StemCore Laboratories
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AFFORDABLE SEQUENCING
Our affordable sequencing service provides quick, cost-effective validation for molecular biology applications. We offer Sanger sequencing on the ABI 3730XL for plasmid verification and PCR product sequencing, Oxford Nanopore MinION for long-read primer-less analysis of amplicons and plasmids, and serve as Ottawa's free drop-box for Plasmidsaurus and Flow Genomics long-read services.
SANGER SEQUENCING
Sanger sequencing remains the standard method for sequence verification due to its accuracy and cost-effectiveness for targeted applications. Our service uses automated capillary electrophoresis to deliver high-quality sequence data for plasmid verification, PCR product sequencing, and other molecular biology applications.
Equipment
Applied Biosystems 3730XL DNA Analyzer
- Automated capillary electrophoresis
- High-quality sequence (PHRED Q20 scores) beyond 800 bases
- Big Dye Terminator v3.1 chemistry (improved performance with G-rich templates compared to earlier versions)
Sample Requirements
The ABI 3730XL's high sensitivity means that sample quality directly impacts your results. Following these guidelines ensures successful sequencing:
Template Quality is Critical
- Use high-quality isolation protocols (Qiagen recommended)
- Resuspend in MilliQ H₂O or 10mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0
- PCR fragments must be gel purified to remove primers and non-specific products
Template Concentrations
Accurate quantification is essential. Use these specifications based on your template type:
Template Type | Concentration | Volume | Custom Primer Conc. | Custom Primer Vol. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PCR | 1 ng/µL | 10 µL | 2 µM | 5 µL |
Plasmid | 12.5 ng/µL | 10 µL | 2 µM | 5 µL |
Cosmid/Lambda Phage | 50 ng/µL | 12 µL | 2 µM | 8 µL |
BAC/Genomic DNA | 100 ng/µL | 12 µL | 2 µM | 8 µL |
Workflow
Submit your samples through our online system and receive results within two working days:
1. Submit samples via Idea Elan Infinity
2. Drop off samples any time at CCW 5th floor lobby
3. Samples processed first-come, first-served
4. Results within 2 working days via email
| User Type | Price per Sample |
| Internal Academic (OHRI/UofO) | $6 |
| External Academic | $7 |
| Government | $8 |
| Industry | $12 |
LONG READ SEQUENCING
Long-read sequencing provides primer-less analysis of entire plasmids and longer amplicons without the need for assembly. Our Oxford Nanopore MinION service offers a local option with 24-hour turnaround, while our free drop-box service provides access to specialized external providers.
Equipment
Oxford Nanopore MinION
- Primer-less whole plasmid sequencing
- Real-time data generation
- 24-hour turnaround including basic bioinformatics analysis
Sample Requirements (Plasmids and Amplicons)
Samples submitted by 8:30am Thursday will be processed the same day.
- Plasmid size range: 3,000 - 30,000 bp (contact us for larger plasmids)
- Quantity: Minimum 20 µL at 200 ng/µL
- Quality: High-quality DNA essential
- A260/A280: 1.8-2.0
- A260/A230: 2.0-2.2
- Format: PCR strips or 0.5 mL microtubes, placed in 50 mL tube labeled with your name and submission ID
- Drop-off: Cooler box in 5th floor lobby
Note: Low DNA quantity is the most common cause of poor results.
Applications
- Plasmid verification (3-30 kb)
- Amplicon sequencing (500+ bp)
- Direct RNA sequencing (by request)
- Metagenomics (by request)
- Transcript Variant Analysis (by request)
Workflow
1. Submit samples via Idea Elan Infinity
2. Drop off by 8:30am Thursday in 5th floor lobby cooler
3. Sequencing performed same day
4. Results delivered within 24 hours including basic bioinformatics analysis
Pricing
- Plasmid or amplicon: $20 per sample
- Other applications: Contact for quot
Ottawa Drop-Box Services (Free)
For samples requiring specialized long-read services, we serve as Ottawa's free collection point for Plasmidsaurus and Flow Genomics. Drop off samples by Monday 10:30am for same-day shipping. See our homepage for full details.