Method and apparatus for DNA sequencing using a local sensitive force detector
US6280939A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/959
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
DNA sequencing is performed in real time using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The AFM's probe detects motions that occur when a polymerase incorporates nucleotides into a growing polynucleotide chain and a newly formed double-stranded polynucleotide helix translocates (or "ratchets") through the polymerase's reaction site. These motions generate a mechanical force that is reflected, either directly or indirectly, by motion of the AFM cantilever. The resulting changes in cantilever motion are detected and can be recorded as an indication that a nucleotide has been incorporated into the DNA template. To determine which nucleotide type has been incorporated, a characteristic of the incorporation of at least one nucleotide type of interest is flagged so as to be distinguishable from the corresponding characteristics of the incorporation of nucleotides of other types. In a preferred embodiment, the average incorporation delay for nucleotides of the nucleotide type of interest are flagged such that the average incorporation delay for nucleotides of the nucleotide type of interest is unique when compared to the average incorporation delay of nucleotides of other nucleotide types.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.