Detection and amplification of DNA at near room temperature

总体目标是利用一种被称为悬臂式传感器的装置来研究DNA的检测和改进。我们将系统地研究强烈的表面振动对结合双链DNA行为的作用。我们假设强烈的振动会打开分子。目前我们通过加热来进行这样的反应。我们的初步研究表明，定向振动会导致DNA？这是两部分要分开。我们将研究增加传感器上DNA的方法是否可以完成。如果这两个目标都实现了，我们就可以检测到极少量的DNA。这种能力的含义是，我们可以迅速检测有害细菌，挽救生命；快速、廉价地检测人类和动物疾病。智力上的优点：三个优点是：(1)将开发一种新的和更便宜的方法来检测非常低水平的DNA。(2)我们还将发展对振动强度如何影响DNA反应的基本理解；(3)在核酸化学（动力学和热力学），机电谐振器和测量科学的广泛领域交叉的跨学科领域培养博士生。更广泛的影响：不同背景的学生？高中，各个学科的本科生？将接触到DNA测量技术。一个重要的广泛影响将是一种新的方法，它具有与目前用于疾病诊断和有害细菌存在的昂贵方法相似或更好的灵敏度。

The overall goal is to investigate both detection and improvement of DNA using a device known as cantilever sensor. We will investigate systematically the role of intense surface vibration on bound double stranded DNA behavior. We hypothesize that the intense vibration will open up the molecule. Currently we do such a reaction by heating. Our preliminary work suggests that vibration directionally applied will cause DNA?s two parts to come apart. We will investigate if a method of increasing the DNA on the sensor can be accomplished. If these two goals are accomplished we may be able to detect DNA that is present in extremely small amounts. The implication of such a capability is we can detect harmful bacteria quickly saving lives; detect human and animal diseases rapidly and inexpensively. Intellectual Merits: Three merits are: (1) A new and cheaper approach will be developed for the detection of DNA at a very low level. (2) We will also develop a fundamental understanding of how vibration intensity affects DNA reaction, (3) Training of PhD students in the interdisciplinary area at the intersection of the broad field of nucleic acid chemistry (kinetics and thermodynamics), electromechanical resonators, and measurement science. Broader Impacts: Students of various backgrounds ? high school, undergraduates in various disciplines ? will be exposed to DNA measurement techniques. An important broad impact will be a new methodology that has sensitivity similar or better than the current expensive methods used in disease diagnosis and presence of harmful bacteria.