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Much of the recent rapid progress in large-scale genomic sequencing has been driven by the dramatic improvements both in the area of biological protocols and in the availability of improved laboratory instrumentation and automation platforms. We discuss recent developments in the area of bioinstrumentation that are contributing to the current revolution in genetic analysis. Examples of systems for laboratory automation are described together with specific single-purpose instruments. Emphasis is placed on those tools that are contributing significantly to the scale-up of genomic mapping and sequencing efforts. In addition, we present a selection of more advanced measurement techniques and instrumentation developments that are likely to contribute significantly to future advances in sequencing and genome analysis.

We describe an approach to high-throughput parallel DNA synthesis in which a multiwell format is used. The reactions are carried out in open wells using an argon ambient atmosphere to prevent reagent contamination. The controlled-pore glass beads which form the substrate for synthesis are held in individual wells with high-density polyethylene filter bottoms through which reagents are drawn into a vacuum manifold. The synthesis is carried out using direct reagent dispensing into the individual reaction wells. A computer controls the sequence in which reagents are dispensed and the timing of the periodic vacuum pulses required to synthesize the desired sequence. Experiments to date have demonstrated the viability of the approach for a variety of test sequences. Results obtained with HPLC analysis demonstrate coupling efficiencies as high as 99.5% under optimized conditions. Use of the oligomers for DNA sequencing templates and as PCR primers has been demonstrated in production applications. The current instrument design consists of a series of discrete reaction chambers in a 12 channel module which can be multiplexed in a 12 x n format where n can be 1-8, i.e. 96 wells. A projected time interval for 12 parallel syntheses is 2.5 h, with 96 syntheses in 3.5 h. Because of the reduced volume of reagents required in the open well format, significant cost savings are projected.

We describe a system that applies image processing and robotic techniques to automatically pick individual colonies from square petri dishes and array them in 96-well microtiter plates. Digital images of the colony distribution in the dishes are acquired using a video camera and frame buffer. Commercial image processing software is used to identify individual colonies and determine their locations. A Hewlett-Packard Microassay System robot reads the resulting coordinate file for each dish, picks cells from each identified colony and transfers the cells into a microtiter plate well. A disposable pipet tip is used as the sterile implement for colony picking. Custom holders position the dishes accurately and provide common coordinate systems for imaging and picking. The system is calibrated to account for the depth of agar in the dishes. The robot can process up to 10 dishes and 20 plates (1920 colonies) in a single run. It has successfully arrayed a cosmid library of the S. pombe genome consisting of approximately 6000 colonies in 30 petri dishes in about 40 hours of robot time. Future enhancements to the system are discussed.

The feasibility of performing X-ray fluorescence trace-element determinations at concentrations substantially below the ppm level for biological materials is demonstrated. Conditions for achieving optimum sensitivity were ascertained. Results achieved for five standard reference materials were, in most cases, in excellent agreement with listed values.Minimum detectable limits of 20 ppb were measured for most elements.