DNA aliquoting and encapsulation

The encapsulation of your DNA samples is processed with total traceability through the following steps:
Shipping of DNA samples
Upon reception, the samples are labelled with IMAGENE’s codes (in-house traceability) and checked for conformity to the customer order.
DNA analysis
The DNA quantity and quality are measured by :
• UV spectrophotometry (measures between 220nm and 330 nm)
• Fluorescence emission through a dsDNA-specific fluorophore
• Electrophoretic migration (non denaturing agarose gel)
The qualitative and quantitative data for each sample are recorded in the LIMS. This data report is delivered along with the encapsulated sample.
DNA aliquoting
The DNA aliquoting process is entirely automatic. Precise volumes of the DNA solution are distributed in the glass vials of the DNAshell corrosion-proof metallic minicapsules. Identified by a bidimensional laser-marked Data Matrix code, DNAshell minicapsules guarantee permanent and unalterable labelling in addition to easy traceability of DNA samples. At this point, each sample is matched to the 2D Datamatrix code.
DNA desiccation
The minicapsules racks are transferred in a specific device to go through a totally controlled drying step.
DNA encapsulation
The DNA-containing shells are moved to an anoxic and anhydrous chamber. A laser seals the minicapsule under a controlled anhydrous and anoxic inert atmosphere by welding the junction between the shell and the cap.
Hermeticity control of the DNAshells
A control of each capsule is performed by helium test to detect any possible micro-leakage.
Second alphanumeric marking of the DNAshells
A second laser marking around the 2D Data Matrix code marks the minicapsules with an alphanumeric code showing, in plain text, both the 2D Data Matrix code and the client's code of the sample (10 characters maximum). This alphanumeric code is read a second time for additional control.
Delivery of the minicapsules
IMAGENE packs and ships the racks of DNAshells. All the DNA samples as well as the DNA residues still present on the equipment are destroyed. A table which summarizes the new and former identification codes of the samples is sent to the client along with the encapsulated DNA.
DNA recovery
When IMAGENE process is completed, the DNAshells are delivered to the customers in SBS standard 96-well plates.
For DNA recovery, the cap is perforated by the metallic punch of a specific capsule opener provided by IMAGENE.

Additional DNA extraction and purification services

Before encapsulation, IMAGENE will extract and purify DNA from any samples. We have extensively worked with several biological sources as well as several robust extraction and purification methods.
Our expertises lead us to handle samples from tumors, mammalian, bacterial and vegetal tissues or complex samples such as Bouin-Hollande-fixed tissues.
Therefore, Imagene will consider any specific extraction project.

Control panel of the desiccator

All the desiccation parameters are monitored and stored in the LIMS database in real time.