BioNano Genomics, Inc. (BNGO) Announces Issuance of a U.S. Patent for Analysis of Small Nucleic Acid Fragments in Nanochannel Arrays

Bionano Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNGO), today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued US Patent No.11,359,244 on June 14, 2022. The patent, titled “CHARACTERIZATION OF MOLECULES IN NANOFLUIDICS” claims methods for the analysis of small nucleic acid fragments in nanochannel arrays, which Bionano has traditionally used to analyze ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) DNA for the identification of structural variants (SVs) as part of its Saphyr® system. The methods claim the use of certain nanochannel arrays to detect and quantitate genetic abnormalities, including a DNA translocation, amplification, transversion, inversion, aneuploidy, polyploidy, monosomy, trisomy, trisomy 21, trisomy 13, trisomy 14, trisomy 15, trisomy 16, trisomy 18, trisomy 22, triploidy, tetraploidy, and sex chromosome aneuploidy.

Nanochannel arrays have the potential to enable single molecule assays for circulating DNA found in blood and other fluid samples, which tend to be highly fragmented with average lengths between 150 – 200 base pairs. Bionano believes that the methods disclosed in the ‘244 patent may one day support the commercialization of assays directed to non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in maternal fetal medicine or ctDNA in oncology.

The patent is part of Bionano’s intellectual property portfolio that includes multiple patents covering its core technology of confining and linearizing ultra-long DNA and other macromolecules in parallel nanochannel arrays, and the detection of feature-specific sequence or genomic labels on those molecules. Additionally, Bionano’s portfolio includes patents directed to methods of fabricating nanochannel devices, as well as other technologies for sample processing and analysis related workflows.

“At Bionano, we remain committed to expanding the utility of our nanochannel arrays and creating a robust patent portfolio that protects those applications. This patent is an exciting example of technology that may prove useful for creating new applications in important areas of medicine,” commented Erik Holmlin, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Bionano Genomics.

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