OBJECTIVES
The main aim of this project is the development of a microarray platform using gold structures, to be used for the specific detection, through florescence and SPR, of HPV strains in pregnant women, and as such, offering information for the statistical evaluation of the involvement of HPV infection in premature births. This aim will help overcome the restraints involving the cost of purchasing commercial microarray supports, as well as represent a flexible solution for the personalized development of chips, as well as develop the capacity of the consortium for research in this field.
Project 1, Coordinator: Fundeni Clinical Institute, Prof. Dr. Lorand Savu
The major objective of this project involves the development of a chip for the noninvasive detection of the SRY gene, using SPR technology. The chip will have a chemically modified surface with advanced 2D materials (ex. Graphene, MoS2) to lower the detection threshold below pM concentrations, and to increase specificity; the biosensor will have attached DNA sequences of the target gene on its surface. The provided chip will be accompanied by a protocol, for a new type of noninvasive analysis used in early prenatal diagnosis.
Project 3, Partner: Fundeni Clinical Institute. This project will focus on clinical trials, following the involvement of HPV infection in premature births by microarray analysis, using chips developed in other projects in this consortium. These microarray platforms will be designed and developed by taking into account the necessities of the study, and will be personalized for each pregnant patient involved in the study.