QC & DNA Shearing
The Monash Genomics & Bioinformatics Platform provides comprehensive nucleic acid quality control and fragmentation services. Our instrumentation includes the Agilent Bioanalyzer and Agilent Fragment Analyzer for precise assessment of RNA and DNA integrity and size distribution. For DNA shearing, we offer both the Covaris ML230 and Diagenode Megaruptor systems, enabling controlled and reproducible fragmentation tailored to diverse library preparation workflows.
Instrumentation
| The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer is a microfluidics-based instrument used for rapid, high-resolution quality control of DNA and RNA samples. Using on-chip electrophoresis, it provides precise sizing, quantification, and integrity assessment with minimal sample input and hands-on time. The system generates digital gel-like images and electropherograms, allowing accurate evaluation of RNA integrity (RIN) and DNA fragment distributions — essential for ensuring sample quality prior to sequencing or other downstream applications. |  |
| The Agilent Fragment Analyzer 5200 is an automated capillary electrophoresis system designed for high-throughput, precise analysis of DNA and RNA quality. It accurately measures fragment size, concentration, and integrity across a broad range of sample types — from small RNAs to large genomic DNA. With plate-based automation and minimal manual handling, the Fragment Analyzer delivers fast, reproducible results ideal for sequencing library QC, RNA integrity assessment, and genotyping applications. |  |
| The Covaris ML230 is a compact, high-throughput acoustic shearing system engineered for reproducible fragmentation of DNA and RNA prior to sequencing. Using Covaris’s Adaptive Focused Acoustics® (AFA®) technology it processes up to 8 samples in parallel, with sample volumes as low as 5–50 µL and precise control over fragment size distribution—ideal for NGS library prep QC. With built-in water-bath temperature control, touchscreen method management and RFID-coded consumables, it reduces user variability and streamlines upstream prep for high-value downstream applications. |  |
| The Diagenode Megaruptor 3 is an automated DNA-shearing system designed for controlled fragmentation of high-molecular-weight DNA in the ~5 kb to >100 kb range. With a user-friendly touchscreen interface and disposable Hydropore-Syringe assemblies, it provides highly reproducible fragment sizes regardless of sample source, concentration, or buffer composition. Capable of processing up to eight samples in parallel, the Megaruptor 3 is ideal for preparing long-read sequencing libraries for platforms such as PacBio and Oxford Nanopore. |  |
| The Covaris ML230 is a compact, high-throughput acoustic shearing system engineered for reproducible fragmentation of DNA and RNA prior to sequencing. Using Covaris’s Adaptive Focused Acoustics® (AFA®) technology it processes up to 8 samples in parallel, with sample volumes as low as 5–50 µL and precise control over fragment size distribution—ideal for NGS library prep QC. With built-in water-bath temperature control, touchscreen method management and RFID-coded consumables, it reduces user variability and streamlines upstream prep for high-value downstream applications. | |
How To Use Our QC & DNA Shearing Services
