U.S. patent application number 09/876298 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-05 for apparatus and method for analysis of nucleic acids hybridization on high density na chips..
Invention is credited to Poponin, Vladimir.
Application Number | 20020123050 09/876298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23637860 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020123050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poponin, Vladimir |
September 5, 2002 |
Apparatus and method for analysis of nucleic acids hybridization on
high density NA chips.
Abstract
The invention generally relates to a new gene probe biosensor
employing near field surface enhanced Raman scattering (NFSERS) for
direct spectroscopic detection of hybridized molecules (such as
hybridized DNA) without the need for labels, and the invention also
relates to methods for using the biosensor.
Inventors: |
Poponin, Vladimir;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
620 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
SIXTEENTH FLOOR
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
23637860 |
Appl. No.: |
09/876298 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09876298 |
Jun 7, 2001 |
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09413596 |
Oct 6, 1999 |
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6376177 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/6.12 ;
356/301; 435/287.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12Q 2565/632 20130101;
C12Q 1/6825 20130101; C12Q 1/6825 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/6 ;
435/287.2; 356/301 |
International
Class: |
C12Q 001/68; C12M
001/34; G01J 003/44 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An analytical method for determining whether a DNA sample
comprises double-stranded DNA, said method comprising analyzing the
DNA sample by near field Raman spectroscopy to determine whether
the sample produces lattice vibrations, wherein the presence of
lattice vibrations indicates the presence of double stranded DNA in
the DNA sample.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein DNA sample is associated with a
substrate selected from the group consisting of: nucleic acid
chips, peptide nucleic acid chips, conducting carbon nanotube
plates, and microfluidic nucleic acid chips.
3. An analytical system for determining whether a DNA sample
comprises double-stranded DNA, said system comprising: (a) a sample
retention structure; (b) a radiation source arranged to irradiate
the sample retention structure to produce photonic scattering from
a sample on said sample retention structure; and (c) an electronics
unit comprising: (i) a photonic collector; (ii) a Raman
spectrograph; and (iii) spectral analyzer arranged to analyze the
DNA sample by near field Raman spectroscopy to determine whether
the sample produces lattice vibrations, wherein the presence of
lattice vibrations indicates the presence of double stranded DNA in
the DNA sample.
4. A spectroscopic system for detecting molecular hybridization,
said system comprising: (a) a near-field SERS substrate arranged to
support one or more predetermined hybridizeable molecules thereon;
(b) a source of coherent radiation source arranged to impinge
coherent radiation onto each of the hybridizeable molecules to
responsively produce a pattern of scattered photons; (c) a photonic
collector arranged in photon-gathering relationship to the photons
and adapted to transmit the gathered scattered photons; (d) a Raman
spectrograph arranged in photon receiving relationship to the
photonic collector and adapted to generate an output correlative to
the collected scattered photons transmitted by the photonic
collector; and (e) a spectral to electronic converter, arranged to
receive the output of the Raman spectrograph and to convert same to
an electronic output indicative of the presence or absence of
hybridized molecules on the SERS substrate.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the near field SERS substrate is
selected from the group consisting of: nucleic acid chips, peptide
nucleic acid chips, conducting carbon nanotube plates, microfluidic
nucleic acid chips, and optical nanocluster microchips.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein the SERS substrate is selected
from the group consisting of: plates coated with colloid silver,
plates coated with colloid gold, plates coated with colloid
platinum, and conducting carbon nanotube plates.
7. The system of claim 4 wherein the one or more predetermined
hybridizeable molecules disposed on the near field SERS substrate
are selected from the group consisting of: DNA and RNA.
8. T The system of claim 4 wherein the near field SERS substrate
comprises a microchip.
9. The system of claim 4 wherein the near field SERS substrate
comprises a microarray.
10. The system of claim 4 wherein the laser light source is
selected from the group consisting of: argon ion lasers, infrared
lasers, and ultraviolet lasers.
11. The system of claim 4 wherein the spectral to electronic
converter comprises a CCD array.
12. The system of claim 4 wherein the photonic collector comprises
an ICCD array.
