MinION
MinION is the only portable, real-time device for DNA and RNA sequencing, putting you in control of your sequence data.
Each consumable flow cell can now generate as much as 30 Gb of DNA sequence data or 7-12 million reads if you are analysing RNA. Ultra-long read lengths are possible (hundreds of kb) as you can choose your fragment length. The MinION streams data in real time so that analysis can be performed during the experiment and workflows are fully versatile.
The MinION weighs under 100 g and plugs into a PC or laptop using a high-speed USB 3.0 cable, or used alongside the MinIT device for real-time, powerful analyses. Not constrained to a laboratory environment, it has been used up a mountain, in a jungle, in the arctic and on the International Space Station.
The MinION is commercially available, simply by paying a starter-pack fee of $1,000. The MinION starter pack includes materials you need to run initial sequencing experiments, including a MinION device, flow cells and kits, as well as membership of the Nanopore Community.
Latest performance metrics
The performance of nanopore sequencing - whether that is data yields, accuracy or ease of use - has improved rapidly in recent months and years. You can review the latest performance metrics here, and browse the specifications here to help you decide which nanopore device is right for your needs.
How are people using the MinION?
The MinION is being used for a number of biological analysis techniques including SV/SNV analysis in whole genomes, whole genome assembly, targeted sequencing, metagenomics and epigenetics. Review the publications on these areas here.
Why MinION?
MinION workflow
MinION workflows are designed for simplicity.
1D library preparation can take <10 minutes. A range of preparation kits are available to support analysis of DNA, cDNA and direct RNA. Data is streamed in real time, allowing you to run the instrument until you have generated sufficient data to answer the question and then move on to the next experiment. Real-time analyses can also provide a faster sample-to-answer time.
