On 25 June 2021, the winners of the 22nd China Patent Awards were announced by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). MGI received one of the awards for its invention patent titled “Sample Pretreatment Equipment for Gene Sequencing System” (Patent No.: ZL201420750277.1).
The China Patent Awards, jointly evaluated by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), are regarded as the highest honours in the patent field in China. They are also the only governmental awards in the country that specifically recognise inventions and creations associated with granted patents. The awards are presented annually and carry significant international influence.
Patented technology supporting automation
This patented technology can be used for automated nucleic acid extraction and automated sequencing library preparation, providing a one-stop platform for the needs of precision medicine, agriculture and healthcare. It can also be applied to automated liquid handling in molecular diagnostics, proteomics, cell science and drug screening.
Based on this technology, MGI has launched several laboratory automation systems, including the automated sample preparation system MGISP-100 and the high-throughput automated sample preparation system MGISP-960.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, MGI’s laboratory automation systems have provided urgent support to the frontline of the global pandemic response in China and internationally. They have contributed to more than one million samples in processing capacity across cities including Wuhan, Beijing, Qingdao, Hong Kong and Shijiazhuang.
Supporting large-scale nucleic acid testing
With high flexibility, reliability, full automation and easy operation, the MGISP-960 high-throughput automated sample preparation system plays a key role in large-scale nucleic acid testing.
The MGISP-960 can process 192 samples in 80 minutes and automatically complete RT-PCR reaction system configuration. Compared with manual sample handling, it significantly improves testing efficiency while reducing the risk of human error.
The MGISP-960 can also be upgraded to a 384-channel pipette to further increase testing capacity, providing powerful instrumental support for the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Driving innovation in life science
Since its establishment, MGI has focused on industry innovation while continually improving its products and services. As of 30 September 2020, MGI had received 364 valid patents granted worldwide. These include patents covering DNBSEQ™ sequencing technology, sequencer opto-electromechanical system technology, automated sample processing technology and remote ultrasound diagnosis technology.
MGI places strong emphasis on innovation and actively attracts scientific and technological talent through multiple channels to strengthen its research and development capabilities. As of 30 September 2020, research and development personnel accounted for 34 per cent of the company’s workforce, with more than 51 per cent of staff holding a master’s degree or higher.
As a leading innovator in life science technology and products, MGI continues to challenge the status quo and push the limits of science and technology.
