume
- Data file from absorbance reader
2. Constant Normalized Sample Volumes (with constant final well volumes): add varying diluents amounts to destinatuion plate first, then varying amounts of DNA sample to achieve a constant final well volume.
Method procedure:
- Scan (or enter) sample DNA plate ID
- Scan (or enter) normalized destination plate ID
- Place rack of disposable tips on deck
- Select saved protocol file (or create new one with desired settings)
- Select data file for reader
- System calculates diluent volume for each individual well in the destination plate
- System adds calculated diluent amount to each destination plate well
- System transfers calculated volume of DNA sample from every well in the DNA plate into the destination plate to achieve a uniform volume of normalized sample in each well of the destination plate, using fresh tip for each well, mixing after each dispense, then discarding the tips
User Inputs: (all can be saved to a protocol file, then the file can be called up instead of re-entering all the settings):
- Desired final DNA concentration
- Desired final well volume
- Data file from absorbance reader
Additionally, the user will have saved the minimum and maximum allowable pipetting volumes per well per transfer, based upon the pipettor head capacity and disposable tips being used. Also, the user may select the option to:
- Ignore wells where the amount of initial DNA is too small or too dilute to allow the desired final concentration to be achieved
- Prompt the user to plate an intermediate plate on the deck to allow a dual dilution of samples where the initial concentration of DNAS is too high to achieve the desired concentration in only one dilution step.