33. Fully Automated DNA Sequencing with a Commercial 96-Capillary Array Instrument 

Qingbo Li, Thomas E. Kane, Changsheng Liu, Harry Zhao, Robert Fields, and John Kernan 
SpectruMedix Corp., 2124 Old Gatesburg Rd., State College, PA 16803 
qbli@spectrumedix.com 

A commercial high-throughput DNA sequencer has been developed based on a robust multiplexed 96-capillary electrophoresis system and a high-performance replaceable gel matrix. The instrument is fully automated with all the operation steps carried out and controlled by the instrument computer. The detector system employs on-column laser-induced fluorescence detection with an air-cooled argon ion laser as the excitation source. The instrument allows automatic processing of many 96-well sample trays without human intervention. 

Including the time for sample introduction, separation, and capillary reconditioning, the instrument is capable of one complete run within two hours. The sequencing throughput of half million bases per day is readily achievable using this 96-capillary instrument. The instrument is also compatible with other DNA fragment analysis. With the experience of successfully building the 96-capillary instrument, the team is taking a further step toward developing a 384-capillary instrument. 

Testing results will be presented for a fully functional 96-capillary instrument. Performance data of the instrument will be discussed.