Metagenomics is a cutting-edge, fast-evolving field focused on studying the collective genomes of microbial communities directly from their natural environments, without isolating or culturing individual species. This approach enables the exploration of the vast diversity of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms in ecosystems ranging from soil and oceans to the human body. By analyzing the genetic material of entire communities, metagenomics provides deep insights into the composition, function, and interactions of microorganisms in their native habitats.

Metagenomics is revolutionizing our understanding of microbial life, offering unprecedented insights into the hidden communities that shape our environment and health. By examining the genetic makeup of entire microbial ecosystems, metagenomics provides valuable information that drives advancements in medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and biotechnology.

Applications of Metagenomics Across Scientific Fields

• Health and Medicine:
  Metagenomics is transforming our understanding of the human microbiome, revealing how microbial communities in the gut, skin, and other areas impact health, immunity, and disease risk, as well as responses to therapies. Microbial imbalances have been linked to conditions such as inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancers. Metagenomics also has applications in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and drug development.
• Environmental Science:
  Metagenomics aids in monitoring microbial communities in soil, water, and wastewater, helping track microbial changes in response to pollution or climate change. This field also supports conservation efforts by examining microbial biodiversity, contributing to pollution control and ecosystem health.
• Agriculture:
  Studying soil microbiomes through metagenomics enhances crop health, nutrient cycling, and pest resistance, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving crop yields.
• Biotechnology:
  Metagenomics enables the discovery of novel genes and enzymes from microbial communities, with applications in pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and bioremediation.

How Does Metagenomics Work?

Metagenomics begins with sampling microbial DNA directly from an environment, such as water, soil, or biological samples like gut microbiome swabs. The DNA is then extracted and sequenced using high-throughput sequencing techniques.

In metagenomic studies, shotgun whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is typically preferred over targeted methods. This approach sequences all DNA in the sample, providing a comprehensive view of both known and unknown genes. Shotgun metagenomics not only identifies the types of organisms in a sample but also reveals their potential functions.

Key Benefits

• Comprehensive Microbial Profiling: Shotgun metagenomics enables the discovery of the full spectrum of microbial diversity in an environment, capturing both common and rare organisms.
• Functional Insights: By analyzing gene functions within the microbial community, metagenomics provides insights into how microbes contribute to processes like nutrient cycling, disease states, and ecosystem stability.

Discover our flexible, cost-effective, high-quality shotgun WGS services including comprehensive end-to-end solutions, customized options, as well as sequencing of ready-to-load third-party WGS libraries.  

Alacris is operating a seamless, automated workflow specifically dedicated to metagenomics, from sample extraction to high-throughput sequencing.

Guaranteed quality: We are committed to delivering the highest-quality data through seamless workflows with rigorous quality controls at every step.

Our NGS services are fully scalable, while remaining tailored to individual needs.

Metagenomics WGS Specifications (specific sequence output will be determined according to customer’s preferences):

	High-Quality WGS
Species	Any
Accepted sample type	Fecal samples, saliva samples, others on demand, extracted DNA
Recommended  DNA quantity for library preparation	200 ng DNA (Input Range 1 ng–200 ng)
Library type	PCR-based WGS
Sequencing Technology	MGI DNBSEQTM PE 150 bp (G400 or T7 sequencer)  Q40 quality available
Typical output  for e.g  WGS Shotgun metagenomics	6 Gb or 12 Gb, Flexible Output at customer’s request
Regular TAT (Express service on demand)	Two weeks from sample reception to FASTQ