Eugene, Oregon
December 19, 2008
Floragenex, Inc., a
Eugene, based genetic research services firm, has received a
$250,000 grant from the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies
Institute (ONAMI) to fund the initial development of a
microtechnology based DNA sequencing sample preparation system.
The intricate demands of preparing DNA for sequencing are
proving to be a challenge for researchers in all fields who want
to harness the amazing power of next generation sequencing
systems. With the costs ranging from a few thousand dollars to
over ten thousand dollars for a sequencing run, saving time and
ensuring the quality of a sample library before you send it away
to a core facility or a sequencing vendor is a straightforward
value proposition.
Floragenex, through hundreds of successful applications of it’s
Restriction site Associated DNA (RAD) marker system, has
developed a unique perspective on the demands of sample prep for
next-generation sequencing. Leveraging this expertise and
tapping into the resources available at the Microproducts
Breakthrough Institute at Oregon State University, and within
other ONAMI associated companies, the project aims to design and
build a sample preparation instrument that can improve the
reliability and increase the consistency of library preparation
for researchers using next-gen sequencing platforms.
“It’s clear from what we’ve learned at Floragenex, and from our
discussions with people who run sequencing centers around the
country, that there is a need to improve sample preparation for
these very sensitive next generation sequencing systems.” says
Nathan Lillegard, CEO of Floragenex. “We’re excited to tap into
the local expertise available through ONAMI and its eco-system
of resources to design and build a unique solution. This product
will not only help us improve our library preparation
efficiency, but should be extensible to other next-gen
applications.”, says Lillegard.
Founded in 2006 as a spinout of the University of Oregon,
Floragenex is a biotechnology company focused on unlocking the
potential of plants to meet growing demand for food, fuel, and
raw materials in the 21st century. The company is currently
engaged with a customer base ranging from global seed companies
to local horticultural researchers using it’s exclusive
Restriction site Associated DNA (RAD) marker SNP discovery
technology. |
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