Editor, Author at Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering

Monitoring recombinant human erythropoietin abuse among athletes

September 30, 2015 By Editor

Abstract – The illegal administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) among athletes is largely preferred over blood doping to enhance stamina. The advent of recombinant DNA technology allowed the expression of EPO-encoding genes in several eukaryotic hosts to produce rHuEPO, and today these performance-enhancing drugs are readily available. As a mimetic of endogenous EPO (eEPO), rHuEPO augments the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Thus, monitoring the illicit use of rHuEPO among athletes is crucial in ensuring an even playing field and maintaining the welfare of athletes. A number of rHuEPO detection methods currently exist, including measurement of hematologic parameters, gene-based detection methods, glycomics, use of peptide markers, electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing (IEF)-double immunoblotting, aptamer/antibody-based methods, and lateral flow tests. This review gleans these different strategies and highlights the leading molecular recognition elements that have potential roles in rHuEPO doping detection.

Corresponding Author: Subash C B Gopinath
Corresponding Author’s Email: subash@unimap.edu.my

Full text: PDF

‘Spotted Nanoflowers’: Gold-seeded Zinc Oxide Nanohybrid for Selective Bio-capture

September 8, 2015 By Editor

Abstract – Hybrid gold nanostructures seeded into nanotextured zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflowers (NFs) were created for novel biosensing applications. The selected ‘spotted NFs’ had a 30-nm-thick gold nanoparticle (AuNP) layer, chosen from a range of AuNP thicknesses, sputtered onto the surface. The generated nanohybrids, characterized by morphological, physical and structural analyses, were uniformly AuNP-seeded onto the ZnO NFs with an average length of 2–3 μm. Selective capture of molecular probes onto the seeded AuNPs was evidence for the specific interaction with DNA from pathogenic Leptospirosis-causing strains via hybridization and mis-match analyses. The attained detection limit was 100 fM as determined via impedance spectroscopy. High levels of stability, reproducibility and regeneration of the sensor were obtained. Selective DNA immobilization and hybridization were confirmed by nitrogen and phosphorus peaks in an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The created nanostructure hybrids illuminate the mechanism of generating multiple-target, high-performance detection on a single NF platform, which opens a new avenue for array-based medical diagnostics.

Corresponding Author: Uda Hashim
Corresponding Author’s Email: uda@unimap.edu.my

Full text: PDF

Design and fabrication of micro‑mixer with short turns angles for self‑generated turbulent structures

August 27, 2015 By Editor

Abstract – Micro mixing process is one of the most important drugs, synthesis and process technology. Many expectations toward enhanced fluids miscibility, yield and purity, improved safety, and access to new discovery are directed to the micro mixing technology. In microfluidic technology, mixer is the most important component because of its ability to operate either active or passive micro mixing. The study reports a simple inexpensive and cost effective micro mixer design/simulation/fabrication using 4.3a COMSOL Multi-physics software package and homemade photolithography equipment. The micro mixer was fabricated using PDMS and glass substrate with master mold fabricated with SU8 for rapid prototyping and reusability, the micro mixer and the whole mixer were fabricated in less than 20 min. Mixing profiles were observed for the efficiency evaluation by dropping four samples urine through the four inlets and collecting the sample at outlet. Flow rate and mixing efficiency were quantitatively measured by analyzing the recorded flow profiles and values of the image collected from the high powered microscope at inlet and outlet locations. and sample flow and mixing were compared for flowing efficiency and flow rate using different concentrations and the results indicate that the mixing efficiency of 98% was obtained at Reynolds number (Re) <2.

Corresponding Author: Uda Hashim
Corresponding Author’s Email: uda@unimap.edu.my

Lonza FlashGel Electrophoresis Training

August 10, 2015 By Editor

Date: 28th July 2015
Supplier: Next Gene Scientific Sdn. Bhd (Emily Wan)
Summary report:

Fast Electrophoresis: Lonza’s FlashGel™ System

The FlashGel™ System gets straight to the results, simply load samples, watch bands migrate and get data in as little as 2 minutes. No need more for gel preparation, band excision, purification, and UV light. Complete separation, recovery and documentation safely, at the bench, in minutes.
Advantages:

5 minute separation and recovery
See bands in as little as 2 minutes
Recover samples directly, without UV light, band excision or purification
Real-time separation and documentation
Watch band migration as it happens
Photograph gels at the bench, without DNA damaging UV light
Outstanding sensitivity and resolution

The FlashGel™ System for fast electrophoresis consists of enclosed, disposable, precast agarose gel cassettes and a combination electrophoresis and transilluminator unit. 5 – 20 times more sensitive than ethidium bromide; detect <0.1 ng DNA or <10 ng total rna. clean, sharp separation and straight, uniform sample lanes. flashgel™ cassettes contain precast, prestained agarose gels buffer – no need for gel preparation, addition or staining. the flashgel™ dock is an electrophoresis apparatus with a built-in transilluminator that provides both detection. camera compact system designed to photograph right at bench. power supply high voltage dock. markers are recommended best performance. the fast of dna rna ideal screening tool. check up 32 pcr restriction fragments quickly without having plan your day around verify integrity prior downstream analysis. direct recovery using eliminates band excision, purification. delivers highly efficient recovery, free from inhibitors uv-induced damage, in simple 5–10 minute protocol. choose one systems above get started. Lonza
Lonza FlashGel Electrophoresis Training

Download: Lonza FlashGel Electrophoresis Training Report

Receive visits from ADTEC Taiping

August 5, 2015 By Editor

Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering has received the visit of about seven people from ADTEC Taiping. The visit aims to discuss matters related to the field of research and collaboration between ADTEC Taiping and INEE.

The delegation also was interested to visit INEE’s laboratories to see facilities and equipments owned by the INEE.

Visitor from ADTEC Taiping