Illumina Unveils Advanced NovaSeq X Series for Multiomic Applications

Introduction

Illumina, Inc., a prominent player in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, has announced significant upgrades to its NovaSeq X Series. This latest announcement introduces a single-flow-cell system alongside an advanced software update and new kits designed for multiomic applications.

Key Updates

The new NovaSeq X Sequencing System is making its debut, offering researchers the high-quality flow cells and speed that Illumina’s NovaSeq X Plus Sequencing System boasts, but at a more competitive price. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for laboratories experiencing lower sequencing volumes. The launch of the sequencers began in December, coinciding with the introduction of a software upgrade to version 1.3 that promises enhanced performance and data quality. Additionally, new 25B 100-cycle and 200-cycle kits are now available, optimized for multiomic applications such as Illumina Single-Cell 3' RNA Prep, which became available post-Illumina's acquisition of Fluent.

"This is the same instrument the scientific community has come to rely on for next-generation sequencing, now with upgraded software, new kits, and the option for a lower volume," stated Dr. Steve Barnard, Illumina’s Chief Technology Officer. The company has focused on integrating customer feedback into its innovations to further enhance the NovaSeq platform, ensuring that its capabilities match the evolving demands in genomic and multiomic research.

Enhancements in Software

The newly deployed software upgrade, version 1.3, brings forth critical enhancements to sequencing workflows. It boasts improved accuracy and increased yields, ensuring researchers can gather reliable results even from difficult low-diversity samples. By reducing reliance on PhiX — a common control material — the software allows for higher data usability per run, significantly boosting throughput and confidence in results. Industry feedback is overwhelmingly positive: Génome Québec, a nonprofit genomic service provider, highlighted significant improvements in data quality across various library types when utilizing the new software.

Geneviève DonPierre, head of NGS Sequencing at Génome Québec, expressed enthusiasm about the update's impact. She remarked, "The increased yield, enhanced accuracy, and optimized handling of low-diversity libraries have transformed our operations, allowing for consistent results we can trust."

Another early participant of the software testing, Tom Howd from Broad Clinical Labs, reported substantial yield gains, expressing eagerness to deploy these upgrades across their user base to further their scientific advancements.

The University Medical Center Utrecht’s Bert Groet praised version 1.3 for its role in facilitating a shift from whole-exome analysis to whole-genome sequencing, commending its ability to maintain high quality at scale.

New 25B Kits Capabilities

The recently launched 25B 100-cycle and 200-cycle kits introduced in December are tailored for applications requiring scalable sequencing solutions. They offer flexibility in run sizes and cycle counts, catering to specialized laboratories across clinical and academic sectors. The cost-effectiveness and rapid turnaround capabilities render these kits an ideal choice for diverse research projects, enabling labs to adjust according to their specific needs.

The Illumina Single-Cell Prep Technology

Along with the NovaSeq X Series advancements, Illumina’s Single-Cell Prep technology — previously known as Fluent PipSeq V — has been made available as well. This technology is designed to simplify the single-cell sequencing process, enabling studies on a larger scale, from hundreds to millions of cells, without increasing the complexity or cost. Significantly, this approach can accommodate various platforms, including NextSeq 1000/2000 and NovaSeq 6000, in addition to the new NovaSeq X.

Shane Liddelow, PhD, from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, recently shared insights into the effectiveness of this technology during the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting, showcasing its ability to analyze previously challenging cell types.

Conclusion

Illumina’s commitment to innovation is evident in the strategic upgrades to its NovaSeq X Series, aligning with the growing demands of genomic research. The enhancements in software, introduction of multipurpose kits, and innovative single-cell preparation technology promise to empower researchers in their quest for deeper genomic insights. As Illumina continues to lead in the field of genomic sequencing, its latest offerings stand to significantly advance both the efficiency and efficacy of genomic studies worldwide.