Reading single DNA with DNA polymerase followed by atomic force microscopy.

The importance of DNA sequencing in the life sciences and personalized medicine is continually increasing. Single-molecule sequencing methods have been developed to analyze DNA directly without the need for amplification. Here, we present a new approach to sequencing single DNA molecules using atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Integrated light collimating system for extended optical-path-length absorbance detection in microchip-based capillary electrophoresis.

We have developed an integrated light collimating system with a microlens and a pair of slits for extended optical path length absorbance detection in a capillary electrophoresis (CE) microchip. The collimating system is made of the same material as the chip, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), and it is integrated into the chip during the molding of the CE microchannels. In this microchip, the centers of an extended 500-microm detection cell and two optical fibers are self-aligned, and a planoconvex microlens (r = 50 microm) for light collimation is placed in front of a light-delivering fiber.