Genomics and Systems Biotechnology Laboratory

Genome sequencing is essential for biological research and clinical diagnostics. For example, the determination of complex diseases and individual variations between patients depends on the sequencing of populations. However, current sequencing technology is slow and expensive for genome sequencing due to the low-throughput of sequencing by capillary gel electrophoresis. To fulfill the increasing demand for genome sequencing, I am developing a technology for high-throughput genome sequencing that will provide several orders of magnitude improvement over the current technology.

AIM 1: High-throughput DNA Sequencing by Denaturation (SBD)

The purpose of this project is to develop a new sequencing technology called sequencing by denaturation (SBD). This technology enables the sequencing of millions to billions of DNA strands on one single device. It is based on the standard Sanger sequencing method and DNA denaturation. This method is straightforward and eliminates cycling reactions. It is ultra-high throughput in nature, so that millions to billions of DNA strands could be sequenced in parallel.

AIM 2: Automated and Integrated System Construction

In addition, I am constructing an integrated device that combines temperature control, fluidics, and fluorescence detection in one automated machine. This setup allows me to conduct the experiments described above. It also serves as a prototype of the platform system for the future ultra-high-throughput sequencer. Below shows a picture of my current setup.