BD and Opentrons Unite to Revolutionize Single-Cell Multiomics with Automation

Accelerating Breakthroughs in Multiomics

In a significant development, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has collaborated with Opentrons Labworks, Inc. to enhance the efficiency of single-cell multiomics research through robotic automation. This partnership marks a pivotal step in transforming the landscape of disease discovery and drug development, harnessing the power of advanced technology to streamline complex biological analyses.

The Need for Innovation in Multiomics

Single-cell multiomics is an emerging field that provides comprehensive insights into cellular diversity and functionality. By analyzing multiple layers of biological information within individual cells, researchers can unveil critical data that paves the way for advancements in oncology, immunology, and beyond. However, the intricate nature of multiomics studies often demands high levels of precision and reproducibility, which can be challenging to achieve with traditional manual workflows.

Recognizing these challenges, BD and Opentrons have joined forces to integrate automated liquid handling capabilities into BD’s existing single-cell multiomics instruments. This integration is expected to automate crucial experimental steps, thereby accelerating the entire research process. As Ranga Partha, VP of Global Marketing and Strategic Growth Areas at BD Biosciences, noted, the combination of robotics with their innovative Rhapsody® HT Xpress System will enable researchers to conduct larger-scale studies with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

Enhanced Robotic Solutions

The collaboration focuses primarily on incorporating the BD Rhapsody™ System with the Opentrons Flex® platform. This integration is designed to facilitate hands-free workflows for scientists engaged in single-cell experiments, significantly reducing the time and effort required for experimental setups. In particular, this initiative will introduce an automation-compatible module for the BD Rhapsody™ System, which will automate the steps involved in next-generation sequencing library preparation and cell capture.

James Atwood, CEO of Opentrons Labworks, emphasized that this collaboration combines BD's expertise in the field of single-cell multiomics with Opentrons' flexible automation solutions. The ultimate goal is to democratize access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies, making it easier and more cost-effective for laboratories to engage in advanced biological research.

Future Prospects and Accessibility

As part of their shared vision, BD and Opentrons plan to offer early access opportunities to select labs interested in adopting these innovative automated solutions. This will be particularly useful in both basic and translational research settings, allowing researchers to harness the full potential of single-cell sequencing and multiomics.

Interested laboratories and researchers can learn more about this exciting collaboration during the upcoming American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting, taking place in Boston from October 14-18, 2025, where both companies will showcase their technology at Booth 635 and Booth 447, respectively.

Conclusion

The partnership between BD and Opentrons represents a substantial leap forward in the realm of healthcare innovation. By integrating robotics into essential research processes, they are set to revolutionize how scientific inquiries are conducted, ultimately improving patient care through enhanced disease research and drug development. This collaboration not only paves the way for rapid advancements in laboratory workflows but also highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing complex challenges in health and medicine today.