Optical mapping and nanocoding approaches to whole-genome analysis

Recent application of microfluidic and nanofluidic approaches to genomics has enabled rapid analysis of whole human and other large genomes. Here, we present a review of optical mapping and nanocoding, two single-molecule whole-genome analysis systems, which are used for physical mapping of genomes. Optical mapping employs a microfluidic device, fabricated using soft lithography approaches, to achieve DNA presentation via DNA flow in microchannels. On the other hand, nanocoding leverages DNA confinement in nanoscale devices to achieve DNA presentation. In this review, we focus on the physical principles underlying DNA presentation in both of these systems and the application of these approaches towards better understanding of genomic structure and structural variation.