Towards commercialization of cavitation-enhancing nanodroplets for DNA sample fragmentation in NGS applications - PROJECT SUMMARY
More than 80,000 laboratories globally are working on biological sample processing, with a rapidly
growing focus on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. The milestone of the $1000 human genome
sequence has established NGS as the gold standard technology for personalized/precision medicine and
diagnostics. Genetic testing kids are now as readily available as pregnancy test kids, and advances in genetic
analysis, gene therapy, and genetic modification promise in the 21st century to parallel the development of
transistors and integrated circuits in the 20th century.
The challenge is that technology for preparing biological samples for sequencing has not maintained a
similar rapid advancement to gene sequencing. Fragmentation of DNA randomly without bias is an essential,
but difficult step in the preparation of genomic DNA for NGS applications. A narrow range of DNA fragment
lengths is required for sequencing, and inefficient or inconsistent fragmentation will result in incomplete or
excluded reads, corrupting the sequencing.
Acoustic sonication, which fragments DNA through cavitation, is the gold standard for DNA fragmentation.
However, our customer discover interviews have reinforced that this is a significant pain point in their sample
preparation process due to its low throughput and challenging consistency, particularly for industry developing
large-scale sequencing efforts.
Our NCI IMAT-funded academic co-founders have invented a novel approach that overcomes throughput
and consistency bottlenecks in sample preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, based
on our preliminary data. We have invented a novel nanodroplet reagent that enhances cavitation from an
acoustic sonicator, and greatly improves consistency and reduces time and acoustic power requirements for
DNA fragmentation. Triangle Biotechnology has licensed the patents describing the cavitation enhancing
technology.
With this SBIR, we will establish feasibility of this novel reagent, and perform key research, development,
and proof of concept studies required prior to commercialization. Success of this project will enable a novel
commercial solution for addressing market pain points: substantially improving throughput and
consistency of DNA fragmentation for NGS sample preparation while reducing cost.
