Quantum Biosystems today announced the release of raw data access to its first reads. The company released reads showing an accuracy of more than 99% in non-homopolymer regions and homopolymer indels at a rate of ~10%. This release allows researchers to evaluate the platform and engage in its validation and development. It marks a major milestone in the single molecule electrical sequencing of DNA.
Reagent free, silicon sequencer has potential to be ultra-low-cost
The work reported today by Quantum Biosystems was completed using its breakthrough novel Quantum Sequencing platform. The platform allows the direct sequencing of single-stranded DNA and RNA without labelling or modification, on silicon devices, which can be produced on the same production lines as consumer-grade integrated circuits. As the system uses no proteins or other reagents, it is potentially ultra-low-cost, enabling consumer-level genome sequencing.
A fundamental advance in DNA sensing technology
Based on basic research at the University of Osaka, the QB platform uses sub-nanometer gaps and picoamp level currents to directly detect the conductance of single DNA and RNA molecules. This breakthrough in molecular sensing promises to bring about a fundamentally new class of sensors.
