Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT™) DNA Sequencing

Long Reads, Fast Results, and More Informative Data at Lower Overall Costs

Pacific Biosciences was founded 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, fast time to result, more informative data, and lower overall costs, 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 three key innovations that overcome major challenges facing the field of DNA sequencing:

  • The SMRT Cell, which enables observation of individual fluorophores against a dense background of labeled nucleotides by maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Phospholinked nucleotides, which produce a completely natural DNA strand through fast, accurate, and processive DNA synthesis.
  • A novel detection platform that enables single molecule, real-time detection, as well as flexibility in run configurations and applications.  

 

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