MGI DNBSEQ-T7 Recognized for Ultra-High Throughput Metagenomic Sequencing
High-throughput sequencing technologies have enabled shotgun metagenomics, transforming microbiology. Advances in both short- and long-read sequencing are now overcoming challenges in profiling highly complex environmental samples.
Researchers from France’s National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) evaluated seven short- and long-read sequencing platforms for high-complexity metagenomic samples. Published in the Scientific Data journal, the study used mock samples from 2018–2019, including MGI’s DNBSEQ-T7* and DNBSEQ-G400*.
DNBSEQ-T7* stood out for its ultra-high throughput and accuracy. “We were surprised by the T7’s performance,” said senior author Mathieu Almeida, a research fellow at INRAE. “It provides ultra-deep sequencing in a single run with a low error rate, making it one of the most affordable technologies for metagenomic sequencing at the time of our study.”
The study constructed three uneven synthetic microbial communities, comprising up to 87 genomic strains across 29 bacterial and archaeal phyla. Mock1 (71 strains) was sequenced on all platforms, mock2 (64 strains) evaluated microbial richness, while MGI platforms were not used for mock3.
Sequencing depth was assessed via subsampling from 10,000 to 1 million reads. Spearman rank correlations were above 0.9 for all platforms at ≥100,000 reads, with T7* and G400* performing best in mock1 and remaining excellent in mock2.
Differential analysis of observed vs. expected species abundances in mock1 showed minimal effect of sequencing platform, read length, taxonomy, GC-content, genome size or completeness, even at 500,000 reads. T7* closely mirrored expected abundances across genomes.
The study established a microbial metagenomic sequencing benchmarking database, providing a reliable reference for platform selection. Results highlighted the value of MGI’s DNBSEQ-T7* for metagenomic applications.
With high stability, accuracy, and exceptional throughput, T7* is ideal for identifying species and functional genes in complex microbial communities. Upgraded biochemical, fluidic, and optical systems enhance efficiency and support ongoing microbial ecology research.
*Unless otherwise stated, StandardMPS and CoolMPS reagents and compatible sequencers are not available in Germany, Spain, UK, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, or Romania. StandardMPS reagents and compatible sequencers are not available in Hong Kong. No purchase orders for StandardMPS products will be accepted in the USA until after 1 January 2023.
