A high-throughput optomechanical retrieval method for sequence-verified clonal DNA from the NGS platform

Abstract

Writing DNA plays a significant role in the fields of synthetic biology, functional genomics, and bioengineering. DNA clones on next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have the potential to be a rich and cost-effective source of sequence-verified DNAs as a precursor for DNA writing. However, it is still very challenging to retrieve target clonal DNA from highdensity NGS platforms. Here, we propose an enabling technology called ‘Sniper Cloning’ that enables the precise mapping of target clone features on NGS platforms and non-contact rapid retrieval of targets for full utilization of DNA clones. By merging the three cutting-edge technologies of NGS, DNA microarray, and our pulse laser retrieval system, ‘Sniper Cloning’ is a week-long process by which 5,188 error-free synthetic DNAs can be produced in a single run of NGS with a single microarray DNA pool. We believe that this technology has potential as a universal tool for DNA writing in biological sciences.