Method of determining the sequence of nucleic acids employing solid-phase particles carrying transponders

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention overcomes the problems of conventional sequencing methods by employing solid phase particles having a transponder associated with each particle.
The particles carry oligonucleotide probes attached to their surface, and the sequence of the oligonucleotide is encoded on a memory element on the transponder.
The oligonucleotide probes correspond to subsequences believed to exist in the target sequence.
To determine the sequence of sample, or "target" DNA, the target DNA of unknown sequence is labeled with a fluorophore and combined with transponder particles carrying known oligonucleotides under annealing conditions.
The transponders are analyzed to detect the fluorescence or color originating from a label that indicates that target DNA has bound to the probe attached to the surface of the transponder, and the information stored electronically in the transponder is decoded.
Dedicated sequence analysis software may then be used to determine the complete or partial sequence of the DNA target.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a solid phase particle for use in determining the sequence of nucleic acids, comprising a solid phase particle having a transponder, and an oligonucleotide probe having a known sequence attached to an outer surface of the particle.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of determining the sequence of sample nucleic acids, comprising the steps of employing solid phase particles with transponders.
In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for determining the sequence of unknown nucleic acids, comprising an assay vessel, and a set of solid phase particles having transponders, and a different oligonucleotide attached to the surface of the probe.