13. A method for detecting hybridized DNA comprising: (a) providing
a spectroscopic system for detecting molecular hybridization, said
system comprising: (i) a near-field SERS substrate arrayed to
support one or more predetermined hybridizeable molecules thereon;
(ii) a source of coherent radiation source arranged to impinge
coherent radiation onto each of the hybridizeable molecules to
responsively produce a pattern of scattered photons; (iii) a
photonic collector arranged in photon-gathering relationship to the
photons and adapted to transmit the gathered scattered photons;
(iv) a Raman spectrograph arranged in photon receiving relationship
to the photonic collector and adapted to generate an output
correlative to the collected scattered photons transmitted by the
photonic collector; and (v) a spectral to electronic converter,
arranged to receive the output of the Raman spectrograph and to
convert to an electronic output indicative of the presence or
absence of hybridized molecules on the SERS substrate; (b) exposing
the predetermined hybridizeable molecules disposed on the near
field SERS substrate to a sample containing one or more sample
molecules having the capacity to hybridize to the predetermined
hybridizeable molecules; (c) directing the laser beam from the
laser light source onto each of the one or more predetermined
hybridizeable molecules to create a pattern of scattered photons
for each of said hybridizeable molecules; (d) collecting the
scattered photons for each of said hybridizeable molecules and
directing them to the Raman spectrograph; (e) collecting photonic
data from the Raman spectrograph and transforming said photonic
data into electronic data for further data processing; and (f)
determining whether each of the hybridizeable molecule is
hybridized to a sample molecule by comparing the Raman spectrum of
(i) each hybridizeable molecule exposed to the sample to (ii) the
Raman spectrum to the corresponding unhybridized predetermined
hybridizeable molecule.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the hybridizable molecule
comprises DNA and wherein the determination of whether the
hybridizeable molecule is hybridized to a sample molecule is
indicated by the presence of lattice vibrations.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the near field SERS substrate is
selected from the group consisting of: nucleic acid chips, peptide
nucleic acid chips, conducting carbon nanotube plates, microfluidic
nucleic acid chips, and optical nanocluster microchips.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the SERS substrate is selected
from the group consisting of: plates coated with colloid silver,
plates coated with colloid gold, plates coated with colloid
platinum, and conducting carbon nanotube plates.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the one or more predetermined
hybridizeable molecules disposed on the near field SERS substrate
are selected from the group consisting of: DNA and RNA.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein the near field SERS substrate
comprises a microchip or microarray.
19. The method of claim 13 wherein the laser light source is
selected from the group consisting of: argon ion lasers, infrared
lasers, and ultraviolet lasers.
20. The method of claim 13 wherein the spectral to electronic
converter comprises a CCD array and/or wherein the photonic
collector is an ICCD array.
Description
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1.1 Brief Description of the Invention
[0002] The invention disclosed herein relates to a new gene probe
biosensor employing near field surface enhanced Raman scattering
(NFSERS) for direct spectroscopic detection of DNA hybridization
without the need for labels, and the invention also relates to
methods for using the biosensor.
[0003] 1.2 Background of the invention
[0004] In 1928, C. V. Raman and his collaborator, K. S. Krishnan,
established that the spectrum of inelastically scattered light can
provide a unique fingerprint of molecular structure. Since this
initial discovery, Raman spectroscopy has advanced dramatically.
Many Raman-related analytical instruments have been developed, some
of which have applicability to proteins and nucleic acids. Recent
developments have enabled the use of Raman spectroscopy to obtain
information such as conformation and/or orientation of molecules
and some molecular groups, local hydrogen bonding interactions, and
time dependence of structural or organizational properties. Thomas,
G. J., "Raman Spectroscopy of Protein and Nucleic Acid Assemblies,"
Annu. Rev. Biophys. Biomol. Struct. 28:1-27 (1999).
[0005] The discrete vibrational energies (Raman band frequencies),
scattering probabilities (Raman intensities) and tensor
characteristics (Raman polarizations) that constitute the Raman
spectra are a function of molecular geometry and intra- and
intermolecular force fields.
