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NGS Adapters and Indexing Primers

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) adapters and indexing primers are essential for NGS library preparation, enabling DNA fragments to bind to the flow cell support, enable sample multiplexing and generate reliable sequencing data. Biosearch Technologies' NxGrade™ Custom Oligonucleotides are purpose-built for indexing primers and adapters, delivering high purity, reproducibility and low cross-contamination to help minimise barcode crosstalk and support confidence in multiplexed sequencing workflows.

NGS sequencing cartridge in a laboratory setting representing library preparation, indexing primers, adapters and multiplexed sequencing workflows.

What are NGS adapters and indexing primers?

Essential oligonucleotides for sequencing and sample identification

NGS adapters and indexing primers are specialised oligonucleotides used during NGS library preparation to enable sequencing and sample identification. Sequencing adapters provide the flow cell binding sequences and sequencing primer binding sites required for cluster generation and sequencing, while indexing primers introduce i5 and i7 indexes that allow multiple libraries to be pooled and analysed within a single run. Because multiplexed sequencing depends on accurate sample identification, adapter quality, oligonucleotide purity and contamination control are critical for maintaining sequencing accuracy, reducing sample misassignment and supporting confidence in downstream analysis.

Key challenges in NGS indexing primers and adapters

Organisations developing and scaling sequencing workflows face a range of challenges that can affect multiplexed sequencing performance.

Barcode crosstalk

Minimising barcode crosstalk in multiplexed sequencing workflows.

Sample misassignment

Reducing the risk of barcode misassignment.

Oligonucleotide purity

Maintaining high oligonucleotide purity.

Manufacturing impurities

Removing truncated sequences and manufacturing impurities.

Reproducible library preparation

Supporting reproducible library preparation.

Scalable supply

Scaling oligonucleotide supply for larger projects and managing delivery formats, labelling and workflow integration requirements.

Supporting NGS library preparation and multiplexed sequencing

Reliable sequencing results depend on more than adapter design alone. Researchers, sequencing facilities and commercial genomics organisations require high-purity oligonucleotides, robust contamination controls and flexible manufacturing support to meet the demands of modern sequencing workflows.

Who we support

Genomics researchers, molecular biology scientists, NGS core facilities, sequencing service providers and commercial genomics programmes requiring high-quality indexing primers and adapters for reliable library preparation and sequencing.

What they need

High-quality NGS adapters and indexing primers that combine purity, reproducibility, low cross-contamination and flexible delivery options to support multiplexed sequencing applications.

NGS adapters and indexing primers across applications and technologies

Applications

NGS adapters and indexing primers support next-generation sequencing workflows used in research, assay development and in vitro diagnostic applications.

Technologies

Sequencing adapters, indexing primers and multiplexing strategies support efficient library preparation, sample identification and high-throughput sequencing workflows.

Industries

See how LGC supports genomics researchers, sequencing facilities, diagnostics developers and commercial genomics organisations.

Industries

Why choose LGC for NGS adapters and indexing primers

Expertise and manufacturing capabilities for NGS workflows

Dedicated NGS manufacturing expertise

NxGrade™ custom oligonucleotides are produced using a dedicated production line specifically engineered for NGS indexing primers and adapters, helping support consistency, accuracy and reproducibility.

Focus on contamination mitigation

Routine NGS-based monitoring is used to support cross-contamination control, with typical cross-contamination levels reported as less than 0.05%.

Flexible supply models

Capabilities include custom formulation options, bulk oligo production, multiple delivery formats, custom labelling solutions and collaborative quality control development for larger projects.

Laboratory scientist performing sample preparation with a micropipette, representing NxGrade™ Custom Oligonucleotides for NGS library preparation, indexing primers and sequencing workflows

NxGrade™ Custom Oligonucleotides

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Customer base

37,000+

Customers supported globally

Global reach

144

Countries served worldwide

Frequently asked questions

What are adapters in Illumina sequencing?

Adapters are oligonucleotide sequences added to DNA or RNA fragments during NGS library preparation. They provide the sequences required for flow cell binding, sequencing primer attachment and sample indexing, enabling successful sequencing on platforms such as Illumina systems.

What is the role of adapters in DNA sequencing?

Sequencing adapters provide the functional sequences required for library preparation and sequencing workflows, including flow cell interaction, primer binding and sample indexing.

What is index hopping and how do I prevent it?

Index hopping is the incorrect assignment of sequencing reads to unintended index sequences. Using high-quality, low-contamination oligonucleotides and considering indexing strategies such as unique dual indexes can help reduce the risk of misassignment.

Looking for NGS adapter and indexing primer expertise?

Whether you are establishing a new NGS library preparation workflow, scaling multiplexed sequencing programmes or sourcing custom index sets for large sequencing projects, our team can help identify the most appropriate adapter and indexing strategy for your application.