Nanning, China, September 16 - The 19th China-ASEAN Expo was kicked off in Nanning, Guangxi, and MGI showcased a variety of gene sequencers, automated sample processing systems, smart lab system and automated ultra-low-temperature biobank at the section themed "Advanced Technology". This demonstrates the pivotal role of MGI's "hardcore" technology in the field of life sciences.

Hard-core Innovative Technology, Providing Technical Support for Virus Traceability

The CAEXPO is co-sponsored by the ministries of commerce/trade & industry of China and the 10 ASEAN countries as well as the ASEAN Secretariat and organized by the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. The grand annual international event is held in Nanning, Guangxi, China to promote trade and investment between ASEAN and China and has played an important role in serving the "Belt and Road" construction. This year's CAEXPO advanced technology exhibition focuses on artificial intelligence, intelligent life, information technology, advanced manufacturing, new materials, medicine and health and other fields, and brings together outstanding innovation achievements of China and ASEAN countries.

At CAEXPO, MGI demonstrated its DNBSEQ-G400, a compact and flexible benchtop genetic sequencer that supports two different Flow Cells, enabling flexibility and creates an ideal balance between speed and affordability. FCS (Flow Cell Small) allows short turnaround time for STAT samples. FCL (Flow Cell Large) enables lower cost per sample. DNBSEQ-G50 offers 3~4 read length options for both FCS and FCL, which support a wide range of research and clinical applications.

The DNBelab-D4 digital sample preparation system at the exhibition is the first digital microfluidic automation platform developed by MGI. The portable, automated microfluidic platform can prepare samples from DNA to DNB on a single sample prep card. Meanwhile, the system integrates the quantification function for automatic quantification after DNB preparation is completed, eliminating the need for manual quantification. Currently, the DNBelab-D4 digital sample preparation system is mainly used for library preparation for high-throughput sequencing applications such as macro-genome sequencing of unknown pathogens.

The DNBelab-D4 can accommodate to the requirements of research and medical environments, such as infectious disease control sites, primary care institutions, mobile pathogen detection vehicles, field trips, and field hospitals, for higher anti-pollution capacity, simpler operation, and more convenient deployment of the high-throughput sequencing libraries construction.

Empower Life Science Research in ASEAN Countries

At the expo, exhibitors displayed the outcome of cooperation with ASEAN countries in commodity trade, investment cooperation, advanced technology, and service trade. MGI has also conducted in-depth cooperation with many ASEAN countries in life science research.

MGI's DNBSEQ-G400 genetic sequencer supported National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, metagenomics, and RAD-seq for a wide range of research topics. In addition, MGI has partnered with MiRXES, a Singapore-headquartered biotechnology company, to build an ultra-high-throughput, high-resolution spatial genomics pipeline in Singapore, aiming to give researchers in the region access to cutting-edge capabilities to accelerate spatio-temporal transcriptomics and multi-omics research in human development and diseases. Meanwhile, MGI and Nalagenetics, a Singapore biotechnology company, has joined hands to co-develop low coverage whole genome sequencing for risk prediction and pharmacogenomics through optimizing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflow based on MGI's sequencing platform.

MGI Partners with MiRXES to Scale Cutting Edge Spatial Multi Omics Research Capabilities in Asia Pacific Region

MGI announces partnership with Nalagenetics to advance pharmacogenomics in Singapore and Indonesia

Early this year, MGI was selected as the designated technology provider for Indonesia's First National Genome Project based on its strengths in product performance, cost, research and service support, and rapid on-the-ground response. The addition of MGI’s ultra-high-throughput genetic sequencer DNBSEQ-T7RS*, the MGISP-960RS and MGISP-NE384RS automation systems, and ZTRON data platform will enhance overall large-scale genomic sequencing infrastructure and boost the country's competitiveness on a global scale in the area of life science innovation.

MGI DNBSEQ-T7RS Ultra-high Throughput Sequencer Supports the National Genome Project in Indonesia

Notably, this project, as an excellent case of China-ASEAN science and technology cooperation, has been successfully selected in the collection of "China-ASEAN Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Casebook", providing a successful example of academic exchange and science and technology cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.