AI-generated from publicly available materials.Takara Bio USA and SPT Labtech have partnered to enhance automation in next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation workflows.
The collaboration aims to integrate Takara Bio’s SMART-seq® RNA-seq library preparation chemistries with SPT Labtech’s firefly liquid handling platform. Initially, the focus will be on optimizing specific RNA-seq workflows, with plans to expand to a wider range of RNA-seq, DNA-seq, and immune profiling kits. This partnership primarily targets NGS core labs that handle large volumes of samples and seek to improve their operational efficiency.
By utilizing this automated solution, labs can expect to generate high-quality sequencing data with reproducibility while seamlessly integrating into their existing processes. The firefly platform is designed to be space-efficient, making it ideal for labs with limited resources. Automation scripts for current kits are already available on the SPT cloud portal, further facilitating the implementation of these workflows.
This partnership signifies Takara Bio's broader strategy to incorporate automation into their NGS product offerings. As they prepare to launch the SMART-Seq mRNA long read extended kit in January 2027, they emphasize that automated workflows will be integral from the outset. The collaboration aims to democratize access to automated library preparation, allowing more labs to benefit without the extensive infrastructure typically required for larger automation systems.