Descripción del proyecto
Un salto cuántico en la metodología de secuenciación del ADN
La tecnología de secuenciación de nueva generación (SNG) ha revolucionado por completo la biología molecular y permite realizar un análisis de alto rendimiento de los ácidos nucleicos en una fracción del tiempo. La SNG propicia una medicina personalizada, dado que sirve para diagnosticar enfermedades genéticas. Sin embargo, en un contexto clínico, la secuencia del genoma completo de un paciente a menudo se necesita en un par de horas. Para satisfacer esta necesidad, el equipo del proyecto financiado con fondos europeos MaMs3 ha desarrollado unos electrodos específicos capaces de mejorar tanto la eficiencia como la velocidad de la tecnología de SNG. Esto también debería volver la SNG más rentable para su uso en el diagnóstico rutinario.
Objetivo
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.
Ámbito científico
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantInstitución de acogida
100 44 Stockholm
Suecia