DNBSEQ-G400 from Complete Genomics: Latest Sequencing Technologies—Part 5

Complete Genomics (an MGI company) released the DNBSEQ-G400 into the U.S. market this summer. DNBSEQ-G400 is a benchtop sequencer that uses MGI’S DNA Nanoball sequencing technology (DNBSEQ) that boasts low index hopping, low amplification bias, and low PCR amplification error accumulation. In addition, the instrument is capable of using an improved antibody-based chemistry, CoolMPS sequencing reagent, that reduces errors and improves the sequencing quality.

Image of DNBSEQ-G400 (courtesy of MGI)

Read type and length
DNBSEQ-G400 is a short-read sequencer with a variety of read lengths and options, including SE50, SE100, SE400, PE100, PE150, PE200, and PE300. The run times vary from 13 to 58 hours depending on the selected flow cell, read lengths, and cycle kit.

Flow cell/SMRT cell options
There are two flow cell options, FCS and FCL, and users have the ability to run one or two independent flow cells per run. The FCS flow cell comes equipped with two lanes and the FCL has a total of four lanes. Each of the lanes can be loaded independently. There are also two options (StandardMPS and CoolMPS) for sequencing reagents. The StandardMPS can be used with any flow cell type, but the CoolMPS can only be used with the FCL flow cell.

Data output
The DNBSEQ-G400 can produce 55–1440 Gb of data per run, depending on the reagent type, read lengths, flow cell types, and number of flow cells used. The expected number of reads varies from 300M–550 M reads with a single FCS flow cell to 1500–2000 M reads with a single FCL flow cell.

Analysis options
Barcode demultiplexing and FASTQ generation are completed on the machine and are accounted for in the run times. Secondary analysis can be completed using external analysis tools or done with MGI’s MegaBOLT bioinformatics analysis accelerator. MegaBOLT includes existing framework for analysis of whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and panel sequencing with germline or somatic data.

Common applications
● Microbial detection
● Single-cell sequencing
● Cancer panels
● Whole exome and genome sequencing
● 16S sequencing

Release date
Officially released in the U.S. in August, DNBSEQ-G400 is currently available for use, while three other sequencers are pending for release in the coming year (DNBSEQ-E25, DNBSEQ-T7, and DNBSEQ-T10x4). Sequencers and supplies from Complete Genomics (MGI) may have different availabilities and release schedules for customers in other countries.

Highlights
● Customizable sequencing with many options for flow cells, read lengths, and reagent type.
● Low PCR error amplification, low amplification bias, and low index hopping.
● Wide range of available applications along with streamlined analysis from MegaBOLT bioinformatics software.
● Shorter time from sequencing to FASTQ generation.
● Improved base calling and reduced molecular scarring with CoolMPS reagent.

To compare sequencing technologies please visit Biocompare