The linked-read sequencing is microfluidic-based, and only needs nanograms of input DNA. One nanogram of DNA can be distributed across more than 100,000 droplet partitions, where DNA fragments are barcoded and subjected to polymerase chain reactions (PCR). As a result, DNA fragments (or reads) that share the same barcode can be grouped as coming from one single long input DNA sequence. And, long range information can be assembled from short reads.
Steps of Linked-read sequencing:
# Sample Preparation: DNA is extracted from a sample (e.g., blood) and cut into fragments of 50 to 200 kilo base-pairs long.
# Barcode Sequencing: each DNA fragment is labelled with a unique barcode through a process known as "Gel Bead-In Emulsion" (GEM).
# Library Preparation:  barcoded DNA fragments are amplified with PCR to generate sequencing libraries. 
# Sequencing: with Illumina next-generation sequencing technology, generate millions to billions of short sequence reads that represent fragments of the original DNA molecules. 
# Barcode Processing: group short reads to longer fragments based on barcodes. 
# Downstream Analysis: processed reads are aligned to a reference genome, or used for de novo assembly of complex genomes, haplotype phasing, or identification of structural variations.