PI: Jesús Martínez de la Fuente
Spanish Ministry of Science INNPACTO call
(2011-2014)
The objective of this project is the development of a biosensor for the detection of protein markers involved in the diagnosis of lung cancer. We will used a technological approach based on the use of highly sensitive nanomechanic biosensors which do not require additional labels, such as organic dyes, resulting in the simplification and decrease in price of the detection process.
To achieve this general objective, the project will address a number of specific technical objectives, such as:
- Identification and selection of protein markers of major clinical interest for the differential diagnosis of lung cancer in minimally invasive samples. This will include a novel approach to the identification of proteins especially useful for the detection of early markers.
- The development of a methodology for surface immobilization of nanomechanical sensors (also called microlevers or cantilevers) of the antibodies necessary for the detection of the markers of interest.
- The design and development of matrices of nanomechanical systems allowing the simultaneous detection of various parameters and increasing the reliability of optical sensing.
- The development of a nanomechanical sensor reading system based on the use of hydration / dehydration cycles and compatible with the usual microplate format in diagnostic laboratories.