# AmpliFuse: an amplicon simulation tool with enhanced chimera generation for Illumina platforms

## TL;DR

AmpliFuse is a tool that simulates realistic amplicon datasets, including chimeric reads, to improve the evaluation of sequencing methods in microbiome and AMR research.

## Contribution

AmpliFuse introduces a novel approach to simulate amplicon datasets with realistic chimeric reads for Illumina platforms.

## Key findings

- AmpliFuse simulates realistic amplicon datasets using in silico PCR and chimera formation.
- The tool generates biologically relevant chimeric reads to benchmark detection algorithms.
- AmpliFuse supports improved evaluation of sequencing workflows in microbiome and AMR studies.

## Abstract

PCR-generated chimeric amplicons undermine the accuracy and reliability of subsequent amplicon-sequencing analyses. AmpliFuse, a Python-based tool, simulates realistic amplicon datasets through in silico PCR, chimera formation, and read simulation. By providing biologically relevant chimera-containing amplicon reads, AmpliFuse would facilitate benchmarking of chimera-detection algorithms and workflows, advancing microbiome and AMR research.