Výskumný ústav vodného hospodárstva

Within the progress of nanotechnologies the DINAMICS project is focused on development of biological nano-sensors able to detect pathogenic micro-organisms in water particularly with regard to possible use of these pathogenic micro-organisms in case of bioterrorist attack.
Main benefit will be usable „lab-on-a-chip“ equipment for detection of pathogens using point identification of non-marked DNA and its consequent hybridization. DINAMICS will integrate a sensor for DNA hybridization and signal process on silicon or polymer substratum.
Detection will be based on electric signal and interception will go through UV radiation absorption. This possibility is based on the knowledge about different absorption of UV radiation activated by DNA. This sensor could be used in case of accidents (e.g. bio-terrorism) or as a mean of systematic monitoring of water supply network which is necessary for having clean drinking water as well as for overall monitoring of environment. 

Phases of projects:
 Monitoring of the current situation at selected water suppliers, sampling at location, microbiological analysis of water samples, determination of locations in water network important for water quality monitoring, particularly in case of a bioterrorist attack,
 Retrieval focused in 2 directions, possibilities of using materials in micro and nanotechnologies and on selection of micro-organisms, which could threaten health of inhabitants through systems of water supply,
 At the selected types of micro-organisms, determine sections of DNA, collection list of genes appropriate for bio-information methods, suitable for hybridisation and preparation of oligonucleid probes,
 Develop software for determining physical configuration of functional surfaces, micro-channels, pore nanostructures to optimize the coupling material and DNA hybridization,
 Optimise methods suitable for taking abstractions in case of monitoring and in case of accident and develop protocol for concentration of samples for determining pathogens, which develop affection also at very low infectious doses,
 At the monitored species of micro-organisms develop methods for effective cove cells, examine efficacy and suitability of oligonucleid probes through PCR reactions,
 Plan Elaboration for industrial examination of prototype and validation, prototype examination in the laboratory conditions and in real system in the final phase.

In 2008, the Slovak Republic provided support by co-financing 50% of this international project.
The focus in implementation was placed on determination of localities of the possible bioterrorist attack at the selected drinking water suppliers and different materials for use in nanotechnology were examined when identifying pathogen micro-organisms.
The results will be used in the following research in the project and will be evaluated by designing a prototype in the final phase of the project.