Introduction:

Since the late 1970s, plasmids have been one of the most widely used tools for genetic engineering and expression. Plasmid validation has long relied on Sanger sequencing as the gold standard. But as synthetic biology and gene therapy push the boundaries of complexity, traditional approaches are falling short.

The Challenge: Fragmented data, laborious “primer walking,” and invisible errors in repetitive regions or ITRs.

The Transition to Whole Plasmid Sequencing: Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing enables continuous coverage across entire plasmids, allowing both insert and backbone to be verified in a single workflow.

What You Will Learn

This beginner-friendly session explores the transition from fragmented traditional methods to next-generation plasmid validation:

• Bridging the Gap: Why the plasmid backbone is just as critical as the insert and why you can no longer afford to ignore it.
• The ONT Advantage: How long-read technology combined with Q20+ chemistry enables high-accuracy consensus while resolving structural features beyond the reach of Sanger.
• Decoding the Results: What deliverables you receive and how to use them to confirm plasmid sequence and structure.

Free Webinar: Thursday 2nd April 2026, 10:00 AM GMT / 11:00 AM CET