Nucleic Acid Sequencing via Time-Resolved Luminescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioassays for detecting and analyzing biological samples require expensive equipment and trained personnel, and are often performed in bulk, making them inefficient for rapid and precise analysis of small sample quantities.
Innovation Solution
The method identifies single molecules based on luminescent intensity and lifetime, using luminescently labeled nucleotides with different spectral properties to differentiate between nucleotides, allowing for the determination of nucleic acid sequences through the detection of luminescence patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional luminescent detection methods are used with laser light sources and complicated optics, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complicated luminescent detection optics and electronics from the system. By using a simplified detection approach that relies on basic photodetector technology rather than complex optical systems, the invention achieves detection capability while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex, and durable optical components with simpler, more affordable detection elements. The use of basic photodetectors and simplified optics represents a shift toward more economical components that can be easily replaced or upgraded without significant investment.
2Measurement precision
If bulk sample analysis is performed, then detection is achieved, but sample quantity requirements increase and analysis efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the analysis process to enable single-molecule or single-cell level detection. By developing detection methods that can identify and analyze individual biological entities rather than requiring bulk samples, the patent dramatically reduces the quantity of sample material needed while maintaining or improving detection precision.
3Measurement precision
If trained personnel operate complex equipment, then accurate bioassays are performed, but operational complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables bioassays to perform themselves with minimal human intervention. By automating the detection process and using self-contained assay systems that require simple operation, the patent reduces the need for highly trained personnel while maintaining assay accuracy. The systems are designed to be user-friendly and require minimal technical expertise to operate.
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 rapid, precise, and cost-effective analysis of biological samples by simplifying the detection process and reducing the need for bulk sample quantities, facilitating efficient sequencing and identification of nucleic acid sequences.
Implementation Method 1
Some bioassays are performed by tagging samples with luminescent markers that emit light of a particular wavelength. The markers are illuminated with a light source to cause luminescence, and the luminescent light is detected with a photodetector to quantify the amount of luminescent light emitted by the markers.
Implementation Method 2
Jerker Widengren ET AL: 'Single-Molecule Detection and Identification of Multiple Species by Multiparameter Fluorescence Detection', Analytical Chemistry, vol. 78, no. 6, 1 March 2006, pages 2039-2050
Implementation Method 3
Method of determining the sequence of a nucleic acid using time resolved luminescence
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods of sequencing molecules based on luminescence lifetimes and/or intensities are provided. In some aspects, methods of sequencing nucleic acids involve determining the luminescence lifetimes, and optionally luminescence intensities, of a series of luminescently labeled nucleotides incorporated during a nucleic acid sequencing reaction.