Compact NGS Library Preparation System - ToronNGS™ 48
ToronNGS™ 48 Automated NGS Library Preparation Workstation, 48 Samples per Run
The ToronNGS™ 48 compact NGS library preparation system automates library construction, quantification, pooling, and hybrid capture for up to 48 samples per run. Sequencing cores and clinical genomics labs use it when daily batches outgrow manual prep but bench space stays tight. A 24-channel pipettor with an integrated gripper, an onboard thermal cycler, a heating shaker, and three temperature-controlled modules share an 18-position deck. A built-in 24-well fluorometer measures every library before normalization. Operators load samples and reagents, start the protocol, and walk away.
The workstation covers more workflows than entry-level systems. It handles up to 48 DNA libraries, 32 RNA libraries, 24 single-cell libraries, or 16 targeted capture libraries per run, depending on the kit. The gripper moves plates between positions instead of pipetting volumes across them, which reduces liquid loss. Consumable stacking keeps fresh and spent plates organized within one protocol, so staff intervene less during long runs. The open software works with most commercial library preparation kits.
Contamination control is built into the enclosure. Negative-pressure HEPA filtration and a UV sterilization lamp keep the deck clean between runs. The thermal cycler accepts disposable sealing covers that prevent condensation and cross-contamination during amplification. An external barcode scanner records sample and reagent data, and LIS and cloud database links are available as expansion options. The 980 × 793 × 830 mm frame fits on a standard lab bench.
Compact NGS Library Preparation System - ToronNGS™ 48 Applications
The ToronNGS™ 48 supports medium-throughput sequencing labs that need consistent libraries and target enrichment without dedicating staff to manual prep. Its hybrid capture capability extends it beyond basic library construction.
- Whole Genome Sequencing: enzymatic fragmentation, end repair, adapter ligation, and amplification for DNA libraries from purified genomic DNA
- RNA Sequencing (RNA-seq): automated library construction for transcriptome and gene expression studies using RNA-seq library kits
- Hybrid Capture Target Enrichment: probe hybridization and magnetic bead capture for exome and gene panel sequencing
- Targeted and Amplicon Sequencing: multiplex PCR workflows for pathogen panels, tNGS, and gene-specific panels
- Single-Cell Sequencing: library preparation for single-cell transcriptome workflows that use compatible kits
- Oncology and Inherited Disease Research: reproducible capture libraries for tumor profiling and germline variant studies
- Microbial and Pathogen Genomics: library prep for bacterial, viral, and metagenomic sequencing in public health and research labs
- Core Sequencing Facilities and CROs: standardized library output across multiple projects with lower operator-to-operator variation
Compact NGS Library Preparation System - ToronNGS™ 48 Key Features
The ToronNGS™ 48 combines high-channel pipetting, plate handling, thermal control, and QC on one compact deck. Each feature targets higher daily output, fewer manual steps, and consistent library quality.
- Sample-to-Library and Capture Automation: runs fragmentation, ligation, cleanup, PCR, QC, normalization, pooling, and hybrid capture in one protocol
- 24-Channel Precision Pipettor: fixed-spacing head covers 1 µL to 200 µL with CV of 1% or less at 20 µL and above, and works as 24, 16, 8, single, or any channel combination
- Liquid Level Detection: pressure and capacitive sensing detect liquid surfaces, residual volume, and tip blockages for reliable aspiration
- Flexible Tip Compatibility: accepts 20 µL, 50 µL, and 200 µL tips to match each step's volume range
- 2-in-1 Pipettor and Gripper: one head pipettes and moves plates, cutting liquid loss and removing a separate robotic arm
- Consumable Stacking: stacked tips and plates extend walkaway time, and new and waste plates follow one managed plan
- Built-In 24-Well Fluorometer: quantifies 24 libraries at once using only 2 µL to 20 µL of sample, with a detection limit as low as 0.02 ng/µL dsDNA, and up to 72 samples per run with matching consumables
- Automatic Normalization and Pooling: software converts fluorometer readings into dilution volumes and mixes libraries in equal proportions
24-Channel Pipettor
Fluorometer
PCR Module
Temperature Control Module
Thermo Shaker Incubator Module
- Onboard Thermal Cycler: 4 °C to 99 °C block with ≤ 0.2 °C precision and ±0.3 °C accuracy at 55 °C, plus a 30 °C to 120 °C heated lid, for 96 × 0.1 mL full-skirted plates
- Heating Shaker Incubator: heats, cools, incubates, and mixes 96 deep-well plates at up to 1500 rpm with a 3 mm orbit for bead resuspension and hybridization steps
- Three Temperature Control Modules: each module sets freely between 4 °C and 105 °C with ≤ 1 °C accuracy, keeping enzymes, samples, and deep-well plates at the right temperature, with custom adapters available
- Magnetic Module and Bead Vortex: a 96-well annular magnet separates beads in 1.0 mL and 2.0 mL deep-well plates, while an onboard vortex keeps bead stocks uniform
- Light-Shielded Fluorometer Storage: a covered position protects fluorescent reagents and consumables from light
- Contamination Control: negative-pressure HEPA filtration, UV sterilization, and disposable PCR sealing covers reduce cross-contamination
- Open, Graphical Software: drag-and-drop protocol building, editable liquid parameters, pre-filled reagent support, and step-by-step loading guidance
- Data Traceability: external barcode scanner input with expandable LIS and cloud database connections
Theory and Method
NGS library preparation converts nucleic acid into short fragments that carry sequencer-compatible adapters. The ToronNGS™ 48 fragments DNA enzymatically, repairs the fragment ends, and adds a single adenine overhang. Ligase attaches adapters with a matching thymine overhang, and a short PCR step enriches ligated fragments while adding sample indexes. Magnetic bead cleanups follow each enzymatic step. Carboxyl-coated beads bind DNA in polyethylene glycol and salt, and the bead-to-sample ratio controls which fragment sizes the system keeps.
