Ginkgo Bioworks integrates Callisto for difficult-to-automate NGS processes in their high-throughput lab

BOSTON, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Volta Labs, a leading genomics applications company, and Ginkgo Bioworks, (NYSE: DNA), which is building a leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, today announced the integration of the Callisto™ Sample Prep System at Ginkgo Bioworks as part of the routine Illumina sequencing workflow.

"I like the Apps and the App Store concept on Callisto. It allows us to keep our operating costs low and access multiple sequencing technologies and chemistries on the same platform," said Alex Plocik, Senior Director of Genomics at Ginkgo Bioworks. "In our short-read sequencing workflow, we often pool thousands of individual samples into tens of sample pools for bead clean ups with varying batch size from day to day. The Callisto system is perfect for this use case while providing a complete walk away experience." 

"Ginkgo has been a valued partner for Volta Labs since inception," said Udayan Umapathi, founder and CEO of Volta Labs. "Their team has played an instrumental role in refining our solution for high throughput labs. I am excited about the short-term integration of Callisto into their Illumina workflows and the long-term potential to expand into many applications."

Size selection is one of the newest apps to be released in the Volta Apps menu. This app allows all short-read labs performing sequencing on Illumina, Element Biosciences and Ultima Genomics platforms to purify and select optimal fragment sizes for sequencing. Despite significant advancements in sequencing, something as primitive as DNA clean-up is challenging to automate on traditional liquid handling technologies. Callisto's advanced electrowetting, magnetic and acoustic capabilities enable very precise and clean separation of liquids, efficient elution of DNA from beads, and batch-level flexibility enabled by proprietary VoltaNode™ technology. Kits are now available to order for all customers interested in using the Double-Sided Size Selection app on Callisto.

About Volta Labs
Volta Labs is a genomics applications company that has developed a cutting-edge digital fluidics platform to maximize performance and scalability of sample preparation in genomics while providing unparalleled consistency. Volta is transforming the way biological research and analyses are performed, allowing scientists to focus on what they do best -- pushing the boundaries of biology.

About Ginkgo Bioworks
Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo Biosecurity is building and deploying the next-generation infrastructure and technologies that global leaders need to predict, detect, and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and ginkgobiosecurity.com, read our blog, or follow us on social media channels such as X (@Ginkgo and @Ginkgo_Biosec), Instagram (@GinkgoBioworks), Threads (@GinkgoBioworks) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:
Volta Labs
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Ginkgo Bioworks
[email protected]

SOURCE Volta Labs Inc.