Development of DNA Sequencing Instrumentation Based on Microfluidics and Molecular Level Sensors

SeiraD is working to develop an innovative DNA sequencing device incorporating silicon-based microfluidics and molecular level sensors. The US government has invested over $2,000,000,000 to sequence the first human genome. The full potential of DNAsequence information will only be realized when multiple genomes are rapidly and inexpensively sequenced. The SeiraD approach is based on research conducted by Dr. Joe Gatewood while at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Dr. Gatewood and colleaguesdeveloped the nanotechnology that provides the foundation for the SeiraD approach. During the Phase I effort, SeiraD focused on producing DNA-sized pores and developing nanolithography techniques. The pore production capability advanced to the pointwhere generation of DNA sized pores is possible. 40A clusters as well as 200A squares of metal have been removed from a metal-coated silicon surface using nanolithography. The techniques developed during Phase I will be refined and utilized to constructa prototype DNA sequencing instrument during Phase II. Experiments to reduce the metal cluster size and software modifications will improve nonolithography resolution. The device will be incorporated into a DNA sequencing cell. Sensitive electronicswill be utilized to sample the probe DNA sequence data. Data from the sequencing cell will be provided to DARPA.