BTP Core Service

The ARC-BTP has implemented high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing and genotyping technologies within the platform, with the capacity to genotype thousands of samples, or generates large volumes of data from single samples.

The current technologies available in the platform include:

Next generation sequencing and genotyping platforms
Liquid handling robotics systems
Laser capture micro-dissection microscope

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BTP Core Staff Members

	Mr Mxolisi Nene Scientific Application Specialist: Bioinformatics Email: NeneM@arc.agric.za Phone: +27 (0)12 529 9483 ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3465-8276 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=ClcgTdwAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&gmla=AH8HC4xdpRWTmyvywtN4cD5C5KQl2Fcvbhjyt-5N6sN-hUpao2AYz_wqJSk9REK2rqpuQz6b-lY2tUBRviq_8on4 Mr Nene holds an MSc Agriculture (Animal Science) degree from the University of Zululand and is a Scientific Application Specialist: Bioinformatics at the ARC Biotechnology Platform. He is responsible for biological data analysis, efficient dissemination of data for clients, and the optimisation of bioinformatics workflows with a focus on quality and efficiency within the BTP-Core Facility. His research interests include multi-omics integration of environmental samples, the development of cross-tipping frameworks using neural networks, and the application of machine learning techniques in bioinformatics and agricultural data analysis.
	Sydney K. Sithole Scientific Application Specialist: Genomics Email: SitholeKS@arc.agric.za Phone: +27 (0)12 529 9482 Mr. Sithole holds a Bachelor's and Honours degree in Medical Science, with a specialization in Human Genetics, as well as a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Genetics from the University of Pretoria. He is currently registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Scientist in Human Genetics and has extensive experience in diagnostic applications utilising a wide range of molecular techniques. Within a Genomics Core Facility, he specialises in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), with expertise spanning the full workflow from library preparation to sequencing. He is proficient in multiple NGS platforms, including MGI DNBSEQ-G400, Illumina MiSeq, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), and has experience working with automated liquid handling systems.
	Hlengiwe Sondlane Scientific Application Specialist: Genomics Email: SondlaneH@arc.agric.za Phone: +27 (0)12 529 9483 Ms Hlengiwe Sondlane is a scientific application specialist in genomics at the Biotechnology Platform Core Facility. As part of the Core team, she renders NGS services to academic researchers and for genomic onuses within the ARC, including external clients. She holds an M.Med.Sci with a specialisation in Virology from the University of the Free State. Her expertise in genomics spans across working with next-generation sequencing platforms, protocol optimisation, operating liquid handling systems, NGS workflow training, general lab inventory management and postgraduate student support.
	Dr Amsha Viraragavan (PhD) Scientific Application Specialist: Genomics E-mail: viraragavana@arc.agric.za Phone: +27 (0)12 529 9483 Dr. Viraragavan holds a PhD in Biochemistry and possesses extensive research experience in both non-communicable and communicable diseases. Her expertise includes molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, genotyping, and the automation of specialised laboratory workflows. She plays a pivotal role in supporting BTP Core Services by processing client requests and oversees the procurement and inventory of laboratory equipment and reagents using Laboratory Information Management Systems.
	Dr Madeleine Ramantswana Application Specialist: Next Generation Sequencing E-mail: RamantswanaT@arc.agric.za Phone: +27 (0)12 529 9483 Dr Madeleine Ramantswana is an Application Specialist: Genomics with expertise in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). She oversees library preparation and sequencing using a range of NGS technologies. Her research focuses on RNA sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and microbiome studies.
	Alister Ngobeni Application Specialist: High throughput Technologies E-mail: Ngobenia@arc.agric.za Phone: +27 (0)12 529 9483 Mr Ngobeni has an MSc Biochemistry degree from the University of Limpopo. He manages daily operations of liquid handling facility for the provision of services to research programs within the ARC and external clients. As part of the liquid handling facility he is responsible for protocols programming and optimization on the Hamilton liquid handlers.
	Nick NR. Mokotoane Application Specialist: Genotyping and Next Generation Sequencing E-mail: MokotoaneN@arc.agric.za Phone: +27 (0)12 529 9482 Mr Mokotoane holds a Bachelors and Honors degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics respectively, from the university of the Free State and has also obtained a research-based M.Sc. degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria. Although his main focus within the Genomics Core Facility is genotyping he is also involved in the NGS workflow.