Methods and apparatus for DNA sequencing
First Claim
1. A genome sequencer comprising:
- means for sequentially separating single nucleotides from a strand of DNA;
means for confining the separated nucleotides in their original sequence in a solid matrix;
means for exciting each separated nucleotide;
means for detecting the spectroscopic emission of each separated nucleotide; and
means for identifying each separated nucleotide according to its spectroscopic emission.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automated DNA sequencing. The method of the invention includes the steps of: a) using a processive exonuclease to cleave from a single DNA strand the next available single nucleotide on the strand; b) transporting the single nucleotide away from the DNA strand; c) incorporating the single nucleotide in a fluorescence-enhancing matrix; d) irradiating the single nucleotide to cause it to fluoresce; e) detecting the fluorescence; f) identifying the single nucleotide by its fluorescence; and g) repeating steps a) to f) indefinitely (e.g., until the DNA strand is fully cleaved or until a desired length of the DNA is sequenced). The apparatus of the invention includes a cleaving station for the extraction of DNA from cells and the separation of single nucleotides from the DNA; a transport system to separate the single nucleotide from the DNA and incorporate the single nucleotide in a fluorescence-enhancing matrix; and a detection station for the irradiation, detection and identification of the single nucleotides. The nucleotides are advantageously detected by irradiating the nucleotides with a laser to stimulate their natural fluorescence, detecting the fluorescence spectrum and matching the detected spectrum with that previously recorded for the four nucleotides in order to identify the specific nucleotide.
547 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A genome sequencer comprising:
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means for sequentially separating single nucleotides from a strand of DNA; means for confining the separated nucleotides in their original sequence in a solid matrix; means for exciting each separated nucleotide; means for detecting the spectroscopic emission of each separated nucleotide; and means for identifying each separated nucleotide according to its spectroscopic emission. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 26, 27)
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18. A genome sequencer comprising:
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(a) means for sequentially separating single nucleotides from a strand of DNA in the order of the original sequence of said nucleotides in said strand; and (b) a refrigeration system capable of cooling a solution containing said separated nucleotides to a temperature sufficient to vitrify the solution containing said separated nucleotides. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A genome sequencer comprising:
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(a) a sheath, laminar flow microchannel; (b) means for regulating flow through the microchannel so as to achieve hydrodynamic focusing; and (c) a refrigeration system capable of imposing a temperature gradient over the microchannel, sufficient to vitrify an aqueous solution within said microchannel.
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Specification