As DNA research enters a critical stage in next-generation sequencing, better methods are needed to visualize and study molecules.
Evizia, a company founded and based on technology developed by Jason Reed, Ph.D., a physics professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Humanities and Sciences, has landed a $2.2 million grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health.
The “Direct to Phase II” Small Business Innovation Research grant will help Evizia optimize the manufacturing of its advanced microscope system that can benefit researchers with its novel method to visualize and study DNA molecules. Reed says the platform increases the quality of next-generation DNA sequencing and will support the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics.
DNA sequencing determines the order of the chemical building blocks that comprise a DNA strand, and is key to understanding the instructions of how organisms develop, function and reproduce — like following the words in a book to understand the story.
Traditional molecular sizing techniques, such as electrophoresis and dye-based fluorescence, rely upon indirect imaging. Such methods can miss critical data and lead to quality control issues.
“The current techniques really don't work at all with molecules beyond a certain size,” Reed said. “Our technology provides direct, high-resolution feedback on sample quality before sequencing ever begins, which can offer better data, less waste and fewer expensive mistakes. Our device is built to address that shortfall.”
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