COmplete Nucleic acid ANalysis (CONAN) at genome scale with ultra-high throughput

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Depixus, a small start-up incubating in Cambridge, is developing an innovative new biotechnology for 'complete nucleic acid analysis' called SIMDEQ (SIngle molecule Magnetic DEtection and Quantification). SIMDEQ is a game-changing technology that is being developed not only for standard DNA sequencing, but to also reveal previously undecipherable layers of information contained within the many subtle chemical signatures (epigenetic base modifications) that are found on both DNA and RNA. The emerging picture is that these base modifications form a 'second genome' that plays many vital roles in biology -- from early embryonic development, to pathogenic defence mechanisms, and the evolution of many cancers. Epigenetics has also been shown to be a critical factor in plants, including many crop varieties, and thus has great impact on agriculture. Current sequencing technologies have very limited abilities to read these modifications. Our revolutionary SIMDEQ technology can analyse individual nucleic acid molecules (DNA or RNA) with unprecedented precision and accuracy. Our current prototype instruments are highly robust and can be used to generate highly detailed genetic and epigenetic data, but have limited sample throughput. This ambitious project focuses on the development of a compact, high-throughput system, known as 'SIMDEQ Digital', based on a CMOS chip (like those in digital cameras) on which many millions of electronically addressable micron-scale sensors are fabricated. Much as digital cameras have revolutionized the field of photography, the release of SIMDEQ Digital technology represents a discontinuous innovation in the world of DNA analysis. SIMDEQ Digital will not only allow Depixus to compete in the existing $20 billion DNA analysis industry, but also to open new markets for genetic and epigenetic analysis, UK-wide and globally. Early access to this technology will provide great business opportunities especially for British SMEs, who will help pioneer an entirely new "complete genomics" ecosystem.