Watch this webinar on demand: Volta + IDT Precision at Scale - Revolutionizing Genomic Sample Preparation
On January 14, 2025, Volta Labs and IDT partnered to produce this webinar presented by Abdul Mohammed, Head of Applications Development at Volta Labs, and Nick Downey, NGS Collaborations Lead at IDT. They discuss performance data from Volta's IDT xGen™ NGS Hybridization Capture app on the Callisto Sample Prep System and how Callisto addresses existing challenges to offer an innovative and reliable solution for automating hybridization capture workflows.
To evaluate Volta's IDT xGen™ NGS Hyb Capture app performance on Callisto, three experiments were performed in this study. Phase 1 and 2 evaluate inter-user variability of single-plex libraries of the Exome v2 Hyb panel and the Pan-Cancer Hyb panel, respectively, compared directly to manually prepared libraries. Phase 3 evaluates multiplexing on Callisto, from 1-plex all the way up to 20-plex libraries.
Phase 1: Operator variability with large panels using the xGen IDT Exome V2 panel, comparing directly against manual preparations
- 100 ng HG002 prepared using the xGen™ DNA Lib Prep EZ for exome, xGen Exome Hyb Panel v2
- This panel has approximately 415K individual probes spanning 34 Mb of target region for the human exome
- Sequenced on the NextSeq 2000 (2X150 cycles), using P4 XLEAP chemistry
- Downsampled to 50M PE reads total across all samples
Phase 2: Operator variability with small panels using the xGen Pan-Cancer, comparing directly against manually preparations
- 20 ng Horizon’s OncoSpan cfDNA prepared using the xGen™ cfDNA & FFPE DNA Library Prep v2 MC Kit, xGen Pan-Cancer Hyb Panel
- This panel has approximately 7800 probes spanning 800 kb of target region for onco-genes
- Sequenced on the NextSeq 2000 (2X150 cycles), using P1 XLEAP chemistry
- Downsampled to 4M PE reads total across all samples
Phase 3: Performance of high-plexity libraries on Callisto
- 100 ng HG002 prepared using the xGen™ DNA Lib Prep EZ for exome, xGen Exome Hyb Panel v2
- 4 captures were performed: 1X, 8X, 12X, 20X
- With higher plexity libraries with 20 pooled samples, you have a much lower ratio of probe:sample
- We are assessing the limits of performance with this kit with various plexities, from 1-plex all the way up to 20-plex
- With 20-plex, some of the samples are extremely viscous, with 10 µg of DNA in the pool
Key takeaways:
- Walk-away, automated solution for complex end-to-end hybridization capture workflows
- High quality, high-plexity enrichment performance independent of operator
- Consistent coverage uniformity and high on-target bases for different panel sizes
- Callisto reduces hands on time, saving operators 2.5 hours of hands-on time
- Flexible throughput to match lab needs
- Minimal training required with less than 30 minutes of set-up time per run
Contact our team to discuss how you can automate hybridization capture with the Callisto Sample Prep System.
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Introducing VoltaHyb:
Automating the Last Mile of Targeted Sequencing Workflows
The Volta Labs team is revolutionizing critical targeted sequencing workflows with the introduction of the VoltaHyb™ suite of Apps and kits for the Callisto™ Sample Prep System. Designed to enrich your targets with confidence every single time, the Callisto platform brings unmatched workflow simplicity to hybridization capture. With Callisto, users no longer need to rely on multiple lab instruments (heated blocks, magnetic racks, vortexers) or perform time-sensitive heated transfer steps - such complex steps are abstracted away from the end user. Furthermore, Callisto's unique architecture enables precise magnetic bead manipulation coupled with uninterrupted and uniform temperature control during the hybrid capture enabling consistent enrichment performance.
Callisto reduces sequencing redo rates to less than 3% while minimizing sample loss throughout the capture process. This breakthrough approach enables reliable targeted sequencing even for challenging applications where conventional tools struggle. These advantages extend across both long and short read-based hybrid capture workflows.
The scalable architecture of the Callisto system enables flexible throughput, with the capacity to process up to 96,000 exomes per year or 48,000 PacBio HiFi samples annually. Whether you're running a small research lab or a high-volume testing facility, Callisto adapts to your needs with flexible batch sizes and consistent performance.
