pH Sequencing Signal Modeling for Background Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sequencing-by-synthesis technologies face challenges in accurately processing signal data due to background noise from hydrogen ion diffusion and reagent changes, which complicates the detection of nucleotide incorporations.

Innovation Solution

A mathematical model is developed to separate the background signal component from the incorporation signal component by using a reactor array with chemFET sensors, employing equations to describe hydrogen ion flux and buffering capacity, allowing for precise estimation of nucleotide incorporations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If signal data from sequencing-by-synthesis operations is processed using conventional methods, then the processing can be performed with simple algorithms, but the accuracy of nucleotide incorporation estimation deteriorates due to inability to distinguish incorporation signals from background signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenucleotide incorporation estimation accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal data into distinct components: incorporation signals and background signals. By applying mathematical models that separately characterize each component, the method enables precise differentiation and estimation of nucleotide incorporation events from background noise, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex processing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the mathematical models to adapt to varying signal characteristics. By adjusting model parameters based on observed signal patterns and fitting procedures, the system maintains high accuracy in nucleotide incorporation estimation while managing computational complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If mathematical models combining background and incorporation signal components are used, then the accuracy of nucleotide incorporation estimation is improved, but the complexity of data analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal differentiation accuracyVSAvoiddata analysis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mathematical models as intermediary tools that mediate between raw signal data and nucleotide incorporation estimation. These models act as intermediaries that systematically process the complex relationship between background and incorporation signals, providing a structured approach to differentiation that improves precision while containing analysis complexity within the model framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through model fitting procedures where the mathematical models are continuously adjusted based on how well they match the observed signal data. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize model parameters and improve signal differentiation accuracy while managing computational complexity through iterative refinement rather than exhaustive analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3582224B1Models for analyzing data from sequencing-by-synthesis operations
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • EP3582224B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3582224B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3582224B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Mathematical models for the analysis of signal data generated by sequencing of a polynucleotide strand using a pH-based method of detecting nucleotide incorporation(s). In an embodiment, the measured output signal from the reaction confinement region of a reactor array is mathematically modeled. The output signal may be modeled as a linear combination of one or more signal components, including a background signal component. This model is solved to determine the nucleotide incorporation signal. In another embodiment, the incorporation signal from the reaction confinement region of a reactor array is mathematically modeled.