Plastic Chip Identifies DNA Sequences in Drop of Blood

The chip can also pinpoint infectious diseases in a herd of cattle.

The technology that uses the plastic chip can perform 20 genetic tests from a single drop of blood. The innovation has earned Aquila Diagnostic Systems (Edmonton, Canada), a finalist nod for this year’s TEC (Edmonton, Canada) NanoVenturePrize award. Aquila Diagnostics is a nano startup originating from the University of Alberta (U of A; Edmonton, Canada).

Dubbed the Domino technology, it employs miniaturized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to amplify and detect targeted sequences of DNA in a form that fits on a plastic chip the size of two postage stamps. The chip contains 20 gel posts--each the size of a pinhead--capable of identifying sequences of DNA in a single drop of blood. The Domino has been used in several recently published studies, showing similar accuracy to centralized labs.

A metal cube the size of a toaster, with the small plastic chip at its core, created at the University of Alberta is capable of performing the same genetic tests as most fully equipped modern laboratories--and in a fraction of the time. Along with its versatility, two key selling points are affordability and portability, with each portable box expected to cost about USD 5,000 and each chip a few dollars, according to Aquila president David Alton. It is also designed to be easy to use and rugged for use in the field.

Each post performs its own genetic test, meaning that it is possible not only to find out whether an individual has malaria, but also to determine the type of malaria and whether the person’s DNA makes him resistant to certain antimalarial drugs. It takes less than an hour to process one chip, making it possible to screen large populations in a short time.

“We [are] basically replacing millions of dollars of equipment in a conventional, consolidated lab with something that costs pennies to produce and is field portable so that it can be taken where needed. That [is] where this technology shines,” said Jason Acker, an associate professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Alberta and chief technology officer with Aquila.

Aquila’s relationship with the U of A and its business relationship with TEC Edmonton helped the company to license and patent Domino. TEC Edmonton is a joint venture between the U of A and Edmonton Economic Development Corp. It has resources and expertise to help startups in the early stages of operations.

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Aquila Diagnostic Systems
TEC
University of Alberta