Caliper Life Sciences, Inc announced a co-marketing agreement with Illumina, Inc for Caliper’s LabChip XT library preparation instrument and its LabChip GX analytical quality control platform. These systems are automated alternatives to traditional gel electrophoresis methods for next generation sequencing library construction and assessment. The LabChip platforms provide Genome Analyzer and HiSeq2000 users with more accurate and higher throughput solutions for sample analysis and sizing, significantly reducing manual manipulations while improving data quality and sample-to-sample consistency.

“Our preparative and analytical microfluidics technologies are uniquely positioned to provide the speed, accuracy, and sensitivity necessary to enable the growing applications of sequencing technologies,” said Kevin Hrusovsky, president and CEO of Caliper Life Sciences. “The LabChip XT in particular was developed with direct input from Illumina and we are excited to enter into this co-marketing agreement to promote both LabChip products to address critical bottlenecks in sample preparation of next generation sequencing libraries.”

The preparative LabChip XT removes a key bottleneck in sequencing library preparation by replacing tedious and inconsistent gel isolation steps. The system utilizes a multi-channel, disposable chip that fractionates up to four samples in less than 30 minutes. The unique design eliminates the potential for cross contamination, provides digital data for analysis and quantification, and offers an accuracy and consistency that was not previously possible.

In addition, Caliper has developed a complete suite of next generation sequencing tools. The LabChip GX utilizes Caliper’s innovative microfluidics technology to perform reproducible, high-resolution, electrophoretic separations for analyzing DNA or RNA size, concentration, and integrity.  The Zephyr Genomics Workstation automates nucleic acid extractions and other standard molecular biology protocols. The Sciclone NGS workstation performs automated library construction and exome capture protocols.

Caliper Life Sciences is a premier provider of cutting-edge technologies enabling researchers in the life sciences industry to create life-saving and enhancing medicines and diagnostic tests more quickly and efficiently.