Optimized and Accurate Microbiome Characterization

Microbiome Sequencing Services

Explore the microbiome with Boster Bio’s sequencing and analysis services. High-throughput sequencing techniques are pushing microbiome analysis to an exciting new age of fascinating discoveries. Let Boster Bio’s expert team help you embrace the golden times of microbiome research with quality, reproducible data.

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Our Microbiome Analysis Services

Boster Bio offers a complete Microbiome Analysis Service to turn your samples into data

Boster Bio’s microbiome experts have developed optimized workflows for accurate microbiome quantification from sample collection to bioinformatics analysis. Complete with a wide range of microbiome reference standards including the world’s first commercial mock microbial community, we can offer the highest quality data for your microbiome project.

Our experts are uniquely able to address one of the biggest problems in Microbiome research - Data variation. Data variation can be found in sample collection and storage, sample preparation and sequencing bias, and standardized controls. We offer a concierge-like consultation service and guidance at every step of the workflow.

Services Include:

What is the Microbiome and why is it important?

Gut microbiota is the most diverse microsystem in symbiosis with the body, made up of billions of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Microbiome research using traditional growing and isolation of cultures does not support the growth of many gut bacterial species. So the emergence of Next Generation Sequencing techniques has led to a rapid growth in microbiome research, exploring the entire microbial community composition, function, and interactions.

Microbiome research is rapidly emerging as crucial for interactions between food and the body. The Microbiome is increasingly recognized in immunological and neurological health and is associated with a number of diseases including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, allergies, and obesity.

How to Order Boster’s Microbiome Analysis Service

As easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Free Project Consultation with our Expert Scientists


2. Send Samples



3. Receive a Comprehensive Analysis Report


Microbiome Service Overview

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16S/ITS Amplicon Sequencing

Identification of Bacteria, Archaea, & Fungi from your Microbiome sample.

16S sequencing via PCR targets and amplifies portions of the hypervariable regions (V1-V9) of the 16S rRNA gene found in bacteria and archaea. These amplicons from separate samples are then given molecular barcodes, pooled, and sequenced together. After sequencing the data is analyzed and compared to a 16S reference database to assign reads to a phylogenetic rank so a taxonomy profile can be generated.

ITS sequencing works in a similar way for fungi by targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region found in fungal genomes.

Boster Bio’s 16S sequencing service offers Absolute Abundance Quantification instead of a relative abundance measure, to fully understand how cell numbers are changing under treatment or therapeutic conditions, opening new insights into the microbial community dynamics of your project.

We can also provide 18S sequencing for eukaryotes, but cannot provide absolute abundance for this service.

Achieve species level identification with 16S amplicon sequencing

Species Boster Bio Pipeline Other Service Providers
Listeria monocytogenes
Staphylococcus aureus
Enterococcus foecalis
Lactobacillus fermentum
Escherichia coli
Salmonella enterica
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Bacillus subtills
Species-level Resolution

Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing

Multiple kingdom identification & functional profiling with industry-leading sensitivity & precision.

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing sequences all genomic DNA from a sample, unlike 16S/ITS sequencing which only targets specific 16S or ITS rRNA genes. In a similar workflow to 16S sequencing, sample DNA is fragmented and ligated to adaptors for sequencing, then trimmed and compared to a reference database comprising whole genomes or selected marker genes for a taxonomy profile.

While 16S/ITS sequencing is great for taxonomy purposes, Shotgun metagenomic sequencing covers all genetic information in a sample so the data can be used for additional analysis such as metagenomic assembly, metabolic function profiling or pathway analysis, and antibiotic resistance gene profiling. The table below can assist with your decision.

16S/ITS Sequencing Shotgun Sequencing Shallow Shotgun Sequencing
Bacteria/Fungi Coverage High Limited Limited
Cross-Domain Coverage No Yes Yes
False Positives Low Risk High Risk High Risk
Taxonomy Resolution Genus-Species Species-Strains Species-Strains
Host DNA Interference No Yes Yes
Minimum DNA Input 10 copies of 16S 1 ng 1 ng
Functional Profiling No Yes Yes
Recommended Sample Type All Human Microbiome Human Feces
Cost per Sample -$80 -$200 -$120

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing has greater taxonomy resolution, functional profiling, and cross-domain coverage. 16S/ITS sequencing is advantageous for price and sample origin compatibility. Our Project Concierge will work with you to choose the right sequencing method for your Microbiome project.

Metatranscriptomic Sequencing

Microbiome gene expression analysis

Investigate microbiome gene expression with Boster Bio’s metatanscriptomic sequencing service. Metatranscriptomics is the study of gene expression within natural environments including the microbiome. Reveal the extent of microbial diversity via gene activity diversity, gene expression abundance and differential gene expression analysis. Monitor gene expression changes under different conditions for potential biomarkers and expression signatures.

Advantages:

  • Detailed microbial diversity analysis
  • Analyze dynamic changes in microbial flora
  • Wide range of applications - research, environmental monitoring, ecological/industrial applications
  • Monitor gene expression changes for Biomarker discovery
  • Cost efficient, short cycle, wide range

The Metatrascriptomic Sequencing workflow includes mRNA sample preparation, library preparation, high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Our Project Concierge will work with you to determine the appropriate sequencing strategies based on your sample type and research project expected outcomes.

The service is similar to Shotgun, but looking at the active genes to identify the bacteria in fecal samples only

We promise You a concierge sourcing experience

Scholars serving scholars

It is our project concierges' mission to make your project experience as smooth and memorable as possible. They are subject matter experts who are easily accessible around the clock, always happy to help you solve problems, make recommendations and sort through options.

Book a meeting with your project concierge

Microbiome Service Applications

Food & Water Testing

Bioremediation & Agriculture

Therapeutic Drug Effects

Consumer Health


Clinical Diagnostics

Advantages of using Boster's Microbiome Analysis Services

End-to-end
and custom service

Optimised sample
processing workflows

Cutting-edge
bioinformatics

Competitive
pricing

Project concierge
to help at every step of the way

Sample Report

FAQs

Q1. What kind of samples can be used with this service?

Boster Bio’s Microbiome service can be used for mainly for fecal samples from various species. For more information on your specific sample type please contact our Project Concierge

Q2. How do we prepare our samples for the Microbiome service?

Our Project Concierge will work with you to determine what is required for your Microbiome service. Samples can be prepared and sent following our Sample Preparation Guide.

Q3. What is the difference between the Microbiome, Microbiota and Microgenome?

The microbiome refers to microorganisms in a particular environment (eg gut or skin), whereas the microbiota refers to the microbes themselve. The Microgenome, refers to the collective genetic material of the microorganisms that are found in that particular environment.

Q4. Is 16S present in all bacterial species?

The 16S rRNA is a sequence of DNA encoding for the RNA component of the smaller subunit of the bacterial ribosome and is present in all bacteria and archaea.

Q5. Why is 16S used to identify bacterial and archaeal species?

DNA-DNA hybridisation is complex so the 16S rRNA gene is used as a sequencing tool to easier identify bacterial at the species level and assist in differentiating closely related bacterial species. Many clinical laboratories rely on this method to identify unknown pathogenic strains.

Q6. What is an amplicon?

An amplicon is a piece of DNA or RNA that is the source and/or product of amplification or replication events.

Q7. What is the minimum sample number required for Metatranscriptomics service?

The minimum sample requirement can be 1 fecal sample, however we recommend 10 samples for a fuller picture. For more information on sample preparation please see our Sample Preparation Guide.