Aptamer and aptazyme-based multiplexed luminex assay

Aptamers are sequences of DNA or RNA allowing a specific binding of a certain molecule. The use of aptamers instead of antibodies in different applications makes it less time consuming and cost-effective because of the easy production of nucleic acids and their rapid binding to their target. In this project, we suggest using color-coded magnetic beads functionalized with aptamers to bind specific proteins that are usually present in cancer cells. The binding of the proteins will generate fluorescence emission allowing then their detection. Besides this fluorescence, the detection of the beads color permit to determine which proteins is present on the beads surface This application is usually done using two antibodies one the protein binding and a second for fluorescence emission and it is called luminex based immunoassays. This technique is a high throughput method allowing the detection of up to 100 molecules in the same solution. By using aptamers we are aiming to make ‘aptamer-based luminex assays’ that are cheaper and faster.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jonathan Perreault

Student:

Partner:

Galenvs

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: