Development of a Benchtop Laboratory Platform for Amplicon Deep Sequencing

The aim of this Phase II proposal is to deliver a functional prototype of a Benchtop Laboratory Platform for Amplicon Deep Sequencing Long term objective is to turn this prototype into a standardizing platform for sequencing laboratories such as those participating in GHOST program Availability of a compact machine affordable for the majority of laboratories with low to medium throughput sequencing needs will expand the use of sequencing in diagnostics of HCV and other infectious diseases Each technical objective of this project contributes to the overall goal of producing a commercially attractive and technically sound innovative solution Specific Aims Refine robotic platform design Build a prototype Develop a software solution capable of performing fully automated customizable NGS library preparation Develop a protocol for testing the prototype platform in house Set up and perform testing procedures outside of Trace Ability using HCV serum panels The envisioned solution eliminates the need for manual operations and minimizes the quantity of devices needed for successful NGS library preparation It leads to more reliable results safer work environment and more efficient laboratory operation The enabling innovation is in the efficiency of the process and design of the hardware that enables that process