Rapid sequencing DNA - PCR Barcoding Kit 24 V14 (SQK-RPB114.24)

Oxford Nanopore Technologies
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MinION: Protocol

Rapid sequencing DNA - PCR Barcoding Kit 24 V14 (SQK-RPB114.24) V RPB_9191_v114_revE_11Dec2024

This protocol:

  • uses genomic DNA
  • has a low input requirement
  • method involves tagmentation, barcoding and PCR amplification
  • allows multiplexing of 1–24 samples
  • is compatible with R10.4.1 flow cells

For Research Use Only

This is an Early Access product For more information about our Early Access programmes, please see this article on product release phases.

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY

Overview

This protocol:

  • uses genomic DNA
  • has a low input requirement
  • method involves tagmentation, barcoding and PCR amplification
  • allows multiplexing of 1–24 samples
  • is compatible with R10.4.1 flow cells

For Research Use Only

This is an Early Access product For more information about our Early Access programmes, please see this article on product release phases.

Document version: RPB_9191_v114_revE_11Dec2024

1. Overview of the protocol

IMPORTANT

This is an Early Access product

For more information about our Early Access programmes, please see this article on product release phases.

Please ensure you always use the most recent version of the protocol.

Introduction to the Rapid PCR Barcoding 24 V14 protocol

This protocol describes how to carry out rapid low input PCR barcoding of genomic DNA using the Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit 24 V14 (SQK-RPB114.24). There are 24 unique barcodes, allowing the user to pool up to 24 different samples in one sequencing experiment.

Steps in the sequencing workflow:

Prepare for your experiment

You will need to:

  • Extract your DNA, and check its length, quantity and purity.

The quality checks performed during the protocol are essential in ensuring experimental success.

  • Ensure you have your sequencing kit, the correct equipment and third-party reagents
  • Download the software for acquiring and analysing your data
  • Check your flow cell to ensure it has enough pores for a good sequencing run

Library preparation

You will need to:

  • Tagment your DNA using the Fragmentation Mix in the kit
  • PCR using the barcoded primer supplied in the kit
  • Attach sequencing adapters supplied in the kit to the DNA ends
  • Prime the flow cell, and load your DNA library into the flow cell

Note that after the PCR, the average length of DNA fragments should be <5 kb.

RPB114 workflow

Sequencing and analysis

You will need to:

  • Start a sequencing run using the MinKNOW software, which will collect raw data from the device and convert it into basecalled reads
  • Start the EPI2ME software and select the barcoding workflow
IMPORTANT

Compatibility of this protocol

This protocol should only be used in combination with:

2. Equipment and consumables

Materials
  • 1–5 ng high molecular weight genomic DNA
  • Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit 24 V14 (SQK-RPB114.24)
Consumables
  • MinION and GridION Flow Cell
  • 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tubes
  • 0.2 ml thin-walled PCR tubes
  • Nuclease-free water (e.g. ThermoFisher, AM9937)
  • Freshly prepared 80% ethanol in nuclease-free water
  • LongAmp Hot Start Taq 2X Master Mix (NEB, M0533)
  • Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) (50 mg/ml) (e.g Invitrogen™ UltraPure™ BSA 50 mg/ml, AM2616)
  • Qubit dsDNA HS Assay Kit (Invitrogen, Q32851)
  • Qubit™ Assay Tubes (Invitrogen, Q32856)
Equipment
  • MinION or GridION device
  • MinION and GridION Flow Cell Light Shield
  • Ice bucket with ice
  • Microfuge
  • Timer
  • Thermal cycler
  • Magnetic rack
  • Hula mixer (gentle rotator mixer)
  • P1000 pipette and tips
  • P200 pipette and tips
  • P100 pipette and tips
  • P20 pipette and tips
  • P2 pipette and tips
  • Multichannel pipette and tips
  • Qubit fluorometer (or equivalent for QC check)
Optional equipment
  • Agilent Bioanalyzer (or equivalent)

For this protocol, you will need 1-5 ng high molecular weight genomic DNA.

Note: Your input DNA must be at least 4 kb in length to ensure correct tagmentation and PCR amplification.

