Amplicon Sequencing Services

Harness the power of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) with our specialized amplicon sequencing services.

We deliver precise insights into genetic variation within your samples by focusing on specific genomic regions through PCR amplification. Our services provide robust, scalable solutions tailored to meet your unique research needs.

Metabolomics

Metabolomics—the large-scale study of small molecules known as metabolites—provides a real-time snapshot of metabolic processes in biological systems. It’s essential for microbiome research, illuminating how microbial communities function and interact with the human host to promote health or cause disease.

Amplicon Sequencing Services & Solutions

Amplicon Sequencing has been an integral methodology for microbiologists and microbiome researchers for decades; enabling the generation of whole community analysis of bacteria or fungi in any complex sample. Like many metagenomic approaches, amplicon sequencing offers unique advantages to microbiome researchers, many of which are highlighted on this page. With our targeted sequencing, you can submit complex samples and receive whole genome sequencing information, benefit from our tools used to analyze genetic variation and use data from our improved sequencing depth. Use our services to target various regions of interest.

The Cmbio team have extensive experience in supporting the design and execution of amplicon-based metagenomics projects for both industry and academia for a wide range of applications, using both human and non-human sample types. The advantages of an Amplicon-based approach are:

Cost-effective
Can be advantageous for swabs and other low biomass samples
Well suited for taxonomic profiling in new, under-studied or exotic sample types
Well-suited for large cohort, biobanking and population-based studies
Well-suited for routine testing, including microbiome-based diagnostics

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Bacteria / Archaea - 16S rDNA Sequencing

The 16S rRNA gene is comprised of ~1500 base pairs, made up of 9 hypervariable regions (V1-V9) and universally present in all in prokaryotic organisms (Bacteria & Archaea). Through selecting specific hypervariable regions for PCR amplification & sequencing, such as V1-V3 or V3-V4, CosmosID generates bacterial community profiles for comparative analysis purposes for almost any sample type.

Sample Processing

Cmbio’s CLIA-certified, GCP compliant facility receives samples from all around the world. Whether you’re batch sending samples for a microbiome R&D project or coordinating with multiple clinical trial sites, your precious samples will be barcoded & accessioned using the Cmbio LIMS system for sample tracking and project management.

Cmbio uses DNA extraction protocols optimized by samples type resulting in minimal bias, optimum yield and purity.

So whether you’re sending a biopsy, skin swab, raw fecal matter or DNA, rest assured your precious samples are safe with us!

1. Sample Extraction

Send your bacterial samples to our US or EU lab following our shipping guide. We handle all logistics for secure transport.

2. Sequencing

Processing usually initiates within 2–5 business days in our state-of-the-art facility, where the sequencing process uses advanced long-read technologies to generate complete, contiguous genomic sequences. Your samples are carefully sequenced with rigorous quality control throughout the workflow.

3. Data Analysis

Experienced bioinformaticians interpret the data, providing annotated genomes and actionable insights through comprehensive bioinformatics analyses.

4. Results Delivery

Receive sequencing results in multiple formats (PDF reports, Excel summaries, raw and processed sequence files). We manage turnaround time efficiently, ensuring you get your data promptly, with timelines depending on sample size and any additional processing.

5. Support

Dedicated scientific advisor available for troubleshooting and consultation at every step.

Amplicon Sequencing FAQs

When would I choose amplicon over shotgun?
Amplicon sequencing is a cost effective option for very low biomass or novel and/or alien samples types as well as samples like biopsies that would typically be high in non-microbial biomass, that may be otherwise costly or ineffective to test with shotgun metagenomics. Amplicon sequencing can also be useful for routine testing once shotgun-based R&D has been completed and high-level profiling is sufficient such as at the phylum or genus levels.
What data can be generated through Amplicon sequencing?
How are the hypervariable regions selected to analyse?
Depending on your sample type and what is widely accepted in the field, CosmosID offers a range of different hypervariable region combinations which give you the best chance to differentiate the organisms you would expect to see based on the divergence in their 16S rRNA gene sequences. For example, skin microbiome samples are typically abundant in staphylococcus species which can be most easily detected via the V1 and V3 regions. For stool samples which contain a very high diversity of organisms, V3 and V4 regions are typically targeted. Simply reach out with your sample type of interest and we’ll get your study methodology designed in no time!