SHENZHEN, China, 31 May 2024 – MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (“MGI”), a company dedicated to developing core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science, recently set a new record for sequencing applications by successfully running sample tests on its cutting-edge DNBSEQ-E25 and DNBSEQ-G99 platforms on Mount Everest. In addition to withstanding extreme conditions, both sequencers demonstrated outstanding performance, delivering high data quality, reliability, and stability.
Last week, MGI’s E25 and G99 sequencers accompanied a scientific team on their expedition along the north ridge of Mount Everest. At an altitude of 5,200 metres, the E25—thanks to its compact, portable design, easy operation, and low environmental requirements—assisted researchers with sample testing and produced high-quality multi-omics data. Previously, it had participated in scientific research aboard the Exploration One research vessel in the Mariana Trench.
Operating under the challenging temperature of 5°C, conditions typically difficult for sequencers, the DNBSEQ-E25 ran stably. A single SE100 sequencing run took only five hours, achieving a Q30 value exceeding 90%, a low error rate, and output data quality fully meeting bioinformatics analysis requirements.
The DNBSEQ-E25 is a lightweight, user-friendly standalone sequencer whose operation is not limited by location. With a daily data throughput of up to 7.5 G, the E25 integrates a microfluidic chip, an embedded CMOS detection module, self-luminous dye, and built-in bioinformatics. Its simple setup allows the instrument to be ready to run within minutes, and it completes PE150 sequencing from DNB to FASTQ in just 20 hours, enabling rapid turnaround times while demonstrating strong cost-effectiveness.
Similarly, the DNBSEQ-G99, one of the fastest mid-to-low throughput sequencers globally, was also tested under extreme conditions. During the expedition, the desktop sequencer was unpacked, powered on, debugged, and cleaned at high altitude. Following more than six rounds of comprehensive testing in low-pressure, low-oxygen environments, the G99 maintained precise control of temperature and humidity, ensuring consistently high-quality data output.
Total reads for the G99 ranged from 116 million to 134 million, with Q30 reaching 95% and Q40 reaching 90%, accompanied by a low error rate. The generated data met all requirements for subsequent bioinformatics analysis. In a 12-hour PE150 sequencing run, the G99’s output matched performance levels achieved at lower altitudes.
This groundbreaking achievement has wide-ranging implications for clinical and scientific research in plateau regions, including biodiversity studies, ecosystem research, paleontology, paleoenvironmental investigations, and population genetics research. By using a compact sequencer like the E25 or an ultra-fast platform like the G99, researchers can decode plateau sample data more efficiently while minimising the impact of factors such as sample degradation.
“The outstanding performance of MGI’s E25 and G99 sequencers at high altitude has not only pushed the boundaries of sequencing technology and opened new frontiers, but also demonstrates their potential as tools for future biomedical research in extreme environments,” said Duncan Yu, President of MGI. “With a strong commitment to accelerating life science research and discovery, we will continue to empower researchers by delivering the very best of our innovations.”
Challenging the common belief that gene sequencing requires highly controlled environments, MGI’s DNBSEQ-E25 and DNBSEQ-G99, both available globally, exemplify the company’s pursuit of excellence and its drive to continuously explore the limits of technology.
