Project Abstract
We seek to provide Europe with a major time advantage over their main international competitors by developing a bionanotechnological device that can be used as a nanoactuator/biosensor, which also provides a novel interface between the Biological and Silicon Worlds. The time advantage is provided by “picking up” the highly successful Mol Switch Project (IST-2001-38036), in which we were able to show that biological molecular motors could be used as bio-nanoactuators. However, this project will push the frontiers of knowledge and skill by developing a useful generic biosensor/nanoactuator device. The device will be assembled in a series of stages using independent Modules that each incorporate new technology, or, expand the frontiers of existing technology. A prototype integrated biosensor will be built around this nanoactuator, incorporating the proposed Modules. The switching device within this nanoactuator is provided by a moving magnetic particle, attached to the DNA that is translocated (or “pulled”) by the motor, and a suitable electronic sensor that detects this movement. Integration of these individual components into a single Module will provide a major step forward in the design of Lab-on-a-Chip technology.
Therefore, we will seek to develop a microfluidics system that will allow us to incorporate the electronic sensor into a chip-based device. The project will also focus on the precise location and self-assembly of these motors and their DNA substrates within the microfluidics system to be used. The project will involve partners who will focus on the further development of the electronic sensor. We know of no other bionanotechnological device, which incorporates biological molecular motors to produce moving parts, that is as far advanced as this project offers and, therefore, we believe the project will provide the EU with a significant advance in this area.
What's New:
- Project funding announced
€1,992,610. - Project started - October 16, 2006.
- "Kick-off" meeting - October 30, 2006.
- New animation of Mol Switch Device (see Archives Page).
- Coordinator invited to partake in Foresight Institute Road-mapping exercise.
- Coordinator invited to partake in British Standards Institute exercise on the BioNano Interface.
- Coordinator wins second prize for Business Plan in "Dragons Den" competition.
- 2nd Workshop in Lisbon - 3rd September 2007.
- 3rd Workshop in Paris - 4th September 2008.
- An additional Workshop was held to discuss device design - 19th January 2009.
- 4th Workshop in Portsmouth - 24th September 2009.
- A 6-month extension to the Project has been agreed. This will allow us to complete WP4 and produce a working prototype device - 16th October 2009 - 16th April 2010.
- Project now closed - 16th April 2010.
Key Milestones
- October 2006 - Return signed copies of Form A to Coordinator.
- December 2006 - Contract signed.
- January 2006 - first round of funds distributed.
- April 2007 - First Management Report.
- April 2007 - Signatures for Consortium Collaboration Agreement.
- April 2007 - Online meeting of Steering Group.
- April 2007 - Develop novel ELISA system.
- October 2007 - Aptamer production for ligand binding in biosensor.
- more ...