Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermocycler for aptamer selection

用于适体选择的实时聚合酶链反应 (PCR) 热循环仪

• 批准号: 389484-2010
• 负责人: Liu, Juewen
• 金额: $ 2.78万
• 依托单位: University of Waterloo
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
• 财政年份: 2009
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2009-01-01 至 2010-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=442929
• 关键词: Real; time; polymerase; chain; reaction

Biosensors are important tools for disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring. Protein enzymes and antibodies are the traditional molecules of choice for biosensor design. In recent years, however, aptamers are emerging as a useful alternative. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids that can bind target molecules with high affinity and specificity. Compared to antibodies, aptamers have similar or better binding performance, but are lower in cost, higher in stability, and easier to modify. With all these attributes, however, no aptamer is currently used in practical disease diagnosis. The Principal Investigator (PI) aims to push practical applications of aptamers by understanding fundamental molecular interactions in aptamer binding, developing new aptamer selection methods for important metabolites and environmental contaminants, and performing detections in serum and environmental samples. In aptamer selection, a critical step is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allows exponential amplification of DNA sequences with desired binding properties. Real time PCR is the state-of-the-art technique for monitoring the PCR process and thus is highly valuable for optimization of PCR conditions and troubleshooting. The PI's group needs to optimize PCR conditions on a daily basis and this real time PCR thermocycler can increase the productivity of the research group significantly. A possible delay in acquiring this instrument will have a large adverse effect on the PI's group, especially at its early development stage. Students will be trained to use this instrument and become experts in this technique. Trained students will be qualified for positions in analytical laboratories, biotechnological companies and in academics. The research is likely to produce useful sensors that can improve health care, environmental protection, and the quality of life.

生物传感器是疾病诊断和环境监测的重要工具。蛋白酶和抗体是生物传感器设计的传统选择分子。然而，近年来，适体正在成为一种有用的替代品。适体是能够以高亲和力和特异性结合靶分子的单链核酸。与抗体相比，适体具有相似或更好的结合性能，但成本更低，稳定性更高，并且更容易修饰。然而，具有所有这些属性，目前没有适体用于实际疾病诊断。主要研究者（PI）旨在通过了解适体结合中的基本分子相互作用，开发用于重要代谢物和环境污染物的新适体选择方法，以及在血清和环境样品中进行检测来推动适体的实际应用。在适体选择中，关键步骤是聚合酶链式反应（PCR），其允许具有所需结合性质的DNA序列的指数扩增。真实的时间PCR是用于监测PCR过程的最先进的技术，因此对于PCR条件的优化和故障排除是非常有价值的。PI的团队需要每天优化PCR条件，这种真实的时间PCR热循环仪可以显著提高研究团队的生产率。在获得该工具方面可能出现的延迟将对PI的团队产生巨大的不利影响，特别是在其早期开发阶段。学生将接受培训，使用这种仪器，并成为这项技术的专家。经过培训的学生将有资格在分析实验室，生物技术公司和学术界任职。这项研究可能会产生有用的传感器，可以改善医疗保健，环境保护和生活质量。