Novel DNA Labeling and Hybridization Technologies

Today´s equipment for DNA analysis is too bulky and slow. Marking reagents and dyes are too expensive. Processing throughput is low.

This large organization seeks innovative technologies that allow significant time reduction and full automation of the DNA labeling and hybridization processes for a fluorescent-labeled product. They wish to create an automatic gene diagnostic system with a short processing time for use in out-patient clinics and hospitals. The ultimate goal is to reduce the time of entire processes to within 3–4 hours, and to be able to analyze up to 20,000 dots on a DNA array chip. The 3–4 hours should include labeling, purification of labeled nucleic acid, hybridization, post-hybridization washing and drying.

Criteria

This organization wants to develop high-speed instruments for clinical applications with exceptional cost-benefit ratios; in this case, the full automation of the DNA labeling, preparation of labeled nucleic acid, and hybridization processes. To be considered, any proposed technology should at least have been tested in the laboratory. Test results should be available for review. The company is particularly interested in:

• Labeling. The organization is interested in fluorescence and novel dyes. Currently available reagents are expensive, and other chemical labeling methods or substances may help lower costs. However, any proposed labeling solutions must be as good as the standard random prime labeling process. The total labeling process including labeled nucleic acid purification steps can take no more than one hour.
• Hybridization. The technology must provide very short hybridization time for up to 20,000 dots on an array. The total time for this process (including washing, drying, and detection) should not exceed 2–3 hours.

It is important that the technology be able to be automated, and that it provide lower cost results. Since all steps from nucleic acid preparation to data output and analysis will be done in approximately 3–4 hours, this system could be used in many different applications. This organization seeks a strategic alliance, with the possibility of making an equity investment in the supplying organization.

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