Input DNA

How to QC your input DNA

It is important that the input DNA meets the quantity and quality requirements. Using too little or too much DNA, or DNA of poor quality (e.g. highly fragmented or containing RNA or chemical contaminants) can affect your library preparation.

For instructions on how to perform quality control of your DNA sample, please read the Input DNA/RNA QC protocol.

Chemical contaminants

Depending on how the DNA is extracted from the raw sample, certain chemical contaminants may remain in the purified DNA, which can affect library preparation efficiency and sequencing quality. Read more about contaminants on the Contaminants page of the Community.

Third-party reagents

We have validated and recommend the use of all the third-party reagents used in this protocol. Alternatives have not been tested by Oxford Nanopore Technologies.

For all third-party reagents, we recommend following the manufacturer's instructions to prepare the reagents for use.

Check your flow cell

We highly recommend that you check the number of pores in your flow cell prior to starting a sequencing experiment. This should be done within 12 weeks of purchasing for MinION/GridION/PromethION or within four weeks of purchasing Flongle Flow Cells. Oxford Nanopore Technologies will replace any flow cell with fewer than the number of pores in the table below, when the result is reported within two days of performing the flow cell check, and when the storage recommendations have been followed. To do the flow cell check, please follow the instructions in the Flow Cell Check document.

Flow cell Minimum number of active pores covered by warranty
Flongle Flow Cell 50
MinION/GridION Flow Cell 800
PromethION Flow Cell 5000
IMPORTANT

The Rapid Adapter (RA) used in this kit and protocol is not interchangeable with other sequencing adapters.

Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit 24 V14 (SQK-RPB114.24) contents

sqk-rpb114.24 tubes

Name Acronym Cap colour No. of vials Fill volume per vial (µl)
Fragmentation Mix FRM Brown 1 160
Rapid Adapter RA Green 1 15
Adapter Buffer ADB Clear 1 100
AMPure XP Beads AXP Amber 3 1,200
Elution Buffer EB Black 2 500
EDTA EDTA Blue 1 700
Sequencing Buffer SB Red 1 700
Library Beads LIB Pink 1 600
Library Solution LS White cap, pink label 1 600
Flow Cell Flush FCF Clear 1 8,000
Flow Cell Tether FCT Purple 1 200
Rapid Barcode Primer 01-24 RLB01-24 Clear 24 (one per barcode) 15

Note: This product contains AMPure XP Reagent manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc. and can be stored at -20°C with the kit without detriment to reagent stability.

Rapid barcode primers

Component Sequence
RLB01 AAGAAAGTTGTCGGTGTCTTTGTG
RLB02 TCGATTCCGTTTGTAGTCGTCTGT
RLB03 GAGTCTTGTGTCCCAGTTACCAGG
RLB04 TTCGGATTCTATCGTGTTTCCCTA
RLB05 CTTGTCCAGGGTTTGTGTAACCTT
RLB06 TTCTCGCAAAGGCAGAAAGTAGTC
RLB07 GTGTTACCGTGGGAATGAATCCTT
RLB08 TTCAGGGAACAAACCAAGTTACGT
RLB09 AACTAGGCACAGCGAGTCTTGGTT
RLB10 AAGCGTTGAAACCTTTGTCCTCTC
RLB11 GTTTCATCTATCGGAGGGAATGGA
RLB12 GTTGAGTTACAAAGCACCGATCAG
RLB13 AGAACGACTTCCATACTCGTGTGA
RLB14 AACGAGTCTCTTGGGACCCATAGA
RLB15 AGGTCTACCTCGCTAACACCACTG
RLB16 CGTCAACTGACAGTGGTTCGTACT
RLB17 ACCCTCCAGGAAAGTACCTCTGAT
RLB18 CCAAACCCAACAACCTAGATAGGC
RLB19 GTTCCTCGTGCAGTGTCAAGAGAT
RLB20 TTGCGTCCTGTTACGAGAACTCAT
RLB21 GAGCCTCTCATTGTCCGTTCTCTA
RLB22 ACCACTGCCATGTATCAAAGTACG
RLB23 CTTACTACCCAGTGAACCTCCTCG
RLB24 GCATAGTTCTGCATGATGGGTTAG

