Aptamer-based assay for enhanced allergy tests

该项目旨在解决开发用于检测ExVivo（Waterloo，ON）开发的过敏试验系统的过敏原-抗体相互作用的替代方法的特定问题。ExVivo有兴趣探索在其分析系统中检测过敏原-抗体相互作用的替代策略，特别是为了提高灵敏度并降低传感组件的成本。Dieckmann实验室在使用生物物理技术研究特定核酸-配体相互作用方面经验丰富。该项目利用RNA适体与其配体（噻唑橙子）之间的相互作用，探索将这种相互作用作为ExVivo测试系统一部分的可行性。这项工作将包括确定检测阈值，信号增强策略的发展和方法耦合的传感组件过敏原检测器。成功完成该项目 将使ExVivo和加拿大处于有利地位，将这种新方法的应用扩展到生物分析仪器和研究市场。

This project is intended to solve the specific problem of developing an alternate approach for the detection of allergen-antibody interactions for the allergy testing system developed by ExVivo (Waterloo, ON). ExVivo is interested in exploring alternate strategies for the detection of allergen-antibody interactions in their analysis system, specifically with the goal to increase sensitivity and reduce cost of the sensing component. The Dieckmann laboratory is experienced in using biophysical techniques for the study of specific nucleic acid-ligand interactions. This project utilizes the interactions between an RNA aptamer and its ligand (Thiazole Orange) to explore the feasibility of implementing this interaction as part of ExVivo's testing system. The work will include determination of detection thresholds, the development of signal enhancement strategies and approaches for coupling the sensing component to the allergen detector. Successful completion of this project will put ExVivo and Canada in a strong position to expand applications of this novel methodology into the bio-analytical instrumentation and research market.