SPT Labtech has announced the availability of validated automated workflows for Twist Bioscience’s next-generation sequencing library preparation kits on its firefly liquid handling platform, expanding access to standardised automation for genomics laboratories.

The workflows were developed through a collaboration between SPT Labtech and Twist Bioscience and are available to users via the firefly cloud. The companies said the methods are designed to support higher throughput and improved reproducibility in NGS library preparation as sequencing volumes continue to rise across research laboratories and core facilities.

Initial validated workflows support Twist Bioscience’s FlexPrep UHT library preparation kit on the firefly platform. The automated workflow enables on-deck enzymatic fragmentation and ligation, alongside an auto-normalising protocol that reduces indexing and final cleanup to four columns of a 96-well plate. According to the companies, this design supports laboratories seeking to increase throughput without requiring access to a 384-well thermal cycler.

SPT Labtech said demand is increasing for automated protocols that reduce hands-on time while delivering consistent results across growing numbers of samples. By providing validated methods through the firefly cloud, laboratories can deploy automation more quickly without the need for custom scripting or protocol development.

In addition to FlexPrep UHT, the collaboration integrates Twist Bioscience’s Enzymatic Fragmentation Kit 2.0 with the firefly platform. The companies said the combined workflow is intended to support efficient sequencing pipelines while reducing variability and error rates during library preparation.

Rob Walton, chief executive officer at SPT Labtech, said: “We are delighted to be working with Twist Bioscience to bring these high-demand methods to our customers. By making these Twist workflows available on firefly, we are giving users a straightforward way to adopt automation without adding complexity to their existing processes, while access through the firefly cloud allows laboratories to implement these methods quickly and scale as their needs evolve.”

NGS library preparation is a critical step in sequencing workflows, but manual processes can introduce variability and limit scalability. Automated approaches are increasingly being adopted by genomics research groups, translational research teams and shared laboratory facilities seeking to improve consistency while managing rising sample volumes.

Emily Leproust, chief executive officer and co-founder of Twist Bioscience, said: “Our customers are increasingly seeking validated, hands-free solutions to improve the efficiency and reproducibility of their NGS workflows. By collaborating with SPT Labtech, we are providing a simple path to automation for our kits, beginning with our new FlexPrep kit, which offers significant benefits in terms of speed and scalability.”

SPT Labtech said further combinations of Twist NGS library preparation kits with the firefly platform are planned, with the aim of expanding the range of validated workflows available through the firefly cloud. The company added that this approach supports global adoption of automation by lowering barriers to implementation and enabling laboratories to standardise protocols across teams and sites.

The automated Twist workflows are available immediately to existing firefly users through the firefly cloud.