The front-end genetic sequencing technology
was informed that Qi Carbon Technology announced the completion of the third round of financing of 40 million yuan, led by the Zhongguancun collaborative innovation fund, Yahui Precision Medical Fund, Baidu venture capital continued to vote. This round of funding will be used for the research and development of a new generation of nanoporous gene sequencer, and it is planned to develop a minimum viable product in January 2020.
Qicarbon Technology’s nanopore gene sequencing belongs to the fourth generation sequencing technology. Compared with the previous generation sequencing technology, it is characterized by the use of electrical signals for single-molecule sequencing without the need for PCR amplification. The advantages of this sequencing method are very significant, the use of the scene is more flexible, the instrument is small and portable, the cost of a single operation is low, and the time is short.
At present, nanopore sequencing is at the forefront of sequencing technology, and there are only a handful of global companies.
The mainstream nanopore sequencing technology has two advantages, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One is chain sequencing, which is characterized by very long read lengths, simple sequencing reagents, but relatively low signal-to-noise ratio and more difficult signal identification. Oxford Nanopore is a leading company that currently offers research-grade products; Label sequencing method, which is characterized by easier signal recognition and higher signal-to-noise ratio, but the sequencing reagent is complex and can only be used for DNA sequencing. The foreign Genia company (which has been acquired by Roche) is a representative enterprise and has not yet launched a product.
Qi Carbon Technology uses chain sequencing and benchmarks for Oxford Nanopore. Dr. Hu Geng, general manager and founder of the company, said that the direct sequencing method was chosen because it has a wider application range, which can be used for DNA sequencing, extended to RNA and protein sequencing, and can recognize other than ATCG. Various modifications of nucleic acids. Moreover, in this technical route, it is expected to realize complete independent intellectual property rights through independent research and development, avoiding the risks of patents, and the technical feasibility is higher than the label sequencing method, and the prospect of productization is clearer.
Chroma Technology Nanopore Sequencer Concept Diagram (left); Nanopore Sequencing Principle (Right)
Because of the high technical threshold, there are almost no direct competitors in China’s Qi Carbon Technology. There are no other companies that have made nanopore sequencer engineering prototypes on the market. Dr. Hu Geng, general manager and founder of the company, said, “Compared with the overseas Nanopore, Qi Carbon’s goal is to achieve the same performance and stability in terms of stability and cost.”
The core competitiveness of Qi Carbon Technology is reflected in