VERSA Mini Automated Nucleic Acid Workstation
The VERSA Mini NAP/PCR workstation is a small, automated nucleic acid preparation workstation designed to perform virtually every task for nucleic acid isolation and nucleic acid purification with high precision, throughput and accuracy.
With a built-in shaker plate, temperature control, and the option of a magnetic block or a vacuum manifold, the VERSA Mini NAP/PCR workstation performs automated nucleic acid isolation and prepares nucleic acid samples for PCR. This nucleic acid preparation workstation can save expensive reagents, eliminate concerns associated with volumetric variations caused by handling errors, as well as handle repetitive pipetting protocols.
The VERSA automated nucleic acid preparation workstation and VERSAware software have been specifically designed to easily automate commercially-available extraction kits (both magnetic bead and vacuum manifold techniques) and industry recognized nucleic acid extraction protocols. Moreover, it provides customized solutions for researchers interested in creating their own nucleic acid preparation protocols.
In addition to automating nucleic acid and PCR preparation applications, this system can also be programmed to carry out general liquid- handling tasks, such as: serial dilution, cherry picking, plate reformatting and plate replication. The VERSA Mini NAP/PCR workstation, when housed in an appropriate bio-safety cabinet, can be utilized to handle BSL-2 and BSL-3 agents, reducing the risk of iatrogenic infections in laboratory workers. Aurora’s bio-safety cabinets are available with HEPA filtration and UV irradiation capabilities. This optional accessory is designed to maximally prevent cross-contamination.
Key Features for Nucleic Acid Isolation & Nucleic Acid Purification
The Workstation:
The workstation is equipped with one robotic arm, which transports a liquid handling module. This module comes equipped with a single-channel dual SyringePipettor and a two-channel ReagentDrop to execute all aspiration/dispensing steps associated with nucleic acid isolation protocols. Additionally, the module is outfitted with a plate transporter designed to move samples between nucleic acid purification positions (magnetic blocks or vacuum manifolds) and wash/resuspension positions (shaker plates). This automated nucleic acid preparation system comes with a deck capacity ideal for this type of work. With the plate shaker, magnetic bead/vacuum manifold, reagent cooler and optional plate heater/coolers, nucleic acid purification is completed quickly and efficiently, thereby preventing sample degradation. The dynamic range of volumes handled by the VERSA workstation allows you to generate nucleic acid isolations and setup PCRs using accurate liquid handling for volumes ranging from 1µL to 1000µL. This flexibility is ideal for both small and large samples from which nucleic acid purification is needed.
Instrument Integration:
The VERSA Mini NAP/PCR workstation can support both carousel and plate adaptors. These adaptors make the workstation compatible with most brands of thermal cyclers. Additionally, this automated nucleic acid preparation workstation can be easily integrated with other complimentary instruments such as incubators and micro plate readers. This adaptability makes the VERSA Mini NAP/PCR a quick fit that does not require specific accompanying instrumentation. Research facilities and laboratories looking to automate their nucleic acid isolation work will find this workstation to be a simple, quick and reliable solution.
Software & Deck Layout for Nucleic Acid Preparation
The VERSAware Mini NAP/PCR workstation software is easily programmable for the preparation of nucleic acid samples. It can be used to control DNA/RNA isolation, prepare PCR master mixes, dispense nucleic acid templates, move plates from temperature control blocks to magnetic blocks, and load samples into PCR plates and strips.
The deck configurations shown are a general representation for setting up reactions for nucleic acid preparation using commercially available kits. Additional lab ware may be required depending on the setup and the individual method being performed. This system provides an ideal solution that may be easily customized to suit protocol-specific requirements. This VERSA Mini NAP/PCR workstation provides a cost-effective solution for most nucleic acid preparation, purification and isolation protocols.
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