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Sequencing by synthesis (SBS) technology

Massively parallel sequencing with optimized SBS chemistry

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 date1, enabling streamlined workflows on our sequencers.

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How SBS chemistry works

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.2

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).

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Introduction to NGS eBook

If you are new to NGS, download our comprehensive guide to get started. You’ll learn about NGS methods, workflows, data analysis solutions, and more in this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide.

Increased 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 2× faster incorporation speed, up to 3× greater accuracy, and engineered for longer reads, XLEAP-SBS chemistry unlocks more sequencing capabilities than ever before.1

XLEAP-SBS chemistry is currently available on the following platforms:

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.

Learn more about paired-end sequencing
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Sequencing system portfolio

Illumina offers innovative sequencing platforms that deliver exceptional data quality and accuracy, at the scale you need.

See all NGS platforms

Additional SBS technology breakthroughs

Semiconductor sequencing

The Illumina semiconductor sequencing technology 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 semiconductor sequencing

Two-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.

Learn more about two-channel SBS

Additional resources

NGS for beginners

Learn the basic principles of NGS, find educational resources, and see how NGS has become an accessible option for labs of all sizes.

Sequencing reagents

Find Illumina instrument‐specific sequencing kits, reagents, flow cells, and more.

References
  1. Compared to standard Illumina SBS chemistry.
  2. Bentley DR, Balasubramanian S, Swerdlow HP, et al. Accurate Whole Human Genome Sequencing using Reversible Terminator Chemistry. Nature. 2008;456(7218):53–59. doi:10.1038/nature07517