Using expanded genetic alphabets to simplify high-throughput genetic testing.
DNA is the only chemistry that allows for molecular recognition on demand. Unlike any other molecular recognition chemistry, DNA enables the simple design and rapid synthesis of molecule sets that will recognize each other and self-assemble into nanostructures. In molecular diagnostics, DNA is used to capture complementary sequences in order to decode complex mixes. Expanding DNA chemistry to include additional base pairs enables a more precise manipulation of nanostructures constructed with DNA. MultiCode technology is that type of expanded DNA chemistry. The technology exploits DNA hydrogen bonding patterns that differ from natural DNA, thereby enabling a simple means of transcending problems that are otherwise unsolvable. Made up of additional base pairs (not simply single bases), MultiCode technology is used today to decode sequences in an orthogonal manner to natural DNA. This review will discuss MultiCode technology and specifically focus on how the technology can be used to build molecular testing platforms.