Implementation of automation in a small-scale DNA sequencing core facility.

New England Biolabs (NEB) sequencing core facility provides automated sequencing services to support various company-wide projects in house, but on a very small scale of about 1000 to 1500 reactions per month. A procedure has been implemented at the NEB core sequencing facility to integrate simplified methods and robotics to provide a more efficient small-scale process. This has been done using a Beckman Biomek 2000 robot combined with an MJ DNA Engine, 96-well plate cycler (PTC-200), AB 373 and 377 sequencers, BMA Singel gels, and several other materials that help reduce the time required for otherwise lengthy procedures in a cost-efficient manner. Protocols have also been developed for efficient sequencing of a variety of templates submitted to the NEB core facility.