Luminescent lanthanide nanoparticles-a new generation oligonucleotide fluorescentlabel

The global oligonucleotide synthesis market size is expected to grow USD 3.9 billion by 2025. Therefore the demand for an efficient and sensitive oligonucleotide label for their detection, purification and delivery is on continuous rise. The current labels used in oligonucleotide detection have several serious drawbacks that limit their sensitivity. In the proposed project we plan to employ lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) as a label due to their unique upconversion property, which will offer remarkable sensitivity when compared to current fluorophores. These nano labels significantly expand the options for the design of luminescence based diagnostic assays and theranostic methods development. Once this product is developed the host company will be able to sell them in the nucleic acid labeling market for research purpose. MITACS elevate research funding will be a vehicle to accomplish this work. The postdoctoral fellow will learn in depth about the oligonucleotide synthesis, labeling and industrial marketing strategies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Piunno

Student:

Vishal Sopanrao Kale

Partner:

ACGT Corporation

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of Toronto