3. Library preparation

Materials
  • 1–5 ng high molecular weight genomic DNA
  • Fragmentation Mix (FRM)
  • Rapid Barcode Primers (RLB01-24, at 10 µM)
  • EDTA (EDTA)
  • AMPure XP Beads (AXP)
  • Elution Buffer (EB)
  • Rapid Adapter (RA)
  • Adapter Buffer (ADB)
Consumables
  • 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tubes
  • 0.2 ml thin-walled PCR tubes
  • Nuclease-free water (e.g. ThermoFisher, AM9937)
  • LongAmp Hot Start Taq 2X Master Mix (NEB, M0533)
  • Freshly prepared 80% ethanol in nuclease-free water
  • Qubit dsDNA HS Assay Kit (Invitrogen, Q32851)
  • Qubit™ Assay Tubes (Invitrogen, Q32856)
Equipment
  • Ice bucket with ice
  • Thermal cycler
  • Hula mixer (gentle rotator mixer)
  • Magnetic rack
  • Microfuge
  • P1000 pipette and tips
  • P200 pipette and tips
  • P100 pipette and tips
  • P20 pipette and tips
  • P10 pipette and tips
  • P2 pipette and tips

Thaw kit components at room temperature, spin down briefly using a microfuge and mix by pipetting as indicated by the table below:

Reagent 1. Thaw at room temperature 2. Briefly spin down 3. Mix well by pipetting or vortexing
Rapid Barcode Primers (RLB01-24) Not frozen ✓ Pipette
Fragmentation Mix (FRM) Not frozen ✓ Pipette
Rapid Adapter (RA) Not frozen ✓ Pipette
Adapter Buffer (ADB) ✓ ✓ Vortex or Pipette
AMPure XP Beads (AXP) ✓ ✓ Mix by pipetting or vortexing immediately before use
Elution Buffer (EB) ✓ ✓ Vortex or Pipette
EDTA (EDTA) ✓ ✓ Vortex or Pipette

Note: Once thawed, keep all kit components on ice.

IMPORTANT

Your input DNA must be at least 4 kb in length to ensure correct tagmentation and PCR amplification.

Prepare the DNA in nuclease-free water.

  • Transfer 1–5 ng of each genomic DNA sample into a 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tube
  • Adjust the volume to 3 μl with nuclease-free water
  • Mix thoroughly by flicking avoiding unwanted shearing
  • Spin down briefly in a microfuge

In a 0.2 ml thin-walled PCR tube, mix the following:

Reagent Volume
1-5 ng template DNA 3 μl
Fragmentation Mix (FRM) 1 μl
Total 4 μl

Mix gently by flicking the tube, and spin down.

In a thermal cycler, incubate the tube at 30°C for 2 minutes and then at 80°C for 2 minutes. Briefly put the tube on ice to cool it down.

For each sample, set up a PCR reaction as follows in a 0.2 ml thin-walled PCR tube:

Reagent Volume
Tagmented DNA (from previous step) 4 µl
Nuclease-free water 20 µl
RLB (01-24, at 10 µM) 1 µl
LongAmp Hot Start Taq 2X Master Mix 25 µl
Total 50 µl

If the amount of input material is altered, the number of PCR cycles may need to be adjusted to produce the same yield.

Mix gently by flicking the tube, and spin down.

Amplify using the following cycling conditions:

Cycle step Temperature Time No. of cycles
Initial denaturation 95°C 3 mins 1
Denaturation

Annealing

Extension		 95°C

56°C

65°C		 15 sec

15 sec

6 min
14*
Final extension 65°C 6 min 1
Hold 4°C ∞

*We recommend 14 cycles as a starting point. However, the number of cycles can be adjusted up to 25 cycles according to experimental needs.

Add 4 µl of EDTA to each barcoded sample, mix thorougly by pipetting and spin down briefly.

TIP

EDTA is added at this step to stop the reaction.

Incubate for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Quantify 1 µl of each barcoded sample using a Qubit fluorometer (or equivalent) for QC check.

TIP

We recommend pooling samples in an equimolar ratio to a final combined concentration of 200–400 fmol (~400–800 ng) for optimum barcode balance during sequencing.

If users want to to perform multiple flow cell loads from their library preparation, we recommend pooling in the higher concentration range.

Pool all barcoded samples in equimolar ratios to a combined final concentration of 200–400 fmol (~400–800 ng) in a 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tube.

