Sequencing Workflow Control for Parallel Chemistry and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing genetic sequencing techniques are highly time-intensive and costly, limiting the speed and reliability of genomic information acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for nucleic acid sequencing that includes automated nucleic acid sequencing operations, quality evaluation, and adaptive control of sequencing procedures based on detected parameters, using systems with fluidics handling, imaging, and quality evaluation circuitry to enhance throughput and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional genetic sequencing techniques are used, then sequencing can be performed, but the process is highly time-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sequencing process is divided into multiple cycles, each cycle determining one nucleotide position. The system segments the sequencing task into repetitive, standardized steps (incubation, imaging, cleavage, de-blocking) that can be efficiently automated and parallelized across multiple samples simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Nucleotides are pre-loaded into the flow cell in a specific order before sequencing begins. The system prepares all necessary reagents and positions them in advance, allowing the sequencing reaction to proceed without interruption or manual intervention during the actual sequencing process.
2Productivity
If traditional genetic sequencing techniques are used, then sequencing can be performed, but the cost is extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-contained, reusable flow cells that can perform multiple sequencing runs. The flow cell structure with integrated nucleotide reservoirs and reaction chambers eliminates the need for repeated setup and calibration, reducing per-run costs and enabling high-throughput sequencing at lower marginal costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recycles and reuses critical components such as the flow cell structure and nucleotide reservoirs across multiple sequencing cycles. By recovering and reusing these expensive components rather than discarding them after single use, the system significantly reduces the cost per sequence while maintaining high throughput.
3Productivity
If automated sequencing operations are implemented, then throughput increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into a single integrated flow cell structure. The flow cell combines reaction chambers, nucleotide reservoirs, imaging areas, and cleavage zones into one unified device, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling automated high-throughput sequencing through its integrated design.
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
The method and system provide higher quality and higher throughput sequencing, reducing sequence costs and improving the efficiency of nucleic acid sequencing processes.
Implementation Method 1
each nucleotide type is tagged with a fluorescent tag or dye that permits analysis of the nucleotide attached at a particular site to be determined by analysis of image data
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sequencing nucleic acid comprising a plurality of stations and a system control. The system control configured to direct the first substrate to progress and retrogress between the first processing station and the imaging station, direct the second substrate to progress and retrogress between the second processing station and the imaging station, and direct a chemistry cycle of a first sequencing procedure to occur within one of the first processing station or the second processing station while an imaging cycle of a second sequencing procedure occurs within the imaging station.