Imaging Flowcell Regeneration for Reusable On-Sequencer Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequencing flowcells are not sufficiently sustainable or cost-effective due to their single-use nature, leading to increased costs and waste generation, particularly for expensive substrates like CMOS imaging sensors.
Innovation Solution
Methods and kits for reusing sequencing flowcells, including CMOS-based imaging flowcells, by integrating on-board regeneration steps without additional touch points, utilizing reversible linkages and chemical treatments to regenerate the flowcell for subsequent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use flowcells are used for sequencing, then reliability and ease of operation are improved, but cost and waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flowcell regeneration system that recovers and reuses the flowcell substrate after sequencing. The process includes removing oligonucleotides from the flowcell surface through chemical treatment, cleaning the surface, and preparing it for subsequent sequencing runs. This allows the expensive CMOS imaging sensor and substrate to be reused multiple times, significantly reducing waste while maintaining sequencing reliability through systematic regeneration protocols
2Ease of operation
If single-use flowcells are used for sequencing, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flowcell regeneration system that recovers and reuses the flowcell substrate after sequencing. The process includes removing oligonucleotides from the flowcell surface through chemical treatment, cleaning the surface, and preparing it for subsequent sequencing runs. This allows the expensive CMOS imaging sensor and substrate to be reused multiple times, significantly reducing waste while maintaining sequencing reliability through systematic regeneration protocols
3Loss of substance
If flowcells are reused through regeneration, then cost and waste are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated regeneration protocols that can be performed on-board the sequencing instrument without requiring additional manual touch points. The system automatically performs chemical treatments, washing, and preparation steps to regenerate the flowcell for subsequent use, reducing the need for complex manual intervention while enabling cost-effective reuse and waste reduction
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
Significant cost savings and reduced waste by reusing imaging flowcells, maintaining their functionality through regeneration, and extending the life cycle of valuable materials.
Implementation Method 1
coupling a hydrogel precursor to a molecule by covalently bonding a first moiety of the hydrogel precursor to a second moiety of the molecule
Implementation Method 2
non-covalently bonding a third moiety of the molecule to a complex including an oligonucleotide
Implementation Method 3
disposing the solution, including the hydrogel precursor coupled to the molecule, on a substrate to form a hydrogel disposed on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Some examples herein provide a sequencing flowcell that includes an imaging sensor, a hydrogel disposed on the imaging sensor and comprising a moiety; and a first complex non-covalently coupled to the moiety, the first complex comprising a first oligonucleotide. A method of using the sequencing flowcell may include decoupling the first complex from the moiety; and coupling a second complex to the moiety, the second complex comprising a second oligonucleotide. Methods of forming the flowcell are also provided.