ST Enters Molecular Diagnostics Biochip Agreement Online staff -- 10/29/2003
Electronic News
STMicroelectronics today announced a joint development agreement with MobiDiag to create a complete system for genomic-based detection of infectious diseases based on a silicon MEMS biochip.
The system aims to allow clinical diagnostics laboratories faster, cheaper and more user-friendly access to genomic-based techniques for the way infectious diseases are detected.
Specifically, STMicro's micro-fluidic MEMS technology makes it possible to create a micromachined silicon chip with very fine channels for the manipulation of microliter quantities of liquid, the company said. This liquid can be moved through the capillaries and can be heated to very precisely controlled temperatures, ST explained, adding that miniaturization of the diagnostic device means that smaller samples can be used, the quantity of reagents is reduced, and reaction times are consequently much shorter.
"We feel there is enormous potential in using a silicon-based lab-on-a-chip for genomic detection of infectious diseases," said Ugo Carena, an ST VP, in a statement. "This alliance joins two of the key competencies needed to develop a marketable biochip product; the micro-fluidics technology from ST, and the molecular microbiology expertise from MobiDiag. With this partnership we believe we carry the entire spectrum of knowledge needed to detect key diseases and produce a marketable product."
ST has developed samples of a disposable, standalone device, which performs DNA amplification into buried silicon channels, and detection of target DNA sequences. ST and MobiDiag said they plan to provide complete systems to development partners in 2004, with a commercial product available to diagnostic labs in 2005. |
