Gemultiplexing

Gemultiplexing is a collection of techniques designed to process or measure multiple genetic targets, samples, or data channels within a single experimental workflow. It aims to increase throughput and reduce cost by sharing reagents and instrument time across multiple parallel assays. The concept is used across molecular biology, genomics, and diagnostic testing.

In molecular diagnostics, gemultiplexing commonly appears as multiplex assays that simultaneously detect several genes or pathogens. Examples include multiplex PCR panels that amplify multiple targets in one reaction and barcoded sequencing approaches that pool many samples before sequencing while preserving individual identities via unique sequence tags.

In sequencing and data analysis, gemultiplexing relies on barcodes or unique molecular identifiers to distinguish targets or samples after a pooled run. Combinatorial indexing and sample-specific barcodes enable large-scale experiments such as panel sequencing, transcriptome profiling, or metagenomics without requiring separate reactions for each target.

Design and operational considerations include primer or probe design to minimize cross-reactivity, optimization of reaction conditions to balance targets, and robust data analysis to deconvolute signals. Common challenges are inter-target interference, dropouts due to uneven amplification, and the need for error-correcting barcodes and normalization strategies.

Gemultiplexing continues to evolve with higher degrees of multiplexing, improved barcoding schemes, and integration into automated platforms. It is complementary to broader multiplexing concepts and to targeted sequencing approaches used in clinical diagnostics, agricultural genomics, and research. See also multiplexing, barcoding, targeted sequencing, combinatorial indexing.