Why use BLink-seq?

Linked-read sequencing is a relatively recent innovation, first commercialized by 10X Genomics in 2016. Although the technology generated a lot of excitement and saw rapid adoption, it was discontinued in 2019 following patent litigation. Since then, new commercial platforms such as stLFR and TELLseq have emerged, but we believe linked-read technology should be accessible, reproducible, and collaborative.

BLink-seq was created with those principles in mind. Rather than treating linked-read sequencing as a proprietary technology, we aim to empower researchers through comprehensive documentation, clear and human-readable protocols, and hands-on collaboration. Our goal is to make it possible for any laboratory to produce its own BLink-beads and prepare high-quality linked-read libraries.

We also want to help linked-read sequencing reach its full potential as a research tool. That’s why we advocate for a standardized linked-read data format, develop chemistry-agnostic software that works across linked-read technologies, and provide educational resources for understanding, analyzing, and reporting linked-read-specific metrics.

We believe that open science benefits everyone. By making our chemistry, software, protocols, and educational resources freely available, we hope to lower barriers to adoption and help build a stronger, more collaborative linked-read community.