Grants and Contributions:

Title:

Development of thermally-stable water-in-oil emulsions for the creation of DNA micro-reactors in polymerase chain reaction

Agreement Number:

EGP

Agreement Value:

$25,000.00

Agreement Date:

Mar 7, 2018 -

Organization:

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Location:

Saskatchewan, CA

Reference Number:

GC-2017-Q4-00663

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Additional Information:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Recipient's Legal Name:

Ghosh, Supratim (University of Saskatchewan)

Program:

Engage Grants for universities

Program Purpose:

SM Research Inc. (SMR) wants to use a novel emulsion-based polymerase chain reaction (emPCR) techniquex000D
to amplify DNA for their highly precise and accurate detection. The emPCR utilizes multiple thermal cycles ofx000D
water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion where the water droplets act as micro-reactors for DNA This could significantlyx000D
improve the efficiency of DNA amplification and allow detection of the extremely low concentration of DNA.x000D
However, SMR is facing a significant problem with W/O emulsion destabilization during thermal cycles. In thex000D
proposed Engage research project, the researchers from U of S will develop advanced ingredient formulationsx000D
using a fundamental scientific approach that will form the desired W/O emulsion in a simple, easy to usex000D
technology and remain stable under multiple thermal cycles. A three-step approach will be taken to address thex000D
technical complexities associated with the problem. The inherent thermodynamic destabilization of emulsionx000D
will be reduced by lowering of interfacial tension using a combination of different types of emulsifiers, whilex000D
the breakage of the inter-droplet film will be prevented by increasing the interfacial elasticity. Finally, closex000D
approach of the droplets and their sedimentation will be prevented by increasing the viscosity of the continuousx000D
oil phase. This type of multi-step approach of prevention of emulsion thermal destabilization is novel and willx000D
undoubtedly lead to innovation in emulsion formulation and successful implementation in emPCR.x000D
Implementation of this technology will be of tremendous benefit to SMR to establish themselves as a marketx000D
leader and to secure global attention in a lucrative gene detection field. With this advanced technology,x000D
detection of critical, life-threatening disease could be done at an early stage, thus providing a significant benefitx000D
to Canadians for improved health and disease prevention.