BGI Selects Solvay’s Semi-crystalline PEEK for Use in Genome Sequencer
Solvay Specialty Polymers, among the leading global suppliers of high-performance thermoplastics, announced that its KetaSpire® polyetheretherketone (PEEK), one of the highest performing semi-crystalline thermoplastics commercially available, has been chosen by BGI, one of the world’s largest genomics organization based in Shenzhen, China, for use in its next-generation sequencing platform, BGISEQ-500. This is a milestone development for Ketaspire® PEEK, marking its first application in the genomics research industry. “Traditionally, glass is used for the flow cell chip holder, but it is easily broken and difficult to process. The toughness and injection molding capabilities of Solvay’s KetaSpire® PEEK solved this problem perfectly,” said Jing Wang, R&D manager of BGI. “KetaSpire® PEEK also demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, no absorption or interaction with reagents, and excellent dimensional stability, which enables highly accurate assembly in the flow cell.” In October 20