European Project - SLIC


Project full title: SLIC-Biosensors in Molecular Diagnostics: Nanotechnology for the Analysis of species specific Microbial Transcripts

Project Acronym / Number: SLIC / LSHB-CT-2005-513771

Call: FP6-2003-LIFESCIHEALTH-1

Area: LSH-2003-1.2.5-4 New bioassays and biosensors using post-genomic approaches for detection of harmful microbes

Type of Instrument: Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP)

Projet Status: Project ended on 31.12.2007

Partners involved:

1. Ayanda Biosystems SA, Switzerland (coordinator)
2. Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland
3. IMTEK Albert Ludwigs Universitat Freiburg, Germany
4. National University of Ireland, Ireland
5. Estonian Biocentre, Estonia

Abstract:

Molecular diagnostics of microbial pathogens is an integral part of modern medicine. Current widely used tools such as PCR are relatively expensive and unaffordable to many developing countries that need them most. The growing need for direct genotyping and/or the screening of the transcriptome calls for the development of alternative technologies. The STREP consortium plans to develop a cost-effective platform for the identification bacterial species based on the SLIC-Nanobiosystem. Using tmRNA transcripts of the bacterial ssrA gene, we will be able to detect, quantify and identify bacterial species in a single homogenous assay format.

The SLIC-Nanobiosystem consists of a self-assembled lipid bilayer membrane that integrates a synthetic ligand-gated ion channel (SLIC). The SLIC comprises a capture molecule that can specifically bind a given analyte, a process that is monitored via electrical impedance spectroscopy. With this system the effect from even a few channels can be resolved thus providing an ultra-sensitive, highly stable and versatile biosensor platform.

We intend to employ transcripts (tmRNA) of the ssrA gene in order to identify bacterial species present in clinical samples. These transcripts occur in high abundance and contain a core sequence that is species specific, a feature which will be exploited to identify infectious disease pathogens. Identification of the different bacterial tmRNA transcripts will be accomplished by displaying a library of nucleic acid capture probes on the SLIC. This will enable species identification and discrimination between one or more species present in the sample if mixed species infection is present. Since the detection equipment will be based on electronics, the realization of miniaturized/compact and cost-effective instruments will be possible.

Our approach will lay the foundation for a new generation of multi-parametric molecular testing systems, whose cost will also be accessible to more developing countries than before. This will also open novel opportunities within the area of point-of-care applications in the clinical diagnostics market.





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