High-Throughput NGS Library Preparation System
High-Throughput NGS Library Preparation System - ToronNGS™ 96
ToronNGS™ 96 Automated NGS Library Preparation Workstation, 96 Samples per Run
The ToronNGS™ 96 high-throughput NGS library preparation system automates library construction, quantification, pooling, and hybrid capture for up to 96 samples per run. Large sequencing cores, clinical genomics labs, and pathogen surveillance programs use it to process full-plate batches without adding staff. A 24-channel pipettor and a mechanical plate gripper work across a 27-position deck. The deck also holds an onboard thermal cycler, a heating shaker, two temperature-controlled modules, and a built-in 24-well fluorometer.
The workstation handles up to 96 DNA libraries, 32 RNA libraries, 24 single-cell libraries, or 16 targeted capture libraries per run, depending on the kit. An adjustable-height stacking module holds up to three deep-well or PCR plates per position, so long protocols run with less operator intervention. The gripper moves plates between positions instead of pipetting volumes across them, which reduces liquid loss. Operators can also swap deck modules to match how their samples arrive. 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. These features support traceable, audit-ready library production at scale.
High-Throughput NGS Library Preparation System - ToronNGS™ 96 Applications
The ToronNGS™ 96 serves high-volume sequencing operations that need full-plate library output and target enrichment on one platform. Its open deck and software adapt to short-read, long-read, and single-cell workflows.
- Whole Genome Sequencing: enzymatic fragmentation, end repair, adapter ligation, and amplification for up to 96 DNA libraries per run
- Targeted Pathogen Sequencing (tNGS): multiplex amplicon library prep that screens dozens to hundreds of known pathogens plus virulence and resistance genes
- Hybrid Capture Target Enrichment: probe hybridization and magnetic bead capture for exome and gene panel sequencing
- RNA Sequencing (RNA-seq): automated library construction for transcriptome and gene expression studies
- Single-Cell Sequencing: library preparation for single-cell workflows that use compatible kits
- Long-Read Sequencing Prep: sample handling and cleanup steps for third and fourth generation sequencing platforms
- Population Genomics and Biobanks: high-volume library production for large cohort and genotyping studies
- Public Health Surveillance: batch sequencing for outbreak tracking, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and wastewater genomics
- Core Facilities and CROs: standardized library output across many projects with lower operator-to-operator variation
High-Throughput NGS Library Preparation System - ToronNGS™ 96 Key Features
The ToronNGS™ 96 combines high-channel pipetting, plate handling, stacking, and QC on a full-size deck built for plate-scale throughput. Each feature targets higher daily output, longer walkaway time, and consistent library quality.
- Full-Plate Throughput: processes up to 96 samples per run for library preparation, or 16 samples through complete library prep and hybrid capture
- 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 to handle reagent dispensing and parallel sample transfers in the same protocol
- Liquid Level Detection: pressure and capacitive sensing detect liquid surfaces, residual volume, and tip blockages for reliable aspiration
- Automatic Tip Loading: combines two tip sizes on one rack for single-channel steps, saving time and reducing tip consumption
- Mechanical Plate Gripper: transfers plates between the heating shaker and the magnet, cutting the liquid loss that comes with pipetting volumes between positions
- Adjustable-Height Plate Stacking: stacks up to three deep-well or PCR plates per expandable position to extend unattended run time
24-Channel Pipettor
Fluorometer
PCR Module
Gripper
Thermo Shaker Incubator Module
- 27-Position Deck with Open Configuration: swap tabletop modules, such as SBS trays, 96-well PCR plates, or 24 × 1.5 mL tube racks, to match incoming sample formats
- 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
- Automatic Normalization and Pooling: software converts fluorometer readings into dilution volumes and mixes libraries in equal proportions
- 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, with no-template control runs showing very low cross-contamination
- High-Speed Heating Shaker: heats, incubates, and mixes 96 deep-well plates at up to 3000 rpm with a 2 mm orbit, while precise zero positioning, anti-vibration design, and 2D motion control return the plate to a safe pipetting position
- Two Temperature Control Modules: each sets freely between 4 °C and 105 °C with ≤ 1 °C accuracy, with selectable sample racks and custom adapters
- Magnetic Module and Bead Suspension: a 96-well annular magnet separates beads in 1.0 mL and 2.0 mL deep-well plates, while a dedicated suspension module keeps bead stocks uniform
- Large Waste Capacity: a 300 mL liquid waste container, open-access tip disposal, and a waste plate area support full-plate runs
- 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™ 96 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.
