Objective Scientific objectives and approach:The objective of this project is to develop an automated sensor that enables a quick, on-site assessment of genotoxicity to overcome the drawbacks of the current "comet assay". It will be based on the single cell gel (SCG) electrophoresis method, that is the so-called "comet assay", which is the best current technique for genotoxicity assessment.The innovation of this development is based on completely new equipment composed of:- The "multi-chamber wells" that is new tool enabling the on-site collection of samples and preventing the manipulation of probes during the test- An "automated carrier" that will support the multi-chamber wells and moves it under the microscope- A powerful software controlling the tray of the wells and interface to existing analysis software that will also be developed in the project.This development will enable the measure of up to 200-400 probes per day, instead of assessing 12-24 probes/1,5 day with the best current technique.Problems to be solved:Determination of the genotoxic potential of man-made chemicals (i.e. effluents, biozides, and chemicals accidentally released into the environment) is a subject of investigation all over the world. Methods measuring genotoxicity are time and cost consuming and need well-equipped cell culture laboratories as well as technical / scientific staff with experience in cell culture techniques.During the last 10 years, the comet assay (also named single cell gel electrophoresis assay (SCGE)) has been developed to a very sensitive assay for testing genotoxic properties of chemical and physical toxicants in mammalian cells.The disadvantages of the comet assay, as it is the case in all other modern genotoxicity tests lies in the small number of samples, which can be examined within one day. Highly specialized staff and a well-equipped cell culture laboratory are necessary to perform the assay.Expected Impacts:The impacts are:- increase of the number of samples/person and day- Reduction of required measuring time by 75% compared to existing methods (approximately 1 hour for 25 probes, instead of 12 probes a day)- Reduction of measuring costs by 50% compared to existing laboratory methods (automation of the sensor, then no need of high skilled trained personal in small companies to perform the test)- simplification of the procedure- enabling non-specialists to perform the assay- cell culture laboratory not necessary- greater competitiveness and profitability for the procedure of chemicals, biozides, effluents, by better control of genotoxicity. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwarenatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopynatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencescometsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsnatural scienceschemical scienceselectrochemistryelectrophoresis Programme(s) FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002" Topic(s) 1.1.4.-1. - Key action Sustainable Management and Quality of Water Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CRS - Cooperative research contracts Coordinator INTOX GMBH EU contribution No data Address An den Eschen 43B 26129 OLDENBURG Germany See on map Total cost No data Participants (8) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all EGI- AMBIENTE, PRESTACAO DE GESTAO E CONTROLE AMBIENTAL LDA Portugal EU contribution No data Address Praceta Madre de Deus 44 4405 VALANDARES See on map Total cost No data INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO DE CASTILLA Y LEON Spain EU contribution No data Address C/ Lopez Bravo, 70 - Pol. Ind. Villalonquejar 09001 BURGOS See on map Total cost No data ISMAR CHIMICA SPA Italy EU contribution No data Address Via Isocorte 16 16164 GENOVA See on map Total cost No data ISTITUTO NAZIONALE PER LO STUDIO E LA CURA DEI TUMORI Italy EU contribution No data Address Via Mariano Semmola 80131 NAPOLI See on map Total cost No data MESUREX S.L. Spain EU contribution No data Address Pje. Pandereta, local 1 FUENGIROLA See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data PARALAB-EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS E DE LABORATORIO, S.A. Portugal EU contribution No data Address Pç. Dos Pescadores 47 4450 333 MATOSINHOS See on map Total cost No data SOCIETA TECNOLOGIE BIOMEDICHE SRL Italy EU contribution No data Address Viale delle acacie, 44 Edf A/5A 81031 AVERSA See on map Total cost No data UNIVERSITY OF OLDENBURG Germany EU contribution No data Address Ammerlaender Heerstrasse 114/118 26111 OLDENBURG See on map Total cost No data