[0006] Early experimental work in the field of Raman spectroscopy
demonstrated the advantages of surface-enhanced Raman scattering
(SERS) as a technique for detecting and identifying molecules. See
Cotton, T. M. "Application of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
to Biological Systems" J. Raman Spect. 23: 729-742 (1991). For
example, between 1974 and 1977, several researchers showed that
Raman scattering from pyridine on a roughened silver electrode was
enhanced by approximately six orders of magnitude. Id. SERS has
been used to study various types of amino acids and peptides on
silver surfaces, as well as to study the behavior of DNA at silver
colloids.
[0007] Surface enhanced Raman scattering has also been investigated
as a method for detecting and identifying single base differences
in double stranded DNA fragments. Chumanov, G. "Surface Enhanced
Raman Scattering for Discovering and Scoring Single Based
Differences in DNA" Proc. Volume SPIE, 3608 (1999).
[0008] SERS has also been used for single molecule detection.
Kneipp, K. "Single Molecule Detection Using Surface-Enhanced Raman
Scattering (SERS)" Physical Review Letters 78(9):1667-1670 (1997).
SERS results in strongly increased Raman signals from molecules
which have been attached to nanometer sized metallic
structures.
[0009] SERS principles have also been used in the development of
gene probes which do not require the use of radioactive labels.
These probes can be used to detect DNA via hybridization to a DNA
sequence complementary to the probe. Vo-Dinh, T. "Surface-Enhanced
Raman Gene Probes" Anal. Chem. 66:3379-3383 (1994).
[0010] The Human Genome Project and other recent advances in
molecular biology have spurred the development of new methods for
the labeling and detection of DNA and DNA fragments. Traditionally,
radioisotopes have been used as labels for DNA. More recently,
fluorescent, chemiluminescent and bioactive reporter groups have
been used. The reporter groups are typically incorporated in the
primers or the deoxynucleoside triphosphates to label the newly
synthesized DNA fragments. The DNA fragments of interest are
allowed to hybridize to a set of bound or immobilized DNA
fragments.
[0011] Among the various methods for identifying genes, the most
widely used are technologies which require radioactive labels. A
variety of disadvantages are associated with the use of radioactive
labels, including the short shelf life of common labels and the
safety hazards associated with the use of radioactive compounds.
Accordingly, there is a strong need in the art for a method for
identifying genes which does not require the use of radioactive
labels.
[0012] Methods for manufacturing oligonucleotide, DNA and protein
microchips and microarrays are known in the art. Research is
ongoing into the use of such microchips and microarrays in DNA and
RNA sequence analysis, diagnostics of genetic disease, gene
polymorphisms studies, and analysis of gene expression. Microchips
have been developed in which oligonucleotides are immobilized
within polyacrylamide gel pads. Robotics can be employed for the
manufacture of microchips containing thousands of immobilized
compounds.
[0013] Various attempts have been made to enable the sequencing of
DNA without the necessity of using radioisotopes, or fluorescent
substances. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,060 describes a
process for DNA sequencing, mapping and diagnostics which utilizes
the differences between the chemical composition of DNA and that of
peptide nucleic acid sequences (PNAs) to provide DNA sequencing,
mapping or diagnostics using natural DNA fragments. The process
includes the steps of hybridizing PNA segments to complementary DNA
segments which are affixed to a hybridization surface, or
hybridizing in DNA segments to complementary PNA segments which are
fixed to a hybridization surface and using mass spectrometric or
non-mass spectrometric techniques to analyze the extent of
hybridization at each potential hybridization site.
[0014] It is a an object of the present invention to provide
molecular sequencing, mapping, screening, diagnostic process and
other molecular hybridization processes, in which normal, unlabled
DNA is used rather than DNA labeled with stable isotopes,
radioactive isotopes or fluorescent groups, and which provides
superior spectral specificity as compared to methods of the prior
art. Achieving this object will eliminate some of the expensive
reagents and labor involved in the labeling of DNA and thereby
significantly reduce time, effort and expense of DNA analysis,
while enabling highly accurate DNA sequencing, mapping, screening,
diagnostic and other molecular hybridization related processes.
