MinION™ Mk1C, a portable laboratory sequencer
MinION™ Mk1C portable device for DNA and RNA sequencing, of the type used extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic, made by Oxford Nanopore Technologies®, UK, 2020
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Launched in March 2020, the MinION Mk1c is a portable palm sized device giving real time results of DNA and RNA sequencing. Sequencing samples of positive COVID-19 tests is important in tracking the transmission of cases and identifying mutations or variants of the virus. With this information, public health decisions can be made, especially in areas with high numbers of cases or new variants.
The MinION works by creating pores in membranes, which are electrically resistant. These tiny holes are known as nanopores. When a molecule and nanopore come into contact, the electrical current is disrupted and measured. The disruption caused is used to identify the molecule. With the MinION Mk1c, a sequence is available in seven hours.
The developers, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, also developed a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 test called LamPORE, which can be used with the MinION Mk1c. Results are available in 2 hours with 2,000 cases being able to be screened per day.
- Measurements:
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overall: 30 mm x 140 mm x 114 mm, .45 kg
- Materials:
- plastic , metal and electronic components
- Object Number:
- 2021-657/1
- type:
- dna sequencer