For a 200 fmol final pool:

Number of barcoded samples pooled 2 samples 6 samples 12 samples 24 samples
Concentration of each barcoded sample added to the pool 100 fmol
(~200 ng)		 33.3 fmol
(~66.7 ng)		 16.7 fmol
(~33.3 ng)		 8.3 fmol
(~16.7 ng)
Final pool concentration 200 fmol
(~400 ng)		 200 fmol
(~400 ng)		 200 fmol
(~400 ng)		 200 fmol
(~400 ng)

For a 300 fmol final pool:

Number of barcoded samples pooled 2 samples 6 samples 12 samples 24 samples
Concentration of each barcoded sample added to the pool 150 fmol
(~300 ng)		 50 fmol
(~100 ng)		 25 fmol
(~50 ng)		 12.5 fmol
(~25 ng)
Final pool concentration 300 fmol
(~600 ng)		 300 fmol
(~600 ng)		 300 fmol
(~600 ng)		 300 fmol
(~600 ng)

For a 400 fmol final pool:

Number of barcoded samples pooled 2 samples 6 samples 12 samples 24 samples
Concentration of each barcoded sample added to the pool 200 fmol
(~400 ng)		 66.7 fmol
(~133.3 ng)		 33.3 fmol
(~66.7 ng)		 16.7 fmol
(~33.3 ng)
Final pool concentration 400 fmol
(~800 ng)		 400 fmol
(~800 ng)		 400 fmol
(~800 ng)		 400 fmol
(~800 ng)

Note: Please ensure you have quantified your samples prior to this step and take forward an equimolar concentration of each of the samples for optimal barcode balancing. Samples may vary in concentration following the barcoded PCR, therefore the volume of each barcoded sample added to the pool will be different.

Resuspend the AMPure XP Beads (AXP) by vortexing.

To the pool of barcoded samples, add a 0.6X volume ratio of resuspended AMPure XP Beads (AXP) and mix by pipetting:

Volume of barcoded sample pool 37.5 μl 75 μl 150 μl 300 μl 600 μl
Volume of AMPure XP Beads (AXP) 22.5 μl 45 μl 90 μl 180 μl 360 μl

Note: Table contains example volumes for reference. Please adjust the volume of AMPure XP Beads (AXP) added for the volume of your barcoded sample pool to ensure a 0.6X volume ratio.

Incubate on a Hula mixer (rotator mixer) for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Prepare 2 ml of fresh 80% ethanol in nuclease-free water.

Briefly spin down the sample and pellet on a magnetic rack until supernatant is clear and colourless. Keep the tube on the magnetic rack, and pipette off the supernatant.

Keep the tube on the magnet and wash the beads with 1 ml of freshly-prepared 80% ethanol without disturbing the pellet. Remove the ethanol using a pipette and discard.

Repeat the previous step.

Spin down and place the tube back on the magnet. Pipette off any residual ethanol. Allow to dry for ~30 seconds, but do not dry the pellet to the point of cracking.

Remove the tube from the magnetic rack and resuspend the pellet by pipetting in 15 µl Elution Buffer (EB). Spin down and incubate for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Pellet the beads on a magnet until the eluate is clear and colourless, for at least 1 minute.

Remove and retain 15 µl of eluate into a clean 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tube.

  • Remove and retain the eluate which contains the DNA library in a clean 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tube
  • Dispose of the pelleted beads
CHECKPOINT

Quantify 1 µl of eluted sample using a Qubit fluorometer.

Transfer 10–50 fmol of your eluted samples into a clean 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tube. Make up the volume to 11 µl with Elution Buffer (EB).

If required, we recommend using a mass to mol calculator such as the NEB calculator.

In a fresh 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tube, dilute the Rapid Adapter (RA) as follows and pipette mix:

Reagent Volume
Rapid Adapter (RA) 1.5 μl
Adapter Buffer (ADB) 3.5 μl
Total 5 μl

Add 1 µl of the diluted Rapid Adapter (RA) to the barcoded DNA.

Mix gently by flicking the tube, and spin down.

Incubate the reaction for 5 minutes at room temperature.

END OF STEP

The prepared library is used for loading into the flow cell. Store the library on ice until ready to load.

