Single-Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) DNA sequencing technology
Pacific Biosciences was funded in 2004 with the goal of developing Single-Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) DNA sequencing technology. This technology enables, for the first time, the observation of natural DNA synthesis by a DNA polymerase as it occurs. Our approach is based on eavesdropping on a single DNA polymerase molecule working in a continuous, processive manner. Distinguished by its long reads, short run times, and high quality sequence data with less effort and cost, SMRT DNA sequencing promises to be a transformative technology that will enable a new paradigm in genomic analysis.
PacBio's SMRT technology is built upon two key innovations that overcome major challenges facing the field of DNA sequencing:
The SMRT chip, which enables observation of individual fluorophores against a dense background of labeled nucleotides by maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio, and
Phospholinked nucleotides, which produce a completely natural DNA strand through fast, accurate, and processive DNA synthesis ...
