Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

The development of bioinformatics databases has led to the demand for analytical systems capable of handling very small samples but still being able to provide information on specific biomolecules contained within the samples. During the past decade, processing of biological samples for these purposes is automated, at a small-scale, and high-throughput operation with lower cost but without compromise in accuracy. The ability to miniaturize biomedical devices to the order of micrometers has created a new paradigm based on which drug development, biotechnology development, genetic analysis, and clinical diagnosis and treatment are performed The development of Lab-on-a-Chip devices using microelectromechaical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology has enabled the miniaturization and integration of multiple molecular diagnostic systems. The proposed project will focus on the development of a Lab-on-a-Chip device to perform multiple functions, such as on-chip cell separation, cell lysis, biomolecular separation and real-time PCR. The developed devices or subsystems are envisioned to be integrated within water and waste treatment facilities for real-time monitoring of pathogens.