Ultrasensitive Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Diagnostics
Ultrasensitive Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Diagnostics
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Most cancers are caused by the abnormal change in our genome. Dysfunctional cells with mutant DNA undergo abnormal proliferation or lack of cell death, leading to cancer. The ability to detect cancer in the early stage will significantly improve the survival rates of cancer patients and decrease healthcare cost. Through the research collaboration between University of Freiburg and The Pennsylvania State University, our long term vision is to develop an affordable ultrasensitive detection platform that can identify cancers at their early stages through the use of advanced genomic and bioinspired sensing technologies. Here, we propose to develop a new method to decipher genetic and epigenetic codes of human DNA with a better resolution and higher sensitivity than current state-of-the-art techniques. Through the use of advanced optical spectroscopy and bioinspired surface technology, we plan to detect and study genetic and epigenetic codes of human DNA down to single molecule resolution. Combining our expertise in biosensing and epigenomics, we aim to apply this cutting-edge novel technique for quick and affordable non-invasive cancer diagnostics.
Organisers
Dr. Manching M. Ku
University of Freiburg Medical Center
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology
Email: manching.ku@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Prof. Dr. Tak-Sing Wong
Penn State University
Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering; Engineering and Biomedical Engineering
Email: tswong@psu.edu