DNA-NANO-AB · “DNA-based NANOdevices for the point-of-care electrochemical detection of AntiBodies”

WHY: Antibody detection plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of many human disorders including infectious, autoimmune, and oncological diseases. Unfortunately, current methods routinely used for the detection of these biomarkers still require sophisticated equipment, washing intensive, reagent-intensive multi-step processes. In attempt to overcome the cited limitations, it’s mandatory find new approaches for the sensitive detection of antibodies. WHAT: DNA-NANO-AB proposes the development of DNA-based novel, rapid, user friendly, robust, sensitive and low cost electrochemical NANOdevices for orthogonal multiplex detection of antibodies that may be advantageous over existing methods for the detection of clinically-relevant antibodies and could be well-positioned for point-of-care applications. I will achieve this goal by rationally designing and fabricating disposable DNA-based sensing platforms in which the detection of specific antibodies will be signaled, and amplified, through an electrochemical read-out approach. The developed platforms will be characterized, optimized and then tested for the dosage of immunoglobulins levels directly in real representative samples. HOW: During the fellowship I will undertake a training program to develop skills and acquire expertise in molecular biology, electrochemical biosensor and DNA Nanotechnology. To achieve these objectives, I will combine the different scientific backgrounds and expertise of two leading scientists: Prof. Plaxco (University of California Santa Barbara), a world-wide expert in electrochemical biosensors, and Prof. Ricci (University of Rome, Tor Vergata), a young researcher active at the forefront of DNA nanotechnology for diagnostic and drug-delivery applications. Thanks to this MSC Fellowship, I will diversify my scientific knowledge and acquire cutting-edge competences as well as complementary skills, which will become the foundation of my scientific independence.