NEW YORK – Fluent Biosciences said Thursday that it is collaborating with sequencing instrument maker Ultima Genomics on single-cell transcriptomics kits that can analyze a million cells or more.
The firms are working to demonstrate the compatibility of Fluent's PIPseq kits with Ultima sequencers, optimize library construction for Ultima's sequencing method, and demonstrate high-capacity single-cell analysis across several applications developed by Fluent, including neuroscience, cell hashing, and CRISPR-based genome editing.
The collaboration is partially supported by a $1.1 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant awarded in August to Fluent by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
In its grant application, Fluent said it would "combine PIPseq sample preparation with emerging sequencing technology from Ultima Genomics to provide enabling solutions for PIPseq in deep tissue profiling, multiplexed drug testing, and pooled CRISPR screening."
Other financial details were not disclosed.
Fluent's PIPseq (particle-templated instant partition) technology enables single-cell transcriptomics in a tube and without the need of a separate instrument.
Ultima's UG100 sequencer promises the ability to sequence DNA at a cost of $1 per Gb or less.
Ultima has also collaborated with 10x Genomics on integrating their respective technologies through the 10x Compatible Partner Program.