Up late with GNSL. Interesting: optical biochips . . .
>>ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Genomic Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq: GNSL - news), a leading, worldwide supplier of automated solutions for genomic and proteomic research, announces an agreement with Photonic Sensor to license its optical biochips. The biochips rely on interferometer technology originally developed at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, and licensed to Photonic Sensor. The agreement grants worldwide exclusive rights to Genomic Solutions for the use and distribution of the technology in the life science research market. The company will develop and sell systems comprised of instruments and chips. Additionally, Genomic Solutions is making a staged equity investment in Photonic Sensor with the right to acquire up to a 19.9% ownership interest in the company.
According to Jeffrey S. Williams, President and CEO of Genomic Solutions, ``We are very pleased to have access to this leading edge technology. Our initial applications development using the optical biochips will focus on simultaneous detection and discrimination of SNPs, gene expression, protein-to-protein interaction and two dimensional protein separations.''
Genomic Solutions and Photonic Sensor will co-develop instruments and consumables based upon the optical biochip technology to detect DNA and protein biomolecules. Since these biochips allow detection of biomolecules without label attachments, scientists capture significant time savings in their research activities and are able to perform experiments that are currently impossible due to the deleterious effects of labels on certain proteins and biomolecules.
``Integrated optical biochips will greatly improve automation, sensitivity and reproducibility of results. In addition, sample preparation, processing and target identification will be significantly streamlined,'' notes Greg Kinch, Vice President of Business Development at Genomic Solutions. ``These instruments and consumables will help us meet our corporate goal of providing scientists with the very best products and services for maximum flexibility, highest-quality data and fast turnaround time.''
``We are very excited about having Genomic Solutions as our partner in this market,'' says John Edwards, CEO of Photonic Sensor. ``Their mission to provide state-of-the-art solutions for the full range of life science research needs, from DNA detection to protein analysis, is an excellent match with the versatility of our optical biochips.''
Genomic Solutions does not anticipate an increase in R&D expenditures as a result of the license and investment. In light of the Photonic Sensor relationship, the company has decided to forego its licensing option on Fundamental Forces technology and will use the available funding for the commercialization of optical biochips and related instrumentation.<<
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This appears to be the work published in the
>>SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3253
Biomedical Sensing and Imaging Technologies
Editor(s): Robert A. Lieberman, Physical Optics Corp., Torrance, CA, USA; Tuan Vo-Dinh, Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, TN, USA.
ISBN: 0-8194-2692-X, 300 pages Published 1998
Meeting Date: 01/27 - 01/29/98, San Jose, CA, USA<<
>>Reversible integrated optic evanescent field biosensor using
chemical amplification for added sensitivity, pp.20-26
Author(s): Daniel P. Campbell, Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, GA, USA;
Nile F. Hartman, Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, GA, USA;
Jeffrey L. Moore, Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, GA, USA;
James V. Suggs, Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, GA, USA;
Janet M. Cobb, Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, GA, USA.
Abstract: Planar waveguide interferometers provide an attractive
sensing platform for biosensor applications. Advantages
include small size, real-time sensing, multiple analyte
detection on a chip, performance independent of
wavelength and optical power, and nulling of thermal
and mechanical noise. Limitations include slow
diffusion time of the analyte to the functionalized
surface, interference from non-specific binding and
bulk index of refraction changes and a lack of
reversibility. Combining certain techniques used in
affinity chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays and with an amplifying chemoselective film on
the waveguide produces a sensor that is versatile,
reusable and overcomes most of the above limitations.
Work will be presented using an optical pH and ammonia
sensor for detection. !10 <<
Cheers, Tuck |