4. Priming and loading the MinION and GridION Flow Cell

Materials
  • Flow Cell Flush (FCF)
  • Flow Cell Tether (FCT)
  • Library Solution (LIS)
  • Library Beads (LIB)
  • Sequencing Buffer (SB)
Consumables
  • MinION and GridION Flow Cell
  • Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) (50 mg/ml) (e.g Invitrogen™ UltraPure™ BSA 50 mg/ml, AM2616)
  • 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tubes
Equipment
  • MinION or GridION device
  • MinION and GridION Flow Cell Light Shield
  • P1000 pipette and tips
  • P100 pipette and tips
  • P20 pipette and tips
  • P10 pipette and tips
IMPORTANT

Please note, this kit is only compatible with R10.4.1 flow cells (FLO-MIN114).

TIP

Priming and loading a flow cell

We recommend all new users watch the 'Priming and loading your flow cell' video before your first run.

Using the Library Solution

For most sequencing experiments, use the Library Beads (LIB) for loading your library onto the flow cell. However, for viscous libraries it may be difficult to load with the beads and may be appropriate to load using the Library Solution (LIS).

Thaw the Sequencing Buffer (SB), Library Beads (LIB) or Library Solution (LIS, if using), Flow Cell Tether (FCT) and Flow Cell Flush (FCF) at room temperature before mixing by vortexing. Then spin down and store on ice.

IMPORTANT

For optimal sequencing performance and improved output on MinION R10.4.1 flow cells (FLO-MIN114), we recommend adding Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) to the flow cell priming mix at a final concentration of 0.2 mg/ml.

Note: We do not recommend using any other albumin type (e.g. recombinant human serum albumin).

To prepare the flow cell priming mix with BSA, combine the following reagents in a fresh 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tube. Mix by inverting the tube and pipette mix at room temperature:

Reagents Volume per flow cell
Flow Cell Flush (FCF) 1,170 µl
Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) at 50 mg/ml 5 µl
Flow Cell Tether (FCT) 30 µl
Final total volume in tube 1,205 µl

Open the MinION or GridION device lid and slide the flow cell under the clip. Press down firmly on the priming port cover to ensure correct thermal and electrical contact.

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 1a

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 1b

OPTIONAL ACTION

Complete a flow cell check to assess the number of pores available before loading the library.

This step can be omitted if the flow cell has been checked previously.

See the flow cell check instructions in the MinKNOW protocol for more information.

Slide the flow cell priming port cover clockwise to open the priming port.

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 2

IMPORTANT

Take care when drawing back buffer from the flow cell. Do not remove more than 20-30 µl, and make sure that the array of pores are covered by buffer at all times. Introducing air bubbles into the array can irreversibly damage pores.

After opening the priming port, check for a small air bubble under the cover. Draw back a small volume to remove any bubbles:

  1. Set a P1000 pipette to 200 µl
  2. Insert the tip into the priming port
  3. Turn the wheel until the dial shows 220-230 µl, to draw back 20-30 µl, or until you can see a small volume of buffer entering the pipette tip

Note: Visually check that there is continuous buffer from the priming port across the sensor array.

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 03 V5

Load 800 µl of the priming mix into the flow cell via the priming port, avoiding the introduction of air bubbles. Wait for five minutes. During this time, prepare the library for loading by following the steps below.

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 04 V5

Thoroughly mix the contents of the Library Beads (LIB) by pipetting.

IMPORTANT

The Library Beads (LIB) tube contains a suspension of beads. These beads settle very quickly. It is vital that they are mixed immediately before use.

We recommend using the Library Beads (LIB) for most sequencing experiments. However, the Library Solution (LIS) is available for more viscous libraries.

In a new 1.5 ml Eppendorf DNA LoBind tube, prepare the library for loading as follows:

Reagent Volume per flow cell
Sequencing Buffer (SB) 37.5 µl
Library Beads (LIB) mixed immediately before use, or Library Solution (LIS), if using 25.5 µl
DNA library 12 µl
Total 75 µl

Complete the flow cell priming:

  1. Gently lift the SpotON sample port cover to make the SpotON sample port accessible.
  2. Load 200 µl of the priming mix into the flow cell priming port (not the SpotON sample port), avoiding the introduction of air bubbles.

