DNA Sequencing by Capillary Array Electrophoresis

On May 9,1998, PE Biosystems announced that they would introduce a new instrument based on “breakthrough DNA analysis technology” (1 ). Over 700 orders for the new sequencer were received in the first 5 mo of production, which make this instrument one of the most successful new products in the history of analytical instrumentation. This new instrument is based on capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) with a sheath-flow cuvet detector. This detection technology provides nearly 100% duty cycle, where every capillary is monitored simultaneously without the need for a scanning detector system. By use of this instrument, the Drosophila melanogaster sequence will be completed in less than 5 mo (2 ), and the sequence of the human genome will be substantially complete by the time that this book is in print.