Large scale DNA microsequencing device

A method of making a nucleic acid sedquencing microchip apparatus comprising the steps of:

• a) forming a channel pattern in a planar surface of a substrate, said channel pattern including at least one gel channel;
• b) fixedly attaching a cover plate on said planar surface of said substrate;
• c) partially filling said at least one gel channel with a gel, and thereby forming a reaction chamber in the untilled portion wherein said reaction chamber has attached thereto photocleavable linkers wherein said photocleavable linkers have bound thereto oligonucleotide probes/primers;
• and
• d) placing first and second electrodes respectively at opposite ends of said at least one gel channel.

An apparatus for simultaneously sequencing a plurality of polynucleic acids comprising:

• a) a solid support substrate;
• b) a plurality of sequencing channels, each said channel having a reaction well and a separating zone;
• c) means for delivering substances to each said reaction well;
• d) means for specifically selecting and binding a predetermined target sequence within said reaction well of each said channel;
• e) means for individually controlling sequencing reactions in each said reaction well;
• f) photocleavable linkers bound to said reaction wells and wherein said photocleavable linkers have bound thereto oligonucleotide probes/primers;
• g) means for applying an electrophoretic voltage across separating zone;
• h) means for monitoring said electrophoretic separation to determine a sequence of a polynucleic acid from the target sequence in each said reaction well;
• and
• i) a transparent cover plate fixedly attached to said substrate.