An Electrochemical Microfluide System

60583 A recent advance in high-throughput genomic technologies has led to the development of methods for whole-genome sequencing and for the establishment of comprehensive mRNA expression maps. However, no equivalent technology is currently available for the rapid analysis of proteins and/or large toxicological molecules that are important as effector molecules in biological control or drug development. This project will develop a portable, versatile analyzer for automated, high-throughput analysis of clinically important drugs and proteins in biological fluids such as blood and urine. The approach is based on new micro/nano fluidics technology that can be used to analyze large biomolecules in complex sample matrices, combining molecular recognition and signal transduction in a single element. Phase I demonstrated highly specific recognition of large protein molecules using two new types of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP). A unique electrical signal transduction system was developed to sense the specific binding interactions between the analyte molecule and the MIP sensing element. Phase II will optimize the MIPs affinity toward selected, clinically important drugs and proteins, and develop protocols for their detection in biological fluids. Phase II also will provide optimization and testing of the design and fabrication of a prototype, micro/nano fluidic device capable of analyzing multiple samples and multiple proteins using an array of sensing elements /tranducers. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A detection system for sensing/recognition of proteins and/or toxicological drugs in complex biological samples should lead to a portable, low cost, and simple to use instrument for point-of-care clinical diagnostics. Potential commercial applications should include therapeutical drug development, medical toxicology, clinical diagnostics, forensics, food, and environmental analysis.