NABIS: Nanobiotechnology with self-organising structures

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 03.0288

Key words (English)

Nanofluidics; biochip; self-organisation; nanowires; nanopillars; magnetic particles

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: 505311

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 1.3 Telematic systems

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

The goal of this research project is to study and develop novel synergistic technologies for the next generation of high performance biochips, for future applications e.g. in accelerated drug discovery, diagnostics and personalized medicine. One of the key technologies relies on a predictable self-organization of fluids, using both static and dynamic formats will be utilized. The formats will be combined to overcome current bottlenecks in the automation of high throughput assays, and will also be used for the development of a new concept for automated chip replication. Other complementary technologies deal with surface-expanded high density bioprobe arrays, including the use of novel polymers. Also, novel magnetic bio nanowires, controlled by an external magnetic field onto a platform of magnetic nanodots, will be explored. It is anticipated that the use of these technologies will provide unique possibilities to increase ligand density, as well as enhanced kinetics, resulting in enhanced sensitivity and faster assay performance. A third technology based on externally applied surface acoustic waves will be incorporated into the platform, yielding extremely efficient agitation of nanodroplets. Finally, a nanoelectrochemical detection system will be developed. The technologies will be combined to yield an optimized nanoarray chip, including the novel fluid agitation and bio-nanowires principles. The optimized structure will be tested using standard bioassays, and the results obtained will be compared with performance data, obtained from similar experiments with state of the art biochips.

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: 03.0288