Fluorescent-Label Sequencing for High-Accuracy Sequence Readout

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-throughput sequencers suffer from sequencing errors due to chemical, optical, or software noise, which cannot be identified at a single readout site and are not effectively eliminated, limiting the accuracy of sequence information.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of sequencing reagents with different nucleotide monomers conjugated to labels that become fluorescent after incorporation into the target polynucleotide, allowing for sequence information to be obtained through fluorescence detection, and multiple rounds of sequencing with varying reagent combinations to reduce or eliminate errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-throughput sequencing is performed using conventional SBS methods with single-base readout, then large amounts of sequence information can be obtained, but sequencing errors accumulate and accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequence information throughputVSAvoidsequencing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sequencing process is divided into multiple discrete cycles, each incorporating only 1-2 specific nucleotide types with fluorescent labels. By segmenting the four nucleotide types into separate incorporation rounds (e.g., A/T in first round, C/G in second round), the method reduces error accumulation while maintaining high-throughput capability through systematic multi-cycle sequencing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Nucleotide monomers are pre-conjugated with fluorescent labels before sequencing begins. This preliminary labeling allows for direct detection of incorporated nucleotides without post-incorporation modification, reducing signal acquisition errors and enabling real-time monitoring of each incorporation event across multiple sequencing cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple rounds of sequencing are performed to eliminate errors through deep sequencing, then accuracy improves, but the complexity of the sequencing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequencing accuracyVSAvoidsequencing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sequencing system uses universal fluorescent labels that can be detected across all sequencing cycles using the same detection methodology. The same polynucleotide replicating catalyst and label detection system are reused in each cycle, allowing multiple rounds of sequencing to be performed with consistent parameters, thereby improving accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The method systematically changes the parameter of nucleotide type incorporation across cycles (e.g., cycling through different combinations of A, T, C, G) while keeping other parameters constant. This controlled parameter variation enables error elimination through multiple reads without requiring fundamental changes to the sequencing apparatus or protocol structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances sequencing accuracy by reducing or eliminating errors, achieving a code accuracy rate of at least 99% and enabling read lengths up to 2400 base pairs.

Implementation Method 1

the nucleotide monomer/first label conjugates are substantially non-fluorescent until after incorporation of the nucleotide monomer into the target polynucleotide based on complementarity to the target polynucleotide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3377653B1Methods for obtaining and correcting biological sequence information
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 CYGNUS BIOSCI BEIJING CO LTD
  • EP3377653B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3377653B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3377653B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for sequencing a biological molecule, such as a nucleic acid molecule, and a method for detecting and/or correcting sequencing error(s) in the sequencing results are provided. Kits and systems based on the above methods are also provided.