Targeted Metagenomic Sequencing
Profiling microbial communities with precision and flexibility, optimized for ecology, environment, agriculture, health and biotech.
Understanding microbial communities requires tailored sequencing approaches depending on your research question. At SmartLife Biosciences, we offer a suite of targeted metagenomic sequencing services to characterize bacteria, archaea, fungi and other microbes with high confidence, from classic 16S profiling to ITS fungal barcoding and custom amplicon targets.
16S rRNA Sequencing (Bacteria & Archaea)
Targeted 16S rRNA gene sequencing enables reliable taxonomic profiling of bacterial and archaeal communities, delivering quantitative insights into community structure and relative abundance in a wide range of ecological, health-related, and environmental studies.
18S rRNA Sequencing (Eukaryotes)
Targeted sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene enables profiling of eukaryotic microbial communities, including protists, microalgae, and other micro-eukaryotes. This approach is particularly useful for environmental, ecological, and biodiversity studies.
ITS Sequencing (Fungi)
ITS sequencing is the gold standard approach for profiling fungal communities, enabling accurate and reliable taxonomic classification across diverse fungal groups.
Custom Amplicon Panels
Beyond standard markers, we can develop custom panels targeting additional phylogenetic or functional markers (e.g., specific microbial groups or functional genes), depending on your research needs.
SMARTLife services includes :
- DNA extraction (depending on the sample type – ask SMARTLife Support Team here)
- PCR amplification of the selected targets
- Library preparation for Nanopore Long-read sequencing
- Concentration measurements with Qubit dsDNA HS
- Samples barcoding, tagging and equimolar pooling
- Nanopore sequencing using latest chemistry available (R10.4.1) for highest accuracy
- Pod5 raw data acquisition and basecalling using ultra-high quality mode for highest data quality
- Reads demultiplexing and adapters trimming
- Bioinformatics analysis & report generation (read statistics, 16S rDNA read classification, mapping against available database (ie. SILVA), relative abondance calculation, statistical tests and graphical representation)
How to order
It is very easy to order your samples sequencing online.
Full Length Metagenomics SMARTSeq step by step :
- Prepare your purified DNA in line with our concentration & volume requirements
- Label each sample with white Long read SMARTSeq IDs
- Connect to your SMARTAccount online
- Select QUICK ORDER / Long read
- Define the number, type, size of your sample, and upload your SampleSheet and your reference sequence in .fasta
- Protect your samples in a SMARTBox and write on the back of the box your name and order number
- Contact us for local pick up
Results
- SMARTLifes provide you with your resultats (raw-data inc. quality scores for each sample, report) via your personal & secure folder.
- We store your data for 1 month
Let’s talk about your project !
FAQ
Can we sequence both bacteria and fungi in the same project?
Yes. Bacterial (16S) and fungal (ITS) communities can be analyzed within the same project. Depending on your objectives, targets may be sequenced separately or combined during data analysis. Our team will help define the most appropriate strategy.
What are the minimum DNA quality requirements?
DNA should be of sufficient quality and purity, free of major inhibitors. Specific input requirements (concentration, volume, and purity ratios) depend on the selected targets and sequencing platform. Detailed guidelines are provided prior to sample submission.
How long does the turnaround time take?
Turnaround time varies depending on project complexity, number of samples, and selected analyses. Estimated timelines are communicated during the initial project discussion, and we strive to accommodate time-sensitive requests whenever possible.
Can I submit multiple samples in one batch?
Yes! Our system supports batch submissions. Each sample must be labeled properly using dedicated or floating labels.
How will I receive my sequencing results?
You will be notified by email and can access a complete report in your dedicated folder, including quality control metrics, raw data, and analysis-ready files. Bioinformatics support is available for downstream analysis if needed.