Title: Toward colloid-based biosensors for SNP genotyping and personalised medicine applications

Authors: Angus P.R. Johnston, Gwendolyn A. Lawrie, Bronwyn J. Battersby, Simon R. Corrie, Matt Trau

Addresses: Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Level 5 East, QLD 4072, Australia. ' Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Level 5 East, QLD 4072, Australia. ' Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Level 5 East, QLD 4072, Australia. ' Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Level 5 East, QLD 4072, Australia ' Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Level 5 East, QLD 4072, Australia

Abstract: Therapeutic drugs can assist some patients, however, other individuals may exhibit no response. Furthermore, a drug that is normally considered to be safe can have toxic effects in a small proportion of the population, occasionally causing death. Many altered drug responses depend on the genetic constitution of the recipient. The analysis of specific DNA markers within the genome of an individual [single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping] could potentially identify subjects at risk in clinical trials and may enable clinicians to individualise medical therapy. The development of technology for personalised medicine relies on the ability to accurately and rapidly identify SNPs in genetic material. Some of the biotechnology tools for SNP identification are colloid-based biosensors, which are proving to possess several advantages over the traditional microarray format. Here, we survey the current technologies used for SNP genotyping and review colloid-based biosensors which are emerging as a higher throughput, potentially more accurate, technology.

Keywords: SNPs; colloids; SNP genotyping; diagnostics; flow cytometry; colloid based biosensors; personalised medicine; single nucleotide polymorphisms; DNA markers; human genome; medical therapy; genetic material; nanotechnology; Australia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2008.016920

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2008 Vol.5 No.2/3, pp.299 - 317

Published online: 30 Jan 2008 *

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