Laboratory Automation xTrovert™

Significance of the topic

Automated benchtop workstations for nucleic acid extraction and general liquid handling are central to modern molecular biology, clinical diagnostics and high-throughput analytics. They reduce manual hands-on time, improve reproducibility and traceability, and enable standardized sample processing for workflows such as NGS library preparation, PCR clean-up and solid-phase extraction. Compact, modular instruments that combine magnetic bead processing, temperature control and programmable open protocols make automation accessible to a wider range of laboratories, from small research groups to diagnostic facilities.

Objectives and overview

This document introduces two complementary laboratory automation platforms designed for nucleic acid isolation and flexible benchtop automation: xTrovert™ XT and xTrovert™ FLEX. The goals are to summarize their operating principles, capabilities, key performance features and typical applications, and to highlight practical benefits for routine laboratory use.

Methodology and approach

• xTrovert XT focuses on automated DNA/RNA isolation using dual pipetting heads and bead-based workflows. Key process elements include pipetting accuracy, magnetic bead manipulation integrated into pipette tips, and thermal incubation control.
• xTrovert FLEX is a modular multichannel platform for bulk liquid handling, plate handling, pressure-based purification (SPE), dispensing from multiple reservoirs and optional on-deck modules (homogenization, heating, UV sterilization). It targets higher-throughput plate workflows and SPE applications.
• Both systems provide open, programmable control with a simple scripting language, enabling custom protocols and integration into diverse laboratory workflows.

Used instrumentation

• xTrovert XT — compact benchtop extractor for DNA/RNA isolation with two pipetting heads (interchangeable tips for 300 µl or 1000 µl), independent piston mechanisms, two magnetic arms and patent-pending magnetic bead handling inside pipette tips. Thermal range 25–85 °C, integrated UV-C sterilization and internal LED illumination. Automatic optical calibration and USB connectivity. Reported sample capacity options: 16 or 32 samples per run; operational volume range 10–600 µl; 3.5" TFT touch display; 24 V adaptor; dimensions ~59 × 65 × 50 cm; weight ~20 kg.
• xTrovert FLEX — modular multichannel pipetting and plate handling workstation. Multichannel pipettor, plate gripper, built-in dispenser, positive pressure SPE filtration, ability to mix/dispense from up to 8 stock solutions. Optional add-ons include homogenization/pulverization, heating/incubation and UV LED sterilization. Throughput: platform supports parallel processing up to four 96-well plates (up to 384 samples in a run) while base capacity examples include one 96-well plate or 24 individual spin columns. Interfaces: 18.5" touch screen (Raspberry Pi-based control), USB 2.0 and Wi‑Fi remote access. Power: 100–240 V; dimensions ~70 × 65 × 55 cm; weight ~30 kg.

Main results and discussion

• Performance and workflow integration: xTrovert XT emphasizes low-volume accuracy and bead-based magnetic workflows with minimal sample loss through magnetic capture inside the tips — a design intended to increase yield and reduce carryover for nucleic acid purification tasks. Temperature control and UV-C sterilization support protocol robustness and contamination control.
• Flexibility and throughput: xTrovert FLEX targets broader automation needs (dilution series, reagent distribution, SPE purification, oligonucleotide purification, environmental and clinical testing). Positive pressure SPE provides uniform flow and reproducible purification compared with vacuum- or centrifuge-based approaches.
• Usability: Both systems provide an intuitive touch interface with options for advanced scripting and external storage of protocols. xTrovert FLEX adds Wi‑Fi remote access for monitoring and management. Open-system architecture enables use of common consumables from various manufacturers and supports custom workflows.
• Practical trade-offs: xTrovert XT is optimized for dedicated nucleic acid extraction runs (smaller batch sizes with focused processing features), whereas xTrovert FLEX is positioned for higher parallel throughput and flexibility across assay types. Selection depends on sample numbers, workflow type and need for modular expansion.

Benefits and practical applications

• Key benefits: reduced hands-on time, improved reproducibility and accuracy, compatibility with widely available consumables, open protocol customization and compact benchtop footprints suited to constrained lab spaces.
• Primary applications: DNA/RNA extraction and purification, NGS library preparation and cleanup, Sanger sequencing sample prep, PCR clean-up/desalting, oligonucleotide purification, SPE-based environmental analyses, clinical diagnostics and general reagent distribution or dilution series preparation.
• Operational advantages: integrated sterilization (UV-C/LED), thermal control for enzymatic steps, positive pressure SPE for uniform filtrations, and on-deck magnetic bead handling that reduces transfer steps and potential sample loss.

Future trends and possibilities

• Deeper software integration: tighter links to LIMS and scheduling systems, cloud-enabled protocol libraries and remote monitoring across multi-instrument environments.
• Protocol automation with AI assistance: automated optimization of pipetting sequences, reagent volumes and incubation times derived from historical performance to increase yield and reduce reagent use.
• Expanded modularity: more on-deck modules (automated QC, integrated qPCR setup, plate sealing/unsealing, barcode tracking) to create end-to-end sample-prep lines on a single footprint.
• Miniaturization and throughput scaling: adoption of low-volume, high-density formats and multiplexed processing to reduce reagent costs while increasing sample throughput for routine diagnostics and large-scale studies.
• Contamination control enhancements: combined physical and software-based safeguards, more robust decontamination cycles and improved consumable designs for single-use operations.

Conclusion

xTrovert XT and xTrovert FLEX represent complementary approaches to benchtop laboratory automation: XT focuses on efficient, loss-minimizing nucleic acid extraction with integrated magnetic-bead innovations, while FLEX delivers flexible, higher-throughput liquid handling and SPE capabilities in a modular format. Both platforms emphasize ease of use, open programmability and compatibility with common consumables, making them suitable choices for research, diagnostic and analytical laboratories seeking to standardize workflows and improve throughput without large footprint or infrastructure changes.

References

No literature references were provided in the source document.