PCR-activated sorting (PAS)
First Claim
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1. A method of enriching nucleic acids, the method comprising:
- obtaining a heterogeneous nucleic acid sample comprising nucleic acids;
encapsulating, in a plurality of microdroplets, the nucleic acids, at least one nucleic acid synthesis reagent and at least one detection component, the plurality of microdroplets comprising an aqueous phase fluid in an immiscible phase carrier fluid;
incubating the plurality of microdroplets under conditions that promote nucleic acid synthesis reagent activity;
positioning the plurality of microdroplets in an aqueous phase carrier fluid to provide a plurality of aqueous phase-in-immiscible phase-in aqueous phase microdroplets; and
sorting the plurality of aqueous phase-in-immiscible phase-in aqueous phase microdroplets based on identifying the at least one detection component, to produce sorted microdroplets; and
analyzing at least one unamplified nucleic acid in at least one sorted microdroplet of the sorted microdroplets.
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Abstract
The methods described herein, referred to as PCR-Activated Sorting (PAS), allow nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., PCR. The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA. Systems and devices for use in practicing methods of the invention are also provided.
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19 Claims
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1. A method of enriching nucleic acids, the method comprising:
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obtaining a heterogeneous nucleic acid sample comprising nucleic acids; encapsulating, in a plurality of microdroplets, the nucleic acids, at least one nucleic acid synthesis reagent and at least one detection component, the plurality of microdroplets comprising an aqueous phase fluid in an immiscible phase carrier fluid; incubating the plurality of microdroplets under conditions that promote nucleic acid synthesis reagent activity; positioning the plurality of microdroplets in an aqueous phase carrier fluid to provide a plurality of aqueous phase-in-immiscible phase-in aqueous phase microdroplets; and sorting the plurality of aqueous phase-in-immiscible phase-in aqueous phase microdroplets based on identifying the at least one detection component, to produce sorted microdroplets; and analyzing at least one unamplified nucleic acid in at least one sorted microdroplet of the sorted microdroplets. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification