Zero-mode waveguides for single molecule analysis and fast DNA sequencing

Summary form only given. Zero-mode waveguides enable the observation of which fluorescent nucleotide analog is being added to the double stranded product in the active site of the enzyme while excluding signal from freely diffusing fluorescent species. The effectiveness of zero-mode waveguides is demonstrated by real-time observation of single molecules of DNA polymerase immobilized inside zero-mode waveguides, using micromolar concentrations of fluorescently labeled nucleotide analogs.