[0015] In some cases, polymorphisms comprise mutations that are the
determinantive characteristic in a genetic disease (hemophilia,
sickle-cell anemia, etc.). A "polymorphism" is a variation in the
DNA sequence of some members of a species. A polymorphism is said
to be "allelic" because some members of a species have the mutated
sequence, while other members have the non-mutated sequence. Single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) contain a polymorphic site. A
variety of methods have been developed for the characterization of
SNPs. Such methods include, for example, the direct or indirect
sequencing of the site, the use of restriction enzymes with
specificity for the allelic site to create or destroy a restriction
site, the use of allele-specific hybridization probes, the use of
antibodies that are specific for the proteins encoded by the
different alleles of the polymorphism, and other biochemical
techniques. It is an object of the present invention to provide
advanced surface detection methods which enable the
characterization of SNPs without the necessity for the use of
restriction enzymes which affect the SNP site, without the
necessity for allele-specific hybridization probes, and without the
necessity of using antibodies specific for the proteins encoded by
the different alleles of the polymorphism.
[0016] Other objects and advantages of the present invention over
the prior art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
review of the detailed description that follows.
2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The applicant has surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered,
using a novel analytic technique, coupling near-field optics with
SERS techniques, that each hybridization member in a hybridized
pair of molecules (e.g., hybridized DNA fragments) has a unique
spectrum of low frequency (lattice-type) vibrations. The novel
analytic technique presented herein is employed in the novel
spectroscopic instrument of the present invention, which is useful
for detecting molecular hybridization. The novel instrument and
methods presented herein enable vastly improved spectral
sensitivity as compared to known methods.
[0018] One object of the present invention is to provide a more
efficient, reliable, faster and more accurate method for direct
detection of nucleic acid hybridization on high density nucleic
acid chips. The invention provides direct spectroscopic detection
of DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA, and RNA-RNA hybridization.
[0019] Among the many advantages of the apparatus and method of the
present invention, are the ability to eliminate the need for
labeling (by fluorescent or other labels) as is required in
currently used methods. Furthermore, the apparatus and method of
the present invention enable high throughput screening of DNA
without the necessity for PCR amplification.
[0020] The invention provides an analytical method for determining
whether a DNA sample comprises double-stranded DNA, said method
comprising analyzing the DNA sample by near field Raman
spectroscopy to determine whether the sample produces lattice
vibrations, wherein the presence of lattice vibrations indicates
the presence of double stranded DNA in the DNA sample. In a
preferred aspect, the DNA sample is associated with a substrate,
e.g., a substrate selected from the group consisting of: nucleic
acid chips, peptide nucleic acid chips, conducting carbon nanotube
plates; microfluidic nucleic acid chips.
[0021] The invention also provides a spectroscopic system for
detecting molecular hybridization, said system comprising a
near-field SERS substrate arranged to support one or more
predetermined hybridizeable molecules thereon; a coherent radiation
source arranged to impinge coherent radiation onto each of the
hybridizeable molecules to responsively produce a pattern of
scattered photons; a photonic collector arranged in
photon-gathering relationship to the scattered photons and adapted
to transmit the gathered scattered photons; a Raman spectrograph
arranged in photon receiving relationship to the photonic collector
and adapted to generate an output correlative to the collected
scattered photons transmitted by the photonic collector; and a
spectral to electronic converter, arranged to receive the output of
the Raman spectrograph and to convert same to an electronic output
indicative of the presence or absence of hybridized molecules on
the SERS substrate.
[0022] In another embodiment, the near field SERS substrate is
selected from the group consisting of: nucleic acid chips, peptide
nucleic acid chips, conducting carbon nanotube plates, microfluidic
nucleic acid chips, optical nanocluster microchips, plates coated
with colloid silver, plates coated with colloid gold, plates coated
with colloid platinum, and conducting carbon nanotube plates. The
near field SERS substrate is a preferably a microchip or
microarray.
[0023] The one or more predetermined hybridizeable molecules
disposed on the near field SERS substrate are preferably ssDNA or
ssRNA.
