96 barcodes: Expanded PCR-free multiplexing capacity for lower cost per sample – now available in store
Latest kit release provides 96 native barcodes for PCR-free sequencing, allowing higher numbers of samples to be run on a single flow cell - including for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing protocol.
The Native Barcoding Expansion (96) kit is available to purchase on the Store now here.
Oxford Nanopore provides direct sequencing of a nucleic acid molecule – either DNA or RNA – examining the native molecule instead of a copy, or via surrogate markers such as fluorescence. This direct sequencing avoids introducing biases, and leaves base modifications intact, giving even genome coverage. With native barcodes this PCR-free sequencing is preserved, allowing up to 96 samples to be sequenced at once on a single flow cell. Multiplexing more samples significantly lowers the cost per individual sample.
Most recently the Native Barcoding Expansion kits have been used in the protocol for whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Performing genomic epidemiological analysis of the transmission and evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a key part of the global public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To support this effort, earlier in the year a protocol was released for rapid, scalable and cost-effective whole genome sequencing of the virus using nanopore technology.
With the release of 96 native barcodes, this assay can now scale from 1-96 samples per run, and across our range of devices to enable up to approximately 4,500 samples per run.
View the protocol here.
