NANO-MUBIOP

Enhanced sensitivity Nanotechnology-based Multiplexed Bioassay Platform for diagnostic applications

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Currently, there is strong interest in the development of new bioassay techniques for gene identification, gene mapping, DNA sequencing and medical diagnostics. There are three main families of methods: Polymerase Chain Reaction, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and nano-particles agglutination techniques. All these methods suffer from several disadvantages as they are time-consuming and expensive, they are not quantitative and exclude multiplexing, i.e. the detection of different genotypes simultaneously. The need of a new multiplexing and quantitative bioassay technique is evident. The aim of this project is to develop a high sensitivity multiplexed platform based on a bio-non bio nanostructure able to enhance diagnostic capabilities by exploiting the dimensional shift from bio-systems to nanometric particles, thus overcoming many of the limitations of the existing methods. This method could be adapted to the detection of many kinds of bio-systems, but the project will focus on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) responsible for cancer. The project idea is based on the development of nanoparticles functionalised with probes complementary to HPV DNA conservative region and an array of specific bio-probes for the different HPV genotypes deposited on a solid substrate. The nanoparticles will bind to the bio-system and then they will diffuse through the suspension docking to the area of the array where the probe specific for that genotype is coated. An array of nanoparticles will be created and the concentration of each HPV genotype can be quantified by estimating the number of particles bounded to each specific area. Considering the global worldwide market of the immune and genetic tests (20 Billion €) the potential economic impact can be up to 100 M€. Private/public national or local health service providers will get benefits from NANO-MUBIOP, the single test cost being about 4 € for the service provider. Last but not least, the costs will be reduced for the patients.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Nanotechnology is being used to develop a multiplexing bioassay method, which will help doctors detect specific biological systems, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The human papillomavirus is responsible for cervix cancer, gene mutations and subsequent hereditary diseases. It is therefore important that doctors can diagnose the infection using a cheap, fast and patient-friendly diagnostic tool.

The EU-funded team behind the project 'Enhanced sensitivity nanotechnology-based multiplexed bioassay platform for diagnostic applications' (Nano-Mubiop) aims to provide such a tool using non-biological particles in the nanometre size range. The researchers explain that the 'interaction between non-biological nano-particles and the target biological system allows the detection of the target without any DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) amplification stage'. They say that this means 'enhanced diagnostic capabilities' and allows them to overcome many of the limitations of existing diagnostic methods.

To begin the development of the new device, the project team firstly defined the technical requirements and specification of the method. Moreover, to ensure it would ultimately be suitable for commercialisation, they also reviewed the US Food and Drink Administration's (FDA's) regulatory procedures. They then moved to the practical development and testing of the new tool, and set up an ethical and medical board to evaluate their results.