RFQ_High-throughput Automated Electrophoresis Platform for Nucleic Acid (DNA and RNA) Sample Quality Control.

Description

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK's National Measurement Institute and is a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards, science, and technology available. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) requirement is for an electrophoresis platform to separate nucleic acids. The system should be able to detect fluorescently stained double stranded DNA including genomic, cell-free DNA and fluorescently stained total RNA. It would be desirable (although not mandatory) to have a system capable of covering a wide range of oligonucleotides, whether these are single or double stranded. Minimum sample preparation and a rapid turnover would be expected of the system. The software should be simple/user-friendly and include features for data analysis, system control, reporting and system checks. It should also be able to automatically determines size, quantity, purity, RINe or ribosomal ratios. It is expected that the software runs instrument self-test and check the performance of electrical and optical components that can be used for routine confirmation of the system functionality.