Overview
Creative Biolabs' Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) service provides a comprehensive and accurate method for identifying and characterizing probiotic strains. WGS gives you the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome, offering a high-resolution, unambiguous "fingerprint" of the strain. This is crucial for confirming the identity, purity, and safety of probiotic cultures, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and supporting product development. We cater to a diverse clientele, from academic researchers and pharmaceutical companies to agricultural and biotechnology firms.
Whole Genome Sequencing Services: Ensure Probiotic Purity
Workflow
Our WGS workflow is a streamlined process designed for efficiency and accuracy, from sample submission to data delivery.
Service Details
Library Preparation & Sequencing
Bioinformatics Analysis
Deliverables
Turnaround Time
Sample Submission & Requirements
Sample Types
-
Pure Culture: Lyophilized powder or frozen form
-
Genomic DNA: High-quality, purified DNA with a concentration of at least 30 ng/μL and a total amount of at least 10 μg.
-
Probiotic Products: This includes capsules, powders, or liquid suspensions. We will perform the necessary DNA extraction in-house.
Sample Requirements
-
Purity: The sample must be a pure culture of the target strain. Mixed cultures may lead to inconclusive results.
-
Quantity: For pure cultures, provide a sufficient amount for DNA extraction (e.g., a 1.5 mL tube with a dense suspension).
-
Quality: Genomic DNA should be free from contaminants (e.g., RNA, proteins, salts). We recommend a 260/280 ratio between 1.8 and 2.0.
Library Preparation & Sequencing
Once your sample is received and verified, our team will perform DNA library preparation. This involves fragmenting the DNA and adding adapters for sequencing. We use state-of-the-art sequencing platforms to generate millions of short reads that cover the entire genome. This high-throughput process ensures deep and uniform coverage, providing a high-quality raw data set.
Bioinformatics Analysis
Our expert bioinformaticians process the raw sequencing data through a robust pipeline. The key steps include:
-
Quality Control (QC): Filtering out low-quality reads.
-
Genome Assembly: Piecing the short reads together to reconstruct the full genome sequence.
-
Annotation: Identifying and labeling key genomic features, such as genes, coding sequences, and rRNA/tRNA genes.
-
Strain Identification & Characterization: Using the assembled genome, we perform a detailed analysis to identify the species and strain level, compare it to reference databases, and characterize specific traits, such as:
-
Antibiotic Resistance Genes
-
Virulence Factors
-
Probiotic-related genes (e.g., adhesion, acid tolerance)
-
Comparative Genomics: Comparing your strain's genome to other known strains to assess its uniqueness and evolutionary relationships.
Deliverables
-
Raw Data: FASTQ files containing raw sequencing reads.
-
Aligned Data: BAM/SAM files aligned to a reference genome.
-
Annotation Files: GenBank or GFF3 format files detailing gene annotations.
-
Detailed Report: A PDF report summarizing the bioinformatics analysis, including strain identification, key gene analysis, and comparative genomics results. The report will be easy to understand.
Turnaround Time
Our standard turnaround time is 6-8 weeks from the date of sample receipt, but this can vary depending on the project's scope.
Ready to start your WGS project? Click here to request a quote and consultation!
Advantages of Our WGS Services
Comprehensive
Captures the entire genome, providing a complete picture of an organism's genetic makeup.
High Resolution
Detects both large and small-scale genetic variations with high accuracy.
Unbiased
No prior knowledge of gene locations is required, allowing for the discovery of novel variants.
Cost-Effective
Advances in technology have made WGS more affordable than ever, offering more data per dollar.
Expertise
Our team of experienced scientists and bioinformaticians ensures high-quality data and insightful analysis.
Applications
WGS is a versatile tool with applications across various fields:
-
Precision Medicine: Identifying genetic markers for disease susceptibility, drug response, and personalized treatment.
-
Agrigenomics: Improving crop yield, disease resistance, and livestock traits.
-
Infectious Disease: Tracking outbreaks, identifying new pathogens, and studying antimicrobial resistance.
-
Genetic Disorder Research: Discovering disease-causing genes and understanding their mechanisms.
-
Cancer Genomics: Profiling tumor genomes to identify therapeutic targets and understand tumor evolution.
Necessity of WGS
WGS is essential for any research requiring a complete and unbiased view of the genome. While targeted sequencing offers a glimpse into specific areas, it can miss critical variants and novel discoveries. WGS provides the comprehensive data needed for groundbreaking research, from rare disease diagnosis to developing new therapies.
Creative Biolabs' WGS service is more than just a test; it's a strategic tool designed to empower your business. Our commitment to technical expertise, high-quality data, and a customer-centric approach ensures that you receive not only accurate results but also actionable insights. Partner with us to gain a deeper understanding of your probiotic strains and take the next step in product development and quality assurance. Contact us today to learn how our WGS solutions can help you achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much DNA is required for a WGS project?
We typically require a minimum of 10μg of high-quality genomic DNA, but this can vary based on the project's scope.
Can you handle challenging samples, such as FFPE tissues?
Yes, we have specialized protocols for handling various sample types, including FFPE, and we will advise on the best approach for your specific needs.
What is the difference between WGS and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES)?
WGS sequences the entire genome, including coding and non-coding regions, while WES only sequences the protein-coding regions (exons). WGS provides a more comprehensive view and is better for detecting non-coding variants and structural variations.
Do you offer custom bioinformatics analysis?
Absolutely. Our bioinformatics team can work with you to design a custom analysis pipeline to meet your specific research questions.
Why is WGS better than 16S rRNA gene sequencing for probiotics?
While 16S rRNA sequencing is good for identifying bacteria at the genus or species level, it often lacks the resolution to differentiate between closely related strains. WGS provides a complete genome sequence, allowing for precise strain-level identification and characterization of specific functional genes.
What if my sample is not a pure culture?
We highly recommend providing a pure culture. If your sample is a mixed culture, the resulting data will be a mix of genomes, making accurate assembly and identification impossible. We can offer a culture purification service as a preliminary step, which may extend the delivery cycle.
