Wafer: raw material for biochips

This research group will build a synergy among Nano2Life partners with research activities relating to DNA, protein and cell chips, by engaging in collaborative research to address specific application challenges. Existing know-how in Nano2Life research groups relates to novel sample preparation devices, sensors, and methodologies for surface functionalisation, data processing and system integration.

The focus within this SRP group will be driven by the needs of applications specialists including industry. A set of collaborative research initiatives were initially drafted, based on discussions with the leaders of the SRPA on cancer related nanodiagnostics, and with the SRPT on Surface functionalisation. The research is intended to be industry relevant, while simultaneously, the scope is expected to span from short-term applied (based on new applications of existing infrastructure), to long-term fundamental.

The primary research goal is to facilitate collaboration among research groups within N2L towards the development of integrated biochip platforms for DNA, protein or cell analysis. Specific end-user requirements will be addressed in the context of intersection projects, where the initial focus has been targeted towards the two intersection projects on cytotoxicity, and novel technologies for stimulation of optic nerve. The needs of these will be translated into technology requirements such as devices for sample preparation of DNA, cells and proteins, microfluidics, biophotonics, surface functionalisation and surface characterisation, various electronic detection platforms, signal processing, data analysis and interpretation, systems integration and packaging.

Bilateral Discussion with Industry and End Users

Application driven needs such as point-of-care diagnostics has totally different requirements than environmental monitoring with respect to the selection of performance priorities, e.g. sensitivity, cost, durability, and size. In the case of point-of-care diagnostics, it is intended to elaborate the long-term needs of this sector through bilateral discussions with relevant industry and end user representatives, together with a two-day business day in early 2007, to enable discussion among the key stakeholders.

This SRP group has been initially focussed on challenges within selected intersection projects where the end user requirements can be well defined, based on expertise within the Nano2Life network together with available industry collaborations. In this group there is the potential to combine available resources to generate a significant research momentum. Future efforts will address further issues such as environmental sensing and implantable drug delivery systems.