SBIR Phase I: Electronic DNA Biosensor

Integrated Nano-Technologies Llc, Henrietta NY

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to focus on the development of a biosensor for the rapid and reliable field detection of pathogenic organisms. This biosensor will couple the sensitivity and specificity of DNA hybridization with direct electronic detection. The biosensor consists of a microchip with oligonucleotide probes attached to paired electrodes. Preliminary research has shown that DNA will specifically hybridize to the probes forming DNA bridges, which link the electrodes. The focus of this proposal is to assess palladium-catalyzed nickel chemistry as a method of making these DNA bridges conductive so that they can be detected electronically. This biosensor is fundamentally different from all other technologies currently available and will provide significant improvements in sensitivity, speed, portability, ease-of-use, and cost. The initial commercial applications of this project will be in the areas of public safety and bio-defense (i.e. for detection of biowarfare pathogens such as anthrax). Later versions of the device will be targeted towards applications in clinical diagnostics.