New DNA/RNA Sequencer for Rapid Assessment of Exposure to Infectious Agents

"The importance of DNA/RNA-based assays for detection of biological warfare agents, identification of diseases, genome sequencing, and environmental control is enormous and will inevitably increase. The challenge is the development of low cost andportable methods for sequencing DNA and RNA extracted from surfaces and fluids, to recognize exposure to biowarfare agents. All the conventional techniques are based on DNA/RNA hybridization to a complementary DNA sequence of interest anchored to asurface. The proposed method is based on electrophoretically separating and directing a single DNA/RNA molecule fragment of interest through a simple, self-assembled nanopore detector. The method implies unprecedented sensitivity and uncomplicateddetection of each nucleobase and will offer a rapid, direct "reading" of a single DNA or RNA molecule as it passes through the detector. In Phase I work to date, detection of DNA has been accomplished with AC-impedance spectroscopy, severalelectrochemical redox species that interact with DNA have been identified, nanopores have been inserted in membrane bilayers using a-hemolysin for DNA/RNA transport, and a unique sampling system for potential biological warfare agents has been developed.The Phase II project will provide and optimize integration of sampling and detection steps, increased speed and sensitivity, and further miniaturization of "on-chip" analysis in a field device."