SAMPLING SOLUTIONS
From off-the-shelf sampling kits to customized sample collection devices
STUDY DESIGN
Fit-for-purpose sampling design backed by robust statistical approaches
Interested in functional diversity, seabed bacteria, pest species or marine megafauna?
We can get it all covered!
With extensive practical experience in the field and engineering expertise on board, we can help unlocking optimised solutions for your project, from customised sample collection strategy to sequencing assay and follow-up analytical pipeline.
HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEQUENCING
Our team of professional scientists and technicians is commited to deliver high-quality molecular data for your project.
LIBRARY PREPARATION
Full spectrum of sample processing and quality assurance steps customized to your project needs
DATA DELIVERY AND ANALYSES
Advice on the bioinformatic pipelines, data curation, analyses and interpretation
NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING FOR eDNA/eRNA, MICROBIOMES & GENOMICS
We perform high-throughput sequencing of eDNA and eRNA on Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq 2000, delivering accurate paired-end reads (up to 2×300 bp) for metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomics. These platforms support a wide range of applications—from small-genome and targeted gene sequencing to population genetics and microbiome studies. We also operate state-of-the-art qPCR and dPCR systems for sensitive, quantitative detection. In addition, our automated DNA/RNA extraction and liquid-handling systems increase throughput, reproducibility, and sample integrity.
What we offer
- Metabarcoding & shotgun metagenomics for biodiversity, biosecurity, and QC use cases
- Targeted qPCR/dPCR assays for sensitive, quantitative detection
- Small genomes, RNA-seq, targeted panels
- Population genetics analyses
- Microbiome community profiling, functional insights, and reporting
Based on your goals, we help select the best markers and workflows (e.g., loci, read length, depth) or develop custom assays that are scientifically justified and cost-efficient – end to end from sampling to analysis and decision-ready outputs.
EXAMPLE PROJECTS
Have a complex project but unsure where to start? Need guidance on sampling strategies? Let us guide you!
Example: Detection of 3 pest species in waterways using real-time PCR (i.e qPCR) on ~200 eDNA samples.
We work with you to develop a statistically robust sampling plan, considering environmental conditions, site accessibility, and necessary replication.
We supply all necessary equipment, consumables, and a detailed protocol to ensure high-quality sample collection while minimizing contamination risks.
We test published real-time PCR assays for sensitivity and optimize protocols for multiplexing (running 3 assays in parallel).
Includes DNA extraction, real-time PCR analysis, and troubleshooting as needed.
Comprehensive statistical analysis aligned with study goals.
Delivery of an analysis report and optional support in drafting a manuscript for scientific publication.
Already experienced in molecular analyses but need support with specific steps? We can step in at any stage and ensure high-quality results.
Example: eDNA analysis – metabarcoding of a target gene (COI) on 600 cleaned-up PCR amplicons provided by the client.
Addition of unique sample identifiers (tagging) to track sequences accurately.
Removal of primer left-overs.
Pooling, quality assessment (QA), and quantification of sequencing libraries.
Sequencing on the NextSeq2000 platform using the P1 600 kit, ensuring >50K average reads per sample.
Secure sequencing data transfer via Illumina’s BaseSpace platform.
Small-scale Project? We’ve got you covered! Even small sample sets deserve high-quality molecular analysis. Let us handle your bioinformatics and sequencing needs.
Example: Microbiome analyses on 20 DNA extracts provided by the client with species identification and visualization.
Using scientifically validated protocols for optimal microbiome detection.
Verification of PCR products with one round of additional PCR troubleshooting if needed.
Removal of non-target DNA remains and standardization of DNA concentration.
Sample tagging and pooling for high-throughput sequencing.
Conducted on MiSeq or NextSeq2000 platforms, ensuring >50K average reads per sample.
Filtering, merging, denoising, and taxonomy assignment.
Comprehensive analysis of community composition with graphical representation.
Need whole-genome sequencing? We provide expert guidance and solutions for validating genomic data or exploring metagenomics.
Example: De novo sequencing of a bacterial genome from extracted DNA provided by the client.
Leveraging Illumina expertise, advise on the optimal sample number based on the required coverage and recommend the best sequencing solution.
Use Illumina’s industry-leading kits to ensure a streamlined workflow for high-quality sample preparation.
Assess the prepped libraries prior to sequencing to ensure high-quality data and compliance with required sequencing standards.
Sequencing is performed on MiSeq or NextSeq2000 platforms, depending on coverage requirements (up to 1.8B single reads per run).
Utilize Illumina’s BaseSpace App and tools like SPAdes genome assembler for small genome assembly and comprehensive analysis.
KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING YOUR PROJECT
- What is the purpose or goal of the experiment?
(i.e., What is your expected output?) - Do you need support in developing a statistically robust sampling plan?
- What samples do you plan to send?
(e.g., raw samples, DNA extracts, PCR amplicons, cleaned, etc.) - How many samples do you need to processed?
- Assay-specific questions:
o For a species-specific assay (real-time PCR), what are the species of interest?
o For metabarcoding sequencing, what amplicons are you working with, and what are their expected lengths?
o For genomic sequencing, what is the expected genome size, and what level of coverage (e.g., 10X) is required? - How would you like your data delivered at the end?
(e.g., raw data vs. a data report).
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