DNA SWITCH: Novel surface for switchable nucleic acids adsorpion/desorpion for analytical assays

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 02.0020-2

Key words (English)

Biotechnology; Environmental Protection; Innovation; Technology Transfer; Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Waste Management

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLK3-CT-2002-02075

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.3 The 'cell factory'

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

This proposal aims to provide platform technology for the rapid extraction and purification of genetic material (DNA and RNA) from any kind of sample (medical and environmental). End user applications cover all fields in which the analysis of genetic material is important, involving several key actions in various thematic programmes. The technology to be developed is based on novel organic dendrimer functionalised surfaces switchable from an adsorbing state during the extraction phase to a desorbing state during the elution phase. The design of the dendrimers is directed by rigorous physico-chemical analysis of data on molecular-level interactions, mechanisms and relevant parameters obtained via in situ evanescent wave monitoring of the functionalised surfaces during NA binding. Surfaces maximizing recovery rates will be incorporated in high-throughput automated instrumentation for NA recovery.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 02.0020-2