The University of South Africa (Unisa) has launched Africa’s first next-generation DNA sequencing platform, the PacBio Revio, which was developed in collaboration with Inqaba Biotec.

The acquisition and installation of this ‘state-of-the-art’ platform, co-funded by both parties, will be housed at Inqaba Biotec’s facilities in Pretoria.

The project aims to offer next-generation sequencing (NGS) services to the wider scientific community using both the PacBio Revio and the independently acquired PacBio Onso systems.

This initiative is expected to significantly boost the capacity for high-quality, long-range sequencing data, enabling comprehensive analyses crucial for studies in genomics and epigenetics.

Unisa and Inqaba Biotec explain that this strategic partnership underscores the commitment of both parties to advancing scientific research and providing cost-effective access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies and represents a significant milestone in enhancing Africa’s genomic research capabilities.

“The decision to partner with Inqaba Biotec in the purchase and operation of the PacBio Revio third-generation long-read DNA sequencing system is a strategic one for Unisa, in line with our biotechnology niche area. It is critical that such systems are placed in high throughput environments, where they can be fully utilised by skilled application specialists to ensure the highest data quality and the most cost-efficient operation.

“This public-private partnership will achieve that aim to the benefit of Inqaba Biotec, Unisa and the wider genomics community. The system will ensure we are able to meet the aims of the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) and other related genomic initiatives, through the development of the latest generation of de novo reference genome assemblies,” says project leader, Unisa College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences deputy executive dean and AfricaBP co-chair Professor Ntanganedzeni Mapholi.

"Inqaba Biotec is eager to have the data from our Revio (and Onso) systems in the hands of our African life scientists, and we are confident that both systems will drive research and development in the academic and personalised genomics spheres in Africa and globally,” adds Inqaba Biotec executive director Dr Oliver Preisig.

The platform aims to provide enhanced research capabilities whereby the long-read sequencing technology will provide insights into complex biological processes, including gene regulation, development and disease progression.

Moreover, the new sequencing services will be available to researchers and scientists across Africa, fostering a collaborative environment for genomic studies and innovation.

Unisa and Inqaba Biotec note that AfricaBP continues its pioneering work in generating genome sequences of indigenous, endangered and endemic species from Africa.

These efforts are aimed at addressing key questions about species adaptation and informing conservation strategies to manage populations at risk of extinction.

They explain that the project is dedicated to providing technical support, standardised procedures and scientific directions to conserve the continent’s precious genetic resources effectively.