Nanobiotechnology Projects

			Research Projects Thermosequencing Nanoneedle GCMB Microfluidic Biosensor platform Publications/Patents Awards/News Personnel Ron W. Davis Hesaam Esfandyarpour Bo Zheng Melike Abacioglu Former Members Akintunde Maiyegun Dorothy Pan Elizabeth Burstein Elaine Zelby Eric Lee Nancy Dorothy Advisors/Collaborators Fabian Pease Nich Melosh Jessica Melin Ali Mani Kosar B. Parizi Rafael Aldana

Thermosequencing:

For the past three decades, Sanger’s method has been the primary DNA sequencing technology; however, inherent limitations in cost and complexity have limited its usage in personalized medicine and ecological studies. Some other methods such as Pyrosequencing or Solexa technology solve some of the problems but still the current technology is not match with the need of gene sequencing enabling personalized medicine. Our new technology called “Thermosequencing” can potentially reduce both the cost and complexity of DNA sequencing using a microfluidic platform. In addition to proof of principle, different models of the Thermosequencing platform were created to simulate the thermodynamic effects of the materials surrounding the system.

Nanoneedle:

Impedance biosensors are a class of electrical biosensors that show promise for point-of-care and other applications due to low cost, ease of miniaturization and label-free operation. Our Nanoneedle Biosensor as an ultra sensitive and localized biosensor shows a promise to overcome the current limitations of biosensors. This sensor can be used in characterizing biochemical species such as antibodies/antigens or a particular DNA sequence. The system is optimized for the high sensitivity and low concentration detection.

GCMB Microfluidic Biosensor platform:

A novel microfluidic platform for DNA sequencing-by-synthesis methods (e.g. pyrosequencing, thermosequencing..). The proposed platform is based on the valve-controllable PDMS channel technology with DNA-coated magnetic beads. The encapsulation of the reaction of DNA polymerization in picoliter-sized wells provides for excellent isolation and control for detection. This separation prevents cross talk amongst neighbor reactors, which is one of the most limitations for higher integration of the current technologies. The proposed system is useful for a number of other bio-species detection and sorting templates.

For further information about these projects please contact:

Hesaam Esfandyarpour
E-mail: hesaam at stanford.edu
Phone: +1-650-723-6287
Fax: +1-650-812-1975

Mailing address:
Stanford Genome Technology Center
855 California Avenue
CA 94304
USA

Volunteer Opportunities:

Motivated undergraduate/graduate students who are interested in collaborating on the above nanobiotechnology research projects, please send your resume to hesaam at stanford.edu.

• Microfluidic:
  Assistant for design and testing of GCMB microfluidic systems. Design is about 10-15% and testing is about 85-90%. No specific background required, but people with a background in engineering are preferred.
• Fabrication:
  Assistant for device fabrication, mainly in the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility. People with a background in fabrication are highly encouraged. The required training could be provided as well. Material Science, Electrical Engineering and Chemistry/Chem. Engineering background preferred.
• Electrical Testing:
  Assistant for device testing, for both the nanoneedle and thermosequencing projects. People with engineering background, specifically EE preferred.
• Surface Chemistry:
  Assistant for surface chemistry, materials property for the nanoneedle project. People with backgrounds in Material Science, Chemistry, Chem. Engineering, Biochemistry or Physics preferred.
• Biology/Enzymology:
  Assistant for biological preparation and testing for various projects. People with background in Biology, Human Biology, BioChem or Genetics preferred.