Zymo Research

Molecular biology tools and sequencing services, including single-sample metatranscriptomics from unprocessed samples like saliva

Zymo Research makes DNA/RNA sample collection and purification tools (including the widely-used DNA/RNA Shield preservation kits) and offers next-generation sequencing services built on them — microbiome/16S profiling, RNA-Seq, methylation analysis, and metatranscriptomic sequencing. Their metatranscriptomic service is notable for accepting a single unprocessed sample (e.g. saliva) with no need for prior extraction, priced accessibly (around $375 for ~30 million paired-end reads) — useful for individuals investigating RNA viruses or active microbial gene expression, which standard DNA-only sequencing can’t capture.