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Scientists Dr Tony Byrne, Professor Pascal Mailley and Dr Patrick Lemoine are collaborating on developing ground-breaking biosensors

Abstract:
Scientists at the University of Ulster are using nanotechnology - highly miniaturised technology - to build new DNA biosensors which could be used in identifying genetic diseases, cancer research, identification of dangerous micro-organisms, and forensic science.

Ulster Scientists Develop DNA Biosensor Technology

Belfast, Ireland | Posted on May 21st, 2008

Dr Patrick Lemoine and Dr Tony Byrne from the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at Ulster have teamed up with French biosensor expert, Professor Pascal Mailley from the CEA Grenoble research facility for the project.

The collaboration has been facilitated by a research grant from the Royal Society.

The aim of the project is to devise a DNA biosensor using new nanoscale fabrication techniques. This means manipulating engineering materials which are one thousand times smaller than the width of a human hair.

The Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre (NIBEC) at Ulster has state-of-the-art facilities for nanomaterials research as well as the mix of disciplinary expertise - physics, chemistry, biology and engineering, required for such projects.

Man-made biosensors are usually small hand-held devices costing a few pounds, which can replace laboratory systems costing thousands of pounds. Some are already commercially available in pharmacies, such as blood/sugar measurement devices essential for diabetics.

What is not available is an equivalent biosensor to detect DNA - the long chain molecule hidden in human cells which holds the key to life and which provides an unique code for every individual on earth.

Such a biosensor would present enormous opportunities. For example, DNA sequencing is necessary for the identification and treatment of genetic diseases, for cancer research, for the identification of dangerous micro-organisms or for forensic science."

Dr Lemoine says: "The key idea of the proposal is to use specific techniques called ‘self-assembly' and ‘nano-patterning' to create arrays containing millions of pixels with very high surface areas.

This means that more DNA fragments can be immobilised in smaller geometric areas, typically a few millimetres square. When the ‘chip' is exposed to a sample of unknown DNA, the complementary strands join up, revealing the sequence of the unknown DNA.

This technology is not only applicable to DNA chips but might allow the production of biosensors using a wide range of bio-molecules which may be used as miniature implantable sensors for monitoring conditions within the body.

For example, the development of an artificial pancreas, which could both measure glucose and control insulin delivery, would be of major benefit to diabetics.

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About Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre
NIBEC - the Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre is a well established world-class research complex at the University of Ulster's Jordanstown campus. NIBEC represents a consolidation of eight advanced functional materials research groups, dealing with thin-film material types used in electronics, photonics, nanotechnology, sensors, MEMS, optical, environmental, magnetic and bio-material devices.

The Ł10M purpose-built facilities house some of the most sophisticated nano-fabrication, biological and characterisation equipment in the world. Strong international collaborations have been developed and large infrastructural and project funding has been a highlight of this rapidly growing research area. The centre hosts major core research initiatives such as MATCH (EPSRC National Centre); CACR (UU and Royal Victoria Hospital); NanotecNI (UU and QUB); and also the team have developed formal collaborations with numerous world-wide Institutions and Industry.

NIBEC is staffed by an internationally recognised team of researchers and academics working predominantly at the interface of bioengineering and nanotechnology. Technology transfer is a key objective and a number of successful spin-out companies have emerged from NIBEC in recent years, the most successful of these being Heartscape, HeartSine Technology and Sensors Technology and Devices Ltd (ST&D).

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