Complete Genomics, a subsidiary of MGI Tech, has announced the flagship DNBSEQ-T1+* mid-throughput genetic sequencer as the company rounds out its temporal optimization strategy. The strategy, aimed at improving turnaround time and efficiency for researchers and clinicians through innovation, includes the established DNBSEQ-T7 high-throughput and DNBSEQ-G99 compact throughput platforms. Together, the three sequencers make up Complete Genomics’ latest genetic sequencer product line, each capable of high-quality processing in just under 24 hours, according to the company.
Even with the progress in sequencing technology, researchers continue to face considerable challenges with existing mid-throughput sequencers. Chaotic working patterns, slow speeds, operational complexities, and the inflexibility of single-application runs contribute to increased costs and reduced efficiency for laboratories. The search for high-speed platforms that do not compromise on throughput is a priority for many users looking to streamline workflows, enhance time and cost efficiency, and accelerate discoveries.
Complete Genomics’ sequencer family aims to address these hurdles by promising unmatched speed. This lineup — the DNBSEQ-T7, DNBSEQ-G99, and the newly launched DNBSEQ-T1+ — realizes sequencing across all throughput categories in one day. The 24-hour timeframe enables laboratories to streamline sequencing workflows with their operational cycles, maximizing resource utilization for time-sensitive projects and providing fast, reliable data in research and clinical settings, the company said.
While the T7 is designed for high throughput and the G99 for low throughput, the DNBSEQ-T1+ fills in the gap as one of the world’s fastest mid-throughput genetic sequencers at 25-1200 Gb per run. With the ability to deliver PE150 sequencing from libraries to FASTQ data in 24 hours or less with over 90 percent of bases at Q40, the T1+ supports a variety of applications, including methylation sequencing, tumor sequencing, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), whole-exome sequencing (WES), and multiomics studies (WGBS, single-cell, spatiotemporal omics).
To deliver its sequencing speed, the T1+ is equipped with optimized biochemistry, fluidics, optics, and temperature control. The platform demonstrates ultra-fast flow rates and supports real-time optical capture among other cutting-edge features, enhancing overall efficiency and flexibility. Moreover, it features three types of flow cells — FCL, FCM, and FCS — to allow for flexible operation. Users can run one or two flow cells independently or simultaneously. With dual-flow cell capability, they can benefit from increased data output and reduced turnaround time, getting the most out of each sequencing run in a short amount of time.
Within the unique "DNB Make & Load Module", DNB preparation is directly integrated into the DNBSEQ-T1+, further accelerating the sequencing process. With one click, high-quality DNBs can be produced, bypassing the need for separate quantification and ensuring sample traceability, saving valuable time and resources. To further simplify operations, the T1+ reagent kit is pre-loaded with all required sequencing and cleaning reagents, enabling a straightforward, single-step process for users.
"The streamlined operating workflow on the T1+ delivers quicker, high-quality sequencing data," said Rob Tarbox, Complete Genomics' vice president of product and marketing. "Thanks to high-density chips, the platform achieves outstanding data output. Adding on the next-generation StandardMPS 2.0 sequencing reagents, users can expect reliable and accurate data on the T1+ with Q40 quality metrics exceeding 90 percent across all read lengths within a day, maximizing throughput and efficiency without any quality tradeoff."
To make rapid and accurate sequencing more accessible, the DNBSEQ-T1+ is also designed with affordability in mind. For labs running extensive projects — such as 30X WGS on 2,600 samples annually — the financial benefits become even more pronounced, potentially saving three times the investment compared to other platforms, according to Complete Genomics. This affordability opens doors for democratization of innovative technology within the genomics industry, empowering smaller or budget-conscious labs to utilize high-quality sequencing technology without sacrificing performance, the company said.
The T1+ is available in two configurations: the DNBSEQ-T1+RS, which generates standardized FASTQ reports for users to perform custom analyses and supports real-time CAL file uploads through an external server; and the DNBSEQ-T1+ARS, which includes an integrated bioinformatics module for automated secondary analysis. This flexibility allows researchers to choose a model that best fits their needs, depending on the application, while maintaining high standards of data quality.
In addition to the DNBSEQ-T1+, Complete Genomics also unveiled a faster version of its existing compact sequencer, the DNBSEQ-E25 Flash, at the recent AGBT meeting. This upgraded device incorporates AI-driven protein engineering techniques to improve signal strength and reduce sequencing cycle times dramatically to approximately one minute. With base recognition achieved through a single substrate injection, the platform enables SE50 sequencing runs to be completed in under two hours, according to the company.
"These latest innovations not only demonstrate our commitment to fostering the future of genomics; they also signify our ongoing dedication to serving our customers in the US and worldwide," Tarbox said.
*For research use only (RUO), not for diagnosis