Microbiome sequencing & analysis

Unrestricted read length (up to 4.2 Mb achieved)

• Generate complete, high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) — resolving closely-related species and complex genomic regions
• Get enhanced taxonomic resolution using full-length reads of informative loci (e.g. entire 16S rRNA gene)
• Sequence and quantify full-length transcripts for unambiguous gene expression and metatranscriptomics studies

Read length typically 50–300 bp

Short sequencing reads may not span complex genomic regions (e.g. repeats, transposons) resulting in fragmented, partial genomes and ambiguous assembly of closely related species. Targeted 16S rRNA sequencing approaches using short reads have also been shown to provide lower taxonomic resolution when compared to long sequencing reads.

In the context of gene expression, the short reads provided by traditional sequencing technology require computational assembly, which has been shown to result in a high proportion of misassembled transcripts, making metatranscriptomics studies highly challenging.

Real-time data streaming

• Identify microorganisms within seconds of starting a sequencing run
• Stop sequencing when sufficient data obtained — wash and reuse flow cell
• Combine with intuitive, real-time EPI2ME data analysis workflows, including metagenomic- and 16S rRNA-based identification and quantification

Fixed run time with bulk data delivery

Increased time-to-result and inability to identify workflow errors until it’s too late, plus additional complexities of handling large volumes of bulk data.

Sequence anywhere

• Sequence in your lab or in the field with portable Flongle and MinION devices — from just $1,000, including sequencing reagents
• Characterise microbiomes at their source — minimise potential sample degradation caused by storage or shipping
• Analyse hundreds of samples with flexible, high-throughput, GridION and PromethION devices

Constrained to the lab

Traditional sequencing technologies are typically expensive, bulky, and require substantial site infrastructure — potentially restricting usage to well-resourced settings and delaying time to result.

Direct, amplification-free protocols

• Eliminate amplification- and GC-bias
• Access methylation data for free (e.g. 5mC, 6mA) — no additional sample prep or sequencing required
• Use methylation motifs to support genome binning and assembly from metagenome samples — maximising the utility of your data

Separate methylation assay required

Amplification can introduce bias — reducing uniformity of coverage with the potential for coverage gaps — and removes base modifications (e.g. DNA methylation) limiting data insights.

Streamlined workflows

• Sample prep in as little as 10 minutes, including multiplexing
• Whole genome, metagenomic, targeted (including 16S rRNA), direct RNA, and cDNA sequencing approaches
• Automate sample prep using the portable VolTRAX device
• Cost-effectively analyse up to 96 samples in a single run using barcoding kits
• Group plasmids with their associated genomes using MetaPore-C

Laborious workflows

Typically, lengthy sample preparation requirements and long sequencing run times, reducing workflow efficiency.