A Fully Automated 96-Capillary Array DNA Sequencer

14 A Fully Automated 96-Capillary Array DNA Sequencer-SpectruMedix Corp., 2124 Old Gatesbury Rd., State College, PA 16803-220; (814) 867-4502 Dr. Quingbo Li, Principal Investigator Mr. Bernard Sonnenschein, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82461 Amount: $75,000 The identification and sequencing of the Human Genome is a continuing worldwide scientific goal in which the Department of Energy plays a major role. It is widely believed that current commercial slab-gel technology used in DNA sequencing instrumentation is unsatisfactory for the Human Genome project relative to its operating speed, throughput and cost per sample analyzed. This project is to develop a high speed and throughput DNA sequence that will significantly reduce technican labor. It will be based on a laboratory-grade instrument that now requires a team of well-trained personnel with substained technical knowledge to operate. The objective is to develop a user friendly instrument with the required features at an attractive cost. Phase I will include development of the capillary cartridge coupled with a laser optical system. A sample introduction method will be developed along with automatic control and data processing software. Finally the complete system will be integrated. Phase II will focus on instrument scale-up, specifically construction of large-scale capillary arrays, adaptation of solid-state lasers for increased light requirements, and the use of increased capacity CCD cameras for a 4X improvement in the instrument throughput. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The need for DNA sequencer instrumentation orders of magnitude faster than current technology is desired primarily by the biotechnology industries. Sequencing the Human Genome is of great interest to the medical, pharmaceutical, and forensic industries. Great interest has also recently been shown for sequencing the DNA of commercially significant plants and animals for improved crop quality and yield. The use of 96 capillaries configured to directly interface with the 96-tube trays (almost universially employed by labs for DNA preparation) provides a practical economic advantage; this DNA sequencer is able to integrate directly with commercial front-end instrumentation.