Single Molecule Arrays - Isis Project No 1348/1349
A Researcher at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics has developed a novel platform for genomics, which combines microarrays with single molecule technology. The approach can add significant value to the existing microarray technologies, in particular for mRNA profiling. It may even allow for expansion of microarray technologies into new markets.
Marketing Opportunity
This technology is seen as a significant improvement and can be viewed as an evolution of microarray technology. While it adds significant value to existing mRNA profiling it does not require the customer to shift from the market accepted microarray formula to an unfamiliar alternative that may require re-training and perhaps significant capital expenditure. Applications of the technology extend from DNA analysis (mRNA profiling, SNP typing, Resequencing) to proteomics, epigenomics and small molecule drug interactions.
The Oxford invention
Involves the linking of single molecule technology and microarray technology, first patent application. The combined features of which should bring massive parallelization to the former and ultra sensitivity to the latter. Analysing individual molecules not only increases sensitivity, it also adds confidence to an analytical decision. It can also allow for information to be revealed, which is ordinarily masked by the averaging effect of the ensemble analysis.
The microarray is used to sort a complex mixture of DNA or RNA molecules to distinct spatial locations on a surface and the single molecule methods enable each individual molecule to be detected as a point of fluorescence and separately resolved. Furthermore, array captured DNA molecules can be linearised on a surface to enable long-range genome analysis. A second patent application extends the invention in two distinct ways:
- Firstly, spatially addressable arrays are taken into novel applications
by using multiple array elements to analyse a single DNA polymer.
This can be applied to haplotyping and is particularly amenable to
electronic transduction in a diagnostic device
- Secondly, it develops the concept of arrays of molecules, which
start as being spatially random but are then characterized and made
spatially addressable.
The patent status
Isis Innovation has patented this unique technology. Companies interested in discussing the commercialisation of this exciting and potentially lucrative invention are invited to contact Isis Innovation for further information. WO 02/74988.
Keywords
Microarrays, DNA, Expression Analysis
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