This device could also fit into the idea of having an entire laboratory on a single microchip. As the major microelectronics manufacturers have sought other applications for their "silicon-chip" technology besides computers, the industry has focused on biotechnology, where the applications for silicon-chip technology to integrate multitudes of (biological) operations on a monolith are numerous. Lab instruments could be significantly reduced in size, making it easier for hospitals to do lab work on site. Sample sizes of bodily fluids needed could be greatly reduced. In some instances, such as crime investigation, a hand-held Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) device could duplicate the DNA present in a very small sample, such as one drop of blood, so that multiple tests can be performed on the sample, instead of only one or none. This capability could make a critical difference in solving and preventing crimes.
Sarafs sponsor for this research is Carilion Biomedical Institute of Roanoke, Va. The institute is a partnership between Carilion Health System, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech.
Another benefit of Sarafs work will be in genotyping, which will enhance personalized medicine, said Sam English, manager of research projects at the institute. For example, a patient can be tested to see if the breast cancer susceptibility gene is present in her DNA sequence. If detected, a physician can then factor in the patients genetic make-up for customized preventative care.
This personalized approach to medicine has the potential to revolutionize healthcare. However, there are many obstacles in the development and implementation of these new technologies. One that concerns Saraf is how to eliminate the n
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Contact: Ravi Saraf
rsaraf@vt.edu
540-231-6774
Virginia Tech
22-Feb-2002