Opentrons partners with Zymo Research to offer an affordable, automated COVID-19 testing platform

(BROOKLYN, NY – April 22, 2020) – Zymo Research Corp, a California-based life science reagent company and Opentrons Labworks, Inc, makers of affordable and easy-to-use lab robotics, have partnered to create a robust engine for SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing.

As the COVID-19 crisis persists, the need for high-throughput, fast turn-around, and affordable testing platforms will become a matter of vital security to facilitate routine testing for communities around the world. The automated RNA extraction pipeline created with the Opentrons OT-2 liquid handling robot, verified labware, and magnetic module together with Zymo Research’s Quick-DNA/RNA Viral MagBead Kit can serve as the foundation for any lab seeking to perform high-sensitivity SARS-CoV-2 testing.

“The pairing of technologies from Opentrons and Zymo Research establishes a new, automated RNA extraction solution at a time when the legacy suppliers are unable to keep up with demand,” said Will Canine, co-founder and CPO at Opentrons. “We are proud to be able to bring this affordable, easy-to-use system to the market very quickly in partnership with Zymo Research.”

Additionally, any OT-2 robot user can download open-source scripts to automate Quick-DNA/RNA Viral MagBead Kit to perform the protocol in their own lab. These are the same protocols being used in CLIA labs developing tests to be run in anticipation of FDA EUA.

“Our country and this world are in a time of need. Zymo Research is doing whatever it takes to ensure that products relating to COVID-19 testing are getting to those labs and companies working on the front lines. We are proud to partner with a company like Opentrons to produce a simple solution that facilitates much-needed testing,” said Marc Van Eden, PhD, Vice President of Business Development at Zymo Research.

To learn more about the Opentrons COVID-19 Testing System, email [email protected].

Read more about Zymo here.