Reusable Flow Cells with Linking Groups for Nucleic Acid Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid sequencing technologies require disposable flow cells that are used once per sequencing run, leading to waste and inefficiency, as they are not reusable.
Innovation Solution
Development of a reusable flow cell with linking groups that allow target-binding oligonucleotides to attach, release, and reattach, enabling multiple sequencing runs by using biotin-avidin or metal-coordination interactions and cleaving triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable flow cells are used for sequencing, then sequencing performance is maintained, but waste increases and efficiency decreases due to single-use limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell surface is designed to allow easy removal and replacement of oligonucleotides after sequencing. The oligonucleotides are discarded after use, but the flow cell itself is recovered and regenerated for reuse by attaching new oligonucleotides to the same solid support surface
Solution Approach 2:
The oligonucleotides are extracted or removed from the flow cell surface after sequencing completion. This extraction allows the flow cell to be reset and reused with fresh oligonucleotides, separating the consumable component (oligonucleotide) from the reusable component (flow cell)
2Reliability
If disposable flow cells are used for sequencing, then sequencing performance is maintained, but efficiency decreases due to single-use limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell solid support is designed with universal linking groups that can bind different types of target-binding oligonucleotides through various mechanisms (biotin-avidin, metal-coordination). This multi-functionality allows the same flow cell to be reused for multiple sequencing runs with different oligonucleotide sets
3Productivity
If reusable flow cells with linking groups are used, then waste is reduced and efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional functional groups and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Linking groups serve as intermediaries between the solid support surface and the oligonucleotides. These linking groups (such as biotin on the surface binding to avidin on the oligonucleotide, or metal-coordination groups) facilitate reversible attachment without requiring complex chemical modifications to the oligonucleotides themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The linking groups allow changes in binding parameters - they can switch between bound and unbound states through cleaving triggers. This parameter change enables the transition from a stable attachment during sequencing to easy release for regeneration, controlling the reuse cycle
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 multiple reuse of flow cells, reducing waste and improving efficiency by allowing fresh target-binding oligonucleotides to be attached after each sequencing run, thereby maintaining sequencing performance.
Implementation Method 1
using biotin-avidin or metal-coordination interactions
Implementation Method 2
using biotin-avidin or metal-coordination interactions
Implementation Method 3
release the first target-binding oligonucleotides on exposure to a cleaving trigger
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to reusable flow cells, uses of reusable flow cells, methods of manufacturing a reusable flow cell and methods of regenerating a reusable flow cell.