Magnetic Sensor Sequencing for Compact Genetic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current next-generation sequencing (NGS) systems based on sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) are complex, expensive, and bulky, necessitating the development of more efficient detection approaches.
Innovation Solution
A sequencing-by-synthesis method utilizing an array of magnetically-responsive sensors to detect magnetic properties of magnetic particles attached to nucleotides during the growth of complementary strands, allowing for the determination of genetic characteristics based on changes in electrical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current next generation sequencing systems based on sequencing-by-synthesis are used, then genetic sequencing can be performed, but the systems become complex, expensive, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex optical systems and isolates it to magnetic particle detection using simple magnetically-responsive sensors. By removing unnecessary optical components and focusing solely on magnetic signal detection, the system achieves genetic sequencing capability with reduced complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a magnetic detection system. Instead of using optical sensors, light sources, and complex optical paths, the invention uses magnetically-responsive sensors to detect magnetic particles attached to nucleotides, substituting mechanical/optical complexity with a simpler magnetic field-based detection approach
2Measurement precision
If current next generation sequencing systems based on sequencing-by-synthesis are used, then genetic sequencing can be performed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive magnetic particles as disposable labels attached to nucleotides. These magnetic particles serve as temporary markers for detection during sequencing and can be discarded after use, replacing expensive reusable optical components and reducing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive optical detection infrastructure with affordable magnetically-responsive sensors. The magnetic detection system requires simpler hardware with fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs, making the sequencing system more cost-effective while maintaining genetic sequencing capability
3Measurement precision
If current next generation sequencing systems based on sequencing-by-synthesis are used, then genetic sequencing can be performed, but the system size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes bulky optical components from the sequencing system, retaining only the essential magnetic detection elements. By eliminating light sources, optical lenses, mirrors, and complex optical pathways, the system achieves compact form factor while preserving genetic sequencing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the bulky optical detection system with a compact magnetic detection system. The magnetically-responsive sensors are much smaller and require no large optical components, enabling miniaturization of the sequencing instrument while maintaining measurement precision for genetic sequencing
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 simplifies and potentially reduces the cost of NGS systems by using magnetically-responsive sensors to detect genetic information through electrical resistance changes, offering a more efficient and cost-effective method for determining genetic sequences.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the magnetically-responsive sensors is located proximate to a respective designated space to detect a magnetic property therefrom
Implementation Method 2
detecting changes in electrical resistance at the magnetically-responsive sensors caused by the respective magnetic properties of the magnetic particles
Data Source
AI summary
Some examples herein provide methods for determining a sequence of a nucleic acid template hybridized to a complementary strand. A polymerase coupled to a magnetically-responsive sensor may capture the nucleic acid template hybridized to the complementary strand. The polymerase and the captured nucleic acid template hybridized to the complementary strand may be contacted with a first fluid comprising a nucleotide. The polymerase may incorporate the nucleotide into the complementary strand based on the sequence of the nucleic acid template. The polymerase and the captured nucleic acid template hybridized to the complementary strand, including the incorporated nucleotide, may be contacted with a second fluid comprising a magnetic particle. The incorporated nucleotide may capture the magnetic particle from the second fluid. The captured magnetic particle may cause a change in electrical resistance at the magnetically-responsive sensor. The change in electrical resistance may be used to identify the incorporated nucleotide.