May 6, 2013 Take a swab of saliva from your mouth and within minutes your DNA could be ready for analysis and genome sequencing with the help of a new device.<\/p>\n
University of Washington engineers and NanoFacture (http:\/\/nano-facture.com\/<\/a>), a Bellevue, Wash., company, have created a device that can extract human DNA from fluid samples in a simpler, more efficient and environmentally friendly way than conventional methods. <\/p>\n The device will give hospitals and research labs a much easier way to separate DNA from human fluid samples, which will help with genome sequencing, disease diagnosis and forensic investigations. <\/p>\n \"It's very complex to extract DNA,\" said Jae-Hyun Chung, a UW associate professor of mechanical engineering who led the research. \"When you think of the current procedure, the equivalent is like collecting human hairs using a construction crane.\" <\/p>\n This technology aims to clear those hurdles. The small, box-shaped kit now is ready for manufacturing, then eventual distribution to hospitals and clinics. NanoFacture, a UW spinout company, signed a contract with Korean manufacturer KNR Systems last month at a ceremony in Olympia, Wash. <\/p>\n The UW, led by Chung, spearheaded the research and invention of the technology, and still manages the intellectual property. <\/p>\n Separating DNA from bodily fluids is a cumbersome process that's become a bottleneck as scientists make advances in genome sequencing, particularly for disease prevention and treatment. The market for DNA preparation alone is about $3 billion each year. <\/p>\n Conventional methods use a centrifuge to spin and separate DNA molecules or strain them from a fluid sample with a micro-filter, but these processes take 20 to 30 minutes to complete and can require excessive toxic chemicals. <\/p>\n UW engineers designed microscopic probes that dip into a fluid sample -- saliva, sputum or blood -- and apply an electric field within the liquid. That draws particles to concentrate around the surface of the tiny probe. Larger particles hit the tip and swerve away, but DNA-sized molecules stick to the probe and are trapped on the surface. It takes two or three minutes to separate and purify DNA using this technology. <\/p>\n \"This simple process removes all the steps of conventional methods,\" Chung said. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n More here: May 6, 2013 Take a swab of saliva from your mouth and within minutes your DNA could be ready for analysis and genome sequencing with the help of a new device. University of Washington engineers and NanoFacture (http:\/\/nano-facture.com\/<\/a>), a Bellevue, Wash., company, have created a device that can extract human DNA from fluid samples in a simpler, more efficient and environmentally friendly way than conventional methods Continue reading
\nNew device can extract human DNA with full genetic data in minutes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"