Product

Our goal is to enable

the analysis of anything,
by anyone, anywhere.

Nanopore DNA and direct RNA sequencing has been

performed on board the International Space Station.
Image credit: NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

2 3
 HOW NANOPORE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
Nanopore sequencing — how it works
Nanopore sequencing is a unique, scalable technology that enables direct, real-time
Library prep
analysis of DNA or RNA fragments of any length. It works by monitoring changes Library preparation results in the addition of a sequencing adapter and motor
to an electrical current as nucleic acids are passed through a protein nanopore. protein at each end of the fragment.
The resulting signal is decoded to provide the specific DNA or RNA sequence.

The nanopore processes

the length of DNA or RNA
presented to it. The user Y-adapter Y-adapter
can control fragment length
through the library preparation
protocol utilised, allowing the
generation of any desired
read length — from short to
ultra-long (e.g. >4 Mb DNA1
and >20 kb RNA2). Library DNA

An enzyme motor controls the translocation of the DNA

or RNA strand through the nanopore. Once the DNA or
RNA has passed through, the motor protein detaches and
the nanopore is ready to accept the next fragment.

Translocation
Nanopore reader Both the template and complement strands carry the motor protein which means
DNA or RNA fragments pass through a nano-scale hole. both strands are able to translocate the nanopore.
The fluctuations in current during translocation are used
to determine the DNA or RNA sequence (see page 30).

An electrically resistant
membrane means all current
must pass through the nanopore,
ensuring a clean signal. Template... ...Template... (Exit) Next molecule…

1. Internal data generated using the Ultra-Long DNA Sequencing Kit. 2. Viehweger, A. et al. Genome Res. 29:9 (2019).

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 HOW NANOPORE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
Discover the benefits of nanopore technology

Unrestricted read length —

short to ultra-long (longest >4 Mb1) Scalable — portable to ultra-high throughput
• Ultimate flexibility — optimise for your application • One technology across all devices — scale to your needs
• Easier genome assembly • Sequence at sample source with Flongle™ and MinION™
• Resolve structural variants, repeats, and phasing • Compact, high-throughput benchtop sequencing with
• Characterise and quantify full-length transcripts GridION™ and PromethION™

Real-time analysis Streamlined library prep

• Immediate access to actionable results • Rapid 10-minute (DNA) library prep
• Enrich regions of interest without additional sample • Automated, portable prep — VolTRAX™
prep using adaptive sampling
• High DNA and RNA yields from low input amounts
• Early sample insights and QC
• Maximise throughput with barcoding
• Enough data? Stop, wash, store, or run another sample

Direct sequencing On-demand sequencing

• Sequence native DNA or RNA, not a copy • Sequence what you need when you need it
• Eliminate amplification bias • No sample batching required
• Identify base modifications • Flexible throughput with modular GridION
and PromethION

Using the MinION in Antarctica. Image courtesy of

1. Internal data generated using the Ultra-Long DNA Sequencing Kit (September 2020). Dr. Sarah Stewart Johnson, Georgetown University.
Discover more nanoporetech.com
6 7
 HOW NANOPORE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
Generate new biological insights

Whole genome sequencing Environmental

• De novo assembly and resequencing research
• Scaffolding and finishing
Cancer
• Variant analysis: structural variation, research
SNVs, phasing, base modifications
Clinical
research
• Chromatin conformation

Animal
Targeted sequencing Transcriptome research
• Amplicon and PCR-free enrichment analysis
• 16S rRNA analysis
• Variant analysis: structural variation,
SNVs, phasing, base modifications

RNA sequencing
• Direct RNA, direct cDNA, and cDNA Plant
• Characterise and quantify full-length Human research
transcripts genomics
• Sequence complete viral genomes
• Variant analysis: splice variants, gene
fusions, SNVs, base modifications

Metagenomics
• Real-time, unbiased analysis
Infectious
of mixed samples
disease
Population
• Enhanced species identification genomics
using long reads
Microbiology

Epigenetics
• Base modifications (e.g. methylation)
• Histone modification
• Non-coding RNA activity (e.g. lncRNA)

Latest information nanoporetech.com/applications

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 HOW NANOPORE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
A complete and streamlined workflow – real-time answers to biological questions

