Affordable, automated single cell RNA sequencing 

Integra Biosciences and Parse Biosciences are pleased to announce a new partnership aimed at automating single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) using the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot. This innovative protocol combines Parse Biosciences' Evercode™ combinatorial barcoding technology with Integra’s advanced liquid handling systems, offering laboratories in both academic and industrial settings a streamlined and standardised approach to sequencing. The result is faster throughput and more consistent, reproducible outcomes.

scRNA-seq is pivotal for advancing research and developing therapies in fields such as developmental biology, neurology, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Parse Biosciences, located in Seattle, is renowned for its pioneering tools in scRNA-seq at scale. Their Evercode technology allows for the preparation and sequencing of up to one million cells or nuclei in parallel through a unique labelling process, eliminating the need for individual cell isolation.

In collaboration with Integra, Parse Biosciences has developed an automated scRNA-seq solution designed to overcome challenges associated with traditional manual workflows and costly specialised instruments. By integrating Evercode technology with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot, featuring the D-ONE single-channel pipetting module and the VIAFLO 8-channel electronic pipette, this new solution offers an easy-to-use, cost-effective workflow. It reduces hands-on time by 75% and manual pipetting steps by 85%, significantly easing the workload for lab staff.

Dr Charlie Roco, Co-Founder and CTO of Parse Biosciences, remarked: “Our successful collaboration with Integra has made automation and scRNA-seq more accessible to labs of all sizes and budgets. Automating the initial phase of our Evercode protocol on the ASSIST PLUS has accelerated workflows and minimised human error, facilitating more reliable high-quality scRNA-seq data. We have also developed additional workflows on the ASSIST PLUS compatible with Evercode TCR and Evercode BCR for T-cell and B-cell receptor profiling, and we anticipate further advancements in automating the rest of our scRNA-seq protocol on this platform soon.”

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