Nanogen patents new method for detecting nucleic acid hybridization

Using fluorescent energy transfer

Nanogen Inc. (San Diego) has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 6,162,603 ("Hybridization of Polynucleotides Conjugated with Chromophores and Fluorophores to Generate Donor-To-Donor Energy Transfer System"), which outlines a novel way to detect nucleic acid hybridization through fluorescence energy transfer.

"The '603 Patent teaches a novel method of transferring photonic energy within synthetic nucleic acid sequences," said Michael J. Heller, chief technology officer at Nanogen. "The invention consists of precisely designed nucleic acid sequences modified with a number of energy absorbers and transmitters that are capable of transferring light energy over distances greater than previously possible in synthetic systems. By the careful selection and design of unique nucleic acid sequences, linker arms, and absorber/transmitter chemical structures, a light 'antenna,' or photonic conductor, can be constructed. This in turn permits the design of uniquely sensitive and specific nucleic acid hybridization tests. This novel technology in the future can be incorporated into the NanoChip Molecular Biology Workstation or can be used in a wide variety of nucleic acid hybridization assay formats."

NanoChip (above) is a 99-site electronically-powered microarray that moves and concentrates DNA and RNA by controlling the current at each test site. Data from NanoChips are analyzed and processed by the NanoChip Workstation (below).

Nanogen recently began marketing NanoChip Workstations, used for SNP scoring, to scientists and genomics laboratories. Nanogen is developing a series of electronics-based products to help researchers and clinical healthcare providers accelerate their practical understanding and use of genomics. These products are intended to provide quick and accurate analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins and, Nanogen hopes, will bridge research and clinical diagnostic settings.

Edited by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Drug Discovery Online and Pharmaceutical Online
adepalma@vertical.net