The characterization of autoimmune disease-specific biomarkers are of primary importance for the development of diagnostic tools and the comprehension of pathogenetic mechanisms leading to autoimmunity. To this aim a protein microarray was employed to analyze serum samples from patients with autoimmune hepatitis (e.g. AIH & PBC) and of healthy as controls. A panel of autoantigens able to discriminate among the groups of patients was identified for potential use as biomarkers.

In this study the aim was to identify a miRNA expression signature that could be used to separate between normal and malignant prostate tissues. Nine miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed and they could be used to separate between the normal and malignant tissues. A cross-validation procedure confirmed the generality of this expression signature, showing an accuracy of 85%.

This poster introduces the recently enlarged DoCLab research group at Brunel University, London. This large multidisciplinary group brings together electronic, mechanical and computer engineers with molecular biologists, biochemists and clinical collaborators to develop fully integrated, multiplex Point-Of-Care-Tests (POCT) for the self- diagnosis of infectious diseases.

SpectroSens, a multi-channel optical microchip sensor system suitable for rapid, label-free multiplexed detection of a wide range of bio-hazardous agents is presented. Optical chips containing multiple high-precision planar Bragg gratings are exploited as low-cost, robust refractive index sensors.

We here present an innovative microarray platform which aims to produce an higher standard of clinical microarray technology. The fabrication approach, involving a novel printing technology (Supramolecular Nano-Stamping) to reduce the production costs of the chips, together with a peculiar probe design, aiming to improve the assay sensitivity and workflow, intend to make the SuNS microarrays well poised to become an important element in the clinical diagnostics market.

A novel type of microcarrier is presented, where a re-writable magnetic barcode is used to carry information. This technology has several advantages over the optical-based alternatives, whilst benefiting from the high-throughput of a microfluidic tool. Here, we present two different surface chemistries used to attach a probe and a control strand of DNA to an individual microcarrier. This is demonstrated with red and green fluorophores, clearly seen on either side.

Multiplex PCR is an advantageous technique used in PCR applications to amplify multiple targets in a single reaction. As useful as it is, this technique presents a new set of challenges that further complicates PCR setup. For example, reactions are more prone to off-target amplifications such as mis-priming and primer dimer due to the increased number of primer pairs.

Using a standardized method to acquire MALDI-TOF proteome profile spectra of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), we have shown the upregulation of histatin 3 and calgranulin C in a small pilot cohort of NSCLC patients. This pilot study serves to demonstrate that it is feasible to screen a larger NSCLC patient cohort for BALF proteome level biomarkers in a clinical setting.

Multiplex PCR is an advantageous technique used in PCR applications to amplify multiple targets in a single reaction. As useful as it is, this technique presents a new set of challenges that further complicates PCR setup. For example, reactions are more prone to off-target amplifications such as mis-priming and primer dimer due to the increased number of primer pairs. Furthermore, preferential amplification of certain targets leads to an unequal distribution of amplicon products, making quantifi

PCR is a widely used scientific tool employed by a variety of applications. Various Hot Start technologies have already been developed using modified PCR components to increase specificity of a reaction. Recently developed CleanAmpTM dNTPs are modified nucleoside triphosphates with a thermolabile 3’-tetrahydrofuranyl protecting group that is released at higher temperatures. These modified dNTPs prevent low temperature primer extension, which can often be a significant problem in PCR. At higher t