The advent of analytical techniques with extremely low limits of detection has led to dramatic progresses in the field of nucleic acids sequencing. In this project, we build upon current state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to develop novel proof-of-principle technologies for high-throughput protein sequencing and single molecule DNA/RNA sequencing. The work proposed herein will provide:
- a new sequencing technology that utilizes plasmonics to enhance the optical detection and to control the molecules movement by optical trapping;
- a novel approach of plasmonic enhanced FRET and SERS spectroscopy for sequencing of proteins;
- a rigorous analytical model to reconstruct the exact sequence from the signals recorded
- a single molecule sequencing device that can perform sequencing of both nucleic acids and amino-acids in one functional unit.
The results of the project will provide a foundation for the use of novel technologies in a wide range of applications, such as next generation protein sequencing, advanced high-throughput DNA sequencing, biomarker discovery, and genetic diagnostics.
