Research Support
Your project. Our sequencing.
Genomic research generates answers, and getting from question to data shouldn't be the hard part. Whether you are a principal investigator running a funded study, a government team with a sequencing requirement, a biotech company advancing a development pipeline, or an independent researcher pursuing a question that requires molecular data, Lumicore provides the sequencing infrastructure and scientific expertise to move your work forward.
Lumicore is a genomics laboratory in Tampa, FL, serving researchers across the Tampa Bay region, St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Central Florida, as well as clients throughout the Southeast United States and nationwide. We offer third generation and next generation sequencing services built around flexibility, direct communication, and scientific rigor. We work with you to understand your project, design or refine the sequencing approach, prepare your libraries, generate your data, and deliver results you can build on.
What we offer
Our research services span the full sequencing workflow, available as a complete pipeline or as individual components depending on what your project needs. Quality control is embedded at every stage of the process, from extraction through final data delivery, and serves as both a quality assurance measure and a diagnostic tool when the science presents unexpected challenges.
Library preparation. We prepare sequencing libraries for both long read and short read platforms using a broad range of preparation chemistries matched to the application. Preparations include whole genome, amplicon, targeted panel, 16S and ITS metabarcoding, metagenomics, RNAseq (including poly A selection, ribodepletion, and small RNA workflows), and other library types. We also accept premade libraries, including ChIPseq, ATACseq, and 10x Genomics single cell libraries, for sequencing on our platforms. Multiplexed preparations allow many samples to be run on a single sequencing run, reducing per sample cost and turnaround time.
Library preparation chemistry is selected based on the biological question, the sequencing platform, the sample type, and the project timeline. Post preparation QC, including fluorometric quantification (Qubit), electrophoretic fragment analysis (TapeStation), and qPCR based library quantification where the application requires it, confirms that each library meets platform specifications before sequencing proceeds.
Sequencing. We perform sequencing on both long read and short read platforms. Our long read nanopore sequencing generates real time data with reads that routinely span tens of thousands of bases and can exceed 100,000, well suited for de novo assembly, structural analysis, and applications where read length drives the result. Our Illumina sequencing spans MiSeq for smaller amplicon and targeted projects through NovaSeq for high depth whole genome sequencing at scale. Platform selection is guided by the scientific requirements of the project, and, if desired, we help you determine which platform delivers the best data for your question and budget.
Data delivery. Sequencing data is delivered in standard formats (FASTQ, FAST5, POD5, BAM) through secure file transfer. For Illumina based projects, data delivery through Illumina BaseSpace is also available. Run reports, QC summaries, and sequencing metrics are included with every delivery.
Applications
Our sequencing capabilities support a wide range of research and commercial applications across the biological sciences.
Genomics. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) provides comprehensive genomic data for de novo assembly, resequencing, structural variant detection, comparative genomics, and population studies across any organism with a sequenced or unsequenced genome. Microbial and bacterial whole genome sequencing supports isolate characterization, strain typing, outbreak tracking, and antimicrobial resistance gene detection. Whole exome sequencing (WES) targets protein coding regions for efficient identification of coding variants, supporting research in genetic disease, drug development, precision medicine, and diagnostic innovation. Plasmid sequencing confirms construct identity, insert integrity, and vector structure for molecular biology and synthetic biology workflows.
Transcriptomics. Transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq) measures gene expression, differential expression, alternative splicing, and transcript discovery across tissues, conditions, and organisms. We support both poly A selection for mRNA enrichment and ribodepletion for total RNA workflows, depending on the biological question. Long read transcriptome sequencing captures full length isoforms for more complete transcript characterization. Small RNA sequencing (miRNA, siRNA, piRNA) profiles the regulatory small RNA landscape for studies in gene regulation, biomarker discovery, and developmental biology.
Microbiome and metagenomics. 16S and ITS metabarcoding profiles microbial and fungal community composition from environmental, clinical, agricultural, and food samples. Shotgun metagenomics sequences all DNA recovered from a complex sample for comprehensive community profiling, functional gene annotation, and strain level resolution. These approaches support research in human health, gut microbiome characterization, soil ecology, water quality, fermentation science, and pathogen detection.
Viral sequencing. Whole genome viral sequencing and amplicon based viral surveillance support pathogen characterization, outbreak investigation, viral evolution studies, and variant tracking. Metagenomic approaches can detect and characterize viral sequences from complex clinical, environmental, and agricultural samples.
Epigenomics and chromatin studies. We accept premade ChIPseq and ATACseq libraries for sequencing on both long read and short read platforms. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIPseq) maps protein DNA interactions and histone modifications across the genome. Assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (ATACseq) profiles open chromatin regions and regulatory element accessibility. Long read nanopore sequencing enables direct detection of native DNA methylation patterns without bisulfite conversion.
Targeted sequencing. Amplicon sequencing supports targeted marker panels, DNA barcoding regions, custom loci, SNP panels, and microsatellite analysis for applications spanning population genetics, species identification, and genotyping. Restriction site associated sequencing approaches (RADseq, ddRADseq, GBS) provide cost effective genome wide marker discovery and genotyping for population genomics, phylogeography, and breeding programs. Custom targeted panels can be designed for specific research questions or validated marker sets.
