Custom Sequencing


Description of Service

The custom sequencing service is intended for the full-length sequencing of double-stranded linear or circular DNA, between 100 bp and 300 kb in length. Custom projects allow us to collect the specific amount of data you need in order to achieve your experimental objectives. This service is ideal for sequencing an expected mixture of molecular species, such as barcode or variant libraries.

This service is performed using the newest long-read sequencing technology from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), and includes the following components:

  • Construct an amplification-free long-read sequencing library using the newest v14 library prep chemistry, including sequence-independent linearization (for circular DNA) or end-ligation (for linear DNA). Your input DNA is not fragmented.
  • Sequence the library primer-free using the most accurate R10.4.1 flow cells (raw data is >99% accurate and is delivered in .fastq format).

We deliver only the raw .fastq reads for custom projects. Any analyses (demultiplexing barcodes, generating consensus, assembling genomes, binning or aligning variants, etc.) must be performed by the researcher.

The cost for each custom sequencing project is calculated as follows:

Total Data Required = Number of samples x Insert length x Number of species/barcodes/variants x Coverage required per variant
Project Cost = $500 base price for 1st Gb data + $50 for each extra Gb data + $50 for barcoding each sample

Custom projects start at $500 for up to 1 Gb of total raw data and add $50 for each additional 1 Gb. There will also be a $50 per-sample barcoding surcharge added for projects with more than 1 sample. We will provide you a price estimate (and custom quote if you need it) when you email us to discuss your project.

In the vast majority of cases, we deliver custom sequencing results within 3-5 business days of receipt of your samples.

Ready to get started? Email us at support@plasmidsaurus.com to discuss the details of your project (we will also calculate how much input DNA you will need to send).

Preparing Your Custom DNA Samples

Custom sequencing samples are sequenced WITHOUT primers, so please DO NOT ship any primers with your samples or mixed into your samples.

Our low sequencing prices and fast turnaround times do not include DNA extraction or quality control (QC) services, so please verify with full QC that your samples meet the following requirements prior to shipping.

Submit your DNA normalized to the specific concentration and minimum volume that we provide to you when discussing your project. Quantification assay must be performed with Qubit or equivalent fluorometric method (such as a plate reader).
IMPORTANT: Do not use Nanodrop for DNA quantification – spectrophotometric methods are NOT reliable for quantification!

We require double-stranded DNA molecules for the custom service. Size verification should be performed on full-length molecules (NOT digested or partially amplified molecules) via gel electrophoresis; use a linear ladder for linear DNA, and a supercoiled ladder for circular DNA; if expecting molecules longer than 10-15 kb in length, we strongly recommend using pulsed-field electrophoresis with a high molecular weight DNA ladder.

We recommend samples with 260/280 above 1.8 and 260/230 between 2.0-2.2. Purity assay may be performed with Nanodrop or other spectrophotometric methods.
IMPORTANT: Do not refer to the DNA concentration reported by Nanodrop as a substitute for the above fluorometric quantification!

For best results, samples should NOT contain any of the following:

  • RNA (RNase treatment is recommended during extraction)
  • Denaturants (guanidinium salts, phenol, etc.) or detergents (SDS, Triton-X100, etc.)
  • Residual contaminants from the organism (heme, humic acid, polyphenols, etc.)
  • Insoluble material, colors, or cloudiness

Shipping Your Custom Project Samples

Please refer to our shipping instructions for details.