BGISEQ

BGISEQ is a family of high-throughput DNA sequencing platforms developed by BGI (Beijing Genomics Institute), now known as BGI Genomics. The BGISEQ instruments are designed for large-scale genomic and transcriptomic projects and have been used in academic research, clinical studies, and commercial sequencing services. Models in the BGISEQ line include systems such as BGISEQ-500 and BGISEQ-2000, among others.

Technically, BGISEQ relies on DNA nanoball (DNB) sequencing technology combined with combinatorial probe-anchor synthesis (cPAS) chemistry. In this approach, DNA libraries are amplified to form dense DNA nanoballs, which are then arrayed on a patterned flow cell. The sequencing chemistry employs fluorescently labeled probes that bind to anchors to identify bases, enabling short-read sequencing with relatively high density and throughput. The DNB-based design is intended to reduce amplification bias and improve data quality, supporting scalable data generation for large projects.

In practice, BGISEQ platforms provide short-read data across multiple read length configurations, suitable for whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, metagenomics, and targeted panels. Outputs are provided in standard formats such as FASTQ, compatible with common bioinformatics workflows for alignment, variant calling, and expression analysis.

BGISEQ has positioned itself as a competitive alternative to other major sequencing platforms, emphasizing cost efficiency and scalable throughput. The system has seen adoption in various laboratories worldwide and contributes to BGI Genomics’ broader service portfolio in genomic research and clinical applications.