Barcoded MDA Primers With Complementary Blocking Against Self-Priming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiple displacement amplification (MDA) techniques using barcoded randomized primers face issues of undesired self-priming due to longer primers using each other as templates, leading to significant side-products.

Innovation Solution

The use of barcoded randomized primers with a complementary sequence, either covalently linked as a hairpin or separate, to block self-priming, combined with partitioning and sequencing technologies to maintain unique molecular identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If barcoded randomized primers are used for MDA, then amplification coverage and tracking capability are improved, but self-priming side-products increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplification tracking accuracyVSAvoidself-priming side-products
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful self-priming capability by designing the complementary sequence to be non-complementary to the barcode and random sequence portions, effectively taking out the harmful self-annealing property while retaining the beneficial tracking capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The complementary sequence acts as an intermediary element that blocks self-priming by annealing to the primer in a controlled manner, mediating between the primer's amplification function and the need to prevent self-priming side reactions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If longer primers with barcodes are used, then molecular identification capability is improved, but self-priming occurs more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular identifier retentionVSAvoidself-priming events
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the primer into distinct functional regions (barcode sequence, random sequence, and complementary sequence), allowing each segment to perform its specific function while preventing unwanted interactions between them

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making different portions of the primer have different properties: the barcode portion maintains identification capability, the random sequence provides annealing specificity, and the complementary sequence locally blocks self-priming through controlled annealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces background of undesired self-priming products, ensuring desired MDA products with improved accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the plurality of oligonucleotides to sample DNA under conditions in which the complementary nucleic acid anneals to an oligonucleotide and allows for annealing of the 3' random sequence to the DNA

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnnealing: Annealing

Implementation Method 2

extending the 3' random sequence in a template-dependent manner with a strand-displacing polymerase to generate extended oligonucleotides comprising a 3' sequence complementary to the DNA

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDNA replication: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3642363B1MDA using bead oligonucleotide
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC
  • EP3642363B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642363B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3642363B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Improved multiple displacement amplification (MDA) reagents and methods are provided.