Application
NGS Library Preparation
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation converts DNA or RNA molecules into sequencing-ready libraries.
NGS enables researchers to uncover critical insights in genetics impacting a wide range of fields, including healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, drug development, and personalized medicine.
In addition to standard library preparation, target enrichment is a critical step for focusing on specific genomic regions of interest. This process enhances sequencing efficiency and depth while reducing costs and simplifying data analysis.
NGS library prep involves fragmenting genetic material, attaching adapter sequences, and performing purifications using tools like magnetic beads. These steps, combined with stringent quality control measures, create libraries that ensure high-quality input for accurate sequencing and data analysis.
The NGS library prep workflow is essential for both RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to study gene activity and DNA sequencing (DNA-seq) for analyzing entire genomes or specific regions. By uncovering expression profiles, genetic mutations, and alternative splicing, NGS library preparation supports advanced research and innovation across health, science, and industry.
How Hamilton Supports your NGS Library Preparation Workflows
Various NGS library preparation workflows, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), and target enrichment methods (hybridization and PCR/amplicon), are supported by Hamilton liquid handling solutions. Our Assay-Ready Workstations automate critical processes to reduce manual errors, increase throughput, and maintain reproducibility. Depending on the application, such as RNA-seq or WGS, the workflows can be adjusted to optimize results for specific research needs.
For partial NGS library prep automation, the Microlab PuriFY handles magnetic bead clean-up. Following loading of the bead/nucleic acid mix into the dedicated consumable, the instrument processes the clean-up automatically without pipette tips. This means more walk-away time, better reproducibility, and less plastic use.
Additionally, Hamilton offers automated storage solutions to safely and easily store, manage, and retrieve both your primary samples and final libraries.
Explore our NGS Library Prep Solutions and Applications in Detail
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Assay Ready Workstations
NGS STAR Line
Hamilton NGS STAR helps streamline next-generation sequencing in labs. Achieve full NGS automation for library prep, optimized for NGS assays and genome sequencing. Enhance efficiency, precision, and reliability in your workflows. Explore the Hamilton NGS STAR for seamless sequencing today!
Assay Ready Workstations
NGS STAR V
Automate NGS library preparation with the Hamilton NGS STAR V Assay Ready Workstation—optimized for demanding high-throughput genomic research.
Assay Ready Workstations
NGS STARlet
Compact and efficient, the entry-level NGS STARlet from Hamilton includes all the devices you need to automate sequencing library preparation of up to 24 samples at once with detailed precision, accuracy, and reliability.
The Hamilton Microlab STAR is a reliable and versatile automated liquid handling platform. With advanced features like multi-probe heads, pipetting technologies, and VENUS software, this premier liquid handling system fits your laboratory needs. Revolutionize your workflows with the STAR today!
Hamilton STAR V, a cutting-edge liquid handling robot, unites Microlab STAR flexibility with Microlab VANTAGE high-performance capabilities to boost efficiency. The Microlab STAR V offers speed, precision, and technology for automated liquid handling. Upgrade your lab—explore the Microlab STAR V!
Hamilton VANTAGE 2.0 is a cutting-edge liquid handling system with automated precision. Optimize workflows with the VANTAGE robot, all while boosting performance, safeguarding samples, and maximizing walk-away time. Discover the Hamilton VANTAGE liquid handler for your current & future needs.
The Hamilton Microlab Prep is an affordable liquid handler perfect for automating workflows. This entry-level liquid handler supports automated PCR setup and serial dilution.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso Q-Series
Verso Q-Series automated freezer storage systems allow you to spend less time managing your samples. Verso Q20, Verso Q50, and Verso Q75 automated ambient to minus 20°C freezers feature large storage capacities in extremely compact footprints.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso
Hamilton Verso is a modular compound management system for automated storage at temperatures from ambient to minus 20°C for high-throughput applications. This compound and sample storage system can easily be configured to meet your needs.
-80°C Sample Storage
SAM HD Pro
The SAM HD Pro lab freezer is your solution for high-density storage with a small footprint. This compact lab freezer is capable of ultra-low temperatures down to minus 80°C to ensure sample integrity. The SAM HD Pro sample freezer makes automated storage quick and easy.
-80°C Sample Storage
BiOS
BiOS is Hamilton’s premier minus 80°C freezer for medium- and large-capacity storage. This ultra-low temperature freezer maintains the integrity of your biological sample storage throughout automation. With customizable size and capacity, this minus 80°C freezer can be scaled to fit your storage needs.
Lab Syringes
Gastight Syringes
The solution for dispensing both gases and heterogeneous liquids. Hamilton Gastight syringes are equipped with a precision-machined PTFE plunger tip to create a leak-free seal.
Lab Syringes
Microliter Syringes
Hamilton Microliter syringes are ideal for dispensing homogeneous liquid samples not prone to glass bonding or precipitation. With a hand-fitted stainless steel plunger for frictionless movement and minimal wear, these syringes are designed to last.
