Descrizione del progetto
Un salto di qualità nella metodologia del sequenziamento del DNA
La tecnologia del sequenziamento di nuova generazione ha realmente rivoluzionato la biologia molecolare, offrendo la possibilità di un’analisi ad alto rendimento degli acidi nucleici in una frazione di tempo. Essa supporta la medicina personalizzata, in quanto può essere impiegata per diagnosticare le malattie genetiche. Tuttavia, in ambito clinico, la sequenza dell’intero genoma di un paziente è spesso richiesta entro un paio d’ore. Per rispondere a questa esigenza non soddisfatta, il progetto MaMs3, finanziato dall’UE, ha sviluppato elettrodi specifici in grado di far compiere progressi nella tecnologia in questione in termini di efficienza e velocità. Si prevede che questo miglioramento renderà la tecnologia più conveniente da implementare nella diagnosi di routine.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
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Meccanismo di finanziamento
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantIstituzione ospitante
100 44 Stockholm
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