2021 10X Genomics Chromium Controller
What it does
The Chromium Controller uses microfluidic cartridges to combine:
- Cells or nuclei
- Gel beads carrying barcoded oligonucleotides
- Reagents
The instrument generates thousands of microscopic GEMs, with each partition ideally containing a single cell/nucleus and a barcoded gel bead.
This enables researchers to associate RNA or other molecular information with the originating cell.
Major applications
| Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Single-cell RNA-seq | Gene-expression profiling at individual-cell resolution |
| Single-nucleus RNA-seq | Transcriptomic profiling from nuclei |
| Single-cell ATAC-seq | Chromatin-accessibility profiling |
| Multiome | Simultaneous measurement of RNA expression and chromatin accessibility |
| Immune profiling | TCR/BCR sequencing and immune-cell characterization |
| Single-cell DNA applications | Genomic variation and related analyses, depending on the assay |
How the workflow works
Sample preparation → Chromium Controller → GEM generation → Library preparation → Sequencing → 10x Genomics analysis
The Controller itself generally does not perform sequencing. Its principal role is the partitioning/barcoding step at the beginning of the workflow.
Key characteristics
- Manufacturer: 10x Genomics
- Instrument type: Automated microfluidic partitioning system
- Technology: Droplet-based microfluidics
- Primary output: GEMs containing barcoded molecular reagents and biological material
- Typical environment: Molecular biology / genomics laboratory
- Downstream platform: Illumina-compatible sequencing workflows are commonly used with 10x libraries
Chromium Controller vs. newer Chromium instruments
10x Genomics has developed the Chromium platform substantially over time. The Chromium Controller is an earlier-generation instrument, while newer systems such as the Chromium X Series provide expanded throughput and workflow capabilities.
The exact assays and reagent kits compatible with a particular Controller depend on the instrument generation and the 10x Genomics chemistry being used.
If you’re evaluating a used Chromium Controller, important things to check include the instrument’s serial/model number, supported chemistry, software/firmware version, cartridge compatibility, service history, and availability of consumables.
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