[0024] The laser light source is preferably selected from the group
consisting of: argon ion lasers, infrared lasers, and ultraviolet
lasers.
[0025] The spectral to electronic converter preferably comprises a
CCD array and the photonic collector optionally comprises an ICCD
array.
[0026] The present invention also provides a method for detecting
hybridized DNA comprising providing the spectroscopic system
described above; exposing the predetermined hybridizeable molecules
disposed on the near field SERS substrate to a sample containing
one or more sample molecules having the capacity to hybridize to
the predetermined hybridizeable molecules; directing the laser beam
from the laser light source onto each of the one or more
predetermined hybridizeable molecules to create a pattern of
scattered photons for each of said hybridizeable molecules;
collecting the scattered photons for each of said hybridizeable
molecules and directing them to a Raman spectrograph; collecting
photonic data from the Raman spectrograph and transforming said
photonic data into electronic data for further data processing; and
determining whether each of the hybridizeable molecule is
hybridized to a sample molecule by comparing the Raman spectrum of
(i) each hybridizeable molecule exposed to the sample to (ii) the
Raman spectrum to the corresponding unhybridized predetermined
hybridizeable molecule.
[0027] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those
of skill in the art from the drawings of FIGS. 1-4 and the Brief
Description of the Drawings presented in Section 3 hereof, from the
Detailed Description of the Invention in Section 4 hereof, and from
the Examples, presented in Section 5 hereof.
3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a near field SERS gene
detection system of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a Raman spectrum of adenine (one of the major
base constituents of DNA) in polycrystalline form obtained by using
SPEX Triple Mate Raman spectrometer.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a low frequency Raman spectrum, for
polycrystalline guanosine monophosphate GMP Na.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a low frequency Raman spectrum for
polycrystalline guanosine triphosphate GTP Na.
4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The applicant has surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered,
using a novel analytic technique, coupling near-field optics with
SERS techniques, that each hybridization member in a hybridized
pair of molecules (e.g., hybridized DNA fragments) has a unique
spectrum of low frequency (lattice-type) vibrations and that this
unique spectral "fingerprint" may be used for highly effective
characterization of hybridizeable molecules. For example, the data
presented herein indicates that since dsDNA is similar to a crystal
structure, each hybridization member has a unique spectral feature
of low frequency (lattice type) vibrations of 0-300 cm.sup.-1
spectral interval.
[0033] The novel analytic technique presented herein enables the
construction of a novel spectroscopic instrument for detecting
molecular hybridization. Coupling of near-field optics with SERS
techniques enables sub-wavelenth (e.g., 50 nm) nm-scale spatial
resolution. This magnitude of spatial resolution results in a
degree of sensitivity which is 3 orders of magnitude higher than
the sensitivity of standard luminescent probes (see Kniepp, K.,
"Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy on Nucleic Acids and Related
Compounds Adsorbed on Colloidal Silver Particles," J. Molecular
Structure 244:183-192 (1991); Kneipp, K., "Single Molecule
Detection Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)," Physical
Review Letters 78(9) 1667-1670 (1997)) and permits the use of laser
light having an extremely low intensity of excitation (.about.10
nW).
[0034] The novel instrument and methods presented herein enable
vastly improved spectral sensitivity as compared to known methods.
The combination of near-field optics and SERS techniques enables
the use of multi-mode fiber probes for reading of hybridization
patterns and spectral fingerprints. Up to 2000 channels can be
employed in one fiber bundle. Data transmitted by the fiber bundle
can be transmitted to a CCD array detector for translation into
computer-readable data for transmission to a CPU. The general
scheme of an instrument according to this embodiment of the present
invention is set forth in FIG. 1.
[0035] Types of Raman spectroscopy useful according to the present
invention include, for example, resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS),
surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), surface enhanced
resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS), and laser induced
fluorescence (LIF) and luminescence. The preferred type is
SERS.
[0036] The biosensor instrument of the present invention generally
comprises a support structure, a near field SERS gene probe having
at least one predetermined oligonucleotide strand and an SERS
active substrate disposed on the support structure and having at
least one of the near field SERS gene probes adsorbed thereon.
