Overview of Nextera™ technology

Here's a brief introduction to Nextera technology for preparing DNA libraries prior to next-generation sequencing. The presentation also includes recent data from sequencing runs on Roche GS FLX Titanium and Illumina GAII platforms.

For best results, view the slides in full-screen mode.

Nextera Overview Feb 2010

Simplifying library preparation for next-generation sequencing

According to an industry research report on next-generation sequencing, published in August 2009:

• The main bottleneck in sample preparation for next-gen sequencing reported was library construction.
• The most used method for DNA fragmentation was nebulization for both short and medium/long fragments, and sonication for fragmentation for ChIP.
• The aspect of sample prep for next-gen sequencing most in need of automation was DNA fragmentation.

Nextera™ technology was developed to address the concerns associated with these sample prep methods. DNA sample prep kits compatible with the Roche 454 and Illumina platforms were launched in early January. The kits use in vitro transposition technology to combine fragmentation and tagging of the DNA into a single-tube reaction. The technology will be showcased at the CHI XGen Congress, March 15-19, 2010 in San Diego, CA. A poster on applications of Nextera technology is also being presented this week at the 2010 AGBT meeting in Marco Island, FL.

Creating high-quality metagenomic libraries need not be a dirty job

The study of metagenomic DNA samples is a hot topic in microbiology, as such samples can shed light on  the bioactivity present in many complex environments. Previously, isolation of DNA from complex samples, including soils, compost, and water was not a straightforward process and, in many cases, could result in the loss of genetic information from rare organisms present in a given sample. Recently, Epicentre launched the Meta-G-Nome™ DNA Isolation Kit, which has simplified and streamlined DNA purification from many environmental sample types. The kit generates ~40-kb DNA that can be used directly in construction of a metagenomic DNA library using the CopyControl™ Fosmid Library Production Kit. The DNA is also well suited for PCR screening, or for next-generation sequencing projects, e.g., using Nextera™ sample preparation technology.

Recently, Dr. Marcus Taupp and colleagues in the lab of Dr. Steven Hallam at the University of British Columbia demonstrated the process of making a large-insert metagenomic library, in the Journal of Video Experimentation (JoVE), using the CopyControl Fosmid library Production Kit.

Introduction

Welcome to EpiCentral, the technical blog by Epicentre Biotechnologies. This blog is maintained by a team of scientists who are dedicated to offering technical support, news, detailed protocols, and novel applications of our products. We hope that you’ll visit us often, add this site to your bookmarks, subscribe to the feeds, and share the information with your colleagues. Suggestions and comments are always welcome!