NuGen and Advanced Liquid Logic will co-develop automated sample prep technology for next-generation sequencing, the companies said today.
Under the exclusive co-development and supply agreement, Advanced Liquid Logic will provide instrumentation, software, and digital microfluidics cartridge technology to NuGen for commercialization.
Advanced Liquid Logic's benchtop system includes a disposable cartridge that can be configured for multiple different sample prep applications, according to the company.
The companies plan to co-develop a system, which NuGen will market, called Mondrian, with an initial focus on next-gen sequencing library prep protocols for Illumina sequencing platforms.
NuGen is currently collaborating with the Broad Institute to develop the first protocols. It is also planning to develop its Ovation RNA-seq and Encore Amplification Free NGS Library System on the Mondrian, and expects those to be available by the end of the year.
NuGen's technology has to date been focused on allowing researchers to work with small amounts of starting material, said CEO Elizabeth Hutt in a statement. "Introduction of this system is a natural extension of that mission, as the system allows for even smaller amounts of starting materials by working in volumes unachievable with any other existing technologies."