The Access Array System is the first high-throughput, target-enrichment system designed to work with all of the major next-generation sequencing instruments. The Access Array System enables the user to enrich multiple unique targets (such as exons) from a large number of samples, all at one time. The system combines the cost and throughput benefits of microfluidics with the proven performance and flexibility of PCR.
Key Features:
Custom designed primer sets amplify (and tag) PCR products for sequencing. Simply provide Fluidigm with your regions of interest for the human genome.
Overview
The Access Array™ Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) facilitates parallel amplification of 48 unique samples, in effect preparing 48 sequencing libraries, in just a few hours. Every reaction combines both an amplicon tagging and a barcoding (identification) step that enables all 48 samples to be multiplexed at the sequencing step. This powerful chemistry simplifies the up-front preparation and maximizes the utility of today's next generation sequencers.
The Fluidigm Access Array System can be used with any PCR-based sample preparation method and with the reagents and primers of your choice. The system includes Access Array IFCs, two IFC Controller AXs, and the Stand-Alone Thermal Cycler. These components deliver sample throughput and coverage scalable with laboratory needs.
Target Enrichment
Target enrichment refers to the ability to select a specific region of interest prior to sequencing. For example, if you were interested in examining 20 specific genes from a large cohort of individuals it would be both wasteful and prohibitively expensive to sample the entire genome of each individual. Instead, target enrichment technologies allow you to select regions for amplification from each individual and thus only sequence the specific area of interest.
Sample Barcoding for Multiplexed Sequencing
One of the largest challenges facing next-generation sequencing operators today is how to use the massive amounts of throughput enabled by the new crop of sequencing equipment. While all of the systems in use today allow massive amounts of data to be generated on a per-sample basis, they lack a simple and reliable method for running multiple samples per sequencing run. Barcoding samples during the target enrichment process enables the users to pool multiple samples per sequencing run, and deconvolute the sample source during the data analysis step based on the barcode.
Library Preparation Using Amplicon Tagging
Library preparation for next-generation sequencing is by far the most time and labor consuming part of the entire next-generation sequencing process. While necessary for whole genome sequencing studies, the process can be almost entirely eliminated for resequencing projects by using PCR and amplicon tagging. . By incorporating the adaptor sequences into the primer design the amplicon product is ready to go directly into clonal amplification since it already contains the necessary capture sequences.
Instruments
IFC Controller AX
The Fluidigm IFC Controller AX is designed to prime and load 48.48 Access Array IFCs exclusively. One chip at a time, the AX sets up 2,304 reactions quickly and easily.
Key advantages include:
- Automated setup of 48.48 Access Array IFCs
- Significantly fewer liquid handling steps compared to conventional platforms
- Self-contained and fully integrated design
- Touch screen interface
Fluidigm FC1 Cycler
The Fluidigm FC1 Cycler is specially designed for thermal cycling of Fluidigm Dynamic Array and Digital Array IFCs.
Key advantages include:
- Highly efficient workflow for all applications
- Easy scalability to meet throughput requirements
- Familiar, easy to use interface
