InFLAMES PI, Professor Hongbo Zhang from Åbo Akademi University has been awarded Business Finland R2B funding for development and commercialization of a novel, rapid and sensitive DNA detection method called GenesMAP.

Utilizing a unique design with DNA nanotechnology, the method does not require an amplification step (PCR, RPA etc.) and allows the detection of a target double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sequence in a biological sample within one hour at room temperature.

Utilizing fluorescent probes and microfluidic droplets, the target dsDNA can be quantitatively detected by counting fluorescent droplets under a microscope. In principle, any gene sequence can be targeted through design of a specific detection probe sequence.

The method is simple to use in practice, involving only reagent mixing and droplet counting. During the project, the Zhang group plans to detect CAR-T cells in blood as a proof of concept. A patent for the technique has been filed in November 2024.