BIOMAX

Novel diagnostic bio-assays based on magnetic particles

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Nanotechnology-based in-vitro diagnostics is set to solve several important problems in global healthcare. R&D in this field requires collaborations between experts from different scientific disciplines with a strong focus on the integration of bio-, nano- and microtechnologies. However, such personnel is still scarce. This BioMaX training-through-research network responds to the need for skilled personnel able to combine bio-assay knowledge with novel integrated device technologies. The general objective of the BioMaX network is to train the next generation of biomolecular researchers in industry and academia by establishing a pan-European network that aims at improving the career perspectives of young potentials and putting Europe at the R&D frontline in integrated diagnostics. To realize this objective a top-level consortium, consisting of 6 academic and 4 industrial partners, will establish an innovative S&T and training program. The network will investigate novel diagnostic bio-assay technologies for proteins and nucleic acids based on magnetic particles (MPs), with demonstration of breakthroughs in analytical performance and device integration. The program is built on three scientific pillars: molecular bio-assay strategies, biomolecular kinetics, and integrated bio-assay devices. The training and exchange program addresses both academic expertise and complementary skills tailored to the individual needs of the fellows. Fellows will be offered local training at doctoral schools and network-wide training through summer schools, workshops, conferences, and secondments. With the creation of this leadership network on novel biological assays, BioMaX assists the EC in reaching their objectives in the area of mobility and training of researchers and the realization of a powerful European Research Area with joint research priorities and a world class infrastructure capable of attracting a critical mass of human and financial resources.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Development of nanotechnology-based in vitro diagnostics offers the ability to solve important problems in global health care. This research requires collaboration between experts from different scientific disciplines and integration of bio-, nano- and microtechnologies.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The research field of integrated biomolecular diagnostics is very large. Magnetic micro- and nanoparticles are very important elements in present-day diagnostics. However, personnel educated and trained in magnetic particles (MPs)-based applications are still scarce. The EU funded the http://www.biomax-itn.eu/ ('Novel diagnostic bio-assays based on magnetic particles') (BIOMAX) project with the purpose of training personnel able to combine bio-assay knowledge with novel integrated device technologies.

BIOMAX is included a highly qualified consortium in the framework consisting of research groups from six academic and four industrial partners with excellent track records. The project is investigating novel diagnostic bio-assay technologies for proteins and nucleic acids based on MPs, and there have been breakthroughs in analytical performance and device integration.

The programme consists of three main scientific parts: molecular bio-assay strategies, biomolecular kinetics and integrated bio-assay devices. The training and exchange programme addresses both academic expertise and complementary skills tailored to the individual needs of the trainees. Researchers will be offered local training at doctoral schools and network-wide training through summer schools, workshops, conferences and secondments.

Molecular detection assays using MPs investigates and demonstrates novel techniques for nucleic acid as well as protein targets with superior speed, sensitivity and specificity that are suited for integration in rapid diagnostic devices. Bio-molecular kinetics detected using MPs aims to improve the specific as well as non-specific interactions with biological molecules in order to enable integrated biosensor assays with superior performance. Integrated diagnostic devices using MPs generate novel biodevice functionalities for nucleic acid sample-preparation steps and aptamer-based cluster assays.

After the first 24 months, the project is well on track to the goal of training the next generation of biomolecular researchers in the emerging field of nano-biotechnology in industry and academia.