Streamlining CRISPR workflows, from editing to analysis

by · News-Medical

CRISPR gene editing is a valuable tool that can be used to modify, delete or correct specific regions of DNA. It has applications in research, where it can help to accelerate investigations into diseases such as cancer, as well as the development of potential cell and gene therapies for clinical use, for example, Casgevy, which recently received FDA approval. There are a number of inherent challenges to overcome for efficient CRISPR editing and analysis, and streamlining workflows is very important. This is why INTEGRA has collaborated with biotechnology companies DropGenie and QUiCKR Bio to create efficient automated solutions that take advantage of the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot, VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipette, VIAFLO electronic pipette and MINI 96 portable electronic pipette.

CRISPR discovery and development processes involve two critical stages: gene editing followed by confirmation that the intended result has been achieved. Editing reagents must be introduced into precious, sensitive – often scarce – cells without compromising viability, a time-consuming and potentially error-prone process when performed manually. The subsequent analysis to confirm that editing has been successful often relies on lengthy, complex sequencing-based workflows that can take days, or even weeks, delaying future experiments. However, automation can be used to increase the speed and reproducibility of CRISPR editing workflows. We have collaborated with biotech companies DropGenie and QUiCKR, using INTEGRA liquid handling solutions to automate low input electroporation and rapid edit quantification, respectively, enabling laboratories to benefit from streamlined CRISPR processes, from primary cell engineering to data-driven optimization.

Combining miniaturization and automation

Seamless integration of gene editing protocols

QUiCKR genomic results

QUiCKR Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Charles Blanluet explained: “The QUiCKR assay was initially developed as a COVID diagnostic from my research at the Stanford Microfluidics Laboratory. This quantitative assay replaces long and complex workflows like NGS or ddPCR, and is just as applicable to gene editing as it is to viral genome QC. Our goal is to enable fast and accurate editing readouts for everyone, from bench scientists to NGS cores. For individual scientists it means no longer having to wait days or weeks for long and complex workflows to be run by analytical cores, allowing them to iterate their experiments the same day. At the other end of the spectrum, NGS cores can process 380 samples per hour, accelerating their turnaround times and flexibility, while also freeing NGS capacity for samples requiring deep sequencing.”

On the fast track

Spreading the word

Fast and accurate liquid transfers

INTEGRA, DropGenie and QUiCKR collaboration. Image Credit: INTEGRA Bioscienes

Collaboration drives success

The collaborations with DropGenie and QUiCKR have proved beneficial all around. Miniaturization with DropGenie makes low input CRISPR editing feasible, and can be followed by fast edit confirmation with QUiCKR, addressing both the delivery challenges and the analysis bottleneck. INTEGRA provides the automation capability and liquid handing consistency required to combine these two steps into a streamlined, reproducible CRISPR workflow for faster iteration of experiments. Hugo commented: “It's been a joy to work with INTEGRA, it’s a great partner. The team understands what we're doing and the value that we're trying to bring to the workflow, and has been very supportive. At the same time, we bring value to INTEGRA by introducing our customers to the ASSIST PLUS. It’s all been very positive.” Charles added: “We collaborated with INTEGRA because we both want to provide a complete solution to our customers, from samples to results. It's rare to be able to build products that are very easy to use, yet highly accurate and ready for chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) use, but INTEGRA does just that.”

References

  1. Patel, M.A., Boribong, B.P., Sinha, H. et al. Miniaturized scalable arrayed CRISPR screening in primary cells enables discovery at the single donor resolution. Sci Rep 15, 29350 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13532-z
  2. Little, S.R., Leung, Z., Quach, A.B.V., Hirukawa, A., Gholizadeh, F., Hajiaghayi, M., Darlington, P.J. and Shih, S.C.C. (2023), A Tri-Droplet Liquid Structure for Highly Efficient Intracellular Delivery in Primary Mammalian Cells Using Digital Microfluidics. Adv. Mater. Technol., 8: 2300719. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202300719
  3. Application Note. Automation-enabled high throughput electroporation of primary cells using the ASSIST PLUS and DropGenie platform. https://www.integra-biosciences.com/en/applications/automation-enabled-high-throughput-electroporation-primary-cells-using-assist-plus-and-dropgenie-platform
  4. Flyer. Ultra-fast DNA sequence quantification for genetic engineering. https://www.quickrbio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/325-26-QUiCKR-Flyer-INTEGRA-1.pdf 

Source:

INTEGRA Biosciences