This seems interesting for my work. Can it run DNA extractions on environmental samples? Have you benchmarked against any synthetic communities?
Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
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Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#22we already have hackable, $26k solutions for single cell library prep: https://labautomation.io/t/10x-scrna-seq-library-prep-26k/30
what i am curious about is techniques to scale biological data generation & scientific progress via large-scale single-cell biological profiling
Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#23we already have hackable, $26k solutions for single cell library prep: https://labautomation.io/t/10x-scrna-seq-library-prep-26k/30 what i am curious about is techniques to scale biological data generation & scientific progress via large-scale single-cell biological profiling
Awesome to see this!!!
I am curious about the solution you have on there:
- Is this built on Opentrons or something similar?
- Was this an off the shelf solution or something you built?
- I would also be curious about the sample batch size
Note that the Volta solution does not require app development or method development. Many off the shelf sample prep workflows are readily available on the Callisto system.
Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#24This seems interesting for my work. Can it run DNA extractions on environmental samples? Have you benchmarked against any synthetic communities?
We have not processes any environmental samples yet. Previously we have looked at Zymo microbial community, that as far as it goes with synthetic communities. But with some fluidics focussed work, I dont see it would not be possible to extract DNA from environmental samples.
What specific samples did you have in mind?
Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#25How does your technology compare to Nuclera's chip based system? https://www.nuclera.com/technology/
We do not have firsthand experience with the Nuclera's chip based system. But there are some key differences based on what we can find online:
- their system uses display technology based backpanel from Eink to activate the electrodes. The display itself could be the consumable that is disposed after each run (we are not sure from their website). The technology is suited for manipulating very small volumes. Looks like they have picked applications that span enzymatic DNA synthesis and protein eexpression
- the Callisto system uses standard PCBs and plastic surface that interfaces with the droplets. The PCBs are not disposed after each run, while the plastic surface is. We can also handle a large dynamic range of volumes in liquids making it suitable for more standard molecular biology workflows.
Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#26This is fascinating! 1. How do you ensure the reliability of the Callisto system, and what evidence can you provide that demonstrates its performance and consistency in different laboratory settings? 2. What are the technical limitations of the current version of your system, and how do you plan to address these in future iterations? 3. What are the long-term goals for Volta Labs, and how do you plan to evolve your t…
The name 'Callisto' refers to one of Jupiter's moons. It indeed mirrors the system's qualities and capabilities. Specifically, the name signifies the grandeur of this planet and its moons.
Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#27This seems interesting for my work. Can it run DNA extractions on environmental samples? Have you benchmarked against any synthetic communities?
We have not processes any environmental samples yet. Previously we have looked at Zymo microbial community, that as far as it goes with synthetic communities. But with some fluidics focussed work, I dont see it would not be possible to extract DNA from environmental samples. What specific samples did you have in mind?
I have high biomass samples from soda lakes (high salinity and alkalinity). Other people in my lab work with soil samples, samples from methane seeps, and low biomass samples from rocks. It could also be useful for wastewater samples.
What’s the general pricing structure? It sounds like you can do 24 samples at once? Approx how much does each sample end up costing (for dna extraction and library prep?).
Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#28Congrats Udayan on the launch!
It’s really neat to see the open-face nature of this product as compared to others doing EWOD with a second immiscible phase / a glass top plate that the droplet is squished under — makes it much easier to do IO to the chip.
Are the chips disposable, to accomodate contamination constraints, or is there some on-site surface reconditioning that we can do to refurb the chips?
Interesting to note that this is down-scaled from some of your older prototypes. What design tradeoffs made you go fron large open faced arrays to a set of smaller arrays?
Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#29Earlier quoted context omitted.
We have not processes any environmental samples yet. Previously we have looked at Zymo microbial community, that as far as it goes with synthetic communities. But with some fluidics focussed work, I dont see it would not be possible to extract DNA from environmental samples. What specific samples did you have in mind?
I have high biomass samples from soda lakes (high salinity and alkalinity). Other people in my lab work with soil samples, samples from methane seeps, and low biomass samples from rocks. It could also be useful for wastewater samples. What’s the general pricing structure? It sounds like you can do 24 samples at once? Approx how much does each sample end up costing (for dna extraction and library prep?).
Those sample might be hard to process on the current form of Callisto. The instrument is priced at $125k. Your per sample cost comes down to $20 - $100 depending on the workflow.
For several workflows Volta provides reagents as well. So that will be your all in cost essentially.
Re: Launch HN: Volta Labs (YC W19) – Easier sample prep for genomics
#30Congrats Udayan on the launch! It’s really neat to see the open-face nature of this product as compared to others doing EWOD with a second immiscible phase / a glass top plate that the droplet is squished under — makes it much easier to do IO to the chip. Are the chips disposable, to accomodate contamination constraints, or is there some on-site surface reconditioning that we can do to refurb the chips? Interesting t…
Hi Dash!
The system uses a disposable plastic consumable that gets replaced after each run.
In terms of design trade offs, its not just a electrowetting system. It employs complex magnetic manipulation, thermal controls and other forms of sample manipulation. We had to work under these constraints.