Single cell sequencing. We accept premade 10x Genomics single cell libraries for sequencing on our Illumina platform, supporting applications in single cell gene expression, immune profiling, multiome (gene expression plus chromatin accessibility), and other 10x workflows.
Specialized and emerging applications. CRISPR edit verification and off target screening confirms the presence and precision of genome edits in engineered organisms. Environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing assesses biodiversity in water, soil, and air samples for ecological monitoring, conservation, and habitat assessment. Long read specific applications include repeat region resolution and de novo genome assembly with minimal fragmentation, enabling high quality reference genomes for organisms with complex or repetitive genomic architectures. HiC and chromosome conformation capture sequencing supports genome scaffolding, 3D genome organization studies, and phase resolved assemblies. Ancient DNA (aDNA) sequencing supports archaeological and anthropological research through genomic analysis of preserved bones, teeth, dental calculus, parchment, pottery residues, preserved textiles, and other archaeological specimens.
If your project involves an application we have not listed, reach out. We are experienced in designing workflows for nonstandard organisms, unusual sample matrices, and specialized applications.
Research areas we support
Our sequencing services integrate into research programs across a broad range of fields and disciplines.
Medical and biomedical research benefits from high quality genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic data for studies in genetic disease, cancer biology, pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic development.
Agricultural science and plant biology use sequencing for crop improvement, trait characterization, variety development, disease resistance studies, and breeding program support.
Environmental science and conservation research depend on eDNA surveys, biodiversity monitoring, habitat assessment, and ecological genomics to inform resource management and conservation strategy.
Microbiology and infectious disease research relies on whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, and pathogen characterization for surveillance, outbreak investigation, and antimicrobial resistance studies.
Viral genomics supports pathogen surveillance, vaccine development, and epidemiological tracking across public health and veterinary contexts.
Biosecurity and defense applications use sequencing for pathogen detection, environmental monitoring, and biological threat characterization.
Evolutionary biology, ecology, and population genetics use genomic data to study speciation, phylogenetics, population structure, gene flow, and adaptation.
Archaeology and anthropology use ancient DNA sequencing to study human migration, dietary practices, disease history, domestication, and the biological identity of materials recovered from archaeological sites.
How we work with you
Every project starts with a conversation. We discuss the biological question, the sample type, the desired output, and any constraints around timeline or budget. From that conversation we build a project plan with clearly defined deliverables, pricing, and turnaround expectations before any bench work begins.
Throughout the project, you have direct access to the scientist handling your samples. We work the way you work. Some clients want to be involved at every stage, reviewing QC data and weighing in on sequencing decisions as the project moves forward. Others prefer to define the scope upfront, send their material, and receive finished data on the other end. Either way, the scientist running your project carries a full understanding of the goals behind it, and that understanding shapes every decision made at the bench. If anything in the workflow requires your input before we proceed, we reach out and walk through it with you.
Pricing
We provide project specific quotes based on sample volume, preparation type, sequencing platform, sequencing depth, and deliverable scope. Turnaround times vary by project scope and are defined during project planning. Contact us with a description of your project and we will respond with a detailed quote
Who this is for
Our research sequencing services serve clients across academia, government, and industry who need high quality sequencing data generated by experienced scientists.
Academic and university researchers working on funded projects, dissertations, publications, or exploratory studies in genomics, ecology, microbiology, plant science, animal science, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, genetics, agricultural science, marine biology, and related fields. Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and principal investigators at any stage of a project benefit from a sequencing partner that communicates directly and adapts to the science as it develops.
Federal, state, and local government agencies and laboratories with sequencing requirements for environmental monitoring, agricultural research, wildlife management, biosurveillance, public health, water quality, and other mission areas where molecular data informs decision making.
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies advancing product development pipelines, running genomic screens, validating engineered organisms, characterizing cell lines, or generating sequencing data for research and development programs.
Agricultural and seed companies conducting variety development, trait characterization, genetic mapping, GMO detection, and breeding program support through sequencing.
Environmental and conservation organizations using eDNA surveys, biodiversity assessments, species monitoring, habitat evaluation, and ecological research that depends on sequencing data.
Contract research organizations and other laboratories seeking contract sequencing services, additional capacity, specialized capabilities, or a sequencing partner for collaborative projects.
Independent researchers, startups, and small organizations pursuing projects that require sequencing infrastructure and expertise beyond what is available internally. A five sample exploratory project and a five hundred sample production run receive the same scientific attention and quality.
Get started
If you have a project in mind, send us a description of the work and we will respond with a consultation and a detailed quote. If you are early in the planning stage and want to talk through whether sequencing is the right approach for your question, that conversation is always free.
If you are preparing a grant proposal and need to include a sequencing provider in your facilities and resources section, we are happy to provide a capabilities summary and supporting language for your application.
Contact us at inquire@lumicore.org or through our website to start the conversation.