Element Biosciences AVITI

AVITI is a sequencer released by Element Biosciences in April 2022. It is based on Avidity-Based Chemistry (ABC).

Specifications

Manufacturer Element Biosciences
Technology Avidity-Based Chemistry (ABC)
Release date April 2022
Price [2] $289,000
MSRP as of release date
Type Benchtop
Weight 155.1 Kg
Supports real-time analysis No
Demultiplexing support Yes
File format FASTQ
Read length Element Biosciences AVITI: 2x75bp to 2x300bp
Run time Element Biosciences AVITI: 20 to 60 hours
Reagent cost per Gb [1] Element Biosciences AVITI: $5.60
Data quality [3] Element Biosciences AVITI: > 90% Q30 2x150 or shorter
Maximum output per run (Gb)[4] Element Biosciences AVITI: 300.00
Primary error type [5] Substitutions
Notes about the specifications

  1. Cost per Gb: The cost per Gb is calculated by dividing the costs of sequencing reagents by the manufacturer’s maximum output per run. For these runs, the manufacturer may have included their own controls and used specific library preparation kits. Actual performance may vary based on sample and library type and quality, loading concentration, and other experimental factors. The sequencing reagent costs used for calculations do not include any other costs associated with preparing the samples or running the instrument, including reagents used for extraction, quality control or library preparation, labor, electricity, lab consumables, storage, etc. Performance metrics and prices are subject to change.
  2. Price: The final price may be different depending on the supplier, the region and any discounts provided through bulk orders or negotiation. Other factors that may influence the final price are warranty options, maintenance contracts, possible trade-ins of older instruments, and any financing arrangements chosen.
  3. Data quality: This is the maximum data quality that the instrument can offer based on manufacturer’s specifications and optimizations. The quality of a specific run will depend on multiple factors, including sample quality, sample quantity, library prep protocol, run conditions, etc.
  4. Maximum output: This is the maximum output of a full instrument run. This number is based on manufacturer’s specifications and optimizations.
  5. Primary error type: This is the most common type of error that may occur due to sequencing. Other types of error may occur as well.

More about the AVITI

The Element Biosciences AVITI is a benchtop next-generation sequencing (NGS) system designed to offer a balance between affordability, flexibility, and high-quality data. This instrument is specifically targeted at the mid-throughput sequencing market, making it suitable for various applications across research laboratories of different sizes.

Key Innovations

The AVITI system introduces several key innovations that enable cost-effective, high-quality sequencing:

  • Novel Sequencing Chemistry: Element’s proprietary Avidity base chemistry (ABC) reduces costs and improves performance. This innovative chemistry incorporates unique enzymatic modifications that address some of the limitations inherent in traditional SBS. One key advancement is the reduction of errors caused by template switching during the sequencing process. Traditional SBS relies on DNA polymerase enzymes that can occasionally switch templates, incorporating nucleotides from a nearby molecule into the growing DNA strand. This can lead to errors in the final sequence data. Avidity base chemistry aims to minimize template switching events by employing engineered enzymes with enhanced processivity, meaning they are less likely to dissociate from the template strand prematurely. Additionally, the low-bind surface chemistry is designed to improve signal-to-noise ratio during sequencing. This results in brighter, clearer signals that can be more accurately distinguished by the instrument, reducing the chances of misreads and improving overall data quality.
  • Unique Flow Cell Design: The AVITI utilizes a dual flow cell configuration, with each flow cell operating independently. This design offers several advantages. First, it enables researchers to maximize instrument utilization by running different experiments simultaneously. For instance, one flow cell can be dedicated to a high-throughput RNA-Seq experiment, while the other runs a targeted resequencing panel. This flexibility can significantly improve lab efficiency and throughput. Second, the dual flow cell design allows for staggered run starts. This is beneficial for researchers who need to perform multiple sequencing runs throughout the week but may not have enough samples to fill an entire flow cell at once. By staggering runs across the two flow cells, labs can optimize instrument scheduling and minimize idle time.

Features and Technologies

  • Data Quality: The AVITI system delivers highly accurate sequencing data, with claimed error rates lower than competing platforms. Additionally, Element Biosciences focuses on reducing issues such template error propagation, optical duplicates and amplification-induced index hopping by leveraging rolling circle amplification (RCA) instead of PCR.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: The AVITI is designed to be a cost-effective benchtop sequencer with a lower price point than many other mid-throughput systems and competitive reagent costs. This makes it accessible to a wider range of laboratories. They also have a reagent price guarantee, where they will commit to not raising the price of the reagents, meaning owners of the AVITI system will only have one reagent price for its lifetime.
  • Ease of Use: The instrument's software has streamlined workflows and intuitive interfaces designed to make NGS more approachable for users with varying levels of experience.

Intended Uses and Specific Applications

The Element Biosciences AVITI is suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

  • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS): Mid-throughput WGS for human and non-human genomes
  • Targeted Sequencing: Sequencing of specific genomic regions of interest.
  • RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq): Analyzing gene expression patterns and transcriptome profiling.
  • Amplicon Sequencing: Investigating specific genes or regions for variant analysis.
  • Single-Cell Sequencing: Characterization of cellular heterogeneity and gene expression at the single-cell level.

Regarding library prep, Element Biosciences has an Element Adept Library Compatibility Workflow that will adapt existing library prep kits to the AVITI. Compatible kits include ones from 10X Genomics, Agilent, BD Biosciences, Bio-Rad, Dovetail Genomics, IDT, Illumina, Jumpcode, Lexogen, New England Biolabs (NEB), Parse Biosciences, QIAGEN, Revvity, Roche, SeqWell, TakaraBio and Twist.

Comparison with Competing Instruments

  • Illumina NextSeq 1000/2000: Illumina's NextSeq series offers higher output for slightly shorter run times than the AVITI, although the NextSeq is also more expensive upfront and may have higher reagent costs over time.
  • Singular Genomics G4: The G4 provides comparable throughput and similar accuracy at much quicker run times compared to the AVITI, although at a slightly higher upfront cost. The G4 also has shorter read lengths, while the AVITI can go up to 300 bp.
  • Complete Genomics DNBSEQ-G400: The DNBSEQ-G400 can offer much higher max output than the AVITI, although the DNBSEQ-G400 has slightly lower accuracy and much longer run times.

Special Considerations

The Element Biosciences AVITI is a compelling choice for researchers who:

  • Prioritize flexibility with the ability to run varying protocols and sample numbers concurrently.
  • Want high-quality, accurate data without the need for the extremely high throughput of larger, more expensive sequencers.
  • Seek a cost-effective sequencing solution with a lower upfront cost and affordable operational expenses.
  • Desire a user-friendly platform suitable for labs with varying levels of NGS expertise.

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This information on this page is up-to-date as of April 17, 2024 and based on the spec sheets published by the manufacturer.