Bioassays Based on Magnetic Recording Technology

本研究的目的是开发一种生物测定系统，该系统由低成本的一次性测定盘和紧凑的便携式读出仪器组成，类似于生物分子磁盘驱动器。该方法是适应磁盘和磁带存储设备的磁记录磁头，用于检测可移动微流体分析底物上的磁标记生物分子。将使用微加工技术构建两种不同类型的检测底物，并开发将生物探针分子沉积到这些底物上的方法。将进行DNA分析作为基准，以证明新的磁检测系统的敏感性和特异性。该基准分析的结果将与传统的光学扫描DNA微阵列的结果进行比较。智力优势：该项目将探索使用精密机械扫描来检测磁性标记的生物分子。微磁模型将利用实验测量发展和完善。将研究精密控制和信号处理技术，以提高仪器的灵敏度。表面处理抑制非特异性结合的磁性标签将被探索。更广泛的影响：该项目将满足日益增长的对紧凑、灵敏的生物测定方法的需求，这些方法可用于环境实地调查或即时医疗诊断。这个项目将把教育和研究结合起来。工科学生将接受跨学科生物技术研究方面的培训。将通过加州州立数学与科学暑期学校（COSMOS）项目向高中生进行推广。

The objective of this research is to develop a bioassay system consisting of a low-cost disposable assay disk and a compact, portable read-out instrument - analogous to a biomolecular disk drive. The approach is to adapt magnetic recording heads from disk and tape-based storage devices for use in detecting magnetically-tagged biomolecules on removable microfluidic assay substrates. Two different types of assay substrates will be constructed using microfabrication techniques, and methods to deposit biological probe molecules onto these substrates will be developed. A DNA assay will be performed as a benchmark to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the new magnetic detection system. The results of this benchmark assay will be compared with the results of a conventional, optically-scanned DNA microarray.Intellectual merit: This project will explore the use of precision mechanical scanning for the detection of magnetically-tagged biomolecules. Micromagnetic models will be developed and refined using experimental measurements. Precision control and signal processing techniques will be investigated to enhance the sensitivity of the instrument. Surface treatments to suppress non-specific binding of the magnetic labels will be explored. Broader Impact: This project will address the growing need for compact, sensitive, bioassays that can be used for environmental fieldwork or for point-of-care medical diagnostics. The project will integrate education and research. Engineering students will be trained in interdisciplinary biotechnology research. Outreach to high-school students will be performed through the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) program.