Transparent Conduit DNA Synthesis with Selective Light Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DNA sequencing methods using photolithographic techniques require multiple masks and complex optics, leading to high costs and lengthy processing times, and produce oligomers in insufficient quantities, typically in the femtomole range, which is not adequate for gene synthesis.
Innovation Solution
A conduit with transparent walls and packed solid carrier particles is used, where controllable light sources selectively illuminate sections to synthesize chain molecules like DNA, allowing multiple oligonucleotides to be produced in parallel in larger quantities (picomoles range) without the need for complex optics, by using photodeprotecting groups and reagents to build desired base sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photolithographic masks are used for DNA synthesis, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DNA synthesis process by spatially separating different synthesis reactions into distinct microreactor chambers. Each chamber can independently synthesize different oligonucleotide sequences simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple photolithographic masks while maintaining high manufacturing precision through controlled reagent delivery to each chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The microreactor array uses a universal platform where a single device structure serves multiple functions: each chamber can synthesize different DNA sequences by receiving different reagent combinations, and the entire array can produce multiple oligonucleotides in parallel using the same basic chamber design and control system.
2Manufacturing precision
If photolithographic techniques are used for DNA synthesis, then manufacturing precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous reagent flow through the microreactor array, allowing DNA synthesis to proceed without interruption. Reagents are continuously delivered to each chamber, enabling parallel synthesis of multiple oligonucleotides simultaneously, thereby reducing total processing time while maintaining sequence accuracy through controlled reaction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the synthesis process into parallel operations in multiple chambers, the patent enables different DNA sequences to be synthesized simultaneously rather than sequentially, significantly reducing the total time required while each chamber maintains high manufacturing precision through individualized reagent control.
3Productivity
If flat microarray substrates are used, then productivity is improved through parallel synthesis, but quantity of substance produced is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple microreactor chambers within a single substrate, with each chamber containing solid support particles that provide additional synthesis surfaces. This nested structure allows parallel synthesis of many oligomers while increasing the effective reaction volume and surface area, thereby producing sufficient quantities of each oligomer in the picomole range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface synthesis on flat substrates to three-dimensional microreactor chambers containing packed solid support particles. This dimensional change increases the available reaction surface area and volume within each chamber, enabling both high productivity through parallel synthesis and sufficient oligomer quantity production.
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 method enables rapid, efficient, and cost-effective synthesis of large numbers of chain molecules, such as DNA, in desired sequences, allowing for simultaneous synthesis of multiple oligomers in larger quantities, addressing the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
illumination through a photolithographic mask, yielding reactive hydroxyl groups in the illuminated regions
Data Source
AI summary
Synthesis of chain molecules such as DNA is carried out in a conduit having an interior channel with an inlet end and an outlet end. At least one wall of the conduit is substantially transparent to selected wavelengths of light. Solid carrier particles are contained within the interior channel of the conduit. A plurality of controllable light sources are mounted at spaced locations along the length of the transparent wall of the conduit to allow selective illumination of separated sections of the particles within the conduit. When a light source is turned on, a photodeprotecting group is removed from the carrier particles in the section that is illuminated by the light source. A reagent containing a selected base is flowed through the conduit so that the base will attach to the carrier particles in those sections which have been exposed to light and deprotected. Reagents may be applied which subsequently again protect the bases followed by selective application of light to certain sections, removal of the deprotection group, and attachment of a new base, with the process repeated until desired sequences have been formed on the carrier particles at each of the separated sections in the conduit. The synthesized molecules may then be removed for direct use or further processing.