Axbio AxiLona AXP-100

AxiLona AXP-100 is a sequencer released by Axbio in June 2023. It is based on Nanopore Sequencing.

Specifications

Manufacturer Axbio
Technology Nanopore Sequencing
Release date June 2023
Price [2]
Type Benchtop
Weight 6.9 Kg
Supports real-time analysis No
Demultiplexing support Yes
File format FASTQ
Read length Axbio AxiLona AXP-100: 10-100 Kbp
Run time Axbio AxiLona AXP-100: 4 hours
Reagent cost per Gb [1] Axbio AxiLona AXP-100: Unavailable
Data quality [3] Axbio AxiLona AXP-100: >99% accuracy
Maximum output per run (Gb)[4] Axbio AxiLona AXP-100: 100.00
Primary error type [5] Indels
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 Axbio AxiLona AXP-100

Axbio's AxiLona AXP-100 is a long-read sequencing platform targeting life science researchers who need a cost-effective, high-accuracy solution. It's designed for applications such as human genome research, full-length transcriptomics, and microbial community profiling. For now, the AxiLona AXP-100 can only be used for research purposes, although work is being done to test it in the clinical space. It will eventually be succeeded by the higher-throughput AxiLona AXP-1000, which is currently in development.

Key Innovations

The core innovation is its nanopore sequencing by synthesis technology, which combines a semiconductor biochip with nanopore sequencing and electrochemical detection. The AXP-100 uses a bio-CMOS chip with an array of 1 million individually addressed nanopores and electrochemical sensors. When a DNA polymerase incorporates a nucleotide into a growing strand, a unique electrochemical signal is generated, detected, and translated into a base call.

This method enables simultaneous synthesis and sequencing on single molecules. By performing cyclic sequencing, the AXP-100 generates repetitive reads of the same molecule, allowing for consensus-based error correction. This approach is designed to provide high accuracy while maintaining long-read capability.

Features and Technologies

The AxiLona AXP-100 uses a proprietary, high-density nanopore sequencing chip and is a compact benchtop instrument. Its electrochemical detection method is distinct from the optical detection used by PacBio or the ion-current detection of Oxford Nanopore. The system has an automated workflow, minimizing hands-on time, and integrates real-time data processing.

The platform is designed to achieve a balance of throughput, cost, and accuracy for targeted applications. Its data quality metrics are reported to include:

  • Accuracy: >99% (with consensus calling)
  • Read Length: Up to tens of kilobases.

Axbio provides proprietary library preparation kits for the platform, which are designed to construct circular DNA libraries from genomic DNA or amplicons.

Intended Uses and Specific Applications

The AxiLona AXP-100 is well-suited for several applications where long-read data is beneficial, including:

  • Microbiome Analysis: For full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
  • Structural Variation (SV) Detection: Long reads span complex genomic regions, helping to identify variants often missed by short-read platforms.
  • Full-Length Transcriptomics: Sequencing full mRNA transcripts to identify novel isoforms.
  • De Novo Genome Assembly: Providing long reads for more contiguous and accurate assemblies.

Axbio provides a Universal Library Preparation Kit to construct circular DNA libraries from various sample types for sequencing on the AXP-100.

Comparison with Competing Instruments

The AXP-100 is positioned against other long-read platforms with similar output scales.

  • Oxford Nanopore GridION: The GridION is a scalable nanopore sequencer using ion-current detection. While it can produce ultra-long reads (over 1 Mb) with most of the reads generally being within 6-20 Kb and higher max output than the AXP-100, its initial single-read accuracy is lower (~93-97%) than the AXP-100. GridION can also offer 240 Gb in total if all flow cells are used and it’s run for the full 72 hours, which is higher output and longer run time than the AXP-100’s 100 Gb max output and 4 hour run time. The AXP-100's primary tradeoff is a potentially higher single-read accuracy due to its nanopore sequencing by synthesis method and faster run times, which may be more suitable for projects requiring less coverage but higher confidence.
  • PacBio Revio: The Revio is a long-read, high-fidelity (HiFi) platform. It uses sequencing-by-binding (SBB) technology with fluorescent nucleotides and a zero-mode waveguide (ZMW) array. With a throughput of up to 90 Gb per run, a single-molecule read accuracy of over 99.9%, and a range of read lengths with 10-20 Kb being the most common, it's designed for projects that need extremely high accuracy for long reads. The AXP-100 in comparison has lower accuracy, but comparable max output (100 Gb), a higher range of long reads (10-100 Kb), and significantly faster run times at 4 hours vs. 12-30 hours for the PacBio Revio. The tradeoff is that the PacBio Revio has a significantly higher upfront instrument and reagent cost per run compared to the AXP-100. The Revio is ideal for very large projects that need high accuracy, while the AXP-100 is better for smaller, targeted experiments where lower capital expenditure and per-run costs are crucial.

Special Considerations

As a newer platform, researchers should note that the AXP-100 has a smaller user community and less third-party software support compared to more established instruments. Its long-term performance and reliability are also less documented in academic literature. However, the AXP-100 is a strong option for targeted long-read applications that prioritize high accuracy, low per-run costs, and fast run times.

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This information on this page is up-to-date as of August 20, 2025 and based on the spec sheets published by the manufacturer.