Tools for Microbial Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation for Diagnostic and Genomic Analyses

Access to high quality nucleic acid is imperative to conduct any form of genetic analysis. Working with micro-organisms that are difficult to cultivate and/or are embedded in complex materials is a particular challenge. The market is seeking more sensitiv e, simplified, rapid and efficient methods to obtain analytical quality nucleic acids from such organisms, and from an industrial point of view there is a great economic potential in developement of new, efficient methodology in this field. Genpoint has previously developed methods in this field, based on robotised solutions employing magnetic beads for capturing bacteria and subseqeuntly their DNA. The methods can, however, be improved by means of sensitivity. Preliminary studies had indicated that ther e is a range of surface modifications that can be employed to arrive at improved solutions, and a potential range of possibilities in inducing improved binding properties in the bacterial surfaces themselves. We thus want to introduce a collaboration bet ween Biolocial Institute at the University of Olso and Genpoint AS, an engage a research team to develop and test new capturing solid surfaces for bacteria and link their capacities to DNA-analytical methods, as well as testing and developing the concept of introducing improved binding capacity in the bacteria. The work will be directed towards micro-organisms of significant clinical interest, and with a high probability for generating a high economical potential for the applicant. Such organisms are tho se related to sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonhorroea, mycoplasma, ureaplasma), and blood-borne bacteria believed to be associated with development of cardiovascular disease (Chlamydia, Helicobacter, Mycobacteria). Further target organisms wi ll be considered.