Instrument for monitoring nucleic acid amplification
OwnerRussell Gene Higuchiinventor
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Abstract
This invention relates to improved methods for nucleic acid detection using methods such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). More specifically, the invention provides methods for simultaneous amplification and detection to enhance the speed and accuracy of prior methods. The methods involve the introduction of detectable DNA binding agents into the amplification reaction, which agents produce a detectable signal that is enhanced upon binding double-stranded DNA. In a preferred embodiment, the binding agent is a fluorescent dye. The methods also provide means for monitoring the increase in product DNA during an amplification reaction.
Claims12
An instrument for use in monitoring a nucleic acid amplification reaction comprising multiple thermal cycles, comprising:
- (a) an automated thermal cycler capable of alternately heating and cooling, and adapted to receive, at least one reaction vessel containing an amplification reaction mixture comprising a target nucleic acid, reagents for nucleic acid amplification, and a detectable nucleic acid binding agent;
- and
- (b) a detector operable to detect a fluorescence optical signal while the amplification reaction is in progress and without opening the at least one reaction vessel, which fluorescence optical signal is related to the amount of amplified nucleic acid in the reaction vessel.
A system for use in monitoring a nucleic acid amplification reaction comprising multiple thermal cycles, comprising:
- (a) at least one reaction vessel adapted to contain an amplification reaction mixture comprising a target nucleic acid, reagents for nucleic acid amplification, and a detectable nucleic acid binding agent;
- (b) an automated thermal cycler capable of alternately heating and cooling such a reaction vessel, and
- (c) a detector operable to detect a fluorescence optical signal while the amplification reaction is in progress and without opening the at least one reaction vessel, which fluorescence optical signal is related to the amount of amplified nucleic acid in the reaction vessel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.