Hybrid capture narrows a whole library down to the regions of interest. Biotinylated DNA or RNA probes hybridize to complementary target fragments during an extended incubation on the heating shaker. Streptavidin-coated magnetic beads then bind the probe-target complexes. The magnetic module holds the beads while the pipettor washes away off-target fragments. A final PCR amplifies the captured library for sequencing.
The 24-well fluorometer quantifies each library with a dsDNA-specific dye that fluoresces strongly only when bound to double-stranded DNA. Signal intensity scales with concentration, so free primers and nucleotides do not inflate the reading. The software converts each result into dilution volumes and pools the libraries in equal molar amounts. Pressure and capacitive liquid level detection on the pipettor sense liquid surfaces, residual volume, and tip clogs during every aspiration.
Compact NGS Library Preparation System - ToronNGS™ 48 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sample Throughput | 1 to 48 samples per run |
| Library Throughput by Type | DNA library preparation: 48; RNA library preparation: 32; targeted capture: 16; single-cell sequencing: 24 |
| Deck Positions | 18 |
| Pipettor | 24-channel, fixed spacing (usable as 24, 16, 8, single, or any channel) |
| Pipetting Range | 1 µL to 200 µL |
| Compatible Tips | 20 µL, 50 µL, 200 µL |
| Pipetting Precision (CV) | 1 µL: ≤ 8%; 2 µL: ≤ 5%; 5 µL: ≤ 4%; 20 µL: ≤ 1%; 100 µL: ≤ 1%; 200 µL: ≤ 1% |
| Pipetting Accuracy | 1 µL: ±10%; 2 µL: ±8%; 5 µL: ±4%; 20 µL: ±2%; 100 µL: ±1%; 200 µL: ±1% |
| Liquid Level Detection | PLLD and CLLD (liquid level, residual volume, and clog detection) |
| Gripper | Yes, integrated with pipettor head |
| Consumable Stacking | Yes |
| Temperature Control Modules | 3 |
| Temperature Control Range | 4 °C to 105 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ≤ 1 °C |
| Temperature Control Uniformity | ≤ 1 °C (at 55 °C) |
| Temperature Module Capacity | 12 × 8 × 0.2 mL PCR tubes; 16 × 1.5/2.0 mL cryovials + 5 × 8 × 0.2 mL PCR tubes; 1 × 96 deep-well plate |
| Thermal Cycler Block Range | 4 °C to 99 °C |
| Thermal Cycler Heated Lid Range | 30 °C to 120 °C |
| Thermal Cycler Accuracy | ±0.3 °C |
| Thermal Cycler Precision | ≤ 0.2 °C (at 55 °C) |
| Thermal Cycler Uniformity | ≤ 0.5 °C |
| PCR Consumable Format | 96 × 0.1 mL full-skirted PCR plate |
| Heating Shaker Module | 96 deep-well plate; heating, cooling, incubation, and mixing |
| Heating Shaker Temperature Range | 4 °C to 105 °C |
| Heating Shaker Amplitude | 3 mm |
| Heating Shaker Maximum Speed | 1500 rpm |
| Fluorescence Detection Throughput | 24 samples per run (up to 72 with corresponding consumables) |
| Fluorescence Detection Range | 0.4 ng to 100 ng |
| Fluorometer Sample Volume | 2 µL to 20 µL |
| Fluorometer Lowest Detection Limit | 0.02 ng/µL (dsDNA) |
| Fluorometer Repeatability | CV ≤ 1.5% |
| Fluorometer Linearity | R² ≥ 0.995 |
| Fluorometer Linear Range | 4 orders of magnitude |
| Magnetic Bead Vortex | Yes |
| Magnetic Module | 96-well annular magnetic module, height adjustable (fits 1.0 mL and 2.0 mL 96-well plates) |
| Room Temperature Reagent Area | 6 × 8 × 0.2 mL PCR tubes with bead vortex; 3 × 120 mL troughs |
| Contamination Control | UV sterilization lamp, negative-pressure HEPA filtration |
| Instrument Port | USB |
| Information Management | External scanner for sample and reagent data; expandable LIS connection; expandable cloud database connection |
| Voltage | 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Rated Power | 1200 W |
| Operating Environment | 20 °C ± 5 °C; relative humidity ≤ 80% |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 980 × 793 × 830 mm |
| Weight | 200 kg |
Deck Layout
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Tip Area | 200 µL / 50 µL tip racks |
| PCR Module | Thermal cycler for library amplification, 96 × 0.1 mL full-skirted plate |
| Temperature Control Modules (3) | Cold storage and incubation for PCR tube strips, cryovials, and a 96 deep-well plate |
| Room Temperature Reagent Area | Reagent rack for fluorescent reagents and tube caps, PCR tube strips, and 120 mL troughs |
| Magnetic Bead Vortex | Bead resuspension within the reagent area |
| Heating Shaker Incubator | Heating, cooling, incubation, and mixing of a 96 deep-well plate |
| Magnetic Module | Bead binding and separation in 96-well deep-well plates |
| Fluorometer | 24-well dsDNA quantification module |
| Fluorometer Consumables | Light-shielded storage for fluorescent reagents and consumables |
| Expandable Area | Stacking positions for supply consumables |
| Waste Area | Tip disposal box with open-access waste trough |