Developing Organic-Inorganic Interface as a Sensor for Bio-molecules
A consortium under construction is looking for an industrial partner for validating the
new technology rising form the development of an organic-inorganic interface
sensor for bio-molecules.
In this project we aim to develop an integrated system by interfacing an inorganic
based electronic device and organic or biological active layer that will serve as a
platform for detection of specific biological components. Investigation and
development of such interface will create a generic tool for further studies of many
biological systems. It will enable to develop novel commercial systems for detection
and measurements of biological material and processes.
The base for this system is a simple GaAs-based device called Molecular Controlled
SEmiconductor Resistor (MOCSER). Instead of controlling the current through the
device by a metal gate, we propose to adsorb molecules between the source and
drain electrodes. Those molecules will be able to selectively bind bio-molecules, the
analyte. Upon binding the analyte, the electrical potential on the surface of the
MOCSER changes, thus changing its resistance. Hence, a chemical process is
transformed to a change in an electronic signal.
Specifically, we propose to focus on the detection of short single stranded DNA (DNA
oligomers). Short DNA oligomers will be adsorbed on the MOCSER. When exposed to
their complementary strands in solution the adsorbed oligomers will hybridize to form
double strands. The hybridization process will vary the potential on the surface of the
MOCSER, hence result in a change in the current flowing through the device. In
principle the same concept can be used for detecting antibodies and proteins.
There are several advantages to this system over common DNA arrays. The detection
requires no special modification of the DNA strands, since there is no need for an
optical detection system. Conceptually, the measuring of the electrical current
through the device provides better sensitivity than optical detection, thus the device
should be able to detect lower concentration of analyte. The concern of false
positive due to left over strands is not an issue, since only those strands chemically
attached are detected. Finally, construction of high throughput arrays made up of
MOCSER elements is very simple and straightforward and makes the all detection
system significantly less expensive.
Specific research areas will include:
DNA analysis
Synthesis DNA manufacturing
Genomics
Technological challenges
Detecting short strand DNA oligomers with 1 base mismatch with minimal sample
preparation.
Deliverables
The potential deliverables may include:
Comparison of state of the art detection systems to the proposed new method.
Instrument used
Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP)
Call information
FP6-2003-NMP-T1-3-MAIN
3.4.1.2: Nano-biotechnologies – New knowledge on interfaces for new applications
Participants already aquired:
Participant Task
Chiaro Networks Co-ordination, Design, development and manufacturing the
GaAs device, the required test system and liquid transport
system.
Weizmann Institute Development of surface preparation and adsorption
methods. Electrical measurements of the hybrid device. It
will also use the low energy photoelectron spectroscopy to
investigate the electronic properties of substrates covered
with the organic layer.
Centre National de la Studying the vibrational spectra of the substrates and of the
Recherche Scientifique adsorbed layers.
(CNRS)
Centro de Química-Física Studying electronic properties of the substrates and the
Molecular adsorbed layers, using XPS, Auger and high-energy electron
energy loss spectroscopy.
Institute of Moelcular Developing DNA preparation methods. Preparing suitable
Biology and Biophysics, DNA samples from various sources.
Georgian Academy of
Science
School of Biological Preparing DNA substrates and assembly these with matches
Sciences, University of and mismatches determining appropriate DMA sequences
Portsmouth for attachment. Prepare a system using other methods of
detection for comparison.
Partner sought: Validation the new DNA detection technology in an
Industrial company in the industrial environment
bio-chemistry area.
Can be DNA analysis
equipment manufacturer,
analysis services lab,
synthesis DNA manufacturer
or similar.
Time table
Proposal is to be submitted by May 12, 2004
The project duration is 3 years.
Contact person Information:
Amon Schneider
Managing Director
Orshanir Consulting Ltd.
GSM +972-54-658-748
eFax +972-3-548-0075
amon@orshanir.com