PREPARE SEQUENCE ANALYSE

Bioinformatic
capability
needed
Compatible
with Use the cloud-based or local EPI2ME platform for
EPI2ME™ real-time analysis workflows.
Library nanoporetech.com/analyse
preparation kits

Explore your data and develop your bioinformatics skills

EPI2ME with interactive tutorials and best practice workflows.
Labs
nanoporetech.com/analyse

Community- Run open-source tools written and developed by the

developed Nanopore Community.
tools community.nanoporetech.com

Research Access the latest research algorithms from Oxford

software Nanopore or use your own custom analysis pipelines.
and custom
analysis github.com/nanoporetech

More information nanoporetech.com/products

10 11
 PREPARE
DNA library preparation Which DNA kit?
For maximum throughput For minimal preparation time Read any length of DNA — from short to ultra-long. Simplify genome assembly, variant detection,
phasing, and metagenomic species identification with ultra-long reads. Use direct, PCR-free
approaches to analyse native DNA and detect modified bases.

Ligation Sequencing Kit Rapid Sequencing Kit with transposase

Ligation Rapid PCR
(SQK-LSK110) (SQK-RAD004) (SQK-PSK004)
Transposome complex gDNA
High molecular weight gDNA Control over read length
Use for... Highest throughput Rapid and simple prep
or amplicon sequencing

Optional fragmentation Prep time 60 mins 10 mins PCR + 60 mins

or size selection 5 min
Input amount 1,000 ng dsDNA 400 ng HMW gDNA (>30 kb) 100 ng dsDNA

End-prep and nick repair Cleavage and addition of

60 min transposase adapters Fragmentation Optional Transposase based N/A
p A
A p

Ligation of sequencing Random distribution, dependent Equal to fragment

T Read length Equal to fragment length
adapters Attachment of on input fragment length length post-PCR
sequencing adapters
5 min PCR required No No Yes

Native Barcoding
Loading Use Rapid Use PCR
Loading Multiplexing options (PCR free)*; PCR Barcoding
Barcoding Kit Barcoding Kit
Expansion pack

Also available:

• DNA ends are repaired and dA-tailed • The transposase simultaneously cleaves template molecules • New: Ultra-Long DNA Sequencing Kit — optimised for • Field Sequencing Kit ­­— get all the benefits of rapid
and attaches tags to the cleaved ends ultra-long DNA fragments to routinely generate read N50s sequencing with the added convenience of ambient
• Sequencing adapters are ligated onto the prepared ends
of 50–100 kb plus shipping and storage
• Rapid sequencing adapters are added to the tagged ends
• Fragment lengths can be controlled by fragmentation
• Cas9 Sequencing Kit — streamlined, PCR-free • Ligation Sequencing Kit XL — plate-based ligation
or size selection • Fragment lengths are a result of the random cleavage
enrichment of long targeted regions with maintenance sequencing kit for high-throughput workflows
of base modifications
• Automatable workflows
• Application-specific library preparation kits
(e.g. 16S sequencing)

* Currently available for SQK-LSK109; coming soon for SQK-LSK110.

View all kits store.nanoporetech.com

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 PREPARE
RNA library preparation Which RNA kit?
For sequencing the RNA molecule directly For full-length transcript analysis with high throughput Characterise and quantify full-length RNA transcripts, splice variants, and fusions using long nanopore
sequencing reads. Sequence native RNA directly, without amplification or reverse transcription, and
identify base modifications.

Direct RNA Sequencing Kit PCR-cDNA Sequencing Kit

Direct RNA PCR-cDNA Direct cDNA
(SQK-RNA002) (SQK-PCS109) (SQK-DCS109)
Full-length poly-A
Full-length RNA RNA
+ Full-length poly-A+ RNA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Sequence RNA molecules
10 min Full-length transcripts with Full-length transcripts
Splint ligation Primer annealing
TTTTTT
Use for... directly and preserve base
Primer annealing high throughput without PCR bias
TTTTTT AA
A modifications
and ligation
A
AA
80 min AAAAAAAAAA A
TTTTTTTTTT
105 min
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
TTTTTTTTTT Reverse transcription Prep time 105 mins 165 mins 275 mins
Reverse transcription A AA
AA

