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A world of applications
For over 20 years, Oxford Nanopore sequencing has been driving discovery worldwide — powering breakthroughs across a diverse range of applications. Learn more about the real-world implications of Oxford Nanopore technology.
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Our mission
The goal of Oxford Nanopore Technologies is to bring the widest benefits to society through the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. Our technology spans DNA, RNA, and cDNA sequencing, and the platform is being developed to unlock new insights in the analysis of proteins and metabolites.
Technology comparison
Oxford Nanopore sequencing
Legacy short-read sequencing
Richer data
Key features missed
- Generate complete, high-quality genomes using any length reads (50 bp to >4 Mb) and simplify de novo assembly
- Resolve complex structural variants (SVs) and repeats
- Analyse and phase long-range haplotypes,single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and base modifications
- Sequence and quantify full-length transcripts to annotate genomes, characterise isoforms, and analyse gene expression — including at single-cell resolution
- Resolve mobile genetic elements to generate critical genomic insights
- Limited to short reads (<300 bp)
- Assembly contiguity is reduced and complex computational analyses are required to infer results
- Complex genomic regions such as SVs and repeat elements typically cannot be sequenced in single reads
- Transcript analysis is limited to gene-level expression data
- Important genetic information is missed
Multidimensional insights
Introduces bias
- Directly sequence native DNA/RNA without amplification
- Eliminate GC-bias and preserve base modifications
- Detect epigenetic modifications, as standard, without additional, time-consuming sample prep
- Create cost-effective, amplification-free, targeted panels with adaptive sampling
- Amplification often required, introducing bias
- Base modifications removed by amplification, necessitating additional sample preparation
Faster results
Increased time and complexity
- Access results in real-time for immediate action
- Stop sequencing when sufficient data is obtained — wash and reuse the flow cell
- Combine real-time data streaming with intuitive, real-time EPI2ME data analysis workflows
- Time to result is increased
- Workflow errors cannot be identified until it is too late
- Additional complexities of handling large volumes of bulk data
Accessible and flexible sequencing
Constrained to centralised labs
- Sequence on demand with flexible end-to-end workflows that suit your throughput needs
- Sequence at sample source, even in the most extreme environments, with the portable MinION device
- Scale up with modular GridION and PromethION devices for high-output, high-throughput sequencing to generate ultra-rich data
- No sample batching required
- Use barcodes to multiplex samples on a single flow cell
- Limited to expensive devices that require substantial site infrastructure — only suitable for well-resourced, centralised locations
- High sample batching is required for optimal efficiency, delaying time to results
Streamlined, automatable workflows
Laborious workflows
- Prepare samples in as little as 10 minutes, including multiplexing
- Use end-to-end whole-genome, metagenomic, targeted, direct RNA and cDNA sequencing workflows
- Scale and automate your workflows to suit your sequencing needs
- Perform real-time enrichment of single targets or panels without additional wet-lab prep with adaptive sampling
- Lengthy sample prep is required
- Long sequencing run times
- Workflow efficiency is reduced, and time to result increased
The power of unrestricted read length for your application.
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One sequencing technology.
For all your biology.
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