Illumina Introduces the MiSeq i100 Series

Illumina Inc. has unveiled its MiSeq i100 Series of sequencing systems, which deliver improved benchtop speed and simplicity to advance next-generation sequencing (NGS) for laboratories.

MiSeq i100 and MiSeq i100 Plus Systems will enable customers to unlock powerful insights through an affordable, comprehensive solution that is simple to understand and use, even for those with limited NGS expertise. Room-temperature storage and shipping enable labs to sequence on demand, with no delays for thaw time, and same-day sample-to-analysis.

“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,” Illumina CEO Jacob Thaysen, Ph.D., said. “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.”

The MiSeq i100 Series builds on the legacy of the original benchtop MiSeq System, which customers have used since 2011. However, the MiSeq i100 is redesigned and incorporates thef the NovaSeq X Series.

Key Technology Enhancements

The MiSeq i100 Series further advances Illumina’s powerful XLEAP-SBS chemistry innovation—harnessing the potential of room-temperature storage and shipping, giving customers greater flexibility in planning and executing their projects while reducing their environmental impact. It offers flexible output capabilities and is designed in two configurations: the MiSeq i100 Plus System has the full 100 million single-end reads per run, and the MiSeq i100 System has a maximum of 25 million single-end reads per run. Key features include:

• Room-temperature shipping and storage for reagents: Eliminating the cold chain and allowing for greater flexibility to sequence on demand without the need to thaw reagents, which is critical for running urgent samples
• Sustainability: An 85% reduction in packaging waste compared to the MiSeq System supports a lower carbon footprint
• Speed: Dramatic reduction in run times— as fast as four hours, with same-day results (four times faster than MiSeq)
• Cost efficiency: Cost-effective consumables enable more affordable sequencing
• Turnkey workflows: EIghteen proven end-to-end workflows across 10 applications
• Simplicity: Streamlined operations for various levels of sequencing experience

Push-button workflows on MiSeq i100 are available for small whole-genome sequencing for microbiology and targeted NGS panels for both infectious disease and oncology. Workflows provide metrics either directly on the instrument or via cloud-based DRAGEN genomic data analysis, minimizing the need for bioinformatics expertise.

“The MiSeq i100 symbolizes Illumina’s commitment to delivering total systems with complete workflows that allow our customers to accomplish more,” Illumina Chief Technology Officer Steve Barnard, Ph.D., stated. “With its enhanced speed, simplicity, scalability, and quality and its intuitive user experience, the MiSeq i100 sets a new standard for benchtop sequencing.”

Illumina conducted early access testing of MiSeq i100 with customers worldwide. Geneviève DonPierre, team leader of NGS Sequencing at Génome Québec, noted that most of the sequencing operations at the Center of Expertise and Services of Génome Québec are conducted on the NovaSeq X Plus. “With this new instrument, we are able to provide answers quickly for small projects or for researchers who need fast answers to determine whether or not they should pursue their project,” she commented.

Génome Québec is a nonprofit organization that provides genomic services for researchers in the academic and industrial fields of 45 countries. DonPierre noted the importance of room temperature storage for her lab: “It really helps the planning for the sequencing run. We don’t have to think two days before to get a kit out of the freezer. So it really is a game changer to have kits stored at room temperature.”

Tim Roloff Handschin, Ph.D., co-leader of Microbial Genomics (NGS) at the Institute for Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich, and his team conduct research on new diagnostic tests, antimicrobial resistance, and antimicrobial drugs. In his lab’s experience with MiSeq i100, the ease of use and turnaround time from bacterial culture to results within 24 hours will be transformative.

“We can start two runs on the same day and thereby increase our sample flow massively. And given that the reagents are shipped at room temperature, we don’t need to wait for the cartridges to thaw,” Roloff said. “We can just launch a run whenever we’re ready with a new pool and there is no planning needed upfront. This gives us great flexibility, and this can provide new possibilities to develop new tests.”

Illumina is a global developer of DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Its products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments.