Expanding the Capacity in Capillary Electrophoresis

Introducing the Spectrum CE System, 24-Capillary

Cris Cowan, Ben Krenke, and Ann MacPhetridge, Promega Corp., Madison, WI, USA

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INTRODUCTION

The Spectrum CE System is an automated capillary electrophoresis instrument intended for separation and detection of fluorescently labeled DNA fragments, including short tandem repeat (STR) markers. An 8-capillary system (Catalog #CE1008) is available now, and a 24-capillary system (Catalog #CE1024) will be available near the end of this year. Both are designed for laboratory professionals, including those in forensic laboratories1,2.

The Spectrum CE System features a continuously accessible sample drawer, allowing users to add or remove sample plates at any time without interrupting a run. The system supports automated processing of up to four 96-well plates and includes integrated barcode readers to automatically record plate identities, enabling flexible, efficient, and traceable sample handling. Each system includes the CE instrument and a desktop computer. The Spectrum Control Software (SCS), pre-installed on the system computer, provides an intuitive graphical user interface for run setup, monitoring consumable status, and system maintenance. Integrated RFID readers streamline tracking and replacement of reagents and consumables.

Real-time monitoring allows users to view progress and preliminary results during data collection. At the completion of each injection, data can be evaluated using GeneMarker®HID Software for Spectrum CE Systems (GMHID-Spectrum) and HIDAuto software, both included on the system computer. Exported data files from four-, five-, and six-dye STR kits are compatible with widely used software platforms such as GeneMapper® ID-X and GMHID-Spectrum. Data from Promega’s eight-dye STR kits are compatible with GMHID-Spectrum and FaSTR™ DNA.

The instrument is compatible with four-, five-, and six-dye STR kits from Promega and other commercial vendors, as well as Promega’s eight-dye STR kits (Figure 1), including the upcoming low-stutter Paradyme® STR systems. Along with the Spectrum Compact CE System, the Spectrum CE Systems are the first capillary electrophoresis systems demonstrated for use with eight-dye STR kits3,4,5,6.

Figure 1: Detection of 1 ng of DNA amplified with PowerPlex® 35GY System and detected with the Spectrum CE System, 24-Capillary. Analyzed with GeneMarker®HID Software for Spectrum CE Systems.

Tiered CE Instrument Options

Promega’s CE offerings provide three options to align with the throughput demands of a laboratory:

  • Spectrum Compact CE System (#CE1304): A small, 4-capillary that is optimized for lower-throughput workflows or research/boutique application in larger institutions.
  • Spectrum CE System, 8-Capillary (#CE1008): Introduced in 2022, this medium-throughput system has been proven in DNA-typing labs including routine forensic casework and sample identification databasing.
  • Spectrum CE System, 24-Capillary (#CE1024): Engineered for high-throughput environments, this new model enables processing of many samples with a highly-flexible run management. The system is anticipated to be available late this year.

Design and Workflow Features

Since its launch in 2022, the Spectrum CE System, 8-Capillary has been adopted by forensic laboratories worldwide for both casework and databasing. Users report significantly increased run flexibility, intuitive operation, excellent dynamic range, and high first-pass success rate as well as unbeatable validation and technical support. The new 24-capillary version increases the output of this established platform. The CE1024 retains the exterior dimensions and bench footprint of the CE1008, but triples throughput by supporting simultaneous injection from 24 wells of a sample plate. Key system features include:

  • Four 96-well plate capacity with continuous access, enabling semi-continuous operation.
  • RFID-enabled consumables for automated tracking and error reduction.
  • Integrated barcode reader for seamless plate tracking.
  • Vertically opening door to maximize usable bench space.
  • Simplified software interface designed for both novice and experienced users.

Aside from using arrays with a different number of capillaries, the 8-capillary and 24-capillary Spectrum CE Systems share most of the same consumables: polymer, wash solution, and buffer (Figure 2). With the release of the 24-capillary system, a larger volume of Polymer4 will also be released to extend the number of plates the system can analyze before needing replenishment.

Externally, the 8-capillary and 24-capillary systems are similar with only minor changes to fluidics and array attachments. Internally, the CE1024 incorporates refined optical detection hardware to ensure that increased throughput does not compromise resolution or sensitivity. These updates result in performance of the 24-capillary system that is at least equivalent to the 8-capillary system.

Figure 2: Consumables for Spectrum CE Systems. From left to right, Capillary Array, Anode Buffer, Cathode Buffer, Polymer4, and Septa mats.

Application Compatibility

The Spectrum CE System has proven compatibility with Promega’s advanced 8-color STR kits, including:

  • PowerPlex® 35GY System – Incorporates autosomal and Y-STR loci.
  • PowerPlex® 18E System – Optimized for low-level or degraded samples.
  • PowerPlex® 31P System – Suitable for databasing and core forensic loci.
  • Paradyme™ STR Kit (forthcoming) – Features a reduced-stutter polymerase for clearer mixture resolution.

Importantly, the Spectrum CE platform remains compatible with 4-, 5-, and 6-color chemistries from other vendors and Promega, enabling adoption by laboratories currently using non-Promega STR kits.

Promega is also developing support for Sanger sequencing for the Spectrum CE System (already supported on the Spectrum Compact CE System), broadening its utility for laboratories involved in both fragment analysis and sequence-based workflows.

Conclusion

Coming Soon: The Spectrum CE System, 24-Capillary

The Spectrum CE System, 24-Capillary delivers high-throughput efficiency and flexibility. Designed to meet the demands of modern forensic workflows, the platform offers:

  • Accelerated sample processing through 24-capillary analysis
  • Flexible run scheduling to adapt to shifting casework needs
  • Broad application compatibility, including human ID and research use

Promega supports implementation with expert workflow training and validation guidance to ensure smooth lab adoption.

References

  1. Spectrum-Developmental-Validation-White-Paper-WP130.pdf
  2. Spectrum CE System Operating Manual, TM052
  3. Graham, E. K., et al. (2024). Developmental validation of the PowerPlex® 35GY system: An 8-dye STR multiplex for human identification applications. Forensic Genomics, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.1089/forensic.2024.0006.
  4. PowerPlex® 35GY System for Use on the Spectrum CE System Technical Manual, TMD077
  5. PowerPlex® 18E System for Use on the Spectrum CE System Technical Manual, TMD080
  6. Thompson, J. M., Lauck, M., et al. (2025). Developmental validation of the PowerPlex® 18E system: An 8-dye STR multiplex for human identification applications. FSI Reports. (In Review).

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