Advanced Detection Technologies for Biochips

描述（由申请人提供）：拟议工作的长期目标是开发用于生物芯片的创新检测技术（又名：DNA微阵列）。据设想，所提出的技术将使生物芯片的应用生物防御，特别是当一个快速和可靠的诊断屏幕是需要在该领域。所提出的工作的具体目标是1）开发不需要酶的芯片上信号放大技术，以及2）开发与芯片上放大结合使用的廉价的现场便携式微阵列读取器。为了集中初步的努力，我们选择与NIH资助的科学家合作，他们正在开发一种特定的应用程序，即甲型流感生物芯片。由于甲型流感是一种容易传播的主要是空气传播的病原体，而且这种病毒可以通过基因工程改造成新的形式，因此它是一个严重的生物防御问题。此外，甲型流感病毒对人类健康有重大影响，全球每年估计有50万和100万人死亡，全球范围内的监测至关重要。最后，甲型流感病毒可以作为一个很好的模型系统，用于芯片上信号放大和现场便携式微阵列阅读器的开发和全面测试。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term objective of the proposed work is the development of innovative detection technologies for biochips (a.k.a. DNA microarrays). It is envisioned that the proposed technologies will enable the application of biochips to biodefense, particularly when a rapid and reliable diagnostic screen is required in the field. The Specific Aims of the proposed work are 1) development of an on-chip signal amplification technique that does not require enzymes, and 2) development of an inexpensive field-portable microarray reader to be used in combination with on-chip amplification. In order to focus initial efforts we have chosen to work in conjunction with NIH funded scientists who are developing a specific application, an influenza A biochip. Because influenza A is an easily transmitted, primarily airborne pathogen, and because this virus can be genetically engineered into novel forms, it represents a serious biodefense concern. In addition, the influenza A virus has a significant impact on human health, with an estimated 500,000 and 1,000,000 deaths worldwide each year, and worldwide surveillance is essential. Finally, influenza A can serve as an excellent model system for development and thorough testing of on-chip signal amplification and a field portable microarray reader.