How to Sequence DNA from Tiny Samples Using Specialized Plates
A method for preparing DNA for genetic sequencing by splitting tiny samples into a 5184-well plate to ensure accurate data from very few cells.
Original patent title: “Method of constructing sequencing library”
A method for preparing DNA for genetic sequencing by splitting tiny samples into a 5184-well plate to ensure accurate data from very few cells. Granted to Bgi Shenzhen & Bgi Shenzhen Co Ltd in 2019 with 20 claims and 1 forward citation, and it is expected to expire in 2037.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a specific workflow for preparing DNA for high-throughput sequencing, designed to handle samples with as few as 10 to 500 cells. The process involves distributing single-stranded DNA into a 5184-well plate, where the volume of each well is strictly controlled to 350 nL. By keeping the sample size small and the distribution precise, the method ensures that homologous chromosome fragments from both parents are unlikely to end up in the same well. After amplification and fragmentation using a transposase enzyme, the resulting DNA library is ready for sequencing.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover sequencing methods that do not use the specific 5184-well plate configuration.
- Does not cover general whole genome amplification techniques performed outside of this specific plate-based workflow.
- Does not cover sequencing libraries with lengths outside the 550 bp to 1000 bp range specified in the claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →.
- Does not cover workflows where the probability of homologous chromosome overlap exceeds 1%.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The innovation lies in using a high-density 5184-well plate to physically isolate DNA fragments before amplification, which statistically separates homologous chromosomes and simplifies the complex task of reassembling the genome later.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Single-cell genomic sequencing workflows
Rare clinical sample genetic analysis
High-throughput DNA library preparation systems
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This method is significant for single-cell genomics and rare-sample analysis, where researchers have very little genetic material to work with. By minimizing the overlap of paternal and maternal chromosomes in a single well, it reduces errors in phasing, which is the process of determining which genetic variants belong to which chromosome. This is critical for clinical diagnostics and research into complex genetic diseases.
Filed
August 3, 2017
Granted
October 29, 2019
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
BGI Group, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, remains a major player in large-scale genomic sequencing. Other companies developing single-cell analysis platforms, such as 10x Genomics or Illumina, operate in the broader space of high-throughput library preparation.
Market impact
This patent provides a technical framework for improving the accuracy of phasing in small-sample sequencing. It helps standardize the preparation of complex genomic libraries, which is essential for companies providing precision medicine and diagnostic services.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a specific workflow for preparing DNA for high-throughput sequencing, designed to handle samples with as few as 10 to 500 cells. The process involves distributing single-stranded DNA into a 5184-well plate, where the volume of each well is strictly controlled to 350 nL. By keeping the sample size small and the distribution precise, the method ensures that homologous chromosome fragments from both parents are unlikely to end up in the same well. After amplification and fragmentation using a transposase enzyme, the resulting DNA library is ready for sequencing.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in using a high-density 5184-well plate to physically isolate DNA fragments before amplification, which statistically separates homologous chromosomes and simplifies the complex task of reassembling the genome later.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover sequencing methods that do not use the specific 5184-well plate configuration.
- Does not cover general whole genome amplification techniques performed outside of this specific plate-based workflow.
- Does not cover sequencing libraries with lengths outside the 550 bp to 1000 bp range specified in the claims.
- Does not cover workflows where the probability of homologous chromosome overlap exceeds 1%.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
6/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
13/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
10/20
Granted 5–10 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$35K – $112K
Midpoint $70K · 11.1 yr remaining · industry ×0.9
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
20 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Cheng, X., Chang, C., Wang, O., Zhang, W., Jiang, H., & Zou, L. (2019). How to Sequence DNA from Tiny Samples Using Specialized Plates (U.S. Patent No. 10,456,769). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10456769/method-of-constructing-sequencing-library
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How to Sequence DNA from Tiny Samples Using Specialized Plates cover?
A method for preparing DNA for genetic sequencing by splitting tiny samples into a 5184-well plate to ensure accurate data from very few cells.
Who owns patent US 10456769?
Bgi Shenzhen & Bgi Shenzhen Co Ltd owns this patent, granted in 2019.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on August 3, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 10456769 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This method is significant for single-cell genomics and rare-sample analysis, where researchers have very little genetic material to work with. By minimizing the overlap of paternal and maternal chromosomes in a single well, it reduces errors in phasing, which is the process of determining which genetic variants belong to which chromosome. This is critical for clinical diagnostics and research into complex genetic diseases.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover sequencing methods that do not use the specific 5184-well plate configuration.
Patent monitoring