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 5

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 06 V5

Mix the prepared library gently by pipetting up and down just prior to loading.

Add 75 μl of the prepared library to the flow cell via the SpotON sample port in a dropwise fashion. Ensure each drop flows into the port before adding the next.

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 07 V5

Gently replace the SpotON sample port cover, making sure the bung enters the SpotON port and close the priming port.

Step 8 update

Flow Cell Loading Diagrams Step 9

IMPORTANT

Install the light shield on your flow cell as soon as library has been loaded for optimal sequencing output.

We recommend leaving the light shield on the flow cell when library is loaded, including during any washing and reloading steps. The shield can be removed when the library has been removed from the flow cell.

Place the light shield onto the flow cell, as follows:

  1. Carefully place the leading edge of the light shield against the clip. Note: Do not force the light shield underneath the clip.

  2. Gently lower the light shield onto the flow cell. The light shield should sit around the SpotON cover, covering the entire top section of the flow cell.

J2264 - Light shield animation Flow Cell FAW optimised

CAUTION

The MinION Flow Cell Light Shield is not secured to the flow cell and careful handling is required after installation.

END OF STEP

Close the device lid and set up a sequencing run on MinKNOW.

5. Data acquisition and basecalling

Overview of nanopore data analysis

For a full overview of nanopore data analysis, which includes options for basecalling and post-basecalling analysis, please refer to the Data Analysis document.

How to start sequencing

The sequencing device control, data acquisition and real-time basecalling are carried out by the MinKNOW software. Please ensure MinKNOW is installed on your computer or device. There are multiple options for how to carry out sequencing:

1. Data acquisition and basecalling in real-time using MinKNOW on a computer

Follow the instructions in the MinKNOW protocol beginning from the "Starting a sequencing run" section until the end of the "Completing a MinKNOW run" section.

2. Data acquisition and basecalling in real-time using the MinION Mk1B/Mk1D device

Follow the instructions in the MinION Mk1B user manual or the MinION Mk1D user manual.

3. Data acquisition and basecalling in real-time using the MinION Mk1C device

Follow the instructions in the MinION Mk1C user manual.

4. Data acquisition and basecalling in real-time using the GridION device

Follow the instructions in the GridION user manual.

5. Data acquisition and basecalling in real-time using the PromethION device

Follow the instructions in the PromethION user manual or the PromethION 2 Solo user manual.

6. Data acquisition using MinKNOW on a computer and basecalling at a later time using MinKNOW

Follow the instructions in the MinKNOW protocol beginning from the "Starting a sequencing run" section until the end of the "Completing a MinKNOW run" section. When setting your experiment parameters, set the Basecalling tab to OFF. After the sequencing experiment has completed, follow the instructions in the Post-run analysis section of the MinKNOW protocol.

6. Downstream analysis

Post-basecalling analysis

There are several options for further analysing your basecalled data:

1. EPI2ME workflows

For in-depth data analysis, Oxford Nanopore Technologies offers a range of bioinformatics tutorials and workflows available in EPI2ME, which are available in the EPI2ME section of the Community. The platform provides a vehicle where workflows deposited in GitHub by our Research and Applications teams can be showcased with descriptive texts, functional bioinformatics code and example data.

2. Research analysis tools

Oxford Nanopore Technologies' Research division has created a number of analysis tools, that are available in the Oxford Nanopore GitHub repository. The tools are aimed at advanced users, and contain instructions for how to install and run the software. They are provided as-is, with minimal support.

3. Community-developed analysis tools

If a data analysis method for your research question is not provided in any of the resources above, please refer to the resource centre and search for bioinformatics tools for your application. Numerous members of the Nanopore Community have developed their own tools and pipelines for analysing nanopore sequencing data, most of which are available on GitHub. Please be aware that these tools are not supported by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and are not guaranteed to be compatible with the latest chemistry/software configuration.

7. Flow cell reuse and returns

Materials
  • Flow Cell Wash Kit (EXP-WSH004)

After your sequencing experiment is complete, if you would like to reuse the flow cell, please follow the Flow Cell Wash Kit protocol and store the washed flow cell at +2°C to +8°C.

The Flow Cell Wash Kit protocol is available on the Nanopore Community.

