: Much research in recent years has been directed toward the development of facile methods for the detection of nucleic acids and the potential application of such bioassays to the clinical detection of specific nucleic acid molecules or sequences. Methods such as RT-PCR and fluorescence detection involve several steps and expensive equipment. Electrochemical methods for the detection of nucleic acids allow direct detection of specific nucleic acid sequences at low concentrations. The use of microelectrode arrays may allow use of such electrochemical methods as low-cost, clinically useful nucleic acid biosensors. The electropolymerization method used here provides a method of specifically attaching the DNA onto electrodes that are smaller than a micropipettor (50 microns). Present microarray technology relies on fluid dispensing equipment or photolithography, both of which are limited to 50 microns. Thus, the electropolymerization method will provide for smaller microarrays with a greater diagnostic capacity, allowing a greater number of genetic markers to be probed at once.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31HG002520-04
Application #
6885792
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BIOL-1 (01))
Program Officer
Graham, Bettie
Project Start
2002-04-23
Project End
2006-04-22
Budget Start
2005-04-23
Budget End
2006-04-22
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$27,365
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599