Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Analytical Instrumentation, Methods & Materials
Analytical Instrumentation Methods Materials
CELL-BASED DNA SENSORS AND METHODS OF USING SAME
WARF: P210411US02

Inventors: Ophelia Venturelli, Yu-Yu Cheng, Zhengyi Chen


The Invention
UW-Madison researchers have developed cell-based DNA sensors to achieve easy, accurate, and cost-effective detection of pathogens. Using synthetic biology, the inventors engineered the naturally competent bacterium Bacillus subtilis to detect specific DNA sequences in the environment. The resultant B. subtilis mutant includes a novel genetic circuit that controls growth and a fluorescence reporter gene. Upon exposure to a target sequence, the sensor produces a detectable fluorescent signal, resulting in highly specific detection of species/samples containing the target DNA sequence. In addition, the sensor is capable of multiplexed DNA detection in complex samples. 
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854

WARF