GSF is dedicated to flexible sequencing and genotyping services for human and agricultural applications

The Facility offers a wide range of DNA sequencing services, all using our state-of-the-art highly automated platform. The pre- and post-processing is done on a robotic platform consisting of Biomek® FX and NX instruments.

The sequences are run on one of our capillary sequencers (Applied Biosystems 3730XL DNA Analyzer). The 96-capillary 3730xl DNA Analyzer is the Gold Standard for high throughput genetic analysis, and can be used for DNA fragment analysis applications such as microsatellites, AFLP, SNP analysis, mutation detection and traditional DNA sequencing. This instrument in combination with the very sensitive ABI PRISM® BigDye™ Terminator cycle sequencing kits yields long reads with low background, exactly what you expect from your sequencing partner.

The most obvious advantage of multicapillary systems is the elimination of gel plate assembly and gel casting, because a flowable separation matrix is automatically injected into each capillary just before loading new samples. Loading samples onto capillaries occurs in a straightforward manner that is much less error prone than manual application of samples into slab gel wells. Sample ions load onto a capillary by a process called electro kinetic injection. A high field voltage is applied between the sample and the anode end of the capillary, causing DNA ions to migrate into the capillary. Higher optical sensitivity and advanced polymers enables us to obtain higher-quality sequencing data for less. Multiple automation features decrease costly human errors.
For dye-terminator removal we use the Agencourt CleanSEQ system. It is a rapid, high performance process based on the Agencourt SPRI® technology. The paramagnetic bead format requires no centrifugation or filtration and is fully automated for high throughput dye-terminator removal.