Common Kits and Available Hamilton Methods
Good to Know About NGS Workflows
This section provides a selection of additional resources related to the application described on this page. It includes helpful articles, videos, and blogs that offer deeper insights into the topic.
Useful Links
External resources not written by Hamilton but valuable for understanding the topic, such as industry guidelines, explanatory videos, or relevant tools.
Get an overview of what NGS is all about and how the chemistry behind the library preparation process works.
| An introduction to NGS: Next Generation Sequencing - iBiology | Watch Video |
The following review articles provide an overview of sequencing technologies and library construction approaches:
| Hu, T., Chitnis, N., Monos, D., & Dinh, A. (2021). Next-generation sequencing technologies: An overview. Human Immunology, 82(11), 801–811. | Read Article |
| McCombie, W. R., McPherson, J. D., & Mardis, E. R. (2019). Next-generation sequencing technologies. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, 9(11), a036798. | Read Article |
| Head, S. R., Komori, H. K., LaMere, S. A., Whisenant, T., Van Nieuwerburgh, F., Salomon, D. R., & Ordoukhanian, P. (2014). Library construction for next-generation sequencing: Overviews and challenges. Biotechniques, 56(2), 61–68. | Read Article |
Hamilton Products in Action:
A collection of videos showcasing Hamilton products in use, providing practical insights into their functionality and benefits.
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Solutions for the top 3 Challenges for NGS Library Preparation
Ensuring Consistent Library Quality
Challenge: High-quality libraries are essential for accurate sequencing, but manual preparation can lead to variability and errors.
Solution: Use Hamilton Assay-Ready Workstations to automate critical steps like fragmentation, adapter ligation, and purification. Automation minimizes human error, enhances reproducibility, and ensures consistent results for downstream analysis, ranging from RNA-seq to WGS and target enrichment of sequences of interest.
Handling High-Throughput Demands
Challenge: Preparing large numbers of samples manually is time-consuming and prone to bottlenecks, delaying research progress.
Solution: Hamilton NGS Assay-Ready Workstations enable labs to scale up their workflows efficiently. With solutions tailored to different throughput requirements, hands-on time is reduced while maintaining accuracy, helping researchers meet project deadlines without sacrificing data quality.
Adapting to Diverse Applications
Challenge: NGS workflows often need to accommodate a range of applications, from WGS to RNA-seq, each requiring tailored approaches.
Solution: Hamilton NGS Assay-Ready Workstations offer optimized solutions to meet all the requirements of the NGS library preparation workflows, allowing labs to choose from a broad selection of ready-made methods for specific applications. These platforms provide flexibility and adaptability, ensuring they meet the needs of various research focuses while maintaining high standards of precision and reliability.
What Is Library Preparation for NGS?
Library preparation for NGS is the critical process of transforming DNA or RNA samples into a format that sequencing machines can process. It begins with fragmenting the genetic material and attaching adapters to those fragments.
Adapters play a vital role, ensuring that primers bind properly and that libraries are compatible with the sequencing machine’s flow cell. Adapters also allow for sample indexing, enabling researchers to sequence multiple samples simultaneously while preserving sample identity.
For RNA-seq, reverse transcription generates cDNA libraries, which are then purified using magnetic bead separation to ensure maximum sequencing efficiency and high-quality results.
This preparation is essential for applications such as WGS and WES, providing accurate data for in-depth analysis. NGS library preparation enables researchers to explore genetic mutations, expression profiles, and complex biological systems by creating libraries tailored to specific research goals.
What Is Next Generation Sequencing Used for?
NGS is a powerful technology used to analyze DNA and RNA molecules with exceptional accuracy and depth. It enables researchers to explore genetic material through massively parallel sequencing, generating millions of sequence reads in a single experiment. This makes NGS essential for a wide range of applications:
NGS is widely used for WGS and exome or target enrichment sequencing, allowing scientists to identify genetic mutations, structural variations, and other key features of DNA molecules.
In RNA-seq experiments, NGS helps analyze expression profiles, study alternative splicing events, and understand gene activity across different conditions.
NGS plays a vital role in diagnostics, enabling the detection of mutations associated with diseases, identifying biomarkers, and guiding personalized treatment strategies.
By incorporating tools like adapter ligation, magnetic beads, and read mapping, NGS workflows ensure high-quality data for reliable insights. Rigorous quality control processes reduce sequencing errors and enhance the reproducibility of results.
Whether studying RNA molecules through reverse transcription and creating cDNA libraries, or generating comprehensive data with increased read depth, Hamilton automation solutions make NGS workflows more scalable and adaptable, enabling breakthroughs in research.
NGS supports groundbreaking discoveries across healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and more, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and biology.
NGS Library Preparation Case Studies and Application Notes
Other NGS Library Prep Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
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