(optional)
Reverse transcription CCC AAAAAAAAAA
TTTTTTTTTT
AA

70 min Input recommendation 500 ng RNA (poly-A+) 1 ng RNA (poly-A+) 100 ng RNA (poly-A+)
Strand Switching
Attachment of 1D AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT AA
AA
AA
sequencing adapter GGG
CCC
AAAAAAAAAA A
TTTTTTTTTT Read length Equal to RNA length Enriched for full-length cDNA Enriched for full-length cDNA
25 min Cleanup and
55 min PCR F
adapter attachment R
PCR required No Yes No
GGG AAAAAAAAAA
25 min
CCC TTTTTTTTTT

Loading
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Reverse transcription Optional Yes Yes
Adapter attachment
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

5 min GGG AAAAAAAAAA

CCC TTTTTTTTTT Multiplexing options In development PCR-cDNA Barcoding Kit Native Barcoding Expansion pack
Loading

Loading

• Optional reverse transcription step improves throughput – • cDNA is synthesised using reverse transcription and strand-
cDNA strand is not sequenced switching method, and then is amplified with PCR
• Sequencing adapters attached to prepared ends • Strand-switching before PCR enriches for full-length
transcripts
• Read length reflects length of molecules in sample
• Sequencing adapters are attached to the amplified cDNA

View all kits store.nanoporetech.com

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 PREPARE
Cost-effective analysis of multiple samples A novel approach to targeted sequencing
Barcoding Washing Adaptive sampling

Barcoding kits allow users to multiplex samples to generate The wash kit allows re-use of flow cells after short sequencing In addition to offering streamlined, PCR-based and amplification-free targeted sequencing methods, nanopore technology provides
maximum data from a single flow cell, to separate the reads from runs, meaning multiple libraries can be run sequentially. adaptive sampling — a unique, on-device approach to targeted sequencing that requires no upfront library enrichment steps. Using
sequential library loadings, and to lower the cost per sample. real-time basecalling, DNA fragments can be accepted or rejected for further sequencing based on their initial sequence composition.
Furthermore, adaptive sequencing can be implemented in advance of, or even during, a run to increase coverage of specific targets.
• Native Barcoding Kit for a PCR-free approach (up to
96 samples) • Target multiple regions of interest — without lengthy lab-based enrichment steps
• PCR Barcoding Kits (up to 96 samples) • No limit on read length — expand targeted assays to include SNVs, SVs, and phasing
• Native and PCR barcoding can be combined to increase • Enrich long, native DNA molecules — retain base modifications
multiplexing capabilities to thousands of samples
• Adjust enrichment in real time — enhance coverage of key regions or low-abundance species
• Barcode libraries of gDNA, amplicon, or cDNA either with
a dedicated barcoding kit or a barcoding expansion pack

Maximising flow cell usage Region of interest

Region of Nanopore
Strand is completes
sequenced interest found.
Sequencing sequencing,
Strand and analysed available for
approaches in real-time continues
next strand
nanopore

No region of interest

Sequence seen Subsequent

Strand is is not in region strand
sequenced of interest. sequenced
and analysed Strand ejected. (shown here
in real-time Nanopore with region
available for of interest)
next strand

Barcode multiple samples Pool and sequence Separate and analyse

More information nanoporetech.com More information nanoporetech.com

16 17
 PREPARE
VolTRAX
Automated library preparation solution for nanopore sequencing

VolTRAX is a small USB-powered device that automates laboratory processes

upstream of nanopore sequencing — from sample extraction to library preparation.
Predefined or custom protocols can be utilised, enabling complete optimisation
of sample preparation and the development of novel methods.

Automation of library
preparation methods
integrating capabilities
such as PCR
Consumable cartridge
preparing any biological
sample ready for
nanopore sequencing

Fluorescence detector
for DNA and RNA QC

Only minutes of hands-on

time, even for novel/
USB powered and portable, liquids are complex experiments
moved around the cartridge in a path
programmed by software, performing
individual reactions in sequence
Specification
Weight Size
301 g including cartridge W 58 mm | H 64 mm | D 134 mm

Order now store.nanoporetech.com

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 SEQUENCE
Flongle
COMPATIBLE WITH
Adapting MinION and GridION for smaller rapid tests and analyses
GridION, MinION,
and MinION Mk1C
Flongle is an adapter for MinION or GridION that enables direct, real-time DNA or RNA
sequencing on smaller, single-use flow cells. Providing immediate access to sequence data,
Flongle is designed to be the most rapid, accessible, and cost-efficient sequencing system for
smaller or more frequently performed tests and experiments.

