10-09 :: September 2010

nanotimes News in Brief

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Fig 1: Illustration of the disposable, self-contained polymer cartridge that integrates pathogenic RNA/DNA extraction and real time RT-PCR. © Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), Singapore

Fig 2: A schematic diagram of the MicroKit, a fully auto- mated system with multiplexing capability for the rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases. The system automati- cally performs DNA/RNA sample preparation, reagent metering, aliquot dispensing, and real-time RT-PCR with self-contained reagents in a disposable polymer cartridge. © Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), Singapore

dical challenges through interdisciplinary research and collaboration. The team working on the Microkit project comes from diverse backgrounds and is able to capitalize on each other’s expertise. We are also delighted to have Dr. Evelyn S.-C. Koay of National University of Singapore and National University Hos- pital as our collaborator on this study. We are cur- rently working on the next phase of development for the MicroKit to facilitate detection of up 25 diseases at the same time.”

G. Xu, T. M. Hsieh, D. Y. S. Lee, E. Mohamed Ali, H. Xie, X. L. Looi, E. S.-C. Koay, M.-H. Li and J. Y. Ying: A Self-Contained All-in-One Cartridge for Sample Prepara- tion and Real-Time PCR in Rapid Influenza Diagnosis, In: Lab on a Chip AOP, September 24, 2010, DOI:10.1039/ c005265e:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c005265e http://www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg