Waveguide Surface Tagged-Base DNA Sequencing Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleotide sequencing methods relying on fluorescently labeled nucleotides are costly due to the need for expensive optics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving waveguide surfaces where nucleotide fragments are immobilized and exposed to capped nucleotides with distinct capping agents, each with a unique optical signature, allowing for the detection of single nucleotide additions and sequence reconstruction without the need for expensive optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescently labeled nucleotides are used for sequencing, then sequence tracking is enabled, but expensive optics are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex optical systems and implements it directly on the waveguide surface where sequencing occurs. The capping agents with optical signatures are integrated into the nucleotide structure itself, eliminating the need for separate expensive optical detection systems while maintaining sequence tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide surface performs multiple functions including immobilization of nucleotide fragments, provision of capping agents during synthesis, and direct optical detection of sequence additions. This self-service approach consolidates multiple system components into a single integrated platform, reducing overall system cost and complexity
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 cost-effective DNA sequencing by utilizing waveguide surfaces for immobilization and detection, reducing the reliance on expensive optics and allowing for accurate sequence reconstruction through distinct optical signatures.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a first distinct optical signature of a first distinct capping agent of the first single nucleotide using the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A method of tagged-base DNA sequencing readout on waveguide surfaces includes immobilizing, a surface of a waveguide, a nucleotide fragment, exposing the nucleotide fragment to a first plurality of capped nucleotides, wherein the first plurality of capped nucleotides include a first plurality of nucleotide types, each distinct nucleotide type has a distinct capping agent, and each distinct capping agent has a distinct optical signature, severing base pair connections between the at least a nucleotide fragment and the first plurality of capped nucleotides, wherein the nucleotide fragment remains attached and a first single nucleotide, of the first plurality of capped nucleotides, remains immobilized on a nucleotide binding locus adjacent to the first nucleotide sequence, and detecting a first distinct optical signature of a first distinct capping agent of the first single nucleotide using the waveguide.