TIP

We recommend you to wash the flow cell as soon as possible after you stop the run. However, if this is not possible, leave the flow cell on the device and wash it the next day.

Alternatively, follow the returns procedure to send the flow cell back to Oxford Nanopore.

Instructions for returning flow cells can be found here.

IMPORTANT

If you encounter issues or have questions about your sequencing experiment, please refer to the Troubleshooting Guide that can be found in the online version of this protocol.

8. Issues during DNA/RNA extraction and library preparation

Below is a list of the most commonly encountered issues, with some suggested causes and solutions.

We also have an FAQ section available on the Nanopore Community Support section.

If you have tried our suggested solutions and the issue still persists, please contact Technical Support via email (support@nanoporetech.com) or via LiveChat in the Nanopore Community.

Low sample quality

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
Low DNA purity (Nanodrop reading for DNA OD 260/280 is <1.8 and OD 260/230 is <2.0–2.2) The DNA extraction method does not provide the required purity The effects of contaminants are shown in the Contaminants document. Please try an alternative extraction method that does not result in contaminant carryover.

Consider performing an additional SPRI clean-up step.
Low RNA integrity (RNA integrity number <9.5 RIN, or the rRNA band is shown as a smear on the gel) The RNA degraded during extraction Try a different RNA extraction method. For more info on RIN, please see the RNA Integrity Number document. Further information can be found in the DNA/RNA Handling page.
RNA has a shorter than expected fragment length The RNA degraded during extraction Try a different RNA extraction method. For more info on RIN, please see the RNA Integrity Number document. Further information can be found in the DNA/RNA Handling page.

We recommend working in an RNase-free environment, and to keep your lab equipment RNase-free when working with RNA.

Low DNA recovery after AMPure bead clean-up

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
Low recovery DNA loss due to a lower than intended AMPure beads-to-sample ratio 1. AMPure beads settle quickly, so ensure they are well resuspended before adding them to the sample.

2. When the AMPure beads-to-sample ratio is lower than 0.4:1, DNA fragments of any size will be lost during the clean-up.
Low recovery DNA fragments are shorter than expected The lower the AMPure beads-to-sample ratio, the more stringent the selection against short fragments. Please always determine the input DNA length on an agarose gel (or other gel electrophoresis methods) and then calculate the appropriate amount of AMPure beads to use. SPRI cleanup
Low recovery after end-prep The wash step used ethanol <80% DNA will be eluted from the beads when using ethanol <80%. Make sure to use the correct percentage.

9. Issues during the sequencing run using a Rapid-based sequencing kit

Below is a list of the most commonly encountered issues, with some suggested causes and solutions.

We also have an FAQ section available on the Nanopore Community Support section.

If you have tried our suggested solutions and the issue still persists, please contact Technical Support via email (support@nanoporetech.com) or via LiveChat in the Nanopore Community.

Fewer pores at the start of sequencing than after Flow Cell Check

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
MinKNOW reported a lower number of pores at the start of sequencing than the number reported by the Flow Cell Check An air bubble was introduced into the nanopore array After the Flow Cell Check it is essential to remove any air bubbles near the priming port before priming the flow cell. If not removed, the air bubble can travel to the nanopore array and irreversibly damage the nanopores that have been exposed to air. The best practice to prevent this from happening is demonstrated in this video.
MinKNOW reported a lower number of pores at the start of sequencing than the number reported by the Flow Cell Check The flow cell is not correctly inserted into the device Stop the sequencing run, remove the flow cell from the sequencing device and insert it again, checking that the flow cell is firmly seated in the device and that it has reached the target temperature. If applicable, try a different position on the device (GridION/PromethION).
MinKNOW reported a lower number of pores at the start of sequencing than the number reported by the Flow Cell Check Contaminations in the library damaged or blocked the pores The pore count during the Flow Cell Check is performed using the QC DNA molecules present in the flow cell storage buffer. At the start of sequencing, the library itself is used to estimate the number of active pores. Because of this, variability of about 10% in the number of pores is expected. A significantly lower pore count reported at the start of sequencing can be due to contaminants in the library that have damaged the membranes or blocked the pores. Alternative DNA/RNA extraction or purification methods may be needed to improve the purity of the input material. The effects of contaminants are shown in the Contaminants Know-how piece. Please try an alternative extraction method that does not result in contaminant carryover.

