What Is Metagenome Amplicon Sequencing?
Metagenome Amplicon Sequencing, primarily targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene for bacteria and archaea, is the most widely adopted and economical method for initial microbial community profiling.
By sequencing highly conserved regions separated by hypervariable regions (like V3-V4), researchers can efficiently identify and quantify the relative abundance of microbial taxa within complex samples.
When Is Metagenome Amplicon Sequencing Used?
This approach answers the fundamental question of “Who is present in the sample?” and is essential for:
- High-Throughput Screening: Rapidly assessing community shifts across large experimental cohorts.
- Ecology and Diversity Studies: Calculating alpha and beta diversity metrics to understand community structure and stability.
- Disease Biomarker Discovery: Identifying key microbial groups associated with specific health or environmental states.
The Amplicon Advantage
Speed, Accuracy, and Value
Psomagen delivers industry-leading metagenome amplicon sequencing services powered by the high-throughput Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq platforms, ensuring fast turnaround times and exceptional data quality.
Universal and Custom Primer Sets
We offer standardized primer sets for the most common targets (16S, ITS, 18S).
Our flexible service model supports any custom primer set required for your unique research needs, ensuring maximum target capture efficiency.
Guaranteed Data Quality
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Platform: High-throughput Illumina MiSeq/NextSeq for cost-efficiency.
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Output: Read counts with consistently high Q30 scores, critical for accurate taxonomic assignment.
Optimized for Large Cohorts
Our lab provides an unparalleled combination of low cost per sample and rapid processing, making us the ideal partner for high-volume clinical trials and environmental monitoring programs.
Amplicon vs. Sanger Sequencing — Which Is Right for You?
Psomagen offers sequencing for 16S/ITS/18S regions on two different platforms: NGS (this service) and Sanger sequencing. The choice depends entirely on your research goal. If your goal is to identify single bacterial isolates, our standard Sanger sequencing service is the right choice.
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Sanger Sequencing (16S/ITS/18S) |
NGS Amplicon Sequencing |
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Primary Goal |
Identification of a single, pure colony (isolate) |
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Output |
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Turnaround Time |
Approximately 24 hours |
Efficient turnaround time optimized for high throughput |
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Cost |
$/sample |
$$/sample |
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Key Advantages |
Quick verification and low cost |
Unlocks complex community structure and supports large-scale comparisons |
From Raw Reads to Biological Insights
Bioinformatics Analysis Options
Our comprehensive analysis pipeline transforms raw sequencing data into actionable biological conclusions, suitable for immediate use in publication and downstream research.
Standard Deliverables
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Raw data (FASTQ files): demultiplexed, quality-filtered raw sequencing reads.
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QC statistics (.xlsx): detailed quality control metrics for sequence reads and filtering steps.
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Taxonomy table (.xlsx, raw counts, percentage): full bacterial/microbial abundance table at all taxonomic levels (phylum to species).
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Diversity analysis (.xlsx/HTML): species richness (alpha), and comparisons between samples (beta, PCoA, UPGMA).
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Final report (HTML format): interactive visualization of all standard analysis results.
Advanced & Custom Analysis
For researchers requiring deeper statistical investigation, Psomagen offers specialized modules:
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Functional prediction (PICRUSt2): infer metabolic pathway abundances from 16S data.
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Biomarker discovery (LEfSe): identify statistically significant differences in microbial features between two or more groups.
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Custom statistical modeling: support for generalized liner models, time-series analysis, and complex multi-factor comparisons upon request.
On-Going Promotions
We're always adding new deals — check in often for updated promotions!
Why Our Clients Choose Psomagen
Superior Data Quality
Exceeds manufacturer benchmarks
Fast Turnaround
Starting at one week for sequencing projects
US-Based Processing
Sequencing and customer support in Rockville, MD
Ph.D. Level Support
Expert assistance every step of the way, with real-time project updates through our online system
Automated Workflows
Increase scalability and improve reproducibility
CLIA-Certified, CAP-Accredited Labs
Clinical research options available (inquire for more information)
Complete Sequencing Solutions
From extraction to data analysis, with many sample types accepted
