SPT Labtech and 10x Genomics establish automation partnership for single cell workflows

SPT Labtech (Melbourn, UK) and 10x Genomics (Pleasanton, California) have established a strategic partnership aimed at automating single cell research workflows.

The collaboration integrates 10x Genomics’ Chromium Single Cell Platform with SPT Labtech’s firefly liquid handling platform, providing researchers with plug-and-play protocols designed to scale single cell experiments. Future expansion of the partnership will extend to the Visium Spatial platform.

Addressing scalability challenges in single cell transcriptomics

The partnership responds to a fundamental challenge in single cell research: scalability. Through combined application expertise, both companies have developed optimised, ready-to-run methods that aim to streamline single cell assay workflows whilst improving reproducibility and efficiency.

Firefly users will gain access to these protocols through the firefly cloud, eliminating the need for extensive method development. The collaboration builds upon 10x Genomics’ acquisition of Scale Biosciences, which had previously partnered with SPT Labtech. Many firefly users currently rely on Scale Biosciences chemistries, and this expanded partnership provides access to 10x Genomics’ complete portfolio of single cell and spatial solutions.

Customer data to feature at ASHG

The partnership was highlighted at the American Society of Human Genetics conference from 14-18 October in Boston, Massachusetts, where they demonstrated how automated liquid handling streamlines single cell library preparation workflows. The development of these methods has been informed by application work conducted in customer facilities, specifically targeting the preparation workflow.

Morten Frost, chief commercial officer at SPT Labtech, said: “Single cell experiments are a critical area of focus for our firefly community. Working closely with 10x Genomics has been key to understanding the specific challenges and needs of researchers in this space. By making these optimized methods available in the firefly cloud, we are empowering scientists with easier access to cutting-edge tools for single cell discovery, while reducing barriers to adoption of advanced workflows.”

Platform integration enables workflow flexibility

The integration combines the automation flexibility of the firefly platform with the robustness of 10x Genomics’ GEM-X chemistry. This technical synergy is intended to enable laboratories to process higher sample throughputs whilst maintaining assay quality and reproducibility.

Brooke Murphy, vice president of strategic marketing at 10x Genomics, commented: “10x Genomics is committed to enabling researchers everywhere to uncover new insights into biology through our single cell solutions. This partnership with SPT Labtech will allow more labs to seamlessly automate their workflows, combining the flexibility of firefly automation with the robustness of our GEM-X chemistry, ultimately accelerating breakthroughs in human health.”

For more information, visit: www.sptlabtech.com and www.10xgenomics.com