IVD Technology Magazine
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Originally published September, 1998

IVD Technology News

Visible Genetics gets virtual DNA sequencer patent

The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently granted a notice of allowance to Visible Genetics, Inc. (VGI; Toronto), for its patent of a "virtual DNA sequencer." In a company press release, VGI chairman and CEO John K. Stevens stated that the company's new design combines the power of many sequencers into a large virtual instrument that can yield as many as 50,000 base pairs per hour.

VGI achieves high-speed sequencing by interconnecting several Clipper units, the company's current automated DNA sequencer. But VGI director of licensing and patents Jason August says that the company's system is more than just a network of computers. "Unlike a normal network, in which client computers work independently of one another, our virtual sequencer computers are interconnected and share information and processing duties."

Components of the "virtual DNA sequencer" recently patented by Visible Genetics (Toronto). Photo courtesy Visible Genetics.

While increased processing speed is a major benefit, VGI says that the new design also improves flexibility and reliability. In the past, efforts to attain faster sequencing have led to the development of larger and more expensive individual instruments. By virtually connecting many smaller instruments, the VGI approach gives users more options.

Among the advantages highlighted by company representatives is the potential for small sequencing jobs to be distributed throughout the system and run simultaneously. The individual units can be in different parts of the lab or in different buildings altogether. Instead of one large initial investment, labs can purchase as many units as they need and upgrade piecemeal, as they require. "Downtime is significantly reduced because one unit breaking down won't stop the other units," says August. "And adding or replacing sequencers is as easy as clicking a mouse."

As for diagnostic applications, Stevens expects that VGI's combination of high throughput and workflow flexibility will enable researchers to generate results rapidly as well as cost-effectively.—Gary Woo