I ran across Health Reseach Inc.'s Technology Transfer website and thought that maybe somone would be interested in some of these opportunities. For the full list go to:

http://www.hrinet.org/



Technology Opportunity
Invention Available for Licensing and Commercialization


Universal DNA Purification Device and Method


Description



One limitation of current DNA analysis, especially of blood and biothreat agents, is a reduction in detection sensitivity and DNA quality by the presence of molecules that inhibit PCR. These are frequently small molecules that are difficult to separate from DNA. Several different methods and reagents have been developed to address inhibiting compounds, however, they can be laborious, time consuming and assay specific. This universal technology and method overcomes these issues and is suitable for a single reaction, 96 well plate or on-chip device.



The device and method are single stage and can be used to purify and enrich DNA from a wide range of samples, including environmental, forensic and blood. It has been developed for improved detection and molecular identification of DNA, including that from biothreat, and infectious agents (bacteria, viruses or parasites). DNA is purified, enriched, and rendered free from the molecules that inhibit PCR resulting in increased detection sensitivity or a reduction in the number of PCR cycles required, or both. DNA of different lengths are separated from each other and individually enriched. This has particular application for separating bacterial and viral DNA from other DNAs present in the sample.



These molecules are often negatively charged and migrate electrophoretically with DNA. For example, blood contains a large amount of hemoglobin that releases heme during DNA analysis. Heme inhibits PCR and co-migrates electrophoretically with DNA. The device has been shown to block such molecules while passing DNA. As a result analyses can be carried out on smaller samples.



The device design is modular allowing it to be interfaced to existing DNA analysis devices and to be expanded into a fully integrated system for DNA purification, separation by length, enrichment, PCR, and analysis. In the former configuration, our device can serve as a front-end to existing devices for DNA analysis. Ultimately, we envision implementation on a single chip in a hand held device.


Main Advantages of Invention



1) DNA purification is universal - not assay-specific.

2) Potential for samples from the field to be loaded directly onto the device without pre-concentration or pre-purification.

3) The set-up can be implemented for a single reaction, 96-well plate, etc.


State of Development



1) Proof of concept has been established using genomic DNA and hemoglobin mix to purify DNA from heme.

2) Device has well characterized rejection properties.

3) Results are consistent from test to test.

4) Currently conducting research studies to evaluate efficiency of DNA recovery and to determine minimum volumes/concentration required for testing.



Potential Areas of Application


1) Separation of bacterial and viral DNA from environmental samples and from blood.

2) Separation of any type of blood derived DNA from heme.

3) Separation and purification of sperm DNA in forensic samples.

4) Separation of bacterial or viral DNA from the breakdown products of metaloproteins and humic acid among others.

5) Separation of fetal DNA insolated from maternal circulation from maternal DNA and from heme.

6) Separation of parasite DNA from other DNA in blood and from heme.




Licensing Potential

HRI seeks commercial partners to develop the technology for research and clinical use. Available for licensing.



Contact:

Robert Gallo

Associate Director Technology Transfer

Health Research, Inc.

One University Place

Rensselaer, NY 12144-3456

(518) 431-1208 Fax (518) 431-1234
rlg04@healthresearch.org