Enhanced detection of drugs of abuse using linear dichroism and high extinction dyes.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Sch of Biosciences
Abstract
Accidents caused by driving under the influence of narcotics are an increasing problem in today's world. However as yet there is not equivalent of a breathalyser for narcotics. The team at the University of Birmingham (UoB) have developed a prototype system that enables such tests to be carried out by the roadside. This project aims to develop the UoB into a commercially viable system by incorporating a novel dye based technology developed by Sirigen Ltd. The unique chemistry behind these dyes will allow the UoB system to increase the number of narcotics that can be detected in each test to match market need.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Timothy Dafforn (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Carr-Smith J
(2015)
Polymerase Chain Reaction on a Viral Nanoparticle.
in ACS synthetic biology
Pacheco-Gómez R
(2012)
Detection of pathogenic bacteria using a homogeneous immunoassay based on shear alignment of virus particles and linear dichroism.
in Analytical chemistry
Turner DJ
(2012)
The mechanics of FtsZ fibers.
in Biophysical journal
| Description | Development of an assay system that allows mulitple pathogens to be detected in one simple test |
| Exploitation Route | Commercialisation via a spinout company |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare,Security and Diplomacy |
| Description | To develop a new biological assay format that provides a flexible solution to detecting specific targets (e.g. pathogens, explosives etc). |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare,Transport |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Appointment to Entrepreneur in Residence for SynBio at BIS |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Chair of Policy Committee - Biochemical Soceity |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | The policy committee at BS makes recommendations on a range of issues related to Biochemistry |
| Description | Member of the Uk Synthetic Biology Leadership Council |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | The SBLC is a ministerial committee charged with the development of a Synthetic Biology within the UK |
| Description | RCUK |
| Amount | £150,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/J02001X/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2012 |
| End | 01/2013 |
| Title | Linear Dichroism Instrument |
| Description | The worlds first linear dichroism instrument customised for use with biological samples |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2006 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Has led to new insights into the behaviour of DNA, membrane proteins and protein fibres |
| Description | Development of Bioassays (dstl) |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | confidential |
| Collaborator Contribution | confidential |
| Impact | confidential |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Title | A COMPOSITION |
| Description | The invention provides light-emitting compositions, including lasing and fluorescent compositions. The invention particularly relates to programmable biological substrates, which fluoresce and/or lase, and which have a wide variety of different applications. The invention extends to use of the fluorescent compositions and lasing compositions comprising programmable biological substrates in fabricating lasers, and in various biological imaging applications, such as in assays. |
| IP Reference | WO2013093499 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2013 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | Viral laser |
| Company Name | Linear Diagnostics Ltd |
| Description | Diagnostics company specialising in Agri/medical and defense applications |
| Year Established | 2012 |
| Impact | NA |
| Description | Appearence on TV |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Unknown Increased public exposure for Synthetic Biology |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Press Conference on Synbio |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Organised Press Conference on Synthetic Biology at the London Science Media Centre Articles in a number of popular publications |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |