Nucleic Acid-Barcoding Technologies: Converting DNA Sequencing into a Broad-Spectrum Molecular Counter.

Area of Science:

• Genomics and molecular biology
• Biochemistry and chemical biology

Background:

• High-throughput DNA sequencing has transformed genomics and related life sciences.
• Its sensitivity, specificity, and throughput make it a powerful molecular counter.
• Extending DNA sequencing to new applications requires appending nucleic-acid barcodes to target entities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review chemical and biochemical methods for nucleic-acid barcoding of diverse materials.
• To showcase downstream technologies enabled by DNA-encoded molecules.
• To explore the evolving landscape and future potential of DNA sequencing applications.

Main Methods:

• Description of chemical and biochemical strategies for nucleic-acid barcoding.
• Review of existing and emerging downstream analysis platforms.
• Synthesis of current advancements and future outlook.

Main Results:

• Established methods for barcoding proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous materials using nucleic acids.
• Demonstrated utility of DNA-encoded molecules in various downstream applications.
• Identification of key enabling technologies and their impact.

Conclusions:

• Nucleic-acid barcoding coupled with high-throughput sequencing offers versatile molecular counting capabilities.
• The field is rapidly maturing, with significant potential for continued innovation.
• Future research directions point towards expanding applications and refining methodologies.