Illumina’s next-generation sequencing technology, the MiSeq i100 Series. (Credit: PRNewswire/Illumina, Inc.)

US-based DNA sequencing technology provider Illumina has unveiled its MiSeq i100 Series of benchtop systems to provide speed and simplicity to next-generation sequencing (NGS) for labs.

The MiSeq i100 Series builds on the company’s legacy benchtop MiSeq System and incorporates the advanced technology and chemistry of the NovaSeq X Series.

It also features Illumina’s XLEAP-SBS chemistry solution that harnesses the potential of room-temperature storage and shipping, while reducing their environmental impact.

MiSeq i100 Series comprises the MiSeq i100 and MiSeq i100 Plus systems, which provide an affordable, easy-to-use solution for deep insights, even for those with limited NGS experience.

The MiSeq i100 System with a maximum of 25 million single-end reads per run, and the MiSeq i100 Plus System with a full 100 million single-end reads per run.

Illumina CEO Jacob Thaysen said: “Our customers told us they need a faster, smaller, and easy-to-use instrument, and that’s what we’re delivering with the MiSeq i100.

“Whether you are an established next-generation sequencing lab, or looking to start sequencing for the first time, our latest benchtop instrument adds the plug-and-play flexibility that today’s labs are seeking.”

Illumina said that the two new benchtop instruments enable room-temperature shipping and storage for reagents and reduce 85% of packaging waste compared to the MiSeq System.

Also, they use cost-effective consumables to enable more affordable sequencing and simplify operations with 18 proven end-to-end workflows across ten applications.

Their room-temperature storage and shipping capabilities allow labs to sequence on demand, avoiding any delays for thaw time, and same-day sample-to-analysis, said Illumina.

Furthermore, the DNA sequencing company said it has conducted early access testing of its MiSeq i100 series with customers around the world.

Illumina chief technology officer Steve Barnard said: “The MiSeq i100 symbolises Illumina’s commitment to delivering total systems with complete workflows that allow our customers to accomplish more.

“With its enhanced speed, simplicity, scalability, and quality–and its intuitive user experience–the MiSeq i100 sets a new standard for benchtop sequencing.”