Biotargets, such as bacterial and viral DNA, RNA and PNA are
detected using a near field SER gene probe via hybridization to
oligonucleotide strands complimentary to the near field SER gene
probe. The SERS active substrate, in one embodiment, includes a
fiberoptic probe, an array of fiberoptic probes for performance of
multiple assays and preferably includes a waveguide microsensor
array with charge-coupled devices (CCD) or photodiode arrays.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, a nucleic acid chip comprising a
SERS active substrate is disposed on a piezo scanning stage. A near
field probe is supplied with a dither piezo. In this embodiment, 50
nm spatial resolutions can be achieved; however, the speed of
recording information will be slow, i.e., in the range of several
minutes per sample. Other motion stage arrangements can be
alternatively utilized. In the arrangement of FIG. 1, the laser 1
(e.g., an argon ion laser) generates continuous wave (CW) coherent
radiation with power in range up to 25 mWt with wavelength 514.5 nm
(or 488 nm). The mirror 47 directs a light beam onto a light
splitter prism 46. In the fiber coupler 45, the incident light beam
is transformed into a single or multi-mode optical fiber 40. The
intensity of light in each individual fiber is substantially
attenuated (up to 10 nWt level). The light beam then impinges upon
the hybridizeable molecule (e.g., the DNA oligonucleotide on the
SERS active substrate) through the near field probe 31. The probe
focuses incident radiation on an area with size as small as about
50 nm. The size of a pixel on the DNA chip should be no smaller
than the focusing area of the incident light, i.e., in a range from
about 50 nm to about 20 microns. At the pixel of the nucleic acid
chip 35, incident laser light is interacting with the vibrational
modes of the DNA fragments to produce scattered light via a surface
enhanced Raman scattering process. Backscattered radiation is
collected by the near field probe 31 and propagates backward along
a corresponding optical fiber. After passing through the fiber
coupler 45 and splitter 46 scattered radiation is delivered by wide
field or collimated optics 2 to the Raman spectrograph 20. In the
Raman spectrograph 20, scattered light is analyzed and transformed
into digital form by a CCD array 25. Digital data are delivered
through the data acquisition system 55 (which separates and
synchronizes different time segments and provides preliminary
processing and filtration of data) into the CPU 56 for further
processing.
[0038] The probe DNA oligonucleotides are placed on the SERS active
substrate. Reflection-back-to-the fiber-mode of operation of the
scanning near field optical microscope (NOM) is preferred.
[0039] It should be noted that the method of the present invention
can also operated in a site addressable manner.
[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the nucleic acid chip on the
SERS active substrate can be placed on an optical disk support
(similar to CD-ROM or DVD-ROM). In this embodiment, the near field
probe is immovable and scanning of the nucleic acid chip is
accomplished by the motion of the nucleic acid optical disk in a
CD/DVD-ROM device. In this embodiment, spatial resolution will be
about 20 microns per pixel (the same as in currently commercially
available DNA chip technology and optical chip readers based on
luminescence detection from luminescence labels); however, the
speed at which the nucleic acid chip can be read will be in the
range of microseconds to milliseconds.
[0041] In a third embodiment, random array technology may be used
in combination with a fiber optic sensor (e.g., a sensor
arrangement of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,244,636 and
5,244,813 ). In this embodiment, ultimate spatial resolution is 5
microns per pixel, enabling the speed at which the chip can be read
to be reduced to microseconds. Optical IR fiber employed in the
practice of the present invention may be single-mode fiber or a
multi-mode fiber bundle. Multi-mode fiber bundles, which commonly
have up to 2000 fibers in one bundle, may be used in multichannel
recording.
[0042] A fiber coupler may be used to transfer illuminating and
scattered optical signals into large aperture beams and vice versa.
A splitter can be used to send reflected light through wide-field
or confocal optics into the Raman spectrograph.
[0043] The preferred source of illuminating radiation is an argon
ion laser, although other suitable radiation sources may be
usefully employed in the general practice of the invention. The
laser beam may be directed into the system using a mirror
arrangement.
