Rapid polymer sequencer
US7949472B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q1/6869
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Method and system for rapid and accurate determination of each of a sequence of unknown polymer components, such as nucleic acid components. A self-assembling monolayer of a selected substance is optionally provided on an interior surface of a pipette tip, and the interior surface is immersed in a selected liquid. A selected electrical field is impressed in a longitudinal or transverse direction at the tip, a polymer sequence is passed through the tip, and a change in an electrical current signal is measured as each polymer component passes through the tip. Each measured change in electrical current signals is compared with a database of reference signals, with each reference signal identified with a polymer component, to identify the unknown polymer component. The tip preferably has a pore inner diameter of no more than about 40 nm and is prepared by heating and pulling a very small section of a glass tubing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.