Serial entrepreneur Jonathan Rothberg’s latest sequencing startup, 454.bio, has released open source plans to build a Keurig-sized sequencing device that retails for $100. They are attempting a novel twist on sequencing-by-synthesis to achieve sequencing runs in the $20 range. This unconventional strategy comes from someone who has succeeded in DNA sequencing multiple times before, with companies like 454 and Ion Torrent. Rothberg also has multiple other companies in various fields, such as protein sequencing, ultrasound diagnostics, and MRI diagnostic devices. 454.bio’s approach has nothing to do with 454’s previous approach, but the company aims to revive the name and brand. Rothberg is also holding a contest for improving the discrimination of their polymerase.
http://omicsomics.blogspot.com/2024/02/want-to-build-sequencer-454bio-opens-up.html