Unisa has launched Africa’s first next-generation DNA sequencing platform, the PacBio Revio, developed in collaboration with Inqaba Biotec.

The first-of-its-kind breakthrough signifies a major leap forward in bolstering the university’s catalytic niche areas focusing on science and technology, and unlocks more insights into health, agriculture and environmental research.

The acquisition and installation of the state-of-the-art platform, co-funded by both parties, will be housed at Inqaba Biotec’s facilities in Pretoria.

The project aims to offer next-generation sequencing (NGS) services to the wider scientific community using both the PacBio Revio and the independently acquired PacBio Onso systems.

The initiative is expected to significantly boost the capacity for high-quality, long-range sequencing data, enabling comprehensive analyses crucial for studies in genomics and epigenetics.

The university and Inqaba Biotec explain that their strategic partnership underscores the commitment of both parties to advancing scientific research and providing cost-effective access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies, and represents a significant milestone in enhancing Africa’s genomic research capabilities.

"The decision to partner with Inqaba Biotec in the purchase and operation of the PacBio Revio third-generation long-read DNA sequencing system is a strategic one for Unisa, in line with our biotechnology niche area," said project leader Professor Ntanganedzeni Mapholi, Deputy Executive Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and co-chair of the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP).

"It is critical that such systems are placed in high throughput environments, where they can be fully utilised by skilled application specialists to ensure the highest data quality and the most cost-efficient operation."

"In addition, this public-private partnership will achieve that aim to the benefit of Inqaba Biotec, Unisa and the wider genomics community.

The system will ensure we are able to meet the aims of AfricaBP and other related genomic initiatives, through the development of the latest generation of de novo reference genome assemblies."

Dr Oliver Preisig, Inqaba Biotec Executive Director, added: "Inqaba Biotec is eager to have the data from our Revio (and Onso) systems in the hands of our African life scientists, and we are confident that both systems will drive research and development in the academic and personalised genomics spheres in Africa and globally."

The platform aims to provide enhanced research capabilities where the long-read sequencing technology will provide insights into complex biological processes, including gene regulation, development and disease progression. The new sequencing services will be available to researchers and scientists across Africa, fostering a collaborative environment for genomic studies and innovation.

Unisa said the partnership between the university and Inqaba Biotec exemplified its commitment to its catalytic niche areas, particularly in Natural Sciences (Biotechnological Studies) and Health Studies/Medicine.

The PacBio Revio platform will not only advance DNA research in these fields, but also has the potential to contribute to breakthroughs into health, agriculture and environmental research, and develop further the areas that are critical towards Africa's development.

Cape Times