Agilent automated electrophoresis portfolio

Importance of the Topic

Automated electrophoresis has become an essential tool for ensuring reproducible sample quality in genomics and proteomics labs. By integrating capillary electrophoresis, ScreenTape and pulsed-field separation, researchers can objectively assess DNA, RNA and protein integrity, which is critical for applications such as NGS, gene editing, vaccine development and biopharmaceutical characterization.

Aim and Overview

This overview highlights Agilent’s comprehensive portfolio of automated electrophoresis instruments, assays and software designed to support a wide throughput range from ultra-low to ultra-high. It describes how these solutions deliver robust QC metrics, flexible workflows and seamless integration into laboratory automation.

Methods and Instrumentation

Research workflows rely on specialized hardware and proprietary kits:

• 4150/4200 TapeStation Systems for walk-away ScreenTape analysis of DNA and RNA samples at low to medium throughput
• 5200/5300/5400 Fragment Analyzer Systems employing parallel capillary electrophoresis for high-resolution fragment sizing and QC
• Femto Pulse System using pulsed-field electrophoresis to detect high molecular weight DNA with femtogram sensitivity
• ZAG DNA Analyzer System for ultra-high throughput screening of PCR fragments, microsatellites and restriction digests
• OligoPro II System for precise UV-absorption–based purity assessment of oligonucleotides
• ProteoAnalyzer System automating capillary separation, rejuvenation and data analysis for protein QC

Software tools generate standardized quality metrics such as RINe, RQN, DV200, DIN, GQN and %cfDNA. These numerical scores enable objective decision-making.

Main Results and Discussion

Automated electrophoresis platforms demonstrate high precision and reproducibility across diverse sample types:

• TapeStation and Fragment Analyzer systems produce rapid results (1–2 minutes per sample) with consistent cost per analysis
• Femto Pulse offers rapid separation of large DNA fragments up to 165 kb and ultra-sensitive detection
• ZAG DNA Analyzer achieves throughput exceeding 4,600 samples per day with robotic integration capability
• OligoPro II and ProteoAnalyzer streamline routine purity checks for oligonucleotides and proteins, replacing labor-intensive gel methods

These systems enable labs to scale QC workflows without sacrificing accuracy, reducing hands-on time and operational variability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Automated electrophoresis enhances laboratory efficiency and data quality:

• Objective, numerical quality metrics support regulatory compliance and SOP standardization
• Wide application range from NGS library QC to vaccine research and proteomics ensures method flexibility
• Low sample input requirements and high sensitivity facilitate analysis of rare or precious specimens
• Software-driven workflows minimize user intervention and error risk
• Service and maintenance plans safeguard instrument uptime and cost control

Future Trends and Possibilities

The field is moving towards greater integration and automation:

• Enhanced connectivity enabling real-time QC monitoring and LIMS integration
• Expansion of multiplexed assays for simultaneous analysis of multiple biomolecule classes
• Development of AI-driven data analysis to predict sample performance and optimize protocols
• Miniaturization and microfluidic advances to further reduce reagent consumption and speed
• Greater adoption of robotic sample handling in ultra-high throughput laboratories

Conclusion

Agilent’s automated electrophoresis portfolio provides a consistent, flexible and scalable solution for nucleic acid and protein QC. By combining specialized instrumentation, intuitive software and standardized metrics, laboratories can improve data reliability, reduce variability and accelerate research workflows.

Reference

No references provided in the source document.