At the heart of the NeoPrep system lies a transformative fluid-handling technology that precisely manipulates nano-liter sized droplets to perform complex laboratory protocols. This innovation—digital microfluidics—enables NeoPrep to deliver the simplest NGS library prep workflow on the market.
Digital microfluidics is based on the use of “electrowetting,” which refers to the ability of an applied voltage to modulate the “wettability” of a surface. Aqueous droplets naturally “bead-up” on a hydrophobic surface but a voltage applied between a droplet and an insulated electrode can cause the droplet to spread on the surface. Digital microfluidics harnesses electrowetting to control droplets within the NeoPrep cartridge. Electrical signals are applied to an array of electrodes to define the size and position of each droplet. Droplets are moved by turning the voltage on and off in succession across adjacent electrodes.
The same mechanism can be used to dispense, merge and mix droplets using electrical signals. These basic operations become the building blocks to perform biochemical reactions within the cartridge.
In addition to digital microfluidics, the NeoPrep system integrates thermal, magnetic and optical components to perform PCR, bead-based operations, and quantification. In combination, these powerful capabilities allow NeoPrep to execute Illumina’s library prep protocols while conserving precious sample material and significantly reducing the potential for human error.
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