The VERSA 110 PCR Carousel Setup is a small, automated liquid handling workstation designed to perform virtually every task for fast, automated PCR setup reactions as well as all general liquid handling tasks.
Whether processing a small batch or up to a thousand PCR reactions a day, this fast PCR setup and robotic liquid handling system can automate the PCR set-up procedure with high precision, throughput and accuracy. The VERSA 110 PCR Setup workstation also performs fast PCR applications such as hot-start PCR. This automated fast PCR setup workstation conserves expensive reagents, eliminates concerns associated with volumetric variations caused by handling errors and removes repetitive manual pipetting protocols.
The VERSA 110 PCR Setup workstation is extremely easy to use and is pre-configured to automatically prepare PCR master mixes, add DNA/RNA templates and load samples into reaction plates/capillary tube carousels. While the system and software has been designed for liquid handling applications targeted at fast PCR reaction setups, the unit is capable of performing generic liquid handling tasks such as: serial dilution, cherry picking, plate reformatting, plate replication and array printing. The PCR Setup workstation is an open system compatible with a diverse range of labware and kits.
 VERSA 1100 PCR Setup Workstation |
 VERSA 110 PCR Setup Workstation |
Fast PCR Applications
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Modern genomics labs are looking for high-throughput, quality-data workstations to perform PCR reactions at a reduced cost. PCR reaction setup is a tedious and time consuming process as it requires mixing multiple reagents in specific ratios to achieve the proper master mix for amplification. Moreover, the exact volumes of the reagents and buffers depend upon the total number of samples to be amplified and the desired final concentration of sample DNA. Automation of such procedures eliminates both human error and contamination problems generally associated with manual process. To provide an automated solution to such a cumbersome protocol, Aurora Instruments’ VERSA 110 PCR Setup Workstation was developed for the preparation of reagents and samples used in an amplification protocol in 96-well format. |
Validation of VERSA 110 PCR Workstation for High Throughput PCR Setup
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| Automated Reaction Set up for Whole Genome Amplification and Validation with β-actin Gene Using VERSA Mini PCR Setup Workstation Limited amount of source DNA can be a major problem in genomic studies, and manually amplifying DNA can be a time-consuming procedure. In the present studies, automation of whole genome amplification was carried out using Aurora Instruments’s VERSA Mini (110) PCR Setup Workstation. Verification of the Whole Genome Amplification was represented in the amplification results of β-actin gene. |
Automated Reaction
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Automation of Reverse Transcription of Avian Influenza Viral RNA and Detection of H5N1 with VERSA 110 NAP/PCR Setup Workstation
| The importance of rapid avian flu detection worldwide can not be understated. Recent advances in PCR and RT-PCR have accelerated the screening procedure, but sample preparation has lagged behind. Aurora Instruments addressed this problem by validating the VERSA 110 NAP / PCR Setup Workstation for automating the sample preparation steps involved in viral RNA detection from influenza A/H5N1 using a commercially available kit. The detection of amplified products of the proper size for the avian flu genes suggest that the VERSA workstation can be successfully used to automate sample preparation for the detection of a/H5N1 genes.The VERSA 110 NAP / PCR Workstation, when housed in an appropriate bio-safety cabinet can be utilized to handle BSL-2 and BSL-3 agents reducing the risk of iatrogenic infections in laboratory workers. |
VERSA 110 NAP
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“Hot Start” PCR using VERSA™ 110 PCR Setup Workstation
| PCR is a highly sensitive technique, enabling researchers to rapidly select and amplify a specific target sequence from a background of non-related sequences. However, if all reaction components are combined at the same time, at room temperature, it is possible that non-specific annealing will occur between fragments. Such premature mis-priming events may amplify non-specific DNA sequences – especially if target sequences exist in low copy numbers. Time, money, and resources are wasted when PCR tests are redone to check questionable results. |
VERSA™ 110 PCR
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| One solution is “hot start” PCR using VERSA™ 110 PCR Setup Workstation. This method requires one or more essential reaction components to be excluded until the reaction temperature exceeds the annealing temperature of the target primers. One variation of this procedure uses paraffin wax beads embedded with the omitted PCR reagents. Beads are manually added to PCR plates, followed by the remainder of the reagents prior to thermocycling. The wax melts once exposed to sufficient heat, releasing the trapped reagents and enabling the reaction to proceed normally. Cooling the plate causes the paraffin to rise to the surface and solidify, trapping the reaction liquid beneath a wax cap. The cap must then be pierced to allow removal of the sample. | |
Automation of On Slide PCR using VERSA™ 110 PCR Setup Workstation
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The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive technique, enabling researchers to rapidly select and amplify a specific target sequence from a background of non-related sequences. It has been demonstrated that it is possible to perform PCR on samples adhered to microscope slides. In situ on slide PCR enables effective detection of low-copy sequences and permits cell-by-cell gene expression testing. |
VERSA 110 PCR Setup Workstation with module for Advalytix Amplislide
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| Advalytix’s AmpliSpeed slide thermocycler was specifically designed as a compact thermocycler capable of performing all PCR reactions on a standard glass slide. AmpliGrid glass slides have a special chemically structured surface with DNA free reaction centers. 5 µL of sealing solution must be applied to each droplet on the slide surface. This platform enables users desiring ultra low volume tests in the 1 µL range. This novel system maintains superior convenience, speed, sensitivity, efficiency and reproducibility. It is possible to analyze according to a cell by cell and/or gene by gene approach. Any template material that may be fixed to slides – including clinical or forensic stains and purified nucleic acids can be used with this approach.
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