Since the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), researchers and scientists have been constantly striving to improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of DNA sequencing. Nanopore sequencing technology, which utilizes protein nanopores to detect DNA sequences in real-time, has been one of the most promising approaches in this field.

With its long-read capability, portability, and low cost, nanopore sequencing has the potential to revolutionize genomics research and transform the landscape of personalized medicine. However, like any new technology, nanopore sequencing still faces several challenges in terms of accuracy, scalability, and data analysis.

This blog will discuss the advantages and limitations of nanopore sequencing and how it compares to other sequencing technologies. It will also delve into the current challenges facing nanopore sequencing and the solutions being developed to overcome them. 

What is nanopore technology?

Nanopore technology is a method of sequencing DNA that makes use of protein nanopores for identifying DNA sequences. The principle behind nanopore sequencing is that DNA strands are passed through a tiny pore, which is typically only a few nanometers in diameter. As the DNA strand passes through the pore, the electrical current passing through the pore changes, allowing the DNA sequence to be read in real-time.

Nanopore sequencing has a significant benefit in NGS, and it is capable of producing lengthy sequence reads that can span tens of thousands of base pairs. This is because it is a form of long-read sequencing technology. This is in contrast to other sequencing technologies, such as Illumina, which generate shorter reads in the range of hundreds of base pairs.

Nanopore sequencing is also a portable and relatively low-cost technology, making it suitable for a range of applications such as field-based research, clinical diagnostics, and point-of-care testing. Despite its advantages, nanopore sequencing still faces several challenges in terms of accuracy, scalability, and data analysis. However, ongoing research and development in the field of nanopore technology are rapidly advancing the capabilities and applications of this technology.

How is nanopore sequencing technology better than traditional sequencing?

Nanopore technology offers several advantages over traditional sequencing methods, such as Sanger sequencing and Illumina sequencing. Here are some ways in which nanopore technology is better:

Long-Read Sequencing: Nanopore sequencing is capable of generating reads that are tens of thousands of base pairs long, which is significantly longer than the reads generated by traditional sequencing methods. This makes it possible to sequence large segments of the genome, including repetitive regions, structural variations, and even whole genomes, with high accuracy.

Real-Time Sequencing: With nanopore sequencing, the DNA sequence is read as it passes through the nanopore, allowing for real-time detection of base changes and modification. This enables researchers to detect epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, in real time, which is not possible with traditional sequencing methods.

Portability: One of the biggest advantages of nanopore sequencing is its portability. Nanopore sequencers are small and lightweight, making them ideal for field-based research and point-of-care testing. This is particularly useful in remote areas where it may not be practical to transport samples to a sequencing facility.

Low Sample Input: Nanopore sequencing requires very low amounts of DNA, making it possible to sequence samples with a limited starting material. This is particularly useful in clinical settings where obtaining large amounts of DNA may be challenging.

Rapid Turnaround Time: Nanopore sequencing can generate results in a matter of hours, which is significantly faster than traditional sequencing methods. This rapid turnaround time is particularly useful in situations where timely results are critical, such as infectious disease outbreaks or cancer diagnoses.

What are some real-world applications of nanopore technology?

Nanopore technology has a wide range of real-world applications in various fields of research, including genomics, microbiology, and clinical diagnostics. Here are some examples of real-world applications of nanopore technology:

Whole Genome Sequencing: Nanopore technology is capable of sequencing entire genomes with high accuracy, making it useful for a range of applications such as genome assembly, variant detection, and annotation.

Detection of Infectious Diseases: Nanopore sequencing can be used to identify pathogens in clinical samples, including viruses and bacteria. This is particularly useful in outbreak situations, where a rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical.

Metagenomics: Nanopore sequencing can be used to sequence complex microbial communities, providing insights into the diversity and function of these communities in environmental and clinical settings.

Epigenetics Research: Nanopore sequencing can be used to detect DNA modifications, such as DNA methylation, in real time. This is useful for studying epigenetic changes associated with diseases, aging, and environmental exposures.

Forensic Science: Nanopore sequencing can be used to analyze DNA samples in forensic investigations, such as identifying suspects from crime scene evidence.

Agriculture: Nanopore sequencing can be used to improve crop breeding and plant genetics by identifying genetic variations and traits associated with desirable traits, such as disease resistance and yield.

Conservation Biology: Nanopore sequencing can be used to identify and monitor endangered species, providing valuable information for conservation efforts.

Alongside this, Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are widely applying numerous sequencing technologies.

According to the BIS Research report, the Asia-Pacific and Middle East NGS market was valued at $1.05 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $2.37 billion by 2027, witnessing a CAGR of 17.56% during the forecast period 2022-2027.

Find more details on this report in this FREE sample.

Two companies, Revio and Onso, launched new sequencing systems in October 2022. Revio is a long-read sequencing system that can sequence as many as 1,300 whole human genomes per year, while Onso is a benchtop short-read DNA sequencing platform. This system facilitates the use of PacBio's HiFi sequencing technology at a larger scale for various studies, including human genetics, cancer research, and agricultural genomics.

Conclusion

According to Swati Sood, Principal Analyst, BIS Research, “The growing applications of NGS in healthcare, such as the diagnosis of diseases and technological advancements in NSG platforms, are driving the growth of the market.”

Ongoing research and development in sequencing technology are expanding the capabilities and applications, promising new opportunities for personalized medicine, disease diagnosis, and genetic research.

Interested to know more about the developing technologies in your industry vertical? Get the latest market studies and insights from BIS Research. Connect with us at hello@bisresearch.com to learn and understand more.