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Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces Latest in Capillary Electrophoresis Technology with New Applied Biosystems™ SeqStudio™ Genetic Analyzer

Thermo Fisher Scientific

New low throughput Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis platform offers trusted technology and workflow with all-in-one cartridge system and cloud connectivity

23 May 2017
Weylan Kiam-Laine
Microbiologist

Product news

Thermo Fisher Scientific, a world leader in serving science, has launched a new capillary electrophoresis (CE) system designed to offer a low throughput, cartridge-based system for Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis. For use with oncology research, genome editing, species identification, and human cell line authentication among other common applications, the Applied Biosystems™ SeqStudio™ Genetic Analyzer supports the growing need for an affordable and easy-to-use CE platform. The SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer will be displayed publicly for the first time in the Thermo Fisher Scientific booth (#438) at the annual European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 27-30, 2017.

The new SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer utilizes a unique all-in-one cartridge that combines the capillary array, polymer reservoir and anode buffer, which vastly simplifies preparation and hands-on processing time. Other innovative features of the system allow customers to access individualized protocols, an intuitive touchscreen and connectivity to the Thermo Fisher Cloud for remote setup and monitoring as well as easy data analysis and collaboration.

“Sanger sequencing using CE, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the gold standard sequencing technology. It helped discover novel biological findings such as the first breast cancer gene (BRCA1) and was used to complete the Human Genome Project in 2003,” said Kim Kelderman, vice president and general manager of Genetic Analysis at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer is a smart and state-of-the-art system that provides researchers with a truly plug and play system.”

The SeqStudio instrument has a small footprint, with an onboard computer and integrated touchscreen that makes run setup quick, intuitive and flexible. The system allows sequencing and fragment analysis runs on the same plate without the need to change any consumables. This opens new opportunities for streamlining analyses – for example, combining a locus screening test with a copy number variability test on the same CE plate.

The SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer will be available to all global markets in the second half of 2017 and is already in use by select customers in North America, EMEA, Japan and China. These early-access customers have reported exciting successes with more than 2,000 combined runs on the system.

“I am very enthusiastic about the launch of this new CE system because it brings down the cost of capillary electrophoresis platforms and is very simple to operate,” said Jan Schouten, CEO of MRC Holland, which is a SeqStudio early access site that develops MLPA-based fragment analysis assays for the detection of small copy number changes. “The system can handle a complete microtiter sample plate and has sufficient capacity for both low- and mid-throughput genetic laboratories.”

For more information about the SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer or to learn more about Thermo Fisher’s Sanger sequencing applications, please visit www.thermofisher.com/seqstudio. To watch an overview video of the SeqStudio, click here. Thermo Fisher will also host a live unveiling of the SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer via a video broadcast beginning at 7 a.m. PT today. To view the presentation, live or on demand later, click here.

SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer is for Research Use Only; not intended for diagnostic procedures.

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.DNA / RNA Extraction and PurificationPurified DNA and RNA are required for numerous downstream molecular biology applications. Consequently, the importance of high-quality DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment cannot be underestimated. Many purification kits are available and are typically optimized for nucleic acid type and source, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, mRNA, RNA and viral nucleic acid purification kits. Automated extraction and purification of nucleic acids can be implemented with magnetic bead separator instruments or high-throughput purification workstations. Find the best DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ElectrophoresisElectrophoresis equipment is used to separate mixtures of protein, DNA or RNA, based on their electric charge, size and other physical characteristics, by passing them through a medium such as a polyacrylamide gel, an agarose gel or a capillary tube. Electrophoresis equipment includes horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis chambers, isoelectric focusing systems, 2D electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis instruments. Precast gels with a gradient can be used or gels can be hand cast. Samples are run alongside ladders or markers to identify the approximate size of a molecule. Separated proteins and nucleic acids in the gel can be stained or probed with fluorescent markers and then imaged and detected using gel documentation instruments, transilluminators, densitometers and scanners. Find the best electrophoresis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene EditingGene editing is the precise alteration to an organism's DNA, with CRISPR being the most well-known technique. It is used in a wide range of applications, including the development of disease models and gene therapy, and crop improvement. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best gene editing solutions, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Genetic VariationCancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.

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