×

Sequence Determination By Use Of Opposing Forces

  • US 20110059864A1
  • Filed: 09/07/2010
  • Published: 03/10/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2009
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A system for determining sequence information of a polymeric analyte, wherein the analyte includes (i) at least one nucleic-acid molecule comprising a number of monomer units and (ii) a quantity of charge, with the quantity being a function of the number;

  • said system comprising;

    first and second sources of force, each configured to apply, when active, a respective force that acts upon said analyte; and

    wherein the applied forces include vector components in opposing relation; and

    further wherein the forces include an electrical force, strongly dependent on the quantity of charge of said analyte, and at least one additional force, weakly or non-dependent on the quantity of charge of said analyte;

    a reagent region, and a composition of matter therein;

    wherein said composition of matter comprises a mixture being characterized by an enzyme activity effective to change the number of monomer units, when in effective proximity with the analyte;

    a support element comprising a microbead, characterized by a detectable parameter, disposed in close association with the analyte such that a change in the number of monomer units, accompanied by a change in the charge, effects a change in the detectable parameter;

    a surface and a tether, with the tether comprising a biological polymer;

    wherein the tether extends between the surface and the microbead in a manner to tether the microbead to said surface; and

    wherein said tether can provide a spring-like, restoring force;

    a pathway leading the composition into effective proximity with the analyte;

    a detector configured to detect a change in the detectable parameter of the support element; and

    ,a processing unit, adapted to receive signal information from the detector, and programmed to process the information and provide sequence information relating to one or more monomer units of the polymeric analyte.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×