California-based biotech firm Zymo Research has reportedly introduced a COVID-19 Variant Sequencing Service, adding to the organization’s end-to-end SARS-CoV-2 solutions, starting from sample collection to detection.

With this technology, Zymo intends to slow down the spread of new viral strains and provide an early warning of potential vaccine escape.

The Illumina-certified sequencing service provider Zym, utilizes Ilumina COVIDSeq™ NGS workflow, which is an end-to-end service that includes all the required collection devices and automated extraction technology. The RNA sequencing is then completed on Illumina platforms, sources confirmed.

Particularly for the collection, transportation, and preservation of samples, Zymo leverages its proprietary DNA/RNA Shield solution. After the samples reach Zymo Research and its affiliates for processing, automated RNA extraction is performed using the KingFisher™ Flex robotics platform.

The sequencing is then undertaken using Illumina sequencing-by-synthesis technology and then analyzed using DRAGEN™ COVIDSeq™ Analysis Pipeline.

Dr. Keith Booher, head of Zymo Research Services, reportedly said that as the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates, the organization will continue to develop products and services for assisting government laboratories and health organizations in identifying new variants of the coronavirus.

The final report from this new service includes COVID-19 strain identification, confirmed mutations, genome sequencing coverage, consensus genome, and raw sequence files, cited trusted sources.

Recently, new deadlier strains of the virus have been emerging from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil. Before one of the strains sweeps the globe, Zymo is looking to prevent the escalation of this health crisis.

About Zymo Research Corp.

Founded in 1994, Zymo Research is a privately owned firm that specializes in providing advanced molecular biology tools for the scientific and diagnostics community. The company is a renowned leader in epigenetics and has been pushing the boundaries with simple and high-quality novel solutions for sample collection, diagnostic devices, microbiomic measurements, and NGS technologies.

Source Credits –

https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/21/02/n19605719/zymo-research-launches-covid-19-sequencing-service-for-the-detection-and-surveillance-of-emerging-