Project R-1995

Development of a micro-array spotting system for DNA analysis (MICROSPOT) (Research)

The proposal is part of the development of a new electronic method to screen genetic material (DNA) on derogations as reliable as traditional genetic screening techniques with optical readout, but at a clearly faster and cheaper way. Recently, at the IMO has been developed a platform for a DNA sensor based on synthetic diamonds that meets all requirements (quick, cheap, user). This concept will be implemented in an electronic DNA array with at least 400 separate "sensitive spots" that can be read simultaneously. This may identify enough DNA abnormalities that are the basis of a certain disease. A computer-controlled spotter machine will be developed. This spotter machine should be able to fix in a controlled manner on a diamond film of 2cm x 2 cm at least 400 mini spots with DNA that needs to be examined. First, single-stranded "DNA test" with known characteristics will be printed on synthetic diamond films. Then, single-stranded DNA from a patient with will be added to these spots with test DNA for hybridization. This will show whether the person has certain genetic characteristics. Preliminary investigation [13] shows that using this electronic approach even point mutations can be detected. These 'minor' abnormalities form the basis of many diseases and an increased susceptibility to multi-gene diseases such as cancer. Using this diamond has the advantage that the bond between the DNA test and the diamond films is so strong that the sensor can be regenerated while conventional analysis can be used only once. As an example, we will test DNA of PKU patients against the new DNA arrays that represent both the healthy gene and all variations thereof. BIOMED has a DNA collection of over 1000 patients with several hundred variations of mutation combinations, which we can use.

01 October 2008 - 30 September 2010