Development of an integrated MEMS based DNA diagnostic bio-chip with active flow control components

SMART-BioMEMS is a research project funded within the IST Programme of the European Union's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) under contract number IST-016554. The project started on December 1st 2005 and is expected to conclude on November 30th 2008 for a total duration of 36 months.

The SMART-BioMEMS project aims to develop a novel micro total analysis system to conduct an entire genetic mutation analysis by integrating various functional modules on the single chip, from the introduction of raw sample, through sample preparation and amplification (PCR) to Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) detection.

The entire process will be implemented on-chip by addressing the latest advances in MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) technology, which possess the appropriate potential to enable complete DNA analysis, with increased functionality and performance, at reduced costs especially due to the optimized consumption of costly reagents.

As well, innovative active flow control elements will be integrated on-chip to precisely move minute amounts of DNA sample and reagents in a controlled way, thus maximizing the performance of the whole lab-on-a-chip system. Finally, advanced optical flow visualization techniques, including micro-PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry, and LIF (Laser Induced Fluorescence), and special micro-fluidic CFD-applications will be developed to locally quantify the flow through the micro-fluidic channels, thus leading to significant improvement in the optimization of micro-fluidic device performance.

Model systems with immediate, real clinical and biological relevance will be used to validate the fully integrated SMART-BioMEMS prototype with the scope to verify the successful fulfillment of all the project objectives. In particular, the attention will be focus on the recognition of possible point mutations in p53 gene as relevant for cancer development and progression. 

Contact: Dr. Klaus Stefan Drese, Director Research and Development,
Phone: +49 6131/990 170

Project data sheet 597.34 KB