Projektbeschreibung
Quantensprung in der DNS-Sequenzierungsmethodik
Bei der Sequenzierung der nächsten Generation handelt es sich um eine Technologie, welche die Molekularbiologie revolutioniert hat, und die Möglichkeit der Hochdurchsatzanalyse von Nukleinsäuren in einem Bruchteil der üblichen Zeit bietet. Sequenzierung der nächsten Generation unterstützt die personalisierte Medizin, da sie zur Diagnose genetischer Krankheiten herangezogen werden kann. Im klinischen Umfeld wird jedoch oft die gesamte Gensequenz eines Menschen innerhalb weniger Stunden benötigt. Um diesen ungedeckten Bedarf zu decken, hat das EU-finanzierte Projekt MaMs3 spezielle Elektroden entwickelt, welche die Technologie der Sequenzierung der nächsten Generation in Bezug auf Effizienz und Geschwindigkeit voranbringen. Es ist zu erwarten, dass diese Verbesserung gleichermaßen dazu führen wird, dass die Sequenzierung der nächsten Generation noch kostengünstiger in der Routinediagnostik zum Einsatz kommen kann.
Ziel
Within the ERC Starting Grant project M&M´s we have developed several innovative fabrication and integration technologies for nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). In one of these research activities, our ERC team has invented and demonstrated a new methodology for parallel fabrication of electrically conductive electrode pairs separated by sub-2 nm wide gaps, enabling unprecedented fabrication of millions of such nanogap electrodes. To the best of our knowledge, there is no alternative technology available with comparable capabilities.
We have identified next generation DNA sequencing using electron tunneling detection as a high-impact application that could be enabled by our nanogap electrode fabrication methodology. Sequencing of the genome of individual patients is vital to realize the potential of truly personalized medicine. However, current DNA sequencing technologies are still too slow and expensive for sequencing genomes for healthcare practice on a large scale. There is, therefore a critical need for a new sequencing platform that has the potential to sequence the full human genome within 1 hour for less than €100. DNA sequencing based on electron tunneling detection (quantum sequencing) is one of the most promising next-generation sequencing technologies that could reach this target. However, there currently is no technology available to fabricate, in a scalable fashion, large numbers of electrode pairs with 1-2 nm wide gaps that are integrated in nanopores. As a possible solution to this problem, our nanogap electrode methodology is addressing a potential multi-billion € market.
In this ERC-PoC project we will develop business and IPR strategies for commercial exploitation of our nanogap electrode methodology. Furthermore, we will develop initial proof-of-concept demonstrations of DNA detection events using nanogap electrode devices, which will be important for attracting interest from industry and possible investors.
Wissenschaftliches Gebiet
Programm/Programme
Thema/Themen
Finanzierungsplan
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantGastgebende Einrichtung
100 44 Stockholm
Schweden