One of the most important and widely used examples of the new generation of sequencing technologies is Illumine. It relies primarily on the Sequencing by Synthesis (SBS) method. Before delving into the details, it’s worth noting that Illumine’s key advantages include producing relatively inexpensive sequencing platforms or devices compared to other platforms, along with their small size. Furthermore, they are widely used by most research institutes worldwide, especially in Egypt. Illumine’s sequencing process begins by preparing the DNA libraries through fragmentation or cutting into smaller strands, either mechanically or using enzymes. These strands are then linked to specific, known adapters on both ends of the strand. These adapters are then attached to a special chip from the company containing sequences that complement the adapters, enabling a process called PCR bridging. In this process, the sequences are amplified to form clusters, after which the sequencing process begins using DNA polymerase and bases. The cells are marked with fluorescent markers to allow the device’s sensors to read and retrieve the code being analyzed.
These next-generation technologies are revolutionizing biology, particularly illumine, as they enable whole-genome sequencing of samples such as bacteria and cancer cells (allowing us to study differences between them and normal cells, treatment effects, SNPs, and other factors). Source: Quainoo S, Coolen JPM, van Hijum SAFT, Huynen MA, Melchers WJG, van Schaik W, Wertheim HFL. 2017. Whole-genome sequencing of bacterial pathogens: the future of nosocomial outbreak analysis. Clin Microbiol Rev 30:1015–1063.
https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00016-17.