Objective
In this project we will prepare the commercialization of a new patent-protected signal amplification scheme for simpler and faster molecular diagnostics of pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). CT causes more cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) than any other bacterial pathogen, making CT infections an enormous public health problem throughout the world. Nowadays, diagnosis is commonly carried out using nucleic acid detection by fluorescence readout after polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, DNA amplification requires technical equipment too sophisticated for application in developing countries or in standard labs in a medical practice. For cheaper, faster and even point-of-care diagnostics, a simpler amplification mechanism for a testing method capable of detecting DNA in small concentration is required.
Here, we suggest applying a new and universal signal amplifying approach that does not require any extra steps after target recognition. It relies on direct enhancement of the fluorescence readout signal using a self-assembled nanolens that was invented within the framework of the ERC starting grant SiMBA. The self-assembled nanolens is capable of enhancing the intensity of fluorescent dyes in a nanosized hotspot by more than two orders of magnitude. Further enhancement is conceivable. Braunschweig University of Technology has filed a broad patent application securing intellectual property rights for the project.
We will test this direct fluorescence enhancement scheme for the fast and sensitive detection of CT. Therefore, the self-assembled nanolens will be adapted for the detection of a CT target DNA by equipping the nanosized hotspot of the nanolens with probe DNA sequences. The target is then visualized by sandwich hybridization of a second specific, fluorescently labeled DNA strand. We envision an improved test for CT detection: it should be faster, simpler and price-competitive.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences health sciences public health
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules nucleic acids
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2013-PoC
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
38106 BRAUNSCHWEIG
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.