Method and device for performing submicroliter reactions with nucleic acids or proteins

Abstract

Methods for preparing nanoscale reactions using nucleic acids or proteins are presented, Nucleic acids are captured saturably, yet reversibly, on the internal surface of the reaction chamber, typically a capillary. Excess nucleic acid is removed and the reaction is performed directly within the capillary. Proteins are captured specifically and saturably on the modified inner surface of the reaction chamber, typically a capillary. Excess protein is removed and the reaction is performed directly within the capillary. Devices for effecting the methods of the invention and a system designed advantageously to utilize the methods for high throughput reactions involving nucleic acids or proteins are also provided.

Description

[0001] This invention was made with government support. The government has certain rights in this invention.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 355,660, filed February 8, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 355,648, filed February 8, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No. Patent application 10 / 262,476 enjoys priority. field of invention

[0004] The invention belongs to the field of biotechnology, and relates to methods and devices for preparing and performing small-scale reactions using nucleic acids or proteins. Background of the invention

[0005] The federally funded Human Genome Project initially aimed to sequence all ten folds of the human genome by 2005. With the pace greatly accelerated, there have been partial sketches recently. However, this feat did not reduce the demand for fast, cheap DNA sequencing, but instead stimulated the demand for fast, cheap nucleic acid seq...

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