Real-Time Detection of Telomerase in a Microelectromechanical Systems Platform
Abstract
The integration of biology with Microelectromechanical Systems and Nanotechnology could result in a synergism with tremendous benefits in both basic research and clinical assays. The development of a functionalized liquid core waveguide to detect a biological function or substance via fluorescence could have broad range applications. One such target of interest for developing such a system, is the ribonucleoprotein enzyme telomerase. It is a confirmed biomarker for cancer; having been associated with over 90% of cancers examined. Development of a MEMS-based detection system would allow for accurate detection of small numbers of target molecules in the sample volumes. In order to accomplish this I first developed a bench-top assay to identify key components of the reaction and optimize the detection scheme before incorporation into a MEMS device. This assay itself will have utility in basic research labs for telomerase detection. My ongoing efforts to synthesize such a system has resulted in the modification of the inside surface of the capillary using rapid, straightforward chemistry in order to indirectly attach a molecular beacon. The molecular beacon, the key component of the functionalized capillary, is a strand of DNA that is folded into a specific structure corresponding to the capture sequence that also contains a fluorophore and quencher moiety. When the fluorophore and quencher molecules are in close proximity, fluorescence resonance energy transfer FRET) takes place; effectively quenching the flurescence emission. However, binding of the target DNA, RNA, or protein to the molecular beacon target capture sequence causes a conformational change that separates the fluorophore and the quencher at which point fluorescent signal can be detected. The incorporation of this functionalized liquid core waveguide with a PDMS chip will facilitate fluid control and optic fiber couplings for fluorescence detection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA434224
Entities
People
- Jeremy R. Gilbertson
Organizations
- Texas Tech University