Automated DNA sizing by atomic force microscopy

DNA sizing is one of the most widely used analytical methods in molecular b iology and biochemistry, and it is a core method for genomic analysis. Many research, health care, and forensic applications rely on DNA sizing. Given the volume of DNA sizing done and the associated cost, an increasing need exists for extremely rapid, high-throughput, and inexpensive techniques. Es sentially all DNA sizing today is performed by gel electrophoresis, althoug h multiple efforts are under way to develop more effective technologies bas ed on entirely new approaches. One such effort is described in this article : the use of atomic force microscopy in combination with pattern recognitio n software to perform DNA sizing. Initial results show that this approach c an be compared with gel electrophoresis for some applications. Future work aims at developing a practical, high-throughput DNA sizing system.