NGS magnetic beads (Next-Generation Sequencing Magnetic Beads) are magnetic nanoparticles specially designed for next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. These magnetic beads play a vital role in the NGS workflow for efficiently and specifically capturing, purifying, and enriching DNA or RNA samples.

1. Main features of NGS magnetic beads

1. Magnetic properties: NGS magnetic beads are superparamagnetic and can quickly gather and disperse under the action of an external magnetic field, making them easy to operate and handle.

2. Surface functional groups: The surface of magnetic beads is modified with specific functional groups (such as streptavidin, silane, carboxyl, etc.). These functional groups can specifically bind to DNA, RNA or other biological molecules to achieve the capture of target molecules.

3. High selectivity: By optimizing surface modification and binding conditions, NGS magnetic beads can capture target DNA or RNA fragments with high selectivity, while eliminating impurities and improving sample purity.

4. Efficiency: NGS magnetic beads combined with automated liquid processing workstations and other equipment can achieve high-throughput sample processing and improve experimental efficiency.

5. Stability: Magnetic bead materials have good chemical stability and physical stability, and can maintain their performance under various experimental conditions.

2. Workflow of NGS magnetic beads

1. Sample processing: First, DNA or RNA is extracted from biological samples.

2. Magnetic bead binding: Add magnetic beads to the lysed mixture. When the liquid environment is under specific conditions (such as acidic), free DNA or RNA molecules are adsorbed to the magnetic beads.

3. Magnetic field separation: Use an external magnetic field to fix the magnetic beads adsorbed with nucleic acids and separate them from the liquid to remove impurities.

4. Cleaning: By repeatedly washing the magnetic beads, further remove other substances attached to the surface of the magnetic beads.

5. Nucleic acid elution: Add an eluent under specific conditions (such as alkaline TE buffer or phosphate buffer) to the washed magnetic beads to separate the magnetic beads from the nucleic acid to obtain a purified nucleic acid solution.

3. Application characteristics of NGS magnetic beads

1. High-throughput: NGS magnetic beads are suitable for high-throughput sample processing and can process a large number of samples at the same time to improve experimental efficiency.

Automation: Combined with equipment such as automated liquid handling workstations, NGS magnetic beads can realize automated nucleic acid extraction, purification and sorting processes, reducing human operating errors.

2. High purity: By combining specific functional groups with nucleic acids and multiple washing steps, NGS magnetic beads can ensure that the extracted nucleic acids are of high purity.

3. Strong compatibility: NGS magnetic beads are usually compatible with a variety of experimental consumables and reagents to meet different experimental needs.

4. Market status of NGS magnetic beads

Currently, high-throughput sequencing technology has become the standard for genomics research projects, and NGS magnetic beads, as one of the key consumables, are experiencing increasing market demand. However, it is worth noting that more than 90% of NGS magnetic bead products currently on the market rely on imports. In recent years, some domestic companies have also increased investment in R&D and are committed to developing NGS magnetic bead products with independent intellectual property rights to break foreign monopolies and meet domestic market demand.

NGS magnetic beads, as the core tool in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, simplify complex sample processing procedures, improve the efficiency and purity of nucleic acid extraction and purification, and promote the popularization and development of high-throughput sequencing technology. With its unique magnetic properties, highly selective surface functional groups, and efficient and stable operating performance, it has shown broad application prospects in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, and clinical diagnosis.