Dendrimer-assisted Signal Amplification for High Sensitivity DNA Detection

"Direct detection of DNA for identification of BW agents and other pathogens would provide both detect-to-warn and detect-to-treat capability. Although many small transducers have been demonstrated in the laboratory for detection of DNA high sensitivitydetection generally requires amplification of the target using a method such as PCR. A detector that combines molecular recognition with signal amplification would dramatically minimize or eliminate sample preparation, reduce analysis time, and lower costand logistical burden. Equally important the risk of sample contamination is reduced by minimizing sample handling.ETI proposes a Phase I program to demonstrate optical signal amplification using gold nanoparticles combined with dendrimer materials. Gold nanoparticles have been demonstrated for selective, colorimetric detection of polynucleotides. Dendrimers havebeen used for templating and stabilization of small metal colloids. The proposed approach represents a potentially powerful integration of two technologies that show promise for DNA detection and signal amplification. The use of dendrimers ascarrier/linker molecules maintains high oligonucleotide loading, yet mitigates the problems of stability and assay response time. Dendrimer-assisted nanoparticles will make the detection method more robust and commercially viable. In Phase II anintegrated, multi-channel BW Detection System will be designed, fabricated and evaluated