Hydrophilic Polymer Matrix Arrays for Genetic Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current genetic sequencing techniques, such as bead arrays, face difficulties in capturing and retaining target polynucleotides within a resolvable reaction volume, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in preparation.
Innovation Solution
The formation of hydrophilic polymer matrix arrays within wells of a sensor array, where polymer matrix precursors are polymerized and conjugated with oligonucleotides, facilitating genetic sequencing by providing a conformal and reactive surface for analyte capture and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bead arrays are used for fluorescent-based sequencing, then genetic sequencing can be performed, but difficulties arise in capturing and retaining target polynucleotides within a resolvable reaction volume
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sequencing system into discrete wells arranged in an array format, with each well containing a polymer matrix that captures and retains target polynucleotides. This segmentation allows for parallel processing of multiple samples while maintaining individual reaction volumes that are resolvable and controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer matrix acts as an intermediary substance within each well that facilitates the capture and retention of target polynucleotides. The matrix provides a reactive surface that binds polynucleotides while maintaining them within the confined reaction volume, solving the problem of retention without requiring complex bead array preparations.
2Quantity of substance
If small volume polymer matrices are used to capture analytes, then analysis in dilute systems can be performed, but preparation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer matrices are pre-formed and placed in wells before the sequencing reaction begins. This preliminary preparation allows the matrices to be optimized for analyte capture while simplifying the overall manufacturing process, as the matrices can be produced separately and then integrated into the array system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes polymer matrices with specific physical and chemical parameters optimized for capturing analytes in dilute systems. By controlling parameters such as matrix porosity, surface area, and chemical functionality, the system achieves high analyte capture capacity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If polymer matrices are formed within wells, then conformal and reactive surfaces are provided for analyte capture, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer matrices are formed through a polymerization process that occurs self-service within each well, where the polymer precursors automatically form conformal surfaces that match the well geometry. This self-organizing process reduces the need for external manufacturing intervention and simplifies production while achieving high precision conformal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The formation of polymer matrices utilizes phase transition during polymerization, where polymer precursors transition from a liquid or solution state to a solid gel matrix. This phase transition enables the formation of conformal surfaces that precisely match the well geometry, achieving high manufacturing precision through a straightforward chemical process rather than complex mechanical fabrication.
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 enhances the capture and analysis of polynucleotides, improving the efficiency and accuracy of genetic sequencing by providing a conformal and reactive surface within small volume reaction wells, thereby addressing the limitations of existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
polymer matrix precursors can be applied to an array of wells associated with one or more sensors. The polymer matrix precursors can be polymerized to form an array of polymer matrices
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a polymer matrix array includes applying an aqueous solution into wells of a well array. The aqueous solution includes polymer precursors. The method further includes applying an immiscible fluid over the well array to isolate the aqueous solution within the wells of the well array and polymerizing the polymer precursors isolated in the wells of the well array to form the polymer matrix array. An apparatus includes a sensor array, a well array corresponding to the sensor array, and an array of polymer matrices disposed in the well array.