Abstract: Disclosed is a method for sequencing a polynucleotide analyte comprising:•a. generating a stream of droplets containing a single nucleotide wherein the order of single nucleotides in the droplet stream corresponds to the sequence of nucleotides in the analyte;•b. introducing into each droplet a plurality of biological probe types each type comprising a different label in an undetectable state and being adapted to capture a different single nucleotide;•c. causing the single nucleotide contained in the droplet to bind to its complementary probe and•d. causing the label to be released from the probe that has bound the nucleotide in a detectable state. The probe is a dumbbell shaped probe comprising fluorescent donor and quencher labels and a single nucleotide gap. After gap repair by a polymerase and a ligase, a restriction enzyme recognition site is cleaved by a restriction enzyme, followed by exonuclease digestion to release the labels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the sequence of nucleotide bases in a polynucleotide analyte characterised by the steps of: a. generating a stream of droplets at least some of which contain a single nucleotide and wherein the order of single nucleotides in the droplet stream corresponds to the sequence of nucleotides in the analyte; b. introducing into each droplet a plurality of biological probe types each type (i) comprising a different detectable element in an undetectable state and (ii) being adapted to capture a different complimentary single nucleotide from which the analyte is constituted; c. causing the single nucleotide contained in the droplet to bind to its complimentary probe to create a used probe and d. causing the detectable element to be released from the used probe in a detectable state.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for analysing the sequence of nucleotides in a nucleic acid sample, said apparatus comprising a substrate and a plurality of nanopores provided therein suitable for the passage of nucleic acid molecules therethrough; at least one sample holding chamber disposed upstream of the inlet of said nanopores, at least one detection window juxtaposed within or downstream of the outlet of each nanopore adapted to detect a property characteristic of one or more detectable elements associated with the nucleic acid as each nucleic acid molecule passes therethrough and a detector adapted to generate a data stream characteristic of the various detection events occurring in the detection window characterised in that the apparatus further comprises a means located within the sample holding chamber adapted to increase the local concentration of the nucleic acid sample adjacent the inlet of the nanopores relative to the bulk concentration thereof.

Abstract: A method for identifying a target polymer (20) comprises translocating a target polymer (20) having detectable elements (22), such as fluorophores (22), through an analysing device (24) comprising a nanopore (28) having a detection window (40), wherein the analysing device (24) is capable of plasmon resonance to produce a localised electromagnetic field which defines the detection window (40) detecting the detectable elements (22) as they pass through the detection window (40) to produce a distribution profile of the detectable elements (22) along the target polymer (20) and identifying the target polymer (20) by comparing the distribution profile to a reference set of distribution profiles for known polymers. In a preferred embodiment the target polymer (20) is a nucleic acid and the detectable elements (22) are oligonucleotides complimentary to at least two adjacent nucleotides therein. Exemplified is the use of 6-mer oligonucleotides.