MinKNOW script failed

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
MinKNOW shows "Script failed"
Restart the computer and then restart MinKNOW. If the issue persists, please collect the MinKNOW log files and contact Technical Support. If you do not have another sequencing device available, we recommend storing the flow cell and the loaded library at 4°C and contact Technical Support for further storage guidance.

Pore occupancy below 40%

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
Pore occupancy <40% Not enough library was loaded on the flow cell 10–50 fmol of good quality library can be loaded on to a MinION Mk1B/GridION flow cell. Please quantify the library before loading and calculate mols using tools like the Promega Biomath Calculator, choosing "dsDNA: µg to pmol"
Pore occupancy close to 0 The Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit V14 was used, and sequencing adapters did not attach to the DNA Make sure to closely follow the protocol and use the correct volumes and incubation temperatures. A Lambda control library can be prepared to test the integrity of reagents.
Pore occupancy close to 0 No tether on the flow cell Tethers are added during flow cell priming (FCT tube). Make sure FCT was added to FCF before priming.

Shorter than expected read length

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
Shorter than expected read length Unwanted fragmentation of DNA sample Read length reflects input DNA fragment length. Input DNA can be fragmented during extraction and library prep.

1. Please review the Extraction Methods in the Nanopore Community for best practice for extraction.

2. Visualise the input DNA fragment length distribution on an agarose gel before proceeding to the library prep. DNA gel2 In the image above, Sample 1 is of high molecular weight, whereas Sample 2 has been fragmented.

3. During library prep, avoid pipetting and vortexing when mixing reagents. Flicking or inverting the tube is sufficient.

Large proportion of unavailable pores

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
Large proportion of unavailable pores (shown as blue in the channels panel and pore activity plot)

image2022-3-25 10-43-25 The pore activity plot above shows an increasing proportion of "unavailable" pores over time.		 Contaminants are present in the sample Some contaminants can be cleared from the pores by the unblocking function built into MinKNOW. If this is successful, the pore status will change to "sequencing pore". If the portion of unavailable pores stays large or increases:

1. A nuclease flush using the Flow Cell Wash Kit (EXP-WSH004) can be performed, or
2. Run several cycles of PCR to try and dilute any contaminants that may be causing problems.

Large proportion of inactive pores

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
Large proportion of inactive/unavailable pores (shown as light blue in the channels panel and pore activity plot. Pores or membranes are irreversibly damaged) Air bubbles have been introduced into the flow cell Air bubbles introduced through flow cell priming and library loading can irreversibly damage the pores. Watch the Priming and loading your flow cell video for best practice
Large proportion of inactive/unavailable pores Certain compounds co-purified with DNA Known compounds, include polysaccharides, typically associate with plant genomic DNA.

1. Please refer to the Plant leaf DNA extraction method.
2. Clean-up using the QIAGEN PowerClean Pro kit.
3. Perform a whole genome amplification with the original gDNA sample using the QIAGEN REPLI-g kit.
Large proportion of inactive/unavailable pores Contaminants are present in the sample The effects of contaminants are shown in the Contaminants Know-how piece. Please try an alternative extraction method that does not result in contaminant carryover.

Temperature fluctuation

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
Temperature fluctuation The flow cell has lost contact with the device Check that there is a heat pad covering the metal plate on the back of the flow cell. Re-insert the flow cell and press it down to make sure the connector pins are firmly in contact with the device. If the problem persists, please contact Technical Services.

Failed to reach target temperature

Observation Possible cause Comments and actions
MinKNOW shows "Failed to reach target temperature" The instrument was placed in a location that is colder than normal room temperature, or a location with poor ventilation (which leads to the flow cells overheating) MinKNOW has a default timeframe for the flow cell to reach the target temperature. Once the timeframe is exceeded, an error message will appear and the sequencing experiment will continue. However, sequencing at an incorrect temperature may lead to a decrease in throughput and lower q-scores. Please adjust the location of the sequencing device to ensure that it is placed at room temperature with good ventilation, then re-start the process in MinKNOW. Please refer to this link for more information on MinION temperature control.

Last updated: 12/11/2024

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