Target enrichment is our second-generation technology that is capable of unprecedented enrichment of nucleic acids, with a demonstrated ability to enrich for point mutations against background by 10,000 fold without PCR amplification. Boreal is collaborating with clinicians in improving the detection of infectious diseases by applying our technology to enrich for pathogen sequences from whole blood. We are also working to commercialize our technology into oncology related molecular diagnostics by enabling the enrichment of rare cancer alleles directly from blood.
Our SCODA technology takes advantage of the unique non-linearity in the migration of nucleic acids under applied electric field to achieve purification and focusing that is specific to nucleic acids.
The method can be modified to allow a similar selection and focusing process to be performed on specific nucleic acid sequences. By incorporating custom DNA sequences in the SCODA concentration matrix, we can increase the non-linearity of specific DNA sequences to achieve exceptionally selective focusing.
Denatured samples containing a mix of target nucleic acid and background nucleic acids are injected in a custom SCODA cartridge containing a probe complementary to the target. Through the SCODA process, the target is focused to the liquid output well, while all other DNA sequences are rejected.
In essence, the target must hybridize and denature from the immobilized probes hundreds of times to achieve the cumulative effect that results in focusing. Consequently, the selectivity of each hybridization is compounded, and exceptional target enrichment is achieved. SCODA can enrich targets 10,000 fold against background DNA that differs from the target sequence by a single nucleotide, within a matter of minutes to a few hours.
Demonstration of sequence enrichment for two DNA targets differing by a single nucleotide – concentration of the Perfect Match target (Green) is accomplished while rejecting a Single Base Mismatch (Red).
With this technology, rare sequences in an overwhelming background can be enriched prior to amplification and detection or sequencing. Through exceptional sequence enrichment Boreal Genomics extends the dynamic range of PCR and sequence based detection.
Learn more about early access to this revolutionary technology
