Table 1 Time comparison for manual versus automated SIP fractionation, cleanup, and DNA quantification. Estimates are based on processing 22 fractions per SIP tube. The “hands-on” columns indicate the time an individual must actively manipulate the samples, while “total” columns indicate the total time required for the entire process. Time estimates for manual cleanup and quantification are based on processing a single SIP gradient and assume maximum processing speed. Automated fraction cleanup time is based on the time required to fractionate a single tube using the Agilent Infinity Fraction Collector. Automated sample cleanup and DNA quantification times are based on the processing times for the Hamilton STAR liquid handling robots. The † symbol indicates that 16 SIP gradients are processed simultaneously in 4 plates (4 gradients per plate), and the “per 1 sample” times are calculated by dividing the total time by 16. “Batch” processing times are the times required to process 16 density gradients
SIP processing steps | Manual time (hours) | Automated time (hours) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hands-on | Total | Hands-on | Total | |
Fraction collection | 1 | 1 | 0.2 | 0.6 |
Sample cleanup | 0.4 | 1 | 0.04† | 0.5† |
DNA quantification | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.06† | 0.13† |
Total time (per 1 sample) | 1.9 | 2.6 | 0.3† | 1.2† |
Batch time (per 16 samples) | 30 | 42 | 4.8 | 20 |