2006 - Institut für Klinische Chemie - UniversitätsSpital Zürich

Universität Zürich > Medizinische Fakultät > Klinische Chemie, Institut für > Prof. Dr.
Arnold von Eckardstein
Development of diagnostic chips
Summary / Zusammenfassung
Current methods for the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), deletions,
insertions or other nucleic acid aberrations require separate sample preparation, including
isolation, purification and mixing with the reagent, either involving manual steps that are prone to
errors, complicated and time-consuming, or with the use of very expensive pipetting robots. In
cooperation with the Center of Mechanics, ETHZ, Prof. J. Dual, we are developing new concepts
for SNP analysis from total blood and other body fluids. The main emphasis is placed on the
development of the design for a low-cost, easy-to-use POCT system in the form of a Micro-
Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) or Micro Total Analysis System (MicroTAS) for the analysis
of nucleic acids originating from a ready-to-use-cartridge which includes nucleic acid isolation,
purification, mastermix preparation and the transfer of the prepared sample directly onto a
microfluidic chip with an integrated read-out system. The chemical reaction (specifically the PCR
process) takes place in a thermal chamber of a microdevice with simultaneous detection out of
only 150 nanolitres reaction volume. The results are interpreted by the instrument. The system can
be operated by individuals with no experience of laboratory medicine, in any location and at any
time.
Project Leadership and Contacts / Projektleitung und Kontakte
Lukas Bestmann (Project Leader) lukas.bestmann@ikc.usz.ch
Funding Source(s) / Unterstützt durch
Others
Duration of Project / Projektdauer
Jan 2001 to Dec 2006
Project 3274
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