[0044] A CCD array detector can be used to transform spectral
information into digital information for transmission to data
storage and/or to a CPU for further processing. The data storage
and/or CPU may be components of a standard personal computer or
workstation for high-speed analyses of hyperspectral Raman imaging
data arrays.
[0045] Where the SNOM is employed (first embodiment above), a
signal from the piezo scanning device 30 is transferred to the
control electronics system.
[0046] The spectral range of Raman spectra used in the near field
SERS molecular hybridization detection system of the present
invention is preferably in the range of about 0 to about 1700
sm.sup.-1 with the preferred spectral interval ranging from about 0
to about 300 sm.sup.-1. It is anticipated that the best results
will be in a spectral interval which ranges from 10 to about 150
sm.sup.-1.
[0047] The present invention also provides a method for detecting
hybridization of molecules using the near field SERS technology of
the present invention. The method is enabled by the fundamental
property that single stranded and double stranded fragments of
nucleic acids have different characteristic frequencies in Raman
spectra. In fact, each complimentary fragment of DNA from a set of
double stranded DNA fragments has an intrinsic low frequency
vibrational spectra. As a general example, the frequency range
varies from about 1 cm.sup.-1 to about 4000 cm.sup.-1, and the
preferred range is from about 1 cm.sup.-1 and about 400
cm.sup.-1.
[0048] Each specific nucleic acid sequence will have a specific
pattern of characteristic frequencies. A device analogous to a
Raman microscope can be used to identify the chips containing
hundreds of thousands of genes up to and including the entire human
genome.
[0049] Scanning and multichannel CCD detection make the process
very fast, and subsequent computer analysis can provide necessary
data and information, for example, the differential gene
expression, serial analysis of gene expression i.e., SAGE, and
single nucleotide polymorphisms.
[0050] In addition to ordinary nucleic acid chips, other chips
useful the practice of the present invention include, for example,
peptide nucleic acid chips (PNA). PNA chips typically contain a
layer of metal, preferably gold, platinum or silver. Plates from
conducting carbon nanotubes are also useful in the apparatus and
method of the present invention. The substrate may also be a
microfluidic nucleic acid chip, such as a microfluidic DNA
chip.
[0051] It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the
present invention is useful for high-speed high-throughput analyses
of genetic materials, such as the human genome.
5. EXAMPLES
[0052] The SPEX Triple Mate.TM. system was used to generate far
field Raman spectra from DNA components. An ion argon laser with
514.5 nm wavelength was used for excitation of Raman spectra. The
ion argon laser provided continuous wave power at 25 mWt. A
triple-grating spectrometer was equipped with photomultiplier tube,
operated in a single-photon counting mode. A right-angle geometry
of the laser excitation source and the scattering radiation was
employed.
[0053] FIG. 2 shows Raman spectra of adenine (one of the major base
constituents of DNA) in polycrystalline form obtained by using SPEX
Triple MateM Raman spectrometer. An ion argon laser with 514.5 nm
wavelength was used for excitation of Raman spectra. The ion argon
laser provided continuous wave power at 25 mWt. A triple-grating
spectrometer was equipped with photomultiplier tube, operated in a
single-photon counting mode. The spectrum demonstrates several
sharp vibrational lines in a range 10-200 cm.sup.-1. These lines
correspond to lattice vibrations and may be observed only in
crystalline or quasicrystalline structures. An example of such a
structure is double stranded DNA, which appears in hybridization
procedures.
[0054] FIG. 3 shows low frequency Raman spectra for polycrystalline
guanosine monophosphate GMP Na. The experimental conditions are the
same as those described above for adenine. Again the spectra
demonstrate low frequency vibrational modes which are less sharp
than in case of adenine.
[0055] FIG. 4 shows a low frequency Raman spectra for
polycrystalline guanosine triphosphate GTP Na. Experimental
conditions are the same as in previous figures. Again spectra
demonstrate at least one sharp low frequency vibrational line 21.0
cm.sup.-1.
6. REFERENCES
[0056] Throughout this specification, various patent and non-patent
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references is incorporated herein by reference, as is the entire
disclosure of each of the following references:
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