S27: Biochip analysis for microbial detection; on-chip PCR; bioindicators for pathogens

Genetic approaches for detection and diagnostics have been in use for almost three decades now. Significant progress has also been made over the past decade in marker search using high throughput genomics and microfluidics. Thus we have capabilities to find out how many different antibiotic resistance gene markers are present in a given sample, sequence the whole genome of a single bacterial cell, detect a single cell in 10s of liters of water, or determine viability. Even though some of these capabilities are needed in the field, they are not yet available with such simplifications. Many efforts are underway to fulfill this need, however.

            This presentation will focus on one such effort of developing a low cost point of use device to bring the genetic marker screening and detection capabilities to the field. When developed, the device will be able to screen for dozens to hundreds of genetic markers relevant to various applications including water, food, agriculture, and biotechnology. It consists of an iPod Touch/Smartphone-based graphical user interface and an amplification/detection system that is capable of specifically amplifying DNA markers within an hour using loop mediated isothermal amplification and measure the progress in real-time for quantification. Validation data will be presented for this device and two other laboratory-based screening systems. Implications of sample concentration and processing approaches, which are extremely critical to such devices, will also be discussed.