Hybridization detection using e-DNA

The past

One of the most frequently used assays for protein determination is Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). However, this method which uses an enzyme to chemically amplify a single binding event, requires several rather complicated fluid manipulation steps, and is difficult to integrate in a portable device.

The future

We intend to develop a new bioassay scheme that is based on the hybridization of two single strands of DNA. The sensing strand is attached to an electrode and the redox center while the target strand will be in solution. This detection scheme can be incorporated into a microfluidic setup to allow for adding and removing the target DNA.

Figure : e-DNA concept: The redox centers allow the dna to be detected at the electrode by measuring the current. If a second strand hybridizes to the first one, a change in the current is measured.

The focus of this project is on the sensing aspect of the bio-assay by creating a proper electrode design and microfluidic system to achieve low detection limits. The challenge is to develop the processing and fabrication technologies, required to create such a device.

Because of the nature of the project there will be bachelor and masters assignments available in the area of electrochemistry and microfluidics.

Interested?

If you are interested and for instance would like to do your graduation work or practical term, please contact via the email address below.

Contact Information

Maarten van Megen

BIOS, The Lab-on-a-Chip Group

University of Twente

Carre 2249

m.j.j.vanmegen@utwente.nl

T: +31 53 489 3107

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Home News & Highlights People Vacancies Research Education & Assignments Publications Intranet Internal Links External links Movies Sitemap Search	Emerging research topics \| Cells on chips \| Electrochemical systems \| Micro- and nanofluidics \| Nanosensing and Technology Hybridization detection using e-DNA Hybridization detection using e-DNA The past One of the most frequently used assays for protein determination is Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). However, this method which uses an enzyme to chemically amplify a single binding event, requires several rather complicated fluid manipulation steps, and is difficult to integrate in a portable device. The future We intend to develop a new bioassay scheme that is based on the hybridization of two single strands of DNA. The sensing strand is attached to an electrode and the redox center while the target strand will be in solution. This detection scheme can be incorporated into a microfluidic setup to allow for adding and removing the target DNA. Figure : e-DNA concept: The redox centers allow the dna to be detected at the electrode by measuring the current. If a second strand hybridizes to the first one, a change in the current is measured. The focus of this project is on the sensing aspect of the bio-assay by creating a proper electrode design and microfluidic system to achieve low detection limits. The challenge is to develop the processing and fabrication technologies, required to create such a device. Because of the nature of the project there will be bachelor and masters assignments available in the area of electrochemistry and microfluidics. Interested? If you are interested and for instance would like to do your graduation work or practical term, please contact via the email address below. Contact Information Maarten van Megen BIOS, The Lab-on-a-Chip Group University of Twente Carre 2249 m.j.j.vanmegen@utwente.nl T: +31 53 489 3107