New Ultra-Rapid DNA Sequencing Technology

This sequencing, however, is very time consuming, requires a large amount of DNA molecules, and involves many labor-intensive steps. The researchers therefore genetically engineered polymerase so it would act as a direct molecular sensor, sending a computer a signal telling immediately the identity of the base it read. This process eliminates many steps and requires the use of only a single molecule of DNA to "read.”

When fully developed as a commercial device, the technology could offer doctors a faster and more-thorough way to determine who is at risk for certain genetic diseases or which people might react adversely to a particular drug. The device could also be used to rapidly identify unknown pathogens used in a bioterrorist attack, where quick answers about an organism could save lives. The researchers have filed a patent on the new process and have formed a company in Houston called Visigen Biotechnologies to complete development and commercialize the process.

"We predict the process we're developing could sequence the human genome in less than a day, and ultimately maybe even less than an hour,” said Susan Hardin, of the
department of biology and biochemistry at the University of Houston.