MGI's DNA sequencing instruments utilize the state-of-the-art core technology called DNBSEQ™. DNBs (DNA nanoballs) are pumped by the fluidics system and loaded onto a Patterned Array chip. Sequencing primer is then added and hybridized to the adaptor region of the DNB. The sequencing reaction starts by pumping sequencing reagents containing fluorescently labelled dNTP probes and DNA polymerase.  Images are taken after the fluorescently labelled probes on the DNB are excited with lasers.  The images are then converted into a digital signal using MGI's propriety software. This information is then used to determine the DNA sequence of the sample.

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All sequencing technologies relating to DNBs are part of DNBSEQ™. It includes: DNA single-strand circularization and DNB preparation technology, Patterned Arrays, DNB loading, cPAS (combinatorial Probe Anchor Synthesis), Pair-End Sequencing technology on DNBs, fluidics and imaging systems, base calling algorithms, etc. cPAS technology has been widely used on various sequencing platforms including BGISEQ-50, BGISEQ-500, DNBSEQ-G50, DNBSEQ-G400, DNBSEQ-T7, etc.

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Compared to other existing sequencing platforms, DNBSEQ™ sequencing technology combines the advantages of low amplification error rates from DNBs and high-density patterned arrays. These advantages dramatically improve sequencing accuracy and have much lower duplication rates in WGS/WES applications. When combined with the PCR-free library construction method, DNBSEQ™ also has higher SNP and indel detection accuracy compared to other platforms. In addition, the index hopping rate in DNBSEQ™ platforms is much lower as compared to that of other platforms.