Researchers at Boston University have uncovered a DNA sequencing method that requires less DNA than gold standard methods.   In general, this makes genome sequencing more reliable.  It also decreases cost and the amount of time required to achieve DNA amplification.

This new methods for achieving DNA sequencing relies on using silicon nanopores to detect DNA molecules.  As DNA strands move through an electric field, they are fed through pores that are only 4 nanometers wide.  When a DNA molecule passes through the pore, it creates a fluctuation in the electrical current.

Current gene sequencing methods entail taking DNA samples, and then making millions of copies in order to study the results.  Aside from being costly, the value of information obtained tends to decline as more copies are made.  On the other hand, when a DNA strand is attracted to an electrical field, it is much easier to isolate individual strands that can be used for sequencing.

In order to enhance effectiveness of the electrical field, researchers used salt gradients around the nanopores.  This serves to increase the migration of DNA through the field, as well as increase capture rates.  Visually speaking, the salt gradients create a funnel effect that draws DNA to the nanopore as opposed to simply waiting for the DNA strand to cross at random intervals.

Researchers also found an added bonus to sequencing DNA using nanopores.  Unlike traditional methods, larger DNA strands are actually drawn to the nanopore faster than small ones.  Therefore, when attempting to sequence an entire genome, there is a reduced need to try and reassemble snippets of information.   This has the potential to enable sequencing well over the current threshold of 1000 basepairs.

According to current estimations, using nanopores in DNA sequencing can be achieved with approximately 100,000 sample molecules.  This is significantly less than the 1 billion samples required for current methods.  No doubt, as the technology becomes more available, DNA sequencing will be integrated into many areas of everyday life.