firefly®+

This resource explores how automated liquid‑handling technologies are reshaping next‑generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, with a focus on reducing bottlenecks in sample and library preparation. Drawing on qualitative insights from NGS laboratories, the resource highlights key opportunities around throughput, space efficiency, sustainability, ease of use, and miniaturization, and outlines a future vision for accessible, high‑performance automation across genomics research and clinical applications.

Genomics research has come a long way in recent years, supported by ever-evolving technologies which aim to mitigate on-going challenges such as increased R&D costs, achieving greater throughput, and the need for reproducible and reliable experimental results.

Miniaturization has been a major step forward in tackling issues with laborious manual sample preparation and is particularly feasible for next-generation sequencing library preparation due to the sensitivity and precision of the enzymes involved.

In this SelectScience guide, discover how SPT Labtech’s automated platforms are revolutionizing liquid handling and providing consistency across multiple users within the same facility, or even across different sites.

Download this SelectScience guide to learn about:

• Key automation & miniaturization considerations
• Miniaturization & automation of NGS library prep
• Miniaturized library prep for high-throughput screening
• Accurate, miniaturized DNA quantification assays
• Low-volume, single-cell RNA-seq library prep
• Proven miniaturization of NGS methods

Resource details:

• Document type: SelectScience guide
• Page count: 31
• Read time: 47 mins
• Edition: 2nd

Friday, June 19 at 15:30 BST | 16:30 CEST | 10:30 EDT | 07:30 PDT

Explore the latest evolution of the firefly® liquid handling system from SPT Labtech with this comprehensive walkthrough. Learn how the system's dual technologies combine precision pipetting with high-speed non-contact dispensing to unlock flexible, high-throughput workflows. Whether you're new to automation or an experienced user, this SelectScience TechTalk reveals how the smart design features of the firefly® and firefly®+ can maximize efficiency and boost productivity in your lab.

Certificate of attendance
If you attend the live TechTalk, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes. If you view the on-demand TechTalk, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.

TechTalk details

• Cost: Free to attend
• Location: Online
• Duration: 5 minutes

Registration is required to secure your place. If you register but can’t attend live, you will receive a link to the on‑demand recording once it becomes available.

Join our on demand Accelerating Science Forum – held in partnership with SPT Labtech – for future-focused scientists looking to get the most out of their next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows.

As part of our Accelerating Science Feature, viewers will have the opportunity to gain the practical, NGS-focused guidance essential for optimizing your current workflows and successfully solving complex sequencing challenges.

Who should attend?

This on demand event is perfect for molecular biologists, lab managers, technicians, bioinformaticians, and researchers currently utilizing or planning to implement NGS technologies.

Certificate of attendance:

If you view the on-demand webinar, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.

Have a question about our online events? Get in touch here.

High-throughput organoid screening is transforming drug discovery by enabling researchers to test compounds across large panels of physiologically relevant 3D models, helping to better predict clinical outcomes. However, the complexity of culturing and handling organoids has traditionally limited scalability and efficiency. In this SelectScience interview, Peter van Schaik of Crown Bioscience discusses how his team has overcome these challenges by implementing the firefly® automated liquid handling platform from SPT Labtech to support scalable, high content screening workflows.

This SelectScience interview was recorded at SLAS Europe 2026.

Marcella Ferrero, an automation scientist at Camena Bioscience, discusses how SPT Labtech's firefly automation system is helping to transform its gene synthesis workflow gSynth®, a platform which enables complex gene synthesis without the use of harmful chemicals.

Discover how the automation capabilities and firefly’s all-in-one design — combining dispensing, pipetting, thermal control, and shaking — has streamlined operations, maximizing productivity and hands-free time at Camena Bioscience.

This video was filmed at SLAS2025.

Join Paul Lomax, Head of Genomics at SPT Labtech, as he introduces the firefly®+ module – an exciting addition to the renowned firefly® platform, a leading genomics liquid handling system. This innovative module combines pipetting and non-contact dispensing, empowering genomics workflows with a walkaway solution. firefly+ stands out with its compact design, user-friendly software, and state-of-the-art positive displacement technology, setting a new standard for liquid handling systems. Watch the video to find out more about how these new developments expand on firefly’s already established liquid handling capabilities.

This video was filmed at SLAS2024.

Collaboration to enable more streamlined end-to-end workflows while maintaining sample integrity

Miniaturization and automated liquid handling transform NGS workflows for precious sample processing

In our SelectScience NGS Forum, genomics leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities driving the next chapter of next-generation sequencing

Validated methods support Twist FlexPrep UHT and Enzymatic Fragmentation Kit 2.0, enabling higher throughput and reproducibility in NGS library preparation

Integrates Alithea Genomics’ MERCURIUS FLASH-seq single-cell RNA-seq protocol with SPT Labtech’s firefly liquid handling platform

Partnership to enable automated workflows for 10x Genomics’ Chromium Single Cell Platform on SPT Labtech’s firefly liquid handling platform

Aiding in the fight against species extinction and biodiversity loss

Automated protocols now available for mRNA and DNA sequencing

Find out how a pioneering biotech firm is revolutionizing drug discovery by integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as DNA-encoded library screening and state-of-the-art automation platforms

The collaboration delivers a walk-away solution suitable for high-throughput long-read sequencing in under two hours