PIN real-time PCR
Multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), which detects multiple nucleic acids in a given sample, has received considerable attention as a means of verifying the rapidly growing genetic targets of interest in a single phenotype. However, the multiplicity of common qPCR has been limited to just a few due to the limited number of color channels available and difficulty in designing the primers without non-specific reactions. Primer-immobilized network (PIN) qPCR using encoded hydrogel microparticles is able to separate each reaction into particles even though the PIN particles are mixed in a single channel. Therefore, PIN qPCR can easily extend the target of analysis to dozens of genes by recruiting various PIN particles. This multiplex PIN qPCR extends its clinical utility with bacterial discrimination, exosomal microRNA profiling, virus subtyping and other molecular diagnoses.
Droplet-based microfluidics
Microfluidic systems have become interested in research in recent years, providing better features such as mixing, encapsulation, sorting, and high throughput analyses. Droplet-based microfluidic technology is specialized in generating small amounts of liquid (nl to fl) in two immiscible phases, referred as continuous phase (medium in which droplets flow) and dispersed phase (the droplet phase). The volume of each droplet is controlled by adjusting flow properties and dimensions of the microfluidic channel. Not only uniform and simple spherical structures like microemulsion, but also complicated structures like multiple emulsions can be obtained with microfluidic techniques. We are using this emulsion technology as molecular delivering media and high-throughput single cell analysis reactors.
Photonic PCR
Photothermal nanoparticles have been used for various biomedical applications, including biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery and targeted therapy. Recently, photonic PCR technologies based on photothermal nanoparticles have been proposed for rapid thermal cycling that replaces conventional heater based on metal plate. Unlike conventional PCR which converts electrical energy to thermal energy, photonic PCR uses nanoparticles to convert light energy to heat energy with low power consumption. We embed nanoparticles into the matrix of the hydrogel microparticle. This enables a localized, reliable, rapid and multiplex real-time PCR. We are also working for further applications based on photonic PCR such as miniaturized point-of-care testing (POCT).