Automated priming and library loading device

Abstract

Provided herein are automated apparatus for the identification of microorganisms in various samples. The disclosure solves existing challenges encountered in identifying and distinguishing various types of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria in a timely, efficient, and automated manner by sequencing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for preparing a plurality of samples for a sequencing reaction, comprising:
 (a) a platform configured to hold a plurality of plates or a plurality of tubes containing said plurality of samples and a plurality of reagents;   (b) a fluid handling system configured to automatically withdraw and dispense said plurality of samples or said plurality of reagents from said plurality of plates or said plurality of tubes;   (c) a robotics system comprising:
 (i) an automated translation stage disposed above said platform and coupled to said fluid handling system, wherein said automated translation stage is configured to translate said fluid handling system over said platform; and 
 (ii) a robotic arm configured to (1) grasp and move said plurality of plates or said plurality of tubes, and (2) remove caps from said plurality of tubes; and 
   (d) a controller communicatively coupled to said fluid handling system and said robotics system, wherein said controller is programmed to cause said fluid handling system and said robotics system to automatically combine said plurality of samples with said plurality of reagents to perform at least one library preparation step to generate a prepared sample prior to said sequencing reaction.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising: (e) a plurality of chambers disposed on said platform, wherein said plurality of chambers comprises an agitation chamber and a heating and cooling chamber. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sequencing reaction is a pore sequencing reaction. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sequencing reaction is a sequencing-by-synthesis reaction. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said robotic arm is configured to move said prepared sample to a sequencing chamber. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said sequencing chamber is disposed on said platform. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said sequencing chamber is not disposed on said platform. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said fluid handling system comprises one or more pumps or compressors. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of reagents comprises a cell growth medium. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one library preparation step is cell culturing. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of reagents comprises a lysis buffer. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one library preparation step comprises cell lysis. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one library preparation step is nucleic acid amplification. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one library preparation step is barcoding.