New Method for Direct Electronic Sequencing of DNA

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A new method is proposed for sequencing a single DNA molecule via direct electronic measurement of individual bases. The method utilizes a protein pore in a newly discovered suspended lipid bilayer configuration that simple electronic models and calculations show offers a factor of ten sensitivity improvement in measurement of the pore blocking current. A second key innovation is to separate the means used to induce the ionic current through the pore from the means used to drive DNA translocation through the pore, allowing each to be optimized separately. In Phase I the key questions relating to the second innovation will be investigated and the performance of a complete system projected. In Phase II, a preliminary laboratory apparatus that combines all elements of the system in a basic form will be evaluated. This program is a collaboration between Electronic Bio Sciences LLC (EBS), pioneers in the development of new ultra low noise electronic readout architectures for biology, the group of Professor Henry White, the inventors of the new suspended membrane configuration, and Professor David Deamer, a pioneer in the science of DNA translocation through protein pores. The proposed direct electronic sequencing of DNA method could allow the ability for routine sequencing of the human genome. In theory this system would allow a 3 billion base mammalian genome to be sequenced in under an hour, a 1000 times improvement over current systems. Such rapid low cost sequencing could be used to obtain individualized information on predisposition to diseases and treatments and could thereby revolutionize medicine.