Ultrafast real time q-PCR relying on microfluidic thermalization – FASTGENE

Real time qPCR is today the most powerful tool for genetic detection of biological warfare agents. Commercial systems are also used as reference for medical diagnostics and for bio-threat identification. FASTGENE project aims at developing a new technology to decrease the time required for a typical analysis of targeted bio-agents from 30 min to 5 min while keeping the detection threshold of best commercial systems. The proof of concept of such a technological and scientific breakthrough will rely on a patented ultra fast microfluidic system for biosample thermalization originally developped for cell biology studies. Based on this technology , a new configuration will be designed and optimized in order to perform temperature changes less than 0.1s in the range between 30°C and 95°C. This platform will be developped in accordance with portability issues required for field operations and local detection of pathogen agents. In order to get a valuable proof of concept, the 5min detection of a biological agent simulating the Anthrax will be targeted by a consortium of ENS research group (inventor of the technology) and ELVESYS Start-up company (owner of an exclusive licence).