The Apollo Library Prep System is a compact benchtop system with no additional accessories required, making it easy to integrate into a clinical laboratory. Using the Apollo system is easy: clear, complete setup instructions are provided at each step of the workflow, and users can simply walk away from the instrument after starting the protocol. The Apollo instrument has two Peltier blocks that are ideal for long incubations and overnight reactions, and it also offers unique in-tip magnetic bead separation for bead-purification steps (Figure 1). This in-tip separation removes the need for spinning down, eliminating the risk of bead compaction or disruption and resulting in higher sample recovery. Combined, these features provide precision automation in an enclosed environment, enabling increased sample yield along with decreased variability and human error. You can learn more on how the Apollo system increases recovery by viewing our application note, which contains a video of in-tip bead separation in action.

Figure 1. In-tip bead separation on the Apollo Library Prep System. After the suspended bead solution is pulled up into the tip (Panel A) a retractable magnetic bar comes down to capture the beads (Panel B). The solution is automatically pipetted up and down to collect all of the beads for downstream processing.

The Apollo system can save nearly six hours of hands-on time compared to manual VeriSeq library prep. This decreased hands-on time allows researchers to perform other tasks such as data analysis, experimental planning and execution, or sample prep for future runs. The automated workflow has five steps, with all steps but PCR thermal cycling performed on the Apollo system (Figure 2). Each step is easy to set up by following the user guide that clearly identifies exactly which consumable you will need, how much reagent will be used, and where consumables and reagents will be placed on the deck (Figure 3). All you need to do is set up the deck, hit [RUN], and walk away.

Figure 2. A simple, five-step protocol for automated VeriSeq library prep on the Apollo system. 

Figure 3. Example user guide schematic for VeriSeq library prep on the Apollo system. The example given is for the "Tagmentation" step and identifies consumables, reagent usage and volume, and deck placement.

Consistency is key when processing multiple samples for PGS. While manual VeriSeq library prep is time-consuming and subject to human error, automated VeriSeq library prep on the Apollo system is reproducible and generates up to 96 VeriSeq libraries in sets of 12, allowing easy scaling for varied sample throughput. The precision of this automated approach ensures uniform library preparation (Figure 4), which translates into more consistent sequencing metrics (Figure 5).

Figure 4. Uniform library preparation with the Apollo system. Bioanalyzer traces of nearly two dozen post-PCR VeriSeq libraries demonstrates uniform library size distribution and relative quantity.

Figure 5. Comparison of sample index reads between bench- and Apollo-normalized products. Sequencing results demonstrate index uniformity (e.g., % reads per index that passed filter [PF]) across 24 samples and two instruments (PS and X8) in Apollo- versus bench-normalized products. 

Our Apollo Library Prep System enables an easy, walkaway workflow for generating VeriSeq libraries for PGS studies. This high-throughput system facilitates the automated generation of 96 VeriSeq libraries in 13 hours and offers increased reliability, reproducibility, and efficiency compared to bench-prepared libraries, with minimal hands-on time. Learn more about the Apollo system and its capabilities by visiting our Apollo learning center.