3' Blocked Nucleotides for Sequencing by Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nucleotide sequencing methods using 3′-allyl blocked nucleotides face challenges due to low efficiency of 3′ blocking group cleavage chemistry and rapid loss of signal intensity, limiting the application of sequencing by synthesis (SBS) for long DNA reads.

Innovation Solution

Development of nucleotides with 3′-OH acetal or thiocarbamate blocking groups that provide improved stability and efficiency in sequencing, using a Pd(0) catalyst for deblocking, and incorporation of detectable labels via cleavable linkers for enhanced sequencing metrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 3'-allyl blocked nucleotides are used for sequencing by synthesis, then sequencing can be performed, but the 3' blocking group cleavage chemistry has low efficiency and signal intensity is rapidly lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequencing reliabilityVSAvoiddeblocking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure of the 3' blocking group from allyl to acetal or thiocarbamate groups, which fundamentally alters the cleavage chemistry parameters. These new groups are designed to be cleaved by Pd(0) catalyst under mild conditions, achieving near-quantitative deblocking efficiency while maintaining sequencing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Pd(0) catalyst as an intermediary substance to mediate the cleavage reaction of the 3' blocking group. This catalyst enables efficient removal of the acetal or thiocarbamate groups without interfering with the DNA polymerase reaction or causing signal loss, resolving the contradiction between reliable sequencing and efficient deblocking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If 3'-allyl blocked nucleotides are used for sequencing by synthesis, then sequencing can be performed, but signal intensity is rapidly lost limiting long DNA reads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequencing read lengthVSAvoidsignal intensity loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fluorescent label chemistry by using novel fluorophores with enhanced photostability and quantum yield. These modified labels maintain signal intensity over extended sequencing cycles, enabling long read lengths without rapid signal decay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses Pd(0) catalyst as an intermediary that enables clean removal of the 3' blocking group without causing collateral damage to the fluorescent label or DNA structure. This selective deblocking prevents signal loss and maintains signal intensity throughout long sequencing runs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional 3' blocking groups are used, then nucleotide incorporation can be controlled, but pre-phasing occurs due to incomplete deblocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenucleotide incorporation controlVSAvoidsequencing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical properties of the 3' blocking group to acetal or thiocarbamate structures that are specifically designed for complete and uniform cleavage by Pd(0) catalyst. This ensures that all blocked nucleotides are efficiently deblocked at the same rate, eliminating pre-phasing while maintaining precise incorporation control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The Pd(0) catalyst acts as an intermediary that mediates uniform deblocking of all 3' blocked nucleotides in the population. This catalyst ensures synchronous removal of blocking groups, preventing the differential deblocking that causes pre-phasing and maintains sequencing accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The new nucleotides offer superior stability and deblocking rates, reducing pre-phasing and signal decay, enabling longer sequencing reads and improved data quality.

Implementation Method 1

using a Pd(0) catalyst for deblocking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20240182963A1Methods of sequencing using 3' blocked nucleotides
Publication Date: 2024.06.06 ILLUMINA INC
  • US20240182963A1 patent drawing
  • US20240182963A1 patent drawing
  • US20240182963A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to nucleotide and nucleoside molecules with 3′ acetal, thiocarbamate or allyl blocking groups. Also provided herein are methods to prepare such nucleotide and nucleoside molecules, and the uses of fully functionalized nucleotides containing the 3′-OH blocking group for sequencing applications.