Services

We are honoured to be acknowledged as Australia's leading Eppendorf-based automated Next Generation Sequencing Facility, distinguished for our extensive capabilities and unmatched expertise.

Our state-of-the-art Eppendorf fully automated precision liquid handling instruments enable the processing of your valuable low-volume samples with utmost accuracy and efficiency. With four dedicated robotics stations meticulously allocated for distinct stages:

• DNA cleanup, concentration, and preprocessing (pre-PCR space)
• Pre-amplification and PCR setup (pre-PCR space)
• Post-amplification indexing and cleanup (post-PCR space)
• Sample pooling in preparation for sequencing (post-PCR space).

Our advanced sequencing facility is equipped with state-of-the-art Illumina sequencing platforms renowned for their cutting-edge technology, ensuring superior data quality and precision. Our scalable infrastructure is tailored to accommodate projects of varying magnitudes, with a selection between the Illumina MiSeq and NovaSeq platforms based on project requirements. 

Utilizing the Illumina MiSeq System, we generate a maximum of 15Gbof data and 50 million sequencing reads, featuring extended read lengths of 2 × 300 base pairs (bp). 

The NovaSeq 6000 offers versatile sequencing capabilities, operating in either single or dual flow cell modes, facilitating highly scalable sequencing outputs of up to 6(Tb and 20 billion sequencing reads. 

Our commitment to quality extends beyond sequencing itself. All clients receive a meticulously curated "Run QC report" alongside convenient access to sequencing data via Illumina's BaseSpace platform. This facilitates seamless data transfer into Illumina's Sequencing Bioinformatics hub or allows for the download of FASTQ files, thereby supporting external bioinformatics pipelines. 

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a cutting-edge technique employed for the simultaneous parallel sequencing of DNA and RNA molecules. Leveraging NGS technology enables the execution of comprehensive sequencing tasks such as whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and targeted-gene region sequencing.

Metagenomics encompasses the comprehensive study of microbial communities by analysing the genetic material derived from environmental samples.

We specialize in metagenomics, offering expert guidance and proficient execution across various methodologies to address your research inquiries, including:

• Amplicon sequencing (covering bacteria, fungi, eukaryotes, protists, with customizable primer sets available)
• Small whole-genome/shotgun sequencing

Given the complexities inherent in generating high-quality sequencing data, the NGS pipeline demands exceptionally sensitive methodologies for precise DNA quantification. In response, we have engineered an innovative, high-throughput technique tailored for the accurate assessment of starting materials and library product production. Discover more about our pioneering PicoGreen Assay, designed to streamline this critical aspect of our workflow.

At our facility, meticulous quality control procedures are embedded at various junctures within the pipeline, underscoring our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the data we generate.

• Quantification utilizing fluorescent assays, ensuring precise measurement of nucleic acid concentrations.
• Sample integrity assessment of both DNA and RNA through advanced technologies such as the Agilent Bioanalyzer and TapeStation, guaranteeing the integrity and purity of genetic material.
• QC and size selection employing AMPure bead Purification, enabling meticulous purification and precise size selection of nucleic acid fragments.

Western’s Next Generation Sequencing Facility’s most requested sequencing projects include, but are not limited to:

• Amplicon sequencing
• Shotgun sequencing
• Transcriptomics
• New primer optimisation
• Targeted enrichment (utilising platforms such as Illumina, Agilent and Roche)
• Paired-end strange-specific RNA-Seq using Illumina Stranded Total RNA Prep
• rRNA removal from multiple species using Ribo-Zero Plus

We provide comprehensive quality control and expert technical support for your project, including:

• Initial Quality Control (QC) of your samples
• Library construction and amplification performed using our state-of-the-art liquid handlers
• Quality Control evaluation of your enriched libraries
• 2 x 300 paired-end sequencing conducted on either the Illumina MiSeq or Illumina NovaSeq 6000, selected based on sequencing depth and project scale
• Generation of a detailed quality report for your sequencing data, inclusive of index IDs, the percentage of reads identified passing filter, and the total number of reads obtained.