Single-Cell Omics

A scalable platform for plate-based single-cell omics workflows

Overview

Emerging Methods

Recent advances in instrumentation, biochemistry and computational tools for single-cell analysis have resulted in a rapid adoption of single-cell methods across different biological disciplines including cancer research and immunology. While single-cell RNA-sequencing is the most widely used technique to date, several promising methods for single-cell proteomics and single-cell multiomics are emerging. Performing high-throughput single-cell analysis on a routine basis requires robust instrumentation. At the same time, this highly dynamic field demands the use of flexible platforms that can accommodate a wide range of assays. Therefore, we provide an open, robust and automated platform for plate-based single-cell analysis workflows, including single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell genome sequencing, single-cell proteomics as well as the latest assays for single-cell multiomics.

Image-based Cell Isolation

Our single-cell dispensing technology enables label-free cell isolation based on imaging. In addition, cells can be sorted based on fluorescent markers to exclude dead cells or target subpopulations. The cell isolation process is documented by a series of images that provide proof of successful single-cell isolation and insight into cell morphology such as size, roundness or fluorescent intensity. These parameters can be directly linked to the library size or the sequencing data.

Cell Lysis In Sub-microliter
Liquid Volumes

Accurate single-cell analyses and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation require efficient isolation of cells from the bulk sample and their precise deposition into PCR well plates. Our F.SIGHT OMICS is equipped with an automated offset correction (AOC) module that ensures cells are deposited into the center of each well, allowing cell lysis to occur in submicroliter volumes.

NGS Library Preparation

Automated liquid handling is key for routine single-cell library preparation as it reduces hands-on time and operator bias. Furthermore, more and more labs are turning to submicroliter reagent dispensing to reduce the costs of expensive reagents as the sample size and overall complexity grows. To meet the growing demand for miniaturized single-cell library preparation, we’ve created the I.DOT, our noncontact liquid handling platform which helps reduce costs, resources and the risk of cross contamination .

The I.DOT can dispense nanoliter droplets ranging from 8 nl to 50 nl. This flexibility enables miniaturization in many different chemistries for OMICS analysis. From the very start of the workflow, hundreds of libraries can be quantitated and normalized within minutes using the I.DOT, which allows for highly multiplexed dispensing of up to 96 reagents in parallel.

The very next steps would be library indexing and barcoding. The I.DOT’s noncontact dispensing technology was developed to perform even the most complex liquid handling tasks at unrivaled speed. Up to 2304 libraries can be uniquely barcoded with a single I.DOT source plate and 96 unique barcodes can be dispensed in under 60 seconds.

DNA Purification

Once NGS library preparation is finished, the libraries undergo DNA Purification. Traditionally, magnetic beads have been used to facilitate these washing steps. However, pipette-based methodologies are considered invasive and can result in significant bead loss. With our C.WASH platform, libraries can be purified and washed with noncontact centrifugal forces, reducing bead loss and avoiding unnecessary sample manipulation. Additionally, the C.WASH uses noncontact liquid dispensing technology to dispense all buffers onto the plates gently and without ever touching the DNA-covered beads.

Library Indexing and Early Barcoding

The ability to index NGS libraries with unique DNA barcodes provides the basis for high-throughput single-cell sequencing. For single-cell full-length transcript sequencing or whole exome sequencing, individual libraries are usually indexed after amplification and fragmentation. Other RNA-seq protocols, such as CEL-Seq2, make use of early barcoding and pooling of single cells, requiring the addition of hundreds of barcoded primers before reverse transcription. Any cross contamination between barcode primers must be avoided, since it would make proper demultiplexing impossible.

Sub-Applications

Research Workflows

Performing complex tasks at unrivaled speed

Using one of the examples above, our technologies are well suited to help identify different cell populations within complex samples. The F.SIGHT OMICS makes isolating cells of interest easy and efficient thanks to its fluorescent sorting, which only dispenses labelled samples for downstream analysis. This single-cell dispenser precisely deposits cells at the bottom of PCR wells in picoliter droplets.

Following isolation, the plate is placed into the I.DOT for the initial cell lysis steps. Thanks to its nanoliter dispensing capabilities, the I.DOT can carry out this initial step in submicroliter volumes. Subsequent indexing and barcoding steps are also easily miniaturized with this platform.

Finally, our C.WASH platform provides noncontact bead cleanup and final DNA purification, preparing samples for final NGS in a matter of minutes. This workflow can be easily automated across all instruments to help save time and reduce plastic use.