NanoLogix, Inc, a Nano-biotechnology company engaged in the research,
development and commercialization of technologies for the production of
bacteria and disease testing kits, alternative sources of fuel, and
remediation of toxic materials, announced today that its DNA extraction system
and protocol is both easier -- due to less steps, and quicker -- taking
significantly less time than standard spin column extraction methods according
to Paul Hyman, Ph.D. at Ohio State University.
According to Jain PharmaBiotech, in the year 2005, the global market for
molecular diagnostics will be worth $6.5 billion, representing approximately
3.3% of the total diagnostics market and approximately 14% of the in vitro
diagnostic market. The molecular diagnostics market will expand to $12 billion
by 2010 and $35 billion by 2015. A major portion of it can be attributed to
advances in genomics and proteomics. Biochip and nanobiotechnology are
expected to make a significant contribution to the growth of molecular
diagnostics.
Paul Hyman, Ph.D. stated, "The NanoLogix buffer allowed the DNA extraction
from different strains of mycobacteria, requiring a single buffer, one
incubation and one post-lysis centrifugation compared to other products, like
Qiagen's QIAamp procedure, which utilizes six buffers, three incubations and
four post-lysis centrifugations."
The NanoLogix MycoExtract Buffer provides for the extracted DNA to be
precipitated and resuspended in water. Further, the extracted DNA in the
NanoLogix MycoExtract Buffer can be used directly for molecular procedures
such as PCR, which also results in further time-savings. According to a
BioInformatics study, nearly 84% of scientists surveyed use PCR when
extracting DNA. Finally, because lysis in the NanoLogix MycoExtract Buffer is
accomplished by a thirty (30) minute incubation period at 95 degrees
centigrade, any unlysed cells are killed and the final steps of the procedure,
as well as any down stream procedures can be done outside of a biocontainment
hood.
Initial applications of molecular diagnostics were mostly for infections,
but are now increasing in the areas of genetic disorders, preimplantation
screening and cancer. Genetic screening tests, despite some restrictions are a
promising area for future expansion of in vitro diagnostic market. Molecular
diagnostics is being combined with therapeutics and forms an important
component of integrated healthcare. Molecular diagnostic technologies are also
involved in development of personalized medicine based on pharmacogenetics and
pharmacogenomics. Currently, there has been a considerable interest in
developing rapid diagnostic methods for biowarfare agents such as anthrax.
Clinical application of molecular technologies to elucidate, diagnose and
monitor human disease has yielded over 600 diagnostic systems. PCR has
revolutionized molecular diagnostics and is a method of nucleic acid analysis
for producing large amounts of a specific DNA fragment. It can selectively
amplify a single molecule of DNA several millionfold in a few hours. Use of
this technology enables the detection and analysis of specific gene sequences
in a patient's sample without cloning. Analyses can be performed on even a
few cells from body fluids or even a drop of blood. Thus, PCR eliminates the
need to prepare large amounts of DNA from tissue samples.
According to a Frost and Sullivan report, "The development of the
molecular diagnostics market, coupled with a growing number of sequencing and
functional genomic initiatives have contributed to substantial expansion of
the marketplace." Techniques such as cloning and peak cell rate amplification
have moved out of the confines of genetics laboratories and have started being
used as common research tools.
Manufacturers have started to introduce microarrays that can analyze
sequence variations in genes involved in drug metabolism to determine the best
treatment regime. Moreover, diagnostic techniques of proven utility in disease
management such as genotyping and viral load monitoring have begun to be
applied in nucleic acid isolation and purification products. These emerging
technologies and expanded applications of existing technologies are expected
to enlarge the user base for nucleic acid isolation processes. NanoLogix is
expected to benefit from this trend.
http://www.infectech.com/
Posted 26th May 2005
