454 automation

[Old guy]

We are trying to decide if it would be better to hire additional techs or go with some sample prep automation. I have requested information on automation like the REM e and other automation that would be available with a liquid handler and not really getting anything.
Is there anybody out there that has done some automated amplicon preparation? If you have could you please share what you have learned about the advantages/disadvantages you have experienced. Of course please list the types of equipment you have used.

[nickloman]

Do you absolutely need to stick with 454? Have you looked at MiSeq and Ion Torrent? They both have automation (MiSeq built-in, Ion Torrent with OneTouch and OneTouch ES) and may end up being a cheaper and more scalable solution.

My impression with the REM e System is that it's quite a lot of money and hassle to get working.

[SarahNGS]

454 automation options

It is definitely worth looking into automation, and based on the workflow I'd try to automate the library preparation first. The REM e only automates the post-PCR enrichment step and has to be hooked up to a liquid handler to work. We are using a PerkinElmer JANUS liquid handler for Illumina library prep and from the automation perspective, the library prep process is pretty similar.