Targeted workflows take two routes. Multiplex amplicon sequencing runs two rounds of PCR: the first amplifies many targets with gene-specific primers, and the second adds adapters and indexes. Hybrid capture uses biotinylated probes that hybridize to target fragments during a long incubation on the heating shaker. Streptavidin-coated magnetic beads then pull down the probe-target complexes. The magnetic module holds the beads while the pipettor washes away off-target fragments.
The 24-well fluorometer quantifies libraries 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.
High-Throughput NGS Library Preparation System - ToronNGS™ 96 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sample Throughput | 1 to 96 samples per run |
| Library Throughput by Type | DNA library preparation: 96; RNA library preparation: 32; targeted capture: 16; single-cell sequencing: 24 |
| Deck Positions | 27 |
| Pipettor | 24-channel, fixed spacing (usable as 24, 16, 8, single, or any channel) |
| Pipetting Range | 1 µL to 200 µL |
| Compatible Tips | 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 | Standard mechanical gripper with plate stacking |
| Consumable Stacking | Adjustable-height stack plate module (up to 3 deep-well or PCR plates) |
| Temperature Control Modules | 2 |
| Temperature Control Range | 4 °C to 105 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ≤ 1 °C |
| Temperature Control Uniformity | ≤ 1 °C (at 55 °C) |
| Temperature Module Capacity | Each: 16 × 1.5/2.0 mL cryovials + 5 × 8 × 0.2 mL PCR tubes (sample racks selectable, customizable) |
| 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, incubation, and mixing |
| Heating Shaker Temperature Range | Room temperature + 5 °C to 105 °C |
| Heating Shaker Amplitude | 2 mm |
| Heating Shaker Maximum Speed | 3000 rpm |
| Fluorescence Detection Throughput | 24 samples per run |
| 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 | Not included (dedicated magnetic bead suspension module on deck) |
| 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 + 30 × 1.5/2.0 mL tubes; 3 × 120 mL troughs; 12 × 8 × 0.2 mL PCR tubes |
| Waste Handling | 300 mL liquid waste container, tip disposal box, waste plate area |
| 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) | 1420 × 790 × 800 mm |
| Weight | 300 kg |
Deck Layout
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Tip Area | 200 µL / 50 µL tip racks, plus a mixed-tip rack for single-channel automatic tip loading |
| PCR Module | Thermal cycler for library amplification, 96 × 0.1 mL full-skirted plate |
| Temperature Control Modules (2) | Cold storage and incubation for cryovials and PCR tube strips |
| Room Temperature Reagent Area | Reagent racks for fluorescent reagents, tube caps, PCR tube strips, tubes, and 120 mL troughs |
| Heating Shaker Incubator | Heating, incubation, and mixing of a 96 deep-well plate |
| Magnetic Module | Bead binding and separation in 96-well deep-well plates |
| Magnetic Bead Suspension Module | Keeps bead stocks resuspended between transfers |
| Fluorometer | 24-well dsDNA quantification module |
| Fluorometer Consumables | Light-shielded storage for fluorescent reagents and consumables |
| Expandable Area | Stacking positions for up to 3 deep-well or PCR plates |
| Waste Area | 300 mL liquid waste container, tip disposal box, and waste plate area |
Optional Accessories
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Tip Disposal Box | Holds used tips (recommended capacity under 1000 tips) |
| Reagent Rack | Holds 3 × 120 mL reservoirs |
| Fixed Magnetic Plate | Magnetic stand for 96-well PCR plates |
| Standard Tray | Deck tray for SBS-format consumables |
| Heightened Tray | Raised deck tray for low-profile consumables |
| PCR Tube Holder | Holds 8-strip tubes and non-skirted 96-well plates |
| Dry Bath Incubator Module | Additional heating and cooling position, 24 V DC, 160 W |
| Thermo Shaker Module | Additional heating and mixing position, 24 V DC, 120 W |