EUV Radiation for Dynamic Gene Sequencing and Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sequencing and editing technologies, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and CRISPR, are limited in their ability to dynamically read and edit gene sequences simultaneously, and cannot selectively target specific base pairs within a genome for real-time modification.
Innovation Solution
The use of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) radiation and soft X-ray technology to selectively locate, read, and edit gene sequences by focusing light at specific wavelengths, allowing for simultaneous reading and editing of gene sequences with high spatial and spectral resolution, without the need for DNA synthesis or enzyme cleaving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If NGS sequencing is used to sequence large scale genomes, then high throughput sequencing is achieved, but the process requires complex piecewise segmenting, massive parallelization, reassembling and referencing which increases device complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sequencing function from complex enzymatic processes to direct EUV light-matter interactions. By using EUV radiation to directly ionize and detect nucleotides without requiring DNA synthesis, fluorescent labels, or enzyme cleaving, the system eliminates the need for complex parallelization and reassembling steps while maintaining high throughput capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and chemical sequencing mechanisms (enzyme cleaving, fluorescent labeling, DNA replication) with optical detection using EUV radiation. The EUV light directly interacts with nucleotide electrons to produce characteristic radiation spectra, substituting complex biochemical processes with direct physical measurement
2Manufacturing precision
If CRISPR is used to edit gene sequences, then specific target sequences can be edited, but the technology requires specific target primers and cannot dynamically select or randomly edit base pairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic base pair selection by allowing the EUV beam to be dynamically positioned and focused on any specific nucleotide along the DNA strand. The system can randomly select, sequentially read, or target specific base pairs by controlling the EUV beam position, enabling flexible editing of any location in the genome without requiring predetermined target primers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using the focused EUV beam to interact with individual nucleotides or specific regions of the DNA. Each base pair can be individually targeted and edited by positioning the EUV beam at the desired location, allowing precise local modification while leaving the rest of the genome unchanged
3Loss of information
If existing sequencing technologies are used, then gene sequences can be read, but they cannot simultaneously read and edit the same sequence in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reading and editing functions into a single EUV-based process. The same EUV beam that detects nucleotide identity through ionization and radiation spectrum analysis can simultaneously induce edits by breaking chemical bonds or causing deamination, eliminating the need for separate sequencing and editing steps and enabling real-time simultaneous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by maintaining the EUV beam interaction with the DNA throughout the process. The beam continuously reads nucleotide identity through ongoing radiation spectrum detection while simultaneously performing edits, creating an uninterrupted process that occurs in real time without pausing for separate analysis or modification steps
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
Enables dynamic and selective sequencing and editing of gene sequences with high precision, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by allowing real-time modification and identification of specific base pairs, improving upon the complexity and inaccuracy of current methods.
Implementation Method 1
Each base or base pair of the gene sequence will generate a characteristic absorption spectrum at a discrete EUV frequency
Implementation Method 2
When this light is incident on a gene sequence a proportion of the light will be absorbed. Each base or base pair of the gene sequence will generate a characteristic absorption spectrum at a discrete EUV frequency
Implementation Method 3
A light system or apparatus such as an EUV lithography tool can be used to focus light to sub 20 nm spot sizes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and processes which use Extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV) and/or soft X-ray wavelengths to read, image, edit, locate, identify, map, alter, delete, repair and sequence genes are described. An EUV scanning tool which allows high throughput genomic scanning of DNA, RNA and protein sequences is also described. A database which records characteristic absorption spectra of gene sequences is also described.