Scalable Flow Cells for Nucleic Acid Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-throughput sequencing systems are inefficient for smaller sequencing projects, requiring researchers to run entire large flow cells regardless of project size, leading to increased costs and delayed access to shared machines for smaller-scale studies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sequencing system with scalable, moveable, and removable flow cells of reduced size, allowing for flexible project scaling and reagent usage, enabling smaller batch sequencing and faster, cost-effective processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single large flow cell is used for high-throughput sequencing, then sequencing capacity and throughput are improved, but cost-effectiveness and flexibility for smaller projects deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides a large flow cell into multiple smaller, independent flow cells (e.g., 20 flow cells of 75x25mm each replacing one large flow cell). Each small flow cell can be independently loaded, processed, and removed, allowing researchers to select the appropriate number of flow cells based on project size requirements. This segmentation enables flexible scaling from small to large sequencing projects while maintaining high throughput capability when all flow cells are utilized.
2Loss of substance
If reagent volumes are reduced for smaller flow cells, then cost and waste are reduced, but imaging area and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for reduced reagent volumes in individual small flow cells by processing multiple flow cells in parallel. The automated system loads multiple small flow cells simultaneously or sequentially, maintaining overall throughput while using only the necessary reagent volume for the actual project size. This eliminates reagent waste for smaller projects while preserving high throughput capability through parallel processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple smaller flow cells are used instead of a single large flow cell, then flexibility and cost-effectiveness for small projects are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal automated platform that can handle multiple small flow cells through standardized loading, processing, and removal procedures. The same instrumentation, control software, and operational protocols used for large flow cells are applied to smaller flow cells, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated equipment. This universality manages device complexity while providing flexibility for various project sizes.
4Productivity
If entire large flow cells must be run regardless of project size, then high throughput is maintained, but wait times and access delays increase for smaller projects
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows researchers to perform partial sequencing runs by using only the number of small flow cells needed for their specific project requirements, rather than requiring completion of an entire large flow cell. This partial action capability enables smaller projects to be completed independently and accessed sooner, eliminating the need to wait for large flow cell cycles to complete while maintaining high throughput through parallel processing of multiple small flow cells.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods and compositions, including, without limitation, algorithms, computer readable media, computer programs, apparatus, and systems for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, data obtained from sequencing by synthesis methods. A plurality of smaller flow cells is employed, each with a relatively small area to be imaged, in order to provide greater flexibility and efficiency.