What will the next-generation of DNA sequencers be like? Competing technologies are making genomic sequencing cheaper with time. Currently, Ion Torrent has the most advanced DNA sequencer on the market, with their new Ion Proton Sequencer (which costs $150,000) that can sequence a human genome in a few hours for about $1,000.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies came out with a new technique using a protein pore within a synthetic polymer membrane embedded in a microchip. The system works using electrical signal detection. When the strand of DNA is sequenced through the pore, each nucleotide is detected by registering a different electrical signal.
The company released the technology on a standard platform called GridION, a consumable cartridge inside the instrument. The data collected on the device can then be accessed via a local network and scaled up. When used in conjunction with other devices, the network created allows many sequencing reactions to occur simultaneously. GridION is speculated to cost around $30-40K with a cost of sequencing of about $1,500.
MinIon, Oxford's GridION scaled down technology, can sequence DNA on a chip with the size and connectivity of a USB thumb drive. By continually being connected to a computer, DNA can be sequenced everywhere. The MinIon will cost about $900, but its capacity will be limited.
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Oxford Nanopore Technologies is a company based in Oxford, UK. It was founded in 2005 on the science of Professor Hagan Bayley of the University of Oxford. It is developing a proprietary technology platform for the direct, electronic analysis of single molecules, that is adaptable for the analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins, small molecules and other types of molecule. Many potential applications include scientific research, personalised medicine, crop science, and security/defense. Their technology is expected to be commercialised in 2012.
Nanopore Technologies: Next-Generation DNA Sequencers
