Miniaturized fluorescence detection systems for DNA analysis

• Grant number: 04/08746-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: September 01, 2005
• End date: December 31, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Sandro Hillebrand
• Grantee: Sandro Hillebrand
• Company: Gene ID S/A
• City: São Carlos

Abstract

This project aims to develop a system for detecting miniaturized fluorescence for application as a detector in separation techniques geared to DNA analysis. The general objective of phase 1 is the development of a system for the detection and conditioning/ acquisition of the signal which will be applied, in the second phase, in the building of an instrument for genetic analyses (such as paternity exams and the detection of transgenics, among others) or even in the sequencing of DNA. The specific objective of the first phase of the project is to transfer, from the academic environment to a technology-based small company, knowledge about the building of a system for detection by fluorescence, taking into consideration aspects relating to its application for DNA analysis. In addition, the technology will be developed in such a way as to make it possible to build a commercially viable prototype. It will be linked up to a modular capillary electrophoresis system for the evaluation of performance and validation in the analysis of fragments of DNA, marked with fluorescent colorings. In addition to this main application, the technology employed in the system could be used in other instruments, such as systems for flow analyses, Elisa plate readers, PCR in real time and in chromatography and electrophoretic separation techniques. The innovation introduced in this project is the use, in the same system, of LEDs as an excitation source, avalanche photodiodes as detectors of emitted fluorescence and the synchronous detection in the signal conditioning for the analysis of DNA. (AU)