Automated, miniaturised pathogen detection systems

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We propose to develop economically viable genetic pathogen detection applications upon extremely inexpensive "lab on a chip" (LOC) systems that we have recently demonstrated. A central challenge for genetic diagnostics is not the testing capability itself, but the capability of cost-effective testing. Largely due to high labour and reagent costs, the impact of molecular biology upon water quality testing has to date been modest. We have assembled a team with a demonstrated track record in the miniaturization and co-adaptation of technologies for the transfer of flagship molecular biology procedures from conventional instrumentation to LOC systems. Our scientific objective is to move standard molecular biology onto a new and inexpensive LOC platforms - this will require co-adaptation and redesign of both the LOC technologies and the molecular biology technologies. Working with DALSA, a Canadian world leader in this arena, this project would generate a new technology for LOC use and place our public health partners in the vanguard of demonstrating the powerful benefits of these new technologies, while providing a market opportunity for our industrial partner. A challenge faced by industry and government alike is that of ascertaining the presence of pathogens in our water. This will require sensitive, selective and inexpensive systems. We propose to apply advanced lab-on-chip technologies to detect sentinel pathogens, i.e. pathogens that are known to be correlated with human health, and to do this with rapid and inexpensive systems that are capable of portable deployment.