Deformable Polymers with Immobilized Primers for Concurrent Strand Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sequencing forward and reverse strands in nucleic acid sequencing technologies face challenges due to self-hybridization issues, leading to inefficiencies in sequencing throughput and speed.
Innovation Solution
The use of deformable polymers with immobilized primers that shift positions in response to triggers, allowing for the separation and concurrent sequencing of forward and reverse strands by altering their spatial arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forward and reverse strands are sequenced separately by removing one strand type, then self-hybridization issues are avoided, but sequencing throughput and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of primer availability through deformable polymers that can transition between extended and contracted states. This allows the system to dynamically switch between sequencing forward and reverse strands without physical removal of strands, maintaining both strands present on the flow cell while avoiding self-hybridization through temporal separation of sequencing reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sequencing process into distinct phases by using deformable polymers to spatially and temporally separate forward and reverse strand sequencing. Each polymer region can be independently controlled to sequence one strand type at a time, allowing parallel processing of multiple regions simultaneously, thus improving overall throughput while avoiding self-hybridization in each segment.
2Reliability
If forward and reverse strands are sequenced separately by resynthesizing strands, then self-hybridization is prevented, but sequencing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by maintaining both forward and reverse strands on the flow cell in a prepared state, with deformable polymers ready to control primer access. This eliminates the need for time-consuming strand removal and resynthesis steps, as all necessary components are pre-positioned and can be activated on-demand through polymer deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous sequencing operations by using deformable polymers to sequentially activate forward and reverse strand sequencing without interrupting the overall process. While one strand type is being sequenced, the other remains prepared and accessible, allowing rapid transition between sequencing modes and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the run.
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
This approach enhances sequencing efficiency and speed by physically separating forward and reverse strands, enabling simultaneous sequencing and improving signal differentiation.
Implementation Method 1
the deforming trigger causes an expansion in volume of the deformable polymer
Implementation Method 2
the deforming trigger causes a contraction in volume of the deformable polymer
Implementation Method 3
the deformable polymer is configured such that when the deformable polymer is exposed to a deforming trigger, the plurality of first immobilised primers and the second immobilised primers shift to a second set of positions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to deformable polymers comprising immobilised primers, particularly for use in nucleic acid sequencing, such as concurrent sequencing.