Sensor arrays and nucleic acid sequencing applications

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide devices methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction cavities containing sensors to monitor changes in solutions contained in the reaction cavities. Additional embodiments provide devices and methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction cavities that allow for optical monitoring of solutions in the reaction cavities. Test and fill reaction schemes are disclosed that allow DNA to be sequenced. By sequencing DNA using parallel reactions contained in large arrays, DNA can be rapidly sequenced.

1 . An array comprising a plurality of cavities for holding reactants, the cavities having a surface for attachment of DNA and an electronic sensor for detecting changes in a solution resulting from a chemical reaction and having statistically one DNA molecule of known sequence attached to the surface for attachment of DNA per cavity. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the array is comprised of about 2 to about 10,000 cavities. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the array is comprised of about 10,000 to about 1,000,000,000 cavities. 
     
     
         4 . The array of  claim 1  wherein the electronic sensor comprises a field effect transistor. 
     
     
         5 . The array of  claim 1  wherein the electronic sensor is comprised of single walled carbon nanotubes that are capable of acting as a field effect transistor. 
     
     
         6 . The array of  claim 1  also including a computer connected to the electronic sensors to analyze the electronic signals received from the field effect sensors. 
     
     
         7 . The array of  claim 6  also including an electronically controlled valve system connected to a fluid delivery system. 
     
     
         8 . An array comprising a plurality of reaction cavities for holding reactants, the cavities having a surface for attachment of DNA and an optical sensor for detecting changes in a solution resulting from a chemical reaction and having statistically one DNA molecule of known sequence attached to the surface for attachment of DNA per reaction cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the array is comprised of about 2 to about 10,000 reaction cavities. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the array is comprised of about 10,000 to about 1,000,000,000 reaction cavities. 
     
     
         11 . The array of  claim 8  wherein the optical sensor comprises a CMOS sensor or a photodiode. 
     
     
         12 . The array of  claim 8  also including a computer connected to the optical sensors to analyze the electronic signals received from the optical sensors.