Sample added
to flow cell here
Consumable flow cell
with 126 channels

Reusable adapter
that allows docking
of smaller flow cell

Same MinION device Specification

Weight Size
20 g W 105 mm | H 23 mm | D 8 mm

Order now store.nanoporetech.com

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 SEQUENCE
MinION
Your personal, portable DNA and RNA sequencer Sensor
array with
Get complete control and creativity over when, where, and how often you sequence. MinION multiple
provides the power of nanopore sequencing in an accessible, fully portable device. Weighing nanopores
only 100 g and running off a laptop, MinION generates tens of gigabases of real-time data in for scaled-up
the field or lab. sequencing

Sensor chip works

with custom ASIC
for control and
data acquisition
Sample added
to flow cell here
Flow cell with 512
active channels

Consumable flow
cell where the biology
and electronics come
together for nanopore
sequencing

USB powered device;

link to laptop or desktop
computer to operate
Specification
COMPATIBLE
Weight Size
87 g (103 g with flow cell) W 105 mm | H 23 mm | D 33 mm

Order now store.nanoporetech.com

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 SEQUENCE
MinION Mk1C
Your all-in-one, portable DNA and RNA sequencer

MinION Mk1C provides the power of nanopore sequencing in a fully portable device with
Connected: Ethernet and
integrated real-time basecalling and data analysis, touchscreen operation, and wireless
connectivity. Sequence and analyse your samples in the lab or field, and easily standardise
Wi-Fi enabled — upload
assays across multiple sites or collaborators. and share your data,
wherever you are

High-resolution touchscreen display

allowing complete device control and
easy visualisation of results

Integrated, real-time
compute with pre-installed
basecalling and analysis
software Use Flongle for smaller
tests and analyses, or
MinION Flow Cells for
tens of gigabases of data

Data files are written to an

onboard, 1 TB SSD; data
can then be transferred to
Specification
your own system COMPATIBLE
Weight Size
420 g W 140 mm | H 30 mm | D 114 mm

Order now store.nanoporetech.com

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 SEQUENCE
GridION Mk1
Self-contained, easily deployable DNA/RNA benchtop nanopore sequencer

A flexible, self-contained, benchtop nanopore sequencer, running up Sample added

to 5 MinION or Flongle Flow Cells (or combinations of each) that can to flow cell here
respond to the needs of multiple users on demand, across varied
applications. Integrated, high-performance data processing
alleviates the need for complex IT infrastructure.

5 individual MinION or
Flongle Flow Cells can
Consumable flow cell be operated individually
where the biology and or together, suitable for
electronics come research labs and service
together for nanopore providers
sequencing

Onboard data analysis

offering real-time basecalling
and adaptive sampling

Specification
COMPATIBLE
Weight Size
11 kg W 370 mm | H 220 mm | D 365 mm
Service provider certification
is available for the GridION

Order now store.nanoporetech.com

26 27
 SEQUENCE
PromethION 24 and PromethION 48
Flexible DNA/RNA high-throughput nanopore sequencers

Offering the flexibility of 24 independently controllable, high-output flow cells and leveraging state-of-
the-art algorithms and GPU technology, PromethION 24 provides single or multiple users with on-
demand access to terabases of sequencing data. PromethION 48, our most powerful sequencing
device, delivers twice the capacity and output of PromethION 24 — ideal for large- and production-
scale sequencing projects.

Data Acquisition Unit

Sample added
to flow cell here

24 (P24) or 48 (P48)
individual flow cells
can be operated
individually or together
for flexible, on-demand
sequencing

Each flow cell comprises

up to 2,675 active channels Sequencing Unit PromethION 24 can Specification
deliver up to 7 Tb* Weight Size
of data in a single run Sequencing module: 28 kg W 590 mm | H 190 mm | D 430 mm
Compute module: 25 kg W 178 mm | H 440 mm | D 470 mm
Service provider certification
is available for the PromethION * Theoretical max output when system is run for 72 hours at 420 bases / second. Outputs may vary according to library type, run conditions, etc.

