Gujarat govt procures a High throughput genome sequencing machine

Gandhinagar: CM Bhupendra Patel dedicated High throughput genome sequencing machine Novaseq 6000 purchased by the state government’s body Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center (GBRC).

CM Patel dedicated the machine along with the launching of the new biotechnology policy of the state at Science City in the presence of cabinet minister of science and technology Jitu Vaghani, chief secretary Pankaj Kumar and secretary Vijay Nehra. CM Patel had granted approval for the purchase of a high throughput genome sequencing machine at a cost of Rs 13.95 crore.

The sequencing capacity of GBRC will increase by 9 times due to the machine. The Illumina Novaseq 6000 has a capacity of generating 6 Tb and 20 billion reads within 2 days. The sequencing of over 3000 genomes of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is possible with this machine. The research about cancer, rare genetic disorders, population genetics, complete genome, exome, transcriptome and so on can be performed with ease by this machine. The complete genome sequencing of around 50 humans can be done within 2-3 days using this machine. The genomic programs such as ayurgenomics and pharmacogenomics will be possible with the help of the machine. The machine will be included in the shared lab network of GBRC. DeshGujarat