Sequencing by Synthesis (SBS) Technology
Introduction to SBS technology
Illumina sequencing technology, sequencing by synthesis (SBS), is a widely adopted next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology worldwide. Illumina instruments and reagents use a proprietary method that detects single bases as they are incorporated into growing DNA strands with massively parallel capabilities. The latest Illumina SBS technology, XLEAP-SBS chemistry, is our fastest, highest quality, and most robust SBS chemistry to date, enabling streamlined workflows on our market-leading sequencers.
SBS chemistry
A fluorescently labeled reversible terminator is imaged as each dNTP is added, and then cleaved to allow incorporation of the next base. Since all four reversible terminator-bound dNTPs are present during each sequencing cycle, natural competition minimizes incorporation bias.1
The end result is true base-by-base sequencing that enables accurate data for a broad range of applications. The method virtually eliminates errors and missed calls associated with strings of repeated nucleotides (homopolymers).
Further advantages of SBS technology
Illumina sequencing by synthesis technology supports both single-read and paired-end libraries. SBS technology offers a short-insert paired-end capability for high-resolution genome sequencing, as well as long-insert paired-end reads for efficient sequence assembly, de novo sequencing, and more.
The combination of short inserts and longer reads increases the ability to fully characterize any genome.
Introduction to NGS ebook
If you are new to NGS, download our comprehensive, yet easy-to-follow guide to get started. You’ll learn about NGS methods, workflows, data analysis solutions, and more in this step-by-step guide.
Download eBookIncreased speed and greater fidelity with XLEAP-SBS chemistry
XLEAP-SBS chemistry delivers fundamentally advanced SBS chemistry engineered for increased speed, greater fidelity, and more robustness. With up to 2x faster incorporation speed, up to 3x greater accuracy, and engineered for longer reads, XLEAP-SBS chemistry unlocks even more sequencing capabilities than ever before.2 XLEAP-SBS chemistry is currently available on the following platforms:
Sequencing instrument portfolio
Illumina offers innovative sequencing systems that deliver exceptional data quality and accuracy, at the scale you need.
See all NGS platforms
More SBS technology breakthroughs
1-channel SBS
The Illumina semiconductor sequencing method, also known as 1-channel SBS, couples Illumina SBS chemistry with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This allows for low instrument costs and a small instrument footprint, all while maintaining the high data accuracy of SBS.
Learn more about 1-channel SBS
2-channel SBS
Find out how this recent evolution of SBS technology enables faster sequencing than the prior version of Illumina SBS technology, with the same high data accuracy.
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References
- Bentley DR, Balasubramanian S, Swerdlow HP, et al. Accurate Whole Human Genome Sequencing using Reversible Terminator Chemistry. Nature. 2008; 456 (7218): 53–59.
- Compared to standard Illumina SBS chemistry.