Order now store.nanoporetech.com

28 29
 ANALYSE
Data analysis and basecalling Basecalling and device control
Nanopore sequencing provides real-time data streaming, enabling basecalling and subsequent MinKNOW™, the device control and primary analysis software for all nanopore devices, provides easy
data analysis to be performed in parallel for immediate access to results. experimental setup and real-time visualisation of sequencing performance.

Data structure
As a DNA or RNA strand passes
Raw data through the nanopore, the current
is measured several thousand
times per second. These current MinKNOW enables complete control of
samples are known as raw data, sequencing parameters: start runs, set
which is subsequently processed run parameters, and group experiments
using machine learning techniques
into basecalled data — the
sequence of DNA or RNA bases

Raw data straight off ASIC

Sequence
CCG ACT CCG GT TACCCG CGT T G AT T T G CT G G G G C AG G G CCG
Basecalled

Visualise sequencing progress and performance

in real time. Quality check your run, and if there’s
a problem with the library, stop sequencing,
wash the flow cell, and start again
The facility of nanopore technology to sequence
native DNA and RNA without the requirement for
amplification or reverse transcription, allows the
retention and detection of base modifications
(e.g. methylation) alongside nucleotide sequence

Live output of basecalled reads in .fastq

or .fast5 formats for immediate analysis.
Basecalling can also be performed after
the sample run using a range of algorithms

Nanopore data is provided in standard FASTQ and FAST5

formats suitable for analysis using a range of downstream
analysis tools (see page 11), including Oxford Nanopore’s
best practice EPI2ME pipelines.
More information nanoporetech.com/analyse
30 31
 ANALYSE
Real-time insights with EPI2ME Simplified analysis with EPI2ME Labs
The cloud-based or local data analysis platform EPI2ME provides easy access to a growing EPI2ME Labs offers two streamlined approaches to analysing your nanopore sequencing data.
number of real-time data analysis workflows.
• Notebooks: develop your bioinformatics skills with interactive tutorials and customisable,
Workflows include: best practice analysis pipelines, using your own data or model datasets
SARS-CoV-2
•  analysis — generate consensus sequences and identify genetic variants • Workflows: utilise a growing number of simplified, standardised pipelines, from plasmid
assembly to small variant calling — ideal for high-throughput, automated analyses
Metagenomic
•  species identification
Antimicrobial
•  resistance profiling
16S-based
•  bacteria and archaea identification
EPI2ME Labs EPI2ME Labs
Human
•  structural variation analysis EPI2ME
Notebooks Workflows
Reference
•  alignment Intuitive graphical
interface Local & distributed
Location Cloud-based or local Local
(cluster and/or cloud)
Full QC metrics
Bioinformatics best practices
Aim Simple, one-click analysis solutions
and training
Formalised workflows

Cloud-based or Configurability Pre-configured Configurable Configurable

local analysis
Shareability Limited Extensive Extensive

Customisable, exploratory, Standardised, high-throughput

Focus Simple, rapid, real-time analysis
post-run analysis analysis
No bioinformatics
experience required

Immediate access
to actionable results

More information nanoporetech.com/analyse

32 33
 In development Biology for anyone, anywhere

PromethION 2
Low-cost access to high-yield
PromethION sequencing with two
independently addressable flow cells.
Fully integrated sequencing and analysis
with P2 or expand your GridION/
compute infrastructure with P2 Solo

Ubik™
Rapid and portable, single-tube
sample preparation

Plongle™
High-throughput analysis of smaller,
frequently preformed tests and assays
in a 96-well plate format

SmidgION™
Real-time nanopore sequencing
and analysis on a smartphone

Discover more nanoporetech.com

34 35
Oxford Nanopore Technologies
phone +44 (0)845 034 7900
email sales@nanoporetech.com
twitter @nanopore

www.nanoporetech.com
Oxford Nanopore Technologies, the Wheel icon, EPI2ME, Flongle, GridION, Metrichor, MinION, MinKNOW, Plongle,
PromethION, SmidgION, Ubik, and VolTRAX are registered trademarks of Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc in various countries.
All other brands and names are the property of their respective owners. © 2021 Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc.
All rights reserved. Oxford Nanopore Technologies products are not intended for use for health assessment or to diagnose,
treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
BR_1009(EN)_V7_01Aug2021