Microfluidics platform to obtain genetic information and predict genetic profile of individual patients for medical doctors and hospitals, based on a fast, integrated DNA treatment, sequencing, and data analysis solution in personalized medicine

• Grant number: 18/01143-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: May 01, 2019
• End date: June 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
• Agreement: FINEP - PIPE/PAPPE Grant
• Principal Investigator: Samuel Matos da Costa
• Grantee: Samuel Matos da Costa
• Company: Doroth Indústria, Comércio e Serviços de Informação Ltda
• CNAE: Desenvolvimento de programas de computador sob encomenda
• City: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Douglas Martins Araujo ; Nadia Moreira Goncalves
• Associated research grant(s): 22/10708-0 - DotAr a microfluidic platform for the automation of molecular reactions (e.g., LAMP) aiming to autonomously detect, quantify, monitor, and prevent airborne pathogenic microorganisms in crops and in real-time, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/22471-1 - Microfluidics platform to obtain genetic information and predict genetic profile of individual patients for medical doctors and hospitals, based on a fast, integrated DNA treatment, sequencing, and data analysis solution in Personalized Medicine., BP.TT; 19/14811-7 - Genetic information sequencing and prediction solution of patients for clinics and hospitals in the area of personalized medicine, based on fast sequencer, portable, and integrated online system, BP.TT; 19/16968-0 - Microfluidics platform to obtain genetic information and predict genetic profile of individual patients for medical doctors and hospitals, based on a fast, integrated DNA treatment, sequencing, and data analysis solution in personalized medicine, BP.TT; 19/14318-9 - Genetic information sequencing and prediction solution of patients for clinics and hospitals in the area of Personalized Medicine, based on fast sequencer, portable, and integrated online system, BP.PIPE

Abstract

This project aims to develop a microfluidic platform able to perform genetic tests of patients for medical doctors. For this, an automated and miniaturized device named 2-seq has been created, so as the doctors can insert a biological sample of their patients into the equipment, while being in their office. By performing experimental protocols in locu, the device starts from processing samples containing DNA, then automatically generates genetic test as final results. This is only possible, because this tailored device is able to put together, in a miniaturized and coupled fashion, experimental operations needed to run molecular protocols, such as electrowetting display, mixing, vortex, electromagnetics, PCR, spectrophotometer, and DNA sequencing. What makes this solution unique is the use of a state-of-the-art technology, controlled by a microcontroller and a firmware, which connects these devices through a system of electrowetting, microfluidics, and electronic circuits. Thus, by using the 2-seq platform, experimental protocols previously performed separately and exhaustively in laboratories by specialized technicians, can now be quickly carried out without human intervention. Finally, the device 2-seq also provides users with a software for them to choose which operation and genetic tests they wish to get results from, in a simple and intuitive way. (AU)