<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
[Letterhead of Ernst & Young LLP]
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan of Nanogen,
Inc., as amended of our report, dated January 28, 2000 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Nanogen, Inc. included in its Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, as amended by Form 10-K/A, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Diego, California
June 9, 2000
