The Virtual Child.

SUMMARY: We are building the world's first Virtual Child-a computer model of normal and cancerous human development at the level of each individual cell. The Virtual Child will "develop cancer" that we will subject to unlimited virtual clinical trials that pinpoint, predict, and prioritize potential new treatments, bringing forward the day when no child dies of cancer, giving each one the opportunity to lead a full and healthy life.

DNA sequence detection using surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy in a homogeneous multiplexed assay.

Detection of specific DNA sequences is central to modern molecular biology and also to molecular diagnostics where identification of a particular disease is based on nucleic acid identification. Many methods exist, and fluorescence spectroscopy dominates the detection technologies employed with different assay formats. This study demonstrates the use of surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) to detect specific DNA sequences when coupled with modified SERRS-active probes that have been designed to modify the affinity of double- and single-stranded DNA for the surface of silver nanoparticles resulting in discernible differences in the SERRS which can be correlated to the specific DNA hybridization event. The principle of the assay lies on the lack of affinity of double-stranded DNA for silver nanoparticle surfaces; therefore, hybridization of the probe to the target results in a reduction in the SERRS signal. Use of locked nucleic acid (LNA) residues in the DNA probes resulted in greater discrimination between exact match and mismatches when used in comparison to unmodified labeled DNA probes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were detected using this methodology, and ultimately a multiplex detection of sequences relating to a hospital-acquired infection, namely, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), demonstrated the versatility and applicability of this approach to real-life situations.

Functionalized nanoparticles for nucleic acid sequence analysis using optical spectroscopies.

SERRS (surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering) is a vibrational spectroscopy which allows extremely sensitive and selective detection of labelled DNA sequences with detection limits which rival, and in most cases surpass, that of fluorescence. SERRS relies on a visible chromophore adsorbing on to an enhancing surface. DNA itself is not SERRS-active, as it lacks a suitable visible chromophore and has poor adsorption properties on to the surfaces used for enhancement. The surface normally used for enhancement in these sorts of studies are metallic nanoparticles and, through modification of DNA probes by the addition of suitable SERRS labels, signals can be obtained that are highly sensitive and very selective. The aggregation state of the nanoparticles is critical to the sensitivity, and, in the present paper, we show how straightforward detection of labelled DNA probes can be achieved using SERRS in a quantitative manner and with a variety of different commercially available labels. In a second approach, we show how the properties of aggregation to turn on the SERRS effect can be exploited through DNA hybridization to give identification of a particular DNA sequence. This approach lends itself to closed-tube formats and is a promising way forward for molecular diagnostics using SERRS.

Highly sensitive detection of dye-labelled DNA using nanostructured gold surfaces.

Careful control of surface chemistry results in strong surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering from dye-labelled oligonucleotides assembled on nanostructured gold surfaces, releasing their potential as reliable enhancing surfaces.

Quantitative enhanced Raman scattering of labeled DNA from gold and silver nanoparticles.

Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) from silver nanoparticles using 514.5-nm excitation has been shown to offer huge potential for applications in highly sensitive multiplexed DNA assays. If the technique is to be applied to real biological samples and integrated with other methods, then the use of gold nanoparticles and longer wavelengths of excitation are desirable. The data presented here demonstrate that dye-labeled oligonucleotide sequences can be directly detected by SERRS using gold nanoparticles in a quantitative manner for the first time. The performance of gold and silver nanoparticles as SERRS substrates was assessed using 514.5-, 632.8-, and 785-nm excitation and a range of 13 commercially available dye-labeled oligonucleotides. The quantitative response allowed the limit of detection to be determined for each case and demonstrates that the technique is highly effective, sensitive, and versatile. The possibility of excitation at multiple wavelengths further enhances the multiplexing potential of the technique. The importance of effectively combining the optical properties of the nanoparticle and the dye label is demonstrated. For example, at 632.8-nm excitation, the dye BODIPY TR-X and gold nanoparticles make a strong SERRS combination with very little background fluorescence. This study allows the choice of nanoparticle and dye label for particular experimental setups, and significantly expands the applicability of enhanced Raman scattering for use in many disciplines.

A micro-reactor for preparing uniform molecularly imprinted polymer beads.

In this study, uniform spherical molecularly imprinted polymer beads were prepared via controlled suspension polymerization in a spiral-shaped microchannel using mineral oil and perfluorocarbon liquid as continuous phases. Monodisperse droplets containing the monomers, template, initiator, and porogenic solvent were introduced into the microchannel, and particles of uniform size were produced by subsequent UV polymerization, quickly and without wasting polymer materials. The droplet/particle size was varied by changing the flow conditions in the microfluidic device. The diameter of the resulting products typically had a coefficient of variation (CV) below 2%. The specific binding sites that were created during the imprinting process were analysed via radioligand binding analysis. The molecularly imprinted microspheres produced in the liquid perfluorocarbon continuous phase had a higher binding capacity compared with the particles produced in the mineral oil continuous phase, though it should be noted that the aim of this study was not to optimize or maximize imprinting performance, but rather to demonstrate broad applicability and compatibility with known MIP production methods. The successful imprinting against a model compound using two very different continuous phases (one requiring a surfactant to stabilize the droplets the other not) demonstrates the generality of this current simple approach.