Hydrogel Sequencing With Reversible Thermogel Reagent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-throughput sequencing technologies face challenges in achieving cost reduction while maintaining sequencing efficiency and accuracy, with Flowcell solutions being costly due to high reagent consumption and Dip sequencing solutions risking reagent quality and chip drying.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel-based sequencing method that supports both Flowcell and open sequencing systems, reducing reagent loss and avoiding drying, using reversible thermogel polymers to manage reactions in gel and liquid states for efficient nucleotide incorporation, detection, and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Flowcell solution uses syringe pumps and rotary valves to extract and inject reagents, then reaction efficiency is improved, but reagent consumption increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reagent delivery system from the Flowcell configuration, using a dipping chip that directly immerses reaction chambers into reagent reservoirs without requiring syringe pumps or rotary valves for reagent extraction and injection
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction chambers on the dipping chip perform self-service by directly contacting reagents in reservoirs through diffusion, eliminating the need for active pumping and valve-controlled liquid exchange systems
2Loss of substance
If Dip sequencing transfers chip between reagent tanks, then reagent cost is reduced through reuse, but chip drying and quality degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reagent delivery system into separate reservoirs that remain stationary on the chip, with reaction chambers positioned to contact specific reservoirs. This eliminates the need to transfer the entire chip between tanks while still enabling reagent reuse through the dipping configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the Dip sequencing approach of moving the chip through space between reagent tanks to a stationary chip configuration where reagent reservoirs are positioned in different spatial locations on the chip itself, accessing reagents through a different dimensional arrangement
3Reliability
If high replacement ratio of reagents is used in Flowcell, then effective reagent replacement is achieved, but cost increases due to disposable reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of reagent delivery from active pumping with high replacement ratios to passive diffusion-based contact with stationary reservoirs, enabling effective reagent exchange through concentration gradients rather than volume displacement
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 method effectively reduces reagent usage, lowers costs, and maintains sequencing accuracy and efficiency by minimizing reagent waste and preventing nucleic acid damage, suitable for both Flowcell and open sequencing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer having reversible thermogel property
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a hydrogel-based sequencing method suitable for a flowcell sequencing system and also supporting open-source sequencing system, and which can effectively reduce costs while ensuring sequencing efficiency and accuracy.