Organization: University of Saskatchewan Communications
Email: communications.office@usask.ca
Released: May 15, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, May 15, 2002 2002-05-17-ME Developers of a "Molecular Wire" Win Innovation Award Two University of Saskatchewan scientists who've developed a "molecular wire" that could revolutionize micro-electronics and biosensor technology are the recipients of the first annual Innovation Place/UST "Award of Innovation." Biochemist Jeremy Lee and his former post-doctoral fellow Palok Aich have discovered a new DNA molecule -- M-DNA -- that conducts electricity. They've obtained a U.S. patent, and plans are underway to create a new company -- Adnavance -- to commercialize the technology with the help of Toronto-based University Medical Discoveries Inc. (UMDI). The $2,500 award was presented May 14 at the "Celebrate Success! Gala", an event hosted by the Saskatoon and District Chamber of Commerce and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. The award recognizes the efforts of U of S scientists who are developing new technology into marketable products. The selection committee includes a representative from each of Innovation Place, UST Inc., and the U of S. "M-DNA is a significant scientific advance that will provide an opportunity to create a new company and a new industry in Saskatchewan," said UST President Branko Peterman. "It will also encourage highly skilled U of S graduates to stay in the province and apply their knowledge." Proximity of the new company to the Canadian Light Source synchrotron (www.cls.usask.ca) will likely draw companies working in the emerging area of nanotechnology to Saskatoon, he added. M-DNA (the 'M' stands for metal-containing) is a marriage of molecular biology and electronics. Conducting metal ions such as zinc, cobalt or nickel are inserted into the centre of the DNA helix, creating an effective semi-conductor that is only one molecule (roughly two nanometers) thick. Since DNA has the natural ability to self-assemble, M-DNA is in effect a self-assembling molecular wire that could become the building block for nanometer-scale (one-billionth of a meter) bio-electric circuits. These tiny and speedier circuits could potentially replace the smallest of silicon microchips that drive the world's information technology. "The potential economic impact of this technology is enormous," said Peterman. "The whole area of miniaturization of transistors is at the core of advancements in computing technology." M-DNA could also pave the way for highly sensitive new biosensors that help reduce adverse drug reactions, improve diagnosis of disease, predict the outcome of disease and reduce the cost of drug development. Biosensors are detection devices that can translate biological events into optical, electronic or other signals. In addition to medicine, they also have applications in areas such as environmental monitoring, security and national defence. UMDI has so far provided $277,000 to help develop the technology and is considering further investment. Development work has also been supported through a $271,000 grant from the Saskatchewan government's Strategic Investment Fund. Aich, now a research officer for the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre on campus, played a significant role in the discovery of M-DNA when he worked in Lee's lab. He designed the original experiment that demonstrated the conducting ability of M-DNA. He has since had offers from Harvard University and other institutes and companies in the U.S. Other finalists for the award were: Jeff Schoenau, Department of Soil Science; and Larry Fowke, Department of Biology, and his former post-doctoral fellow, Stephen Attree. Innovation Place (www.innovationplace.com) is one of North America's most successful research parks. UST Inc. (www.usask.ca/ust/) is the U of S technology transfer arm. Note to editors: A workshop on MEMs/Nanotechnology at the Canadian Light Source, featuring world experts in the field, will be held Tuesday, May 28 at Innovation Place. For more information, contact: kathryn.warden@usask.ca -30- For more information, contact: Professor Jeremy Lee Department of Biochemistry University of Saskatchewan (306) 966-4371 Kathryn Warden Research Communications Officer University of Saskatchewan (306) 966-2506
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