textThere is an ever increasing need to expand the realm of diagnostic
capabilities. The need for accurate and reliable biological detection methods is
crucial for genetic analysis, drug discovery, the monitoring of bacteria and viruses
in food and water samples, as well as monitoring the environment for biothreat
reagents. In the realm of diagnostics, molecular biology first expanded to include
semiconductor manufacturing technology in the creation of a DNA biosensor
array. Currently, biosensor arrays are being developed to utilizing complex
sensors for the detection of multiple types of analytes. Important to the future
applications for biosensor technology is the development of miniaturized systems
that utilize sophisticated sensors.
We have explored the use of platforms that offer a three-dimensional
volume element, as well as sophisticated nucleic acid sensors. A flow cell based
microsphere platform (electronic tongue), and a novel hydrogel platform based on
shape recognition elements (MUFFINS), have been combined with nucleic acid
sensors (ssDNA and aptamers) and fluorescence microscopy to create biosensors
for the detection of DNA and proteins. As a step towards fulfilling the goal of
developing a second generation of sophisticated sensors, signaling aptamers were
engineered. Signaling aptamers are nucleic acid ligands (aptamers) that are
capable of displaying changes in fluorescent signal upon binding to their cognate
analyte. In addition, “affinity” microspheres were developed for the direct
synthesis of microsphere bound nucleic acid sensors.Chemistr