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Key Benefits
of VoltaHyb for Hybridization Capture:
Reduced Sequencing Costs:
Lower sample preparation and sequencing costs by minimizing reruns (<3% redo rates).Fully Automated Workflow:
Enables complete walk-away automation for hybridization, capture, washes, and PCR setupBroad Panel Compatibility:
Works with panels of all sizes, from small targeted panels to comprehensive exomesSupport for Both Short and Long Read Applications:
Optimized protocols for both Illumina-style short-read sequencing and long-read technologies like PacBio and Oxford Nanopore
Consistent Results:
Dramatically reduced inter-operator variability and robust performance across repeated runsUniform Coverage:
Even coverage across challenging regions, including high-GC content areasMaximum Throughput: Process up to 480 exomes simultaneously with pooled libraries with flexible batching
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VoltaHyb’s Expanding App Menu
At Volta, we’re continually growing our support for hybrid capture workflows across both short- and long-read sequencing platforms.
On the short-read side, Callisto currently supports IDT xGEN v2 chemistry, as well as Twist’s standard v2 and Fast chemistries. For long-read applications, we support PacBio HiFi enrichment based on Twist’s standard v2 chemistry.
There are more Apps coming to the VoltaHyb menu, and we’re always listening to our users. If there’s a hybrid capture chemistry you’d like to see automated on Callisto, let us know—we’d love to hear from you.
for Twist, v2 standard
The revolution in genomic sample preparation is here. By bringing the push-button experience of a sequencer to targeted sequencing workflows, Volta Labs is transforming how laboratories approach hybridization capture. The choice is no longer between inconsistent manual methods and complex automation platforms that require dedicated engineering resources. With Callisto and VoltaHyb, you can achieve consistent, high-quality results without specialized training or extensive method development.
Ready to experience the difference? Contact our team today to learn how the VoltaHyb powered Hybridization Capture can enhance your targeted sequencing workflows and accelerate your discoveries.
Relevant product pages:
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VoltaPrep for Oxford Nanopore LSK114: Automation Without the Pain
The VoltaPrep for Oxford Nanopore LSK114 app delivers what laboratories have been seeking: comprehensive workflow automation that addresses the real-world requirements of applied genomics without the traditional implementation challenges.
True Walk-Away Operation
Load your samples, select the app, and walk away. The entire LSK114 protocol—from DNA end-repair through adapter ligation and cleanup—runs without manual intervention, freeing up valuable technician time for other critical projects.
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Preserved Sample Quality
Callisto's digital fluidics technology provides gentle handling specifically optimized for high molecular weight DNA, ensuring the integrity essential for nanopore applications.
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Consistent, Reliable Results
Eliminate the operator-to-operator variability that plagues manual protocols and the reliability issues common with traditional automation systems.
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Scalable Throughput
Process anywhere from 4 to 24 samples per run, with throughput that matches the capacity of Oxford Nanopore's PromethION 24 device—enabling seamless integration into existing workflows.
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Rapid Implementation
Complete library preparation in under 3 hours with minimal hands-on time, supporting the faster timelines required in applied settings without the months-long implementation typical of traditional automation.
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No Method Development Required
Unlike traditional automation approaches, there's no programming, optimization, or troubleshooting required. The application is pre-validated and ready to use the day your Callisto arrives.
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Cost-Effective Operation
Miniaturized reactions reduce reagent consumption while eliminating the need for expensive liquid handling infrastructure and dedicated automation engineers.
Real-World Impact for Applied Genomics
The combination of Callisto automation and Oxford Nanopore sequencing delivers what laboratories have been seeking: a way to scale advanced sequencing technologies without the traditional automation headaches. This is particularly valuable for service laboratories, clinical laboratories, and research institutions looking to incorporate nanopore sequencing into routine workflows.
"Nanopore sequencing represents a transformative approach to genomics, and we're committed to making these powerful technologies as accessible as possible," says Udayan Umapathi, founder and CEO of Volta Labs. "With our Oxford Nanopore LSK114 app, we're extending the same automation convenience that has transformed other sequencing workflows to nanopore technology. Labs can now leverage these capabilities with unprecedented ease and consistency."
Early Adoption Success
Early access partners have already begun to see significant improvements in both efficiency and library quality using the automated LSK114 workflow. The ability to consistently produce high-quality Oxford Nanopore libraries without traditional automation complexity is proving transformative for laboratories scaling their sequencing programs.
The improvements go beyond just efficiency—we're seeing substantial reductions in failed library preparations and improved consistency across different operators, critical factors for laboratories where reliability and reproducibility are paramount.
Ready to innovate with us?
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Scaling Oxford Nanopore Sequencing: VoltaPrep for LSK114 Brings Automation to Applied Genomics
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