This hardware provides an incubation environment and auto-detection of clotting.
For biological weaponry and health surveillance purposes, there is a strong need to identify pathogens in the field rapidly. The most accurate microbial identification relies on polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)/DNA-based identification methods. While most PCR/DNA identification equipment claimed to be of small sizes, most of them only refer to the PCR chamber. The bulky fluorescent illuminator and detection device are always excluded from their calculation. Further, these classical equipment require a.c. mains supply and wet laboratory facilities support but give no real-time readings. Hence, these classical equipment are not portable by nature and unsuitable to be used in the field.
A new portable biosensor developed by researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University enables instant automatic identification of the presence of microorganism.
Special Features and Advantages
• Hand-held, battery-operated and self-contained sensing device
• Be built upon a novel DNA-based bio-chemo-physical conversion method for real-time, rapid, in-situ detections of the presence of a microorganism of interest
• This fully-automated sensing device can be used in the field without the support of a.c. mains supply and laboratory facilities.
Application
Suitable to be used in areas related to bio-defense, hospitals, clinics, mass transit systems, areas suspected to be contaminated with pathogens and/or other undesirable microbes.
Award
Gold Medal - 39th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland (April 2011)
http://www.polyu.edu.hk/ife/corp/cntimgs/techsearch/3_ABCT_04_0812.pdf
For further information contact:
Principal Investigators
Prof. Samuel Chun-lap LO
Prof. Derek Siu-wing OR
Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology
Department of Electrical Engineering
Institute for Entrepreneurship
Tel: (852) 3400 2929
Fax